[The effect of anti-inflammatory agents on the granulocyte enzymes elastase and cathepsin G]

Effect of Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs on the Activity of Elastase and Cathepsin G from Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocytes. Several anti-inflammatory drugs display qualitative and quantitative different effects upon elastase and cathepsin G. Phenylbutazone, oxyphenbutazone, sulfinpyrazone and diclofenac-sodium proved to be the most efficient inhibitors of elastase and cathepsin G. A less marked inhibition of the proteinases of granulocytes was observed when indomethacin, ketoprofen, naproxen, pirprofen and tiaprofenic acid were tested. Acetylsalicylic acid, dexamethasone and oxaceprol were ineffective. Marked inhibition by these drugs was only observed at concentrations greater than those found naturally in the synovial fluid. Therefore it remains unknown, wether or to what extent an inhibition of the elastase and cathepsin G contributes to or participates in the therapeutic effects of nonsteroidal antirheumatic drugs.