Metabolism of liver CYP450 and ultrastructural changes after long-term administration of aspirin and ibuprofen

Worldwide, aspirin and ibuprofen are the most commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Some adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal reactions, have been concerned extensively. Nevertheless, the mechanism of liver injury remains unclear. In the present study, we focused on the metabolism of liver cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and ultrastructural morphology of liver cells. A total of thirty rats were divided into three groups of 10. Rats in the aspirin and ibuprofen groups were given enteric-coated aspirin (15 mg/kg) and ibuprofen (15 mg/kg), respectively by gavage for four weeks. The body weights were recorded every two days. Liver function and metabolic capacity of CYP450 were studied on days 14 and 28. We then conducted ultrastructural examinations. Body weights in the Ibuprofen group were lower than those of the Control group, and ALT and AST levels were significantly higher (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in terms of body weight, ALT or AST between the Aspirin and Control groups. The metabolic capacity of CYP450 was evaluated using five probe drugs, phenacetin, tolbutamide, metoprolol, midazolam, and bupropion. We found that ibuprofen and aspirin induced metabolism of the probe drugs. Moreover, according to the pharmacokinetic data, the Control, Aspirin and Ibuprofen groups could be discriminated accurately. Ultrastructural examination showed that the number of mitochondria was increased in both the Ibuprofen and Aspirin groups. Long-term administration of enteric-coated aspirin and ibuprofen induced the metabolic activity of the CYP450 enzyme. Aspirin had better tolerability than did ibuprofen, as reflected by pharmacokinetic data of probe drug metabolism.