The effect of flurbiprofen and tiaprofenic acid on serum cytokine levels of patients with osteoarthrosis.

Author(s): Uzun H, Tuzun S, Ozaras N, Aydin S, Ozaras R, Dondurmaci S, Tuzun F

Affiliation(s): Cerahpasa Medical Faculty, University of Istanbul, Turkey.

Publication date & source: 2001-10, Acta Orthop Scand., 72(5):499-502.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Comparative Study ; Randomized Controlled Trial

39 patients with active knee osteoarthrosis, chosen according to ACR criteria, were assigned to receive flurbiprofen (n 12, 2 x 100 mg), tiaprofenic acid (n 14, 2 x 300 mg) and placebo (n 13) in a 3-week, placebo-controlled study. All patients completed the study, and both medications were found to be effective: improvement occurred in the clinical signs. These drugs reduced the TNF-alpha levels. Flurbiprofen especially affected the IL-6 levels. Our findings indicate that NSAIDs may be effective in the etiopathogenesis of osteoarthrosis.