Diclofenac

From Proteopedia

Jump to: navigation, search

Diclofenac, sold under the brand name Voltaren, among others, is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat pain and inflammatory diseases such as gout. See also [1].

Diclofenac is believed to work by decreasing the production of prostaglandins, like other drugs in this class.

As with most NSAIDs, the primary mechanism responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic action is thought to be inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis through cyclooxygenase inhibition. Diclofenac inhibits COX-1 and COX-2 with relative equipotency.[1] Structure of Aspirin Acetylated Cyclooxygenase-1 in Complex with Diclofenac (3n8y). Diclofenac binding site.

The main target in inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis appears to be the transiently expressed prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase-2 (PGES-2) also known as cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2).

It also appears to exhibit bacteriostatic activity by inhibiting bacterial DNA synthesis.[2]

Diclofenac has a relatively high lipid solubility, making it one of the few NSAIDs that are able to enter the brain by crossing the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, too, it is thought to exert its effect through inhibition of COX-2.[3] In addition, it may have effects inside the spinal cord.[4].

It also may inhibit phospholipase A2 as part of its mechanism of action. These additional actions may explain its high potency – it is the most potent NSAID on a broad basis.[5] Crystal structure of the complex formed between phospholipase A2 and diclofenac (2b17). Diclofenac binding site.

Besides the COX and phospholipase A2 inhibition, a number of other molecular targets of diclofenac possibly contributing to its pain-relieving actions have recently been identified. These include:

  • Blockage of voltage-dependent sodium channels (after activation of the channel, diclofenac inhibits its reactivation also known as phase inhibition)
  • Blockage of acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs)[6]
  • Positive allosteric modulation of KCNQ- and BK-potassium channels (diclofenac opens these channels, leading to hyperpolarization of the cell membrane). See Potassium Channel.


Diclofenac

Drag the structure with the mouse to rotate

References

  1. Mitchell JA, Akarasereenont P, Thiemermann C, Flower RJ, Vane JR. Selectivity of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs as inhibitors of constitutive and inducible cyclooxygenase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1993 Dec 15;90(24):11693-7. PMID:8265610 doi:10.1073/pnas.90.24.11693
  2. Dastidar SG, Ganguly K, Chaudhuri K, Chakrabarty AN. The anti-bacterial action of diclofenac shown by inhibition of DNA synthesis. Int J Antimicrob Agents. 2000 Apr;14(3):249-51. PMID:10773497 doi:10.1016/s0924-8579(99)00159-4
  3. Sandri A. [Diclofenac: update on tolerableness and spinal anti-inflammatory action]. Minerva Med. 2014 Aug;105(4):313-8 PMID:25078485
  4. Sandri A. Spinal antinflammatory action of Diclofenac. Minerva Med. 2016 Jun;107(3):167-72. Epub 2016 Mar 25 PMID:27014880
  5. Scholer DW, Ku EC, Boettcher I, Schweizer A. Pharmacology of diclofenac sodium. Am J Med. 1986 Apr 28;80(4B):34-8. PMID:3085490 doi:10.1016/0002-9343(86)90077-x
  6. Voilley N, de Weille J, Mamet J, Lazdunski M. Nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs inhibit both the activity and the inflammation-induced expression of acid-sensing ion channels in nociceptors. J Neurosci. 2001 Oct 15;21(20):8026-33. PMID:11588175 doi:10.1523/JNEUROSCI.21-20-08026.2001

Proteopedia Page Contributors and Editors (what is this?)

Alexander Berchansky, Michal Harel

Personal tools