The in vitro effect of select classes of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs on normal cartilage metabolism.

The in vitro effect of piroxicam, a newer nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID), on normal cartilage metabolism has been studied and response contrasted to indomethacin and sodium salicylate. Therapeutic levels of piroxicam has no effect on cartilage glycosaminoglycan (GAG), collagen or noncollagen protein synthesis by porcine weight bearing articular cartilage explants. Salicylate consistently suppressed GAG and protein synthesis, whereas indomethacin had no consistent effect on GAG production but suppressed protein synthesis. NSAID studied had no effect on proteoglycan catabolism. The potential significance of the effect of NSAID on cartilage metabolism is discussed and placed in perspective as regards selection of these agents for human use.