Background: Selective COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib) are effective anti-inflammatory
drugs, though they may increase cardiovascular risk. Objectives: To verify the possible
pathophysiological role of COX-2 inhibitors on experimental atherosclerosis and its
clinical outcomes in patients with unstable angina (UA). Methods: Atherosclerosis
was induced in twenty four Boscat rabbits and celecoxib was administered as a prophylactic
and therapeutic agent. At the end of experiment, the animals were killed and their
serum and aortic tissues were evaluated for lipid profile and histopathological examination.
In the human study, forty UA patients (group I: received the usual regimen of UA and
aspirin for 30 days and group II: additionally received celecoxib and ten controls
were incorporated into the study. Estimation of CRP, IL-6 and lipid profiles was carried
out at the baseline and 30 days after. Results: Celecoxib administration attenuated
the progression of atherosclerosis. Also, after 30-days, group II of UA patients showed
a significant reduction of inflammatory markers, risky lipids and CV events with a
raise in HDL levels when compared to group I. Conclusion: Celecoxib has beneficial
lowering effect on the levels of inflammatory markers, risky lipids and on the size
of atheromatous patches. This may explain its potential role in decreasing CV events
in UA patients.
Key-words:
Cyclooxygenase-2 Inhibitor - atherosclerosis - Unstable Angina
