Therapeutic effects of nitric oxide-aspirin hybrid drugs

This review examines the therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action of drugs known as nitric oxide (NO)-aspirins. Drugs of this class have an NO-releasing moiety joined by ester linkage to the aspirin molecule. NO-aspirins have the capability to release NO in addition to retaining the cyclooxygenase-inhibitory action of aspirin. The protective nature of NO led to the development of NO-aspirins in the hope that they might avoid the gastric side effects associated with aspirin. However, it has become apparent that the drug-derived NO instills potential for a wide range of added beneficial effects over the parent compound. In this review, the authors focus on the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular and chemopreventative actions of compounds of this emerging drug class.