Journal article
COX-2, NSAIDs, and cardiovascular risk
P McGettigan, D Henry
Current Cardiovascular Risk Reports | SPRINGER | Published : 2007
Abstract
Clinical studies of selective and nonselective inhibitors of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) provide evidence that inhibition of the enzyme is associated with modestly increased risks of cardiovascular thrombotic events. Investigation of the physiology of COX-2 demonstrates a complex array of interlinked factors affecting its regulation and function. Efficient integration of data from the basic sciences and randomized and observational studies is necessary to fully understand the consequences of COX-2 inhibition and thereby provide guidance for the safe use of COX-2-inhibiting drugs. © 2007 Current Medicine Group LLC.
Grants
Funding Acknowledgements
The authors thank Professor Garret Fitzgerald for his helpful comments on an earlier draft of the manuscript. Drs. McGettigan and Henry are conducting a casecontrol study in Australia examining the clinical and genetic determinants of risk of cardiovascular events with use of tNSAIDS and selective COX-2 inhibitors. The clinical component of the study is funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and Heart Foundation of Australia. The genetic component of the study looks at polymorphisms of the COX-2 gene and also at polymorphisms of other genes thought to be associated with cardiovascular risk. They also report that the laboratory in Australia that is working with this effort has entered a contract with Pfizer Australia (West Ryde, New South Wales, Australia) to support the laboratory work. The funds will not come into Dr. McGettigan's or Dr. Henry's department or the University of Newcastle. In January 2007, Dr. McGettigan participated as a tutor at a health technology assessment training workshop for Pfizer employees in Asia. Travel and accommodation expenses were covered by Pfizer; no remuneration was paid with respect to the teaching or tutoring provided.