A. Barracchini, G. Minisola, G. Amicosante
May 31, 2001
Citations
0
Influential Citations
4
Citations
Journal
InflammoPharmacology
Abstract
Oxaprozin is a propionic acid derivative that is well-known for its anti-in ammatory, analgesic and antipyretic properties. Its ability to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) has been reported (Kawai et al., 1998). Recently, the ability of some non-steroidal antiin ammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to suppress the in vitro activity of collagenase from bacteria (Di Giulio et al., 1996) or synovial uids has been reported (Barracchini et al., 1998, 1999). These interesting ndings suggest a novel mechanism of action modulating the activity of matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs) of drugs, with a well de ned pharmacologic pro le, of relevance to therapies of rheumatic diseases. Matrix metallo-proteinases represent a family of zinc-dependent peptidases which play a crucial role in the degradation of the molecular components of cartilage as observed in osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (Pelletier et al., 1983; Walakovatis et al., 1992). In particular, the role of interstitial collagenase (MMP-1), present at high level in patients affected by such pathologies, seem well correlated with the severity of the lesions (Beckett et al., 1996). The possible role of oxaprozin and other propionic acid derivatives as modulators of MMPs has been tested using samples of synovial uids from patients suffering from different rheumatic diseases. The choice of this drug family is based upon structural similarity to some hydroxamic acid that exhibit potent on broblast collagenase inhibitory activity (Levy et