Inhibition of COX-2 by celecoxib enhances glucocorticoid receptor function

• Authors: Fang Hua, Emory University; X Wang, Emory University; TWW Pace, Emory University; H Wu, Emory University; Andrew H Miller, Emory University
• Journal Title: Molecular Psychiatry
• Volume: Volume 10, Number 5
• Publisher: Springer Nature [academic journals on nature.com]: Hybrid Journals | 2005-05, Pages 426-428
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1038/sj.mp.4001644
• Subjects: Psychology, Behavioral

Abstract

Sir—Celecoxib is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agent that acts through selective inhibition of COX-2. Here we demonstrate that celecoxib also significantly increases nuclear localization of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), increases GR binding to its DNA responsive element and enhances GR-mediated gene transcription in association with inhibition of p38 MAP kinase. These results expand the intracellular targets of COX-2 inhibitors while widening their potential clinical application to multiple disorders associated with impaired GR function including major depression.