Inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 or -2 on insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects

The aim of this study was to identify the effects of cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and -2 inhibition each on insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects. A randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial was carried out in 21 young, healthy, non-obese male volunteers. Pharmacological COX-1 inhibition was performed with the prescription of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) at a low dose, and COX-2 selective inhibition was performed with celecoxib. After randomization, all subjects received an oral morning dose of ASA 100 mg (n = 7), celecoxib 200 mg (n = 7), or placebo for the control group (n = 7) during a period of 15 days. Before and after of the study period, a metabolic profile was measured in all participants. An insulin tolerance test (ITT) was performed to assess insulin sensitivity, and the constant for the serum glucose disappearance rate (K ITT) was calculated. Clinical and metabolic characteristics were similar between groups. The K ITT calculated with the ITT was higher after celecoxib than at baseline (4.8 +/- 0.9 vs. 4.3 +/- 0.6%/min, p = 0.04), indicating improvement in insulin sensitivity. Neither ASA nor placebo administrations modified insulin sensitivity. In conclusion, COX-2-selective inhibitor at a celecoxib dose of 200 mg daily increased insulin sensitivity in healthy subjects.