[Direction of strategic use: a new classification of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs based on reactivity with peroxidase]

The pharmaceutical effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) occur through the inhibition of prostaglandin H synthase (PGHS). Prostaglandin H2 is produced from arachidonic acid via peroxidase and cyclooxygenase cycles in PGHS. NSAIDs exhibit different levels of reactivity in these reaction cycles. To prevent the development of side effect while maintaining the beneficial effects of drugs, a therapeutic strategy should be used. A new classification of NSAIDs has been proposed based on reactivity to peroxidase. Class 1 includes the majority of NSAIDs, which react with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) compounds I and II. Also, their drugs exhibit spectral changes induced by PGHS peroxidase and diminished ESR signals of the tyrosyl radical of metmyoglobin. They reduce compounds I and II of HRP and scavenge tyrosyl radicals. The branched chain mechanism by which the porphyrin radical is transferred to the tyrosine residue of the protein might be blocked by these NSAIDs. Class 2 includes salicylic acid derivatives that react only with the porphyrin radical and do not react with HRP compound II (oxoferryl species). Class 3 includes aspirin, nimesulide, tolmetin, and arylpropionic acid derivatives, including ibuprofen and the coxibs such as celecoxib and rofecoxib, which are not substrates for HRP or PGHS peroxidase. It seems that the selectivity of NSAIDs to PGHS1 and PGHS2 depends on their reactivity with cyclooxygenase rather than with the peroxidase of PGHS. The best drug for each inflammatory disease should therefore be selected for therapy.