Effect of COX-2 inhibitor meloxicam against traumatic brain injury-induced biochemical, histopathological changes and blood-brain barrier permeability

Abstract

Objective: The overproduction of reactive oxygen species and resultant damage to cellular proteins or lipids of cell membranes and DNA by free radicals are the underlying mechanisms of many neuropathologies. Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors have been suggested to be neuroprotective by reducing prostanoid and free radical synthesis, or by directing arachidonic acid metabolism through alternate pathways. This study investigated the putative neuroprotective effect of the COX-2 inhibitor, meloxicam, in a rat model of diffuse brain injury.