Cyclooxygenases as the principal targets for the actions of NSAIDs.

The recent identification, cloning, and characterization of two cyclooxygenases has provided insight into how nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can beneficially inhibit prostaglandin production in inflammation but also produce side-effects in the gut and kidney. The subtle differences in the sites in which these drugs bind the enzymes has allowed development of inhibitors that exhibit selectivity for the inflammatory cyclooxygenase and spare the housekeeping enzyme. This selectivity in theory should enhance the therapeutic potential of these new drugs.