Effect of Celecoxib, a Cyclooxygenase-2-Specific Inhibitor, on Insulin Sensitivity, C-Reactive Protein, Homocysteine, and Metabolic Profile in Overweight or Obese Subjects

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2-specific inhibitor, on insulin sensitivity, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and metabolic profile in overweight or obese subjects. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was carried out on 12 overweight or obese (body mass index, 25-35 kg/m(2)) male volunteers. Six subjects received celecoxib 200 mg orally in the morning for a period of 4 weeks. Six other individuals took a placebo for the same period of time, as the control group. Before and after the 4-week study period, insulin sensitivity, C-reactive protein, homocysteine levels, and metabolic profile were estimated. To assess insulin sensitivity, the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp technique was performed. Results: There were no significant differences in the basal measurements between both groups. C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and metabolic profile were not modified by the pharmacologic intervention with placebo or celecoxib. The insulin sensitivity after celecoxib was significantly higher compared with the basal estimation (3.8 +/- 1.2 vs. 2.8 +/- 1.2 mg/kg/min; p = 0.028). The placebo did not modify the insulin sensitivity. Conclusions: The specific inhibition of the cyclooxygenase-2 by celecoxib increased the insulin sensitivity in overweight or obese subjects, without modification in C-reactive protein, homocysteine levels, and metabolic profile.