New super - aspirin coming soon.Every runner uses them. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and many others. Mentioned in: Mastocytosis (NSAIDs) work to reduce pain and inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandins (see Running & FitNews, January 1999). Until recently, these drugs were unable to distinguish among the prostaglandins produced in the body. Certain prostaglandins protect the stomach lining and the kidneys from damage, while others contribute to pain and swelling at the site of injury and inflammation. Now a new generation of NSAIDs have the ability to be more selective in their anti-prostaglandin effects. The way NSAIDs inhibit the formation of prostaglandins is by inhibiting their precursor enzymes, cyclooxygenase (COX). There are two COX enzymes: COX1 makes the prostaglandins that protect the stomach and kidneys; COX2 makes the prostaglandins that produce pain and swelling. The new generation of NSAIDs zero in on COX2 exclusively--pain and swelling reduction without the risk of ulcers and kidney damage kidney damage Kidney injury Nephrology A structural or functional compromise in renal function due to external–eg, athletic, occupational, or other trauma, resulting in bruising or hemorrhage, which can be profuse and life threatening Etiology Vascular . It is also thought that these drugs have fewer bleeding complications due to a smaller effect on platelets. These new drugs are aimed first at those who suffer chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis rheumatoid arthritis Chronic, progressive autoimmune disease causing connective-tissue inflammation, mostly in synovial joints. It can occur at any age, is more common in women, and has an unpredictable course. and osteoarthritis osteoarthritis or osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease Most common joint disorder, afflicting over 80% of those who reach age 70. It does not involve excessive inflammation and may have no symptoms, especially at first. ; however, the implications for many runners, especially aging, athletic baby boomers, are fantastic. It is not unlikely that the COX2 drugs will progress to over-the-counter status and general use by recreational athletes if side effects Side effects Effects of a proposed project on other parts of the firm. are as few as predicted, just as the previous generation of NSAIDs evolved. COX2 may also have side effects that can be used therapeutically for other problems. There are reasons to hope that the COX2 inhibitors may stop premature labor Premature Labor Definition Premature labor is the term to describe contractions of the uterus that begin at weeks 20-36 of a pregnancy. Description , have anti-cancer effects, and prevent the progression of Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (ăls`hī'mərz, ôls–), degenerative disease of nerve cells in the cerebral cortex that leads to atrophy of the brain and senile dementia. . These new COX2 inhibitors are not available yet. They will be available only with a doctor's prescription and are not yet recommended for any use other than chronic arthritis (that means not for acute injuries like ankle sprains). They will be prescribed with similar warnings regarding gastrointestinal side effects, but those promoting the drug believe they are completely free of the risk of those complications. Keep your ear to the ground for more news on these COX2 inhibitors. The news is likely to be good for all athletes. (Inflammatory Research, 1998, Vol. 47, Supplement 2, pp. S78-87) |
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