NSAIDs and apoptosis

Regular use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) has been associated with decreased incidence of cancer of the colon and other gastrointestinal organs. The chemopreventive properties of NSAIDs are due to their ability to induce apoptosis. Both COX-2-dependent and COX-2-independent mechanisms are involved in NSAIDs-induced neoplastic growth. This article reviews the recent literature that has revealed various important mechanisms of NSAIDs-induced apoptosis.