Modification of cytokine production by piroxicam

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs have been thought to act by inhibiting the enzyme, cyclooxygenase (prostaglandin H synthetase). We sought to demonstrate additional biologic actions of this class of drugs including effects on cytokine production.

We administered the nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug piroxicam 20 mg to 6 healthy volunteers daily for 7 days. Before and for one week after drug administration, concentrations of interleukin 1 (IL-1), IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), produced by anti-CD3 stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, were measured.

Piroxicam treatment resulted in elevation of levels of IL-2, depression of IL-1, IL-6, TNF alpha and IFN-gamma, and no consistent effect on IL-4.

Piroxicam modulates production of various cytokines in a complex fashion when administered to healthy individuals.