A recent study from the University of California, Davis, reveals that ibuprofen, a widely used painkiller, may affect the liver more significantly than previously thought, with notable differences between males and females.
Ibuprofen, part of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) group, is commonly used to treat pain and fever. While its risks for heart problems and stroke are well-documented, this research sheds new light on its impact on liver health.
In the study, researchers administered a moderate dose of ibuprofen to mice for one week, equivalent to a daily dose of approximately 400 mg for an adult human. Using advanced mass spectrometry, they examined the metabolic pathways in liver cells to identify changes caused by the drug.
The findings were striking: ibuprofen caused alterations in at least 34 metabolic pathways in male mice. These pathways included processes related to amino acid, hormone, and vitamin metabolism, as well as the production of reactive oxygen species like hydrogen peroxide.
Elevated hydrogen peroxide levels can damage proteins and stress liver cells, potentially leading to long-term liver issues.
One of the study’s most surprising discoveries was the difference in how ibuprofen affected the livers of males and females. In some cases, the drug had opposite effects. For example, the proteasome, a system that helps remove unwanted proteins from cells, responded differently based on sex.
This suggests that males and females may metabolize and react to ibuprofen differently, raising concerns about how the drug’s effects vary between genders.
Another key finding was that ibuprofen could potentially slow the breakdown of other medications in males, leading to longer drug retention in the body. This interaction has never been documented before and could have significant implications for individuals taking ibuprofen alongside other medications.
The researchers emphasized the importance of rethinking the overuse of ibuprofen, particularly for mild pain that may not require such medication.
They also highlighted the need for the scientific community to focus on how drugs are metabolized differently in males and females. These differences could inform more personalized and safer prescribing practices in the future.
This study, led by Professor Aldrin Gomes and published in Scientific Reports, underscores the importance of understanding the broader effects of common medications like ibuprofen.
It also serves as a reminder to use over-the-counter painkillers cautiously, especially for prolonged periods or alongside other medications. Patients should consult their healthcare providers for advice tailored to their specific health needs.
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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