Scientists from the University of California Davis have found that ibuprofen, a widely used painkiller, may have a bigger impact on the liver than previously thought. Their research also uncovered significant differences in how the drug affects males and females.
Ibuprofen is part of a drug group called NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), commonly used to reduce pain and fever. While it is well known that ibuprofen can increase the risk of heart problems and strokes, its effects on the liver have been less studied.
In this study, researchers gave mice a moderate dose of ibuprofen for a week. The amount was similar to a human taking 400 mg daily—the standard recommended dose for adults. After the treatment, they analyzed the liver cells using advanced technology to measure changes in metabolism.
What they found was surprising. Ibuprofen caused significant changes in liver function, affecting 34 different metabolic pathways in male mice. These included pathways involved in processing amino acids, hormones, and vitamins. The drug also increased the production of hydrogen peroxide, a molecule that can damage proteins and stress liver cells.
Even more unexpected was how differently ibuprofen affected males and females. In some cases, the effects were completely opposite. One major difference was in the proteasome, a system inside cells that removes unwanted proteins.
The researchers believe these differences could affect how other drugs are processed when taken alongside ibuprofen. In males, certain medications might stay in the body longer than in females, something that has not been studied before.
These findings highlight the need for more research into how common medications affect men and women differently. The team also cautioned that ibuprofen, and similar drugs, are often overused. They suggested that people should avoid taking them for mild pain unless absolutely necessary.
The study was led by Professor Aldrin Gomes and published in Scientific Reports. It adds to growing evidence that even common over-the-counter drugs can have unexpected effects, making it important to use them carefully.
If you care about liver health, please read studies that refined fiber is link to liver cancer, and the best and worst foods for liver health.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to boost your liver naturally, and simple ways to detox your liver.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
