Inhibition of Thymidylate Synthase by Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been known as inhibitors of the folate-requiring enzymes. In the present work, we have expanded on these observations and have investigated the inhibitory effects of NSAIDs on Lactobacillus casei thymidylate synthase expressed in E. coli. NSAIDs including sulphasalizine, salicylic acid, indomethacin and mefenamic acid were found to be competitive inhibitors with respect to folate of Lactobacillus casei thymidylate synthase. In contrast, aspirin and the antipyretic-analgesic drugs acetaminophen and antipyrine were weak inhibitors of the enzyme. Structure-activity correlation suggests that an aromatic ring with a side chain containing a carboxylic acid is a requirement for competitive inhibition of the thymidylate synthase. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that the antifolate activity of NSAIDs, and hence cytostatic consequences, are important factors in producing anti-inflammatory activity and aspirin exerts its anti-inflammatory effects after its conversion into salicylic acid, which possesses greater antifolate activity than its parent compound.