A prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor that's good for the heart

Researchers have found that inhibiting one step of prostaglandin synthesis specifically in macrophages appears to have cardiovascular benefits, an ironic new twist on the relationship between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the cardiovascular system. The findings could point the way to new cardiovascular drugs as well as better NSAID painkillers. Older NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are stalwarts in the painkiller world. They work by preventing the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme from producing prostaglandins, whose major physiological role is to induce "pain, inflammation and fever," Lihong Chen told BioWorld Today.