Celecoxib does not alter cardiovascular and renal function during dietary salt loading

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Pharmacology
• Renal Physiology
• Prostaglandin Biology

Background:

• Cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) derived prostaglandins play a role in regulating sodium excretion and renin release.
• Celecoxib is a COX-2 inhibitor used clinically.
• The cardiovascular safety of celecoxib, particularly during salt loading, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test the hypothesis that a clinical dose of celecoxib impairs urinary sodium excretion and elevates blood pressure during dietary salt loading.
• To evaluate the effect of celecoxib on renal function and hormonal responses to salt intake.

Main Methods:

• Twelve healthy normotensive individuals participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study.
• Participants underwent two 17-day dietary perturbations: one with 200 mg/day celecoxib and one with placebo.
• Diets included a 3-day run-in, 7 days of low-salt (10 mmol/day), and 7 days of high-salt (350 mmol/day) intake.

Main Results:

• Celecoxib modestly reduced plasma and urinary prostaglandins.
• Urinary sodium excretion was not significantly altered by celecoxib during high salt intake.
• Mean arterial blood pressure, creatinine clearance, plasma renin activity, angiotensin II, and aldosterone remained unaffected by celecoxib during both low and high salt diets.

Conclusions:

• Short-term, low-dose celecoxib does not adversely affect blood pressure or renal function in healthy adults, even during dietary salt loading.
• These findings support current guidelines regarding the minimal cardiovascular risks associated with short-term, low-dose celecoxib use in young to middle-aged adults.