ISLAMABAD: Researchers uncover new insights into how aspirin relieves pain, potentially leading to safer and more effective pain-relieving drugs
A new study presented at the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s annual meeting on March 28th sheds light on how aspirin, one of the oldest commercial pain relievers, works to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen and naproxen, partially reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX), which tells the body to ramp up its inflammatory response.
However, the researchers also found that aspirin influences immune response at the protein level, including reducing the breakdown of the important amino acid tryptophan by inhibiting some enzymes that are also targeted in cancer therapy.
The findings offer new insights into how aspirin works and could potentially lead to the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs that work similarly to aspirin but with fewer side effects.
According to data from the National Institutes of Health, nearly 30 million Americans take aspirin daily, and 6.6 million of those are doing so without a healthcare professional’s recommendation.
Benefits of aspirin for heart patients
While there are potential benefits to taking daily aspirin for those at high risk of heart disease and stroke, it carries more risks than many other over-the-counter medications, including internal bleeding and organ damage.
Therefore, consumers should consult their doctors before using any over-the-counter medications for prophylaxis or on a regular basis.
The study’s findings could help pave the way for the development of new pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory drugs that work similarly to aspirin but with fewer side effects.
The researchers hope that their work will help to improve the treatment of pain and inflammation in the future.
