[Recently discovered mechanisms of action of non-steroidal antirheumatic agents: possible, not only symptomatic therapeutic effects].

Non-steroidal antirheumatic agents are assumed to exert their therapeutic effects by inhibiting biosynthesis of prostaglandins at the level of cyclo-oxygenase. This effect leads to a reduction of inflammatory symptoms caused or potentiated by prostaglandins. Recently, some new further effects (partly also induced by inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis) of non-steroidal antirheumatic drugs have been discovered. These effects influence functions and interactions of white blood cells involved in pro-inflammatory and immunological processes, and appear to be causal rather than symptomatic. Furthermore, there are differences in the mode of action of some antirheumatic agents, in particular with regard to inhibition of generation of inflammatory superoxide anions.