A recent study published in “Life sciences” journal demonstrated the safer influence of NO-NSAIDs in comparison to Aspirin, Naproxen and Celecoxib. NO-NSAIDs showed inhibitory action towards proteinases which was related to osteoid degradation.

Dr Maria Cristina Aisa and colleagues conducted a study on NO-releasing non-selective NSAIDs. The NSAIDs are the class of drugs best known for their role in alleviating pain and are used post-traumatically/post-operatively to obtain analgesia. However, this class of drugs may restrain repair and remodelling of bones.

 Dr Aisa and colleagues selected two NCX-4016 and HCT-3012, NO-derivatives of Aspirin and Naproxen (NSAIDs) and evaluated their role on osteoblasts in comparison to parent compounds and Celecoxib (COX-2-selective inhibitor). The study involved proliferation, early and late differentiation of MG-63 osteoblast-like cells along with its degradation via proteinases, a necessary step of remodelling). The role of drugs was evaluated at every stage.

 Both NO-NSAIDs did not affect osteoblasts proliferation and differentiation as their parent compounds Aspirin, Naproxen and Cox inhibitor, Celecoxib. Depletion in metalloproteinases, cathepsin B and plasminogen (devastating bone enzymes) activity was observed. Also, the NO-donor sodium nitroprusside showed inhibitory role towards proteinases and reflected positive effect towards bone growth and remodelling.