The role of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors on experimental colitis.

The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been widely used in the management of pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, they are associated with dose-dependent gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events ranging from dyspepsia to symptomatic and complicated ulcers. The mechanism of NSAID action is attributed to the cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition. New anti-inflammatory drugs have been synthesized, such as selective COX-2 inhibitors, however, these drugs may present side effects, such as modification of the epithelial barrier. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a common chronic gastrointestinal disorder characterized by alternating periods of remission and active intestinal inflammation. A possible association between the use of NSAIDs and the relapse of IBD has been repeatedly suggested. For this reason, many studies are conducted with the use of COX-2 in experimental models. The objective of this review is to describe the role of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors in different experimental models of colitis. We reviewed controlled trials, original articles, case reports and reviews. The role of selective inhibition of COX-2 in the inflammatory process and the course of experimental and human colitis is controversially discussed. In conclusion, the relative role of COX-2 selective inhibitors on human and experimental colitis remains to be explored. Thus, the use of COX-2 inhibitors in IBD should be considered with caution.