Role of cyclooxygenase inhibitors for the prevention of colorectal cancer

Prostaglandins (PGs) are mediators of physiologic functions and pathologic responses. The diversity of PG activities is achieved by cell and tissue-specific generation of different stable PGs, multiple PG receptors linked to different intracellular signaling pathways, and PG production pathways involving enzymes that are induced to dramatically increase local PG production. This article will review mechanisms of PG production and action. Dissecting these biochemical and molecular pathways provides greater understanding of the clinical pharmacology of available inhibitors of PG production and may allow development of therapeutic agents that can be applied to specific clinical situations, while preserving PGs that play a role in normal physiology.