Formal Presentation from minute 0 to 1:01:00, followed by Q&A and informal discussion.

Speaker: Aldrin Gomez, Professor and Vice-Chair, Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior; Professor, Physiology and Membrane Biology

The Dual Nature of Ibuprofen: Benefits and Precautions

Ibuprofen is a commonly used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that has been widely prescribed for the management of pain and inflammation. Despite its widespread use, both benefits and drawbacks are associated with ibuprofen usage. Long-term use of ibuprofen has been shown to cause adverse effects such as stomach bleeding, increased risk of heart attack or stroke, and kidney damage. Our studies suggest that even moderate amounts of ibuprofen used for shorter periods may have damaging effects on most tissues. A moderate dose of ibuprofen given to mice for 7 days resulted in muscle atrophy, and heart and liver damage. At the molecular level, ibuprofen increased mitochondrial superoxide production which oxidizes several intracellular proteins resulting in numerous signaling pathways being altered. This presentation will provide an overview of the mechanisms, benefits, and risks of ibuprofen use, as well as practical advice for maximizing the benefits while minimizing the risks of ibuprofen usage.