The PTGS gene (Prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase) encodes the key enzyme in prostaglandin biosynthesis. This enzyme is inhibited by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as aspirin, indomethacin and ibuprofen. People who take NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may have a higher risk of having a heart attack, stroke, and ulcers than people who do not take these medications. This risk may be higher for people who take NSAIDs for a long time.
Wide variability in gene expression and polymorphisms in the PTGS2 gene may explain part of the inter-individual variations in acute pain and the analgesic efficacy of NSAIDs and selective COX-2 inhibitors, which may be useful for predicting patient risk and benefit to these drugs.1
Related to:
COX-1, COX-2, NSAIDS, Motrin, Rofecoxib, Vioxx