Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter medications worldwide.
It belongs to a group of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are widely used to treat pain, fever, and inflammation.
While its potential to cause heart problems and increase stroke risk is well-known, its effects on the liver were less understood—until now.
A recent study from the University of California Davis has revealed that ibuprofen may have more significant impacts on the liver than previously thought, and these effects vary between males and females.
This new research highlights the complexity of ibuprofen’s effects and raises important questions about how this drug is used.
In the study, researchers gave mice a moderate dose of ibuprofen for one week. The dose was equivalent to a human taking about 400 milligrams per day, a common dosage for adults.
Using a method called mass spectrometry, the scientists examined the liver cells of the mice to see how the drug affected their metabolism.
The results were surprising. Ibuprofen caused changes in at least 34 metabolic pathways in male mice. These pathways are responsible for important processes such as breaking down amino acids, hormones, and vitamins.
Some of these changes also affected the production of reactive oxygen and hydrogen peroxide—substances that can damage proteins and put stress on liver cells.
The study also found that the effects of ibuprofen on the liver differed between males and females. One key difference was how the proteasome, a system that removes unwanted proteins from cells, responded to the drug.
This difference suggests that other drugs taken alongside ibuprofen could stay in the body longer in males than in females, potentially leading to different outcomes depending on sex.
The findings underscore that ibuprofen, while effective, may not be as harmless as many believe—especially when used frequently or without a clear medical need.
The researchers caution against overusing ibuprofen and other similar drugs for mild pain, as these medications may have hidden risks.
The study also emphasizes the need to consider sex-based differences when prescribing drugs, as the same medication can affect males and females in very different ways.
For healthcare professionals, this research highlights the importance of tailoring treatments to individual patients. In the future, understanding how drugs like ibuprofen affect people differently could lead to more personalized and effective treatments with fewer side effects.
Looking Beyond Ibuprofen
This study adds to a growing body of research on pain management. Scientists have also discovered that certain diets can help relieve nerve pain in people with diabetes, and traditional medicines used by Native American communities show promise for treating pain and diarrhea.
Additionally, recent findings suggest that over-the-counter pain relievers might influence blood pressure, providing further evidence that these drugs need to be used carefully.
Professor Aldrin Gomes, who led the study, stresses the importance of understanding the broader impacts of commonly used drugs like ibuprofen. Published in the journal Scientific Reports, this research sheds new light on the complexities of drug effects and the importance of developing safer and more targeted treatments.
For now, it’s a reminder to use medications responsibly and consult a doctor if you have questions about their risks and benefits.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about simple habit that could give you a healthy liver, and common diabetes drug that may reverse liver inflammation.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about simple blood test that could detect your risk of fatty liver disease, and results showing this green diet may strongly lower non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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