| abstract |
The invention describes novel substituted aryl compounds that are cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective inhibitors and novel compositions comprising at least one cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) selective inhibitor, and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, and/or, optionally, at least one therapeutic agent, such as, steroids, nonsterodal antiinflammatory compounds (NSAID), 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) inhibitors, leukotriene B 4 (LTB 4 ) receptor antagonists, leukotriene A 4 (LTA 4 ) hydrolase inhibitors, 5-HT agonists, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) inhibitors, H 2 antagonists, antineoplastic agents, antiplatelet agents, thrombin inhibitors, thromboxane inhibitors, decongestants, diuretics, sedating or non-sedating anti-histamines, inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, opioids, analgesics, Helicobacter pylori inhibitors, proton pump inhibitors, isoprostane inhibitors, and mixtures thereof.. The invention also provides novel kits comprising at least one COX-2 selective inhibitor, and, optionally, at least one nitric oxide donor, and/or, optionally, at least one therapeutic agent. The novel cyclooxygenase 2 selective inhibitors of the invention can be optionally nitrosated and/or nitrosylated. The invention also provides methods for treating inflammation, pain and fever; for treating and/or improving the gastrointestinal properties of COX-2 selective inhibitors; for facilitating wound healing; for treating and/or preventing renal toxicity or other toxicities; for treating and/or preventing other disorders resulting from elevated levels of cyclooxygenase-2; and for improving the cardiovascular profile of COX-2 selective inhibitors. |