Ketoprofen S(+) enantiomer inhibits prostaglandin production and cell growth in 3T6 fibroblast cultures.

The ketoprofen S(+) enantiomer inhibits with great stereoselectivity both prostaglandin H synthase isoenzymes. Thus, the biological effects of ketoprofen on inflammation are due almost entirely to the S(+) isomer. Here, we report that the S(+) enantiomer, at doses that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, is effective in reducing DNA synthesis and 3T6 fibroblast growth. Our data suggest that prostaglandins are involved in the control of 3T6 fibroblast growth and that the effect of the ketoprofen S(+) enantiomer on 3T6 proliferation is correlated with its effects on prostaglandin H synthase and prostaglandin production.