Mech for NSAIDs Ibuprofen

[MudPhud20XX]

So Ibuprofen is one of the most popular NSAIDs out there and it is propionic acid derivative which reversibly inhibits both COX1 and COX2. Does anyone know if Ibuprofen mimics arachidonic acid thus competitively inhibits cyclooxygenase? (Just like statin does to HMG-CoA reductase?)

Many thanks in advance.

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[CherryRedDracul]

I think the structures are too different between ibuprofen and arachidonic acid for the process to be considered mimicry. NSAIDs bind to an arginine residue within COX enzymes and clog the channel for arachidonic acid transit. I think this information is beyond what you need to know for Step 1. Just know it's a reversible inhibitor (whereas aspirin, another NSAID, is irreversible).