Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs eicosanoids

FIGURE 57-2. Eicosanoid synthesis pathway. Cyclooxygenase is inhibited by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and aspirin. (From Widmaier EP, Raff H, Strang KT, et al, (eds.) Vander, Sherman, Luciano s Human Physiology The Mechanisms of Body Function. 9th ed. New York McGraw-Hill 2004, Figure 5-11.)... 

Figure 8.9 Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are potent eicosanoid lipid mediators, derived from phospholipase-released arachidonic acids, that are involved in numerous homeostatic biological functions and inflammation. They are generated by cyclooxygenase isozymes and 5-lipoxygenase, respectively, and their biosynthesis and pharmacological actions are inhibited by clinically relevant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Studying the biosynthesis of eicosanoids has led to other discoveries as well. For example, aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) inactivate the cyclooxygenase enzyme needed for prostaglandin synthesis. In this way, NSAIDs block the synthesis of the prostaglandins that cause inflammation (Section 19.6). 

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