In vitro effects of aspirin and paracetamol on human erythrocyte glutathione-s-transferase activity

Abstract

The activity of glutathione-S-transferase of human erythrocytes was monitored spectrophotometically in the presence and absence of two analgesics (aspirin and paracetamol). Five different concentrations (1.0, 3.0, 5.0, 7.0, 9.0 and 10.0 mg/ml) of each analgesic were used which covers the reported therapeutic and toxic concentration range of the drugs. The drugs were observed to significantly (P < 0.05) inhibit the enzyme. Inhibitions greater than 42.0% were observed at 10mg/ml concentrations of the two drugs. Enzyme inhibition studies demonstrated a competitive inhibition pattern for both aspirin and paracetamol. The inhibition pattern was interpreted as indicative of a higher degree of inhibition at reduced levels of the enzyme's substrate, glutathione (GSH).


(Global Journal of Medical Science, 2004, 3 (1&2): 33-36)