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Updated: Jul 28, 2026
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Determination of Tolerable Fatty Acids and Cholera Toxin Concentrations Using Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells and BALB/c Mouse Macrophages
Published on: May 30, 2013
The propionic acids. Gastrointestinal toxicity in various species
G A Elliott1, A Purmalis, D A VanderMeer
1Pathology and Toxicology Research, Upjohn Company, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49001.
Toxicologic Pathology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Propionic acid nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) can cause gastrointestinal damage. Prostaglandin administration can mitigate this NSAID toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Propionic acids are a major class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
- Commonly used NSAID include fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
- NSAID, particularly propionic acid derivatives, are known to cause gastrointestinal damage.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review observations on the gastrointestinal toxicity of propionic acid NSAID.
- To explore factors influencing NSAID-induced gastrointestinal lesions.
- To discuss the role of prostaglandins in NSAID gastrointestinal toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing data and observations on fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
- Comparative analysis of gastrointestinal damage across different species (rat, monkey, dog).
- Examination of the mechanism involving prostaglandin cyclo-oxygenase inhibition.
Main Results:
- Propionic acid NSAID, including fenoprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can induce gastrointestinal lesions.
- Gastrointestinal intolerance varies based on the specific NSAID, dosage, duration, species, and pharmacokinetics.
- Lesions occur via both oral and parenteral administration, suggesting systemic factors are involved.
- NSAID inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, leading to tissue prostaglandin deficiency.
Conclusions:
- Gastrointestinal damage is a significant concern with propionic acid NSAID.
- Prostaglandin deficiency is a key mechanism underlying NSAID-induced gastrointestinal toxicity.
- Administration of exogenous prostaglandins can prevent NSAID-associated gastrointestinal damage.
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