Reduced susceptibility to ischemic brain injury in COX-2-deficient mice
Selective COX-2 inhibitors such as Celebrex and Vioxx are the new rage in treatment of joint pain. There have been some additional findings in research studies, suggesting a protective effect on colon cancer. This study, although done in mice, suggests a reduction in the damage sustained during an ischemic stroke when COX-2 is not even present. Don’t let this convince you to run out and start taking Celebrex; instead, consider this as yet additional evidence that inflammation is a contributing factor to most diseases and you would do well to maintain a lifestyle that reduces inflammation.
PNAS — Abstracts: Iadecola et al. 98 (3): 1294