• The effect of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) celecoxib on the structure of human hemoglobin
  • Katayoun Kebriti,1 Mina Sadat Naderi,2 Seyed Mehdi Tabaie,3,*
    1. Department of Medical Laser, Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran, IRAN
    2. Assistance Professor, PhD of Biophysics, Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran North Branch, Tehran, IRAN
    3. Associate Professor, MD of Dermatology, Department of Medical Laser, Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran, IRAN


  • Introduction: Human hemoglobin, probably more than any other molecule, has allowed the birth and maturation of molecular medicine. Hemoglobin (Hb) is a globular tetrameric protein found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a two-way respiratory carrier. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most common pain relief, anti-inflammatory and analgesics medicines approved by FDA. There are currently more than 50 different types of NSAIDs on the world market. NSAIDs are divided into two groups of selective and non-selective. Due to the common use of these drugs and the abundant protein importance of hemoglobin, the possibility of structural changes by celecoxib on hemoglobin was investigated.
  • Methods: The study in-vitro. The structural changes of hemoglobin with different concentrations of celecoxib treatments (10-1000 μM) were studied. The changes were detected by UV-visible spectrophotometry
  • Results: The results showed celecoxib can cause structural changes in hemoglobin. With increasing in celecoxib concentration, the hemoglobin becomes unfolded. Also, concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 μM are optimal concentrations for celecoxib, which cause fewer changes than higher concentrations of this drug.
  • Conclusion: Due to the widespread diseases of hemoglobin and the importance of its stability and extensive worldwide use of NSAIDs such as celecoxib, the effects of these drugs on the structure of hemoglobin could lead to a new approach of treatment.
  • Keywords: Hemoglobin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Structure