The Effect of Non-steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Protein Digestion

The purpose of this experiment was to identify and investigate the potential harm caused by the intake of orally administered drugs on the digestion of protein. All around the world, pain-relieving drugs such as Advil and Aleve are taken for common infections or mild pain. Continually consuming medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can result in interference with the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, causing dangerous side effects. A total of 400 mg of Ibuprofen or Naproxen were used for each test tube in twenty-five trials. Albumin, a protein made by the liver to contain fluid, was used as a sample of other proteins in the stomach. The recommended initial dose for adults was used to calculate the percentage of protein digested. A positive and negative control were both used for comparison of the results. It was hypothesized that when Naproxen was administered it would exert a higher inhibitory effect on protein digestion. The results showed that Ibuprofen did not interfere with the digestion process compared to Naproxen. According to multiple t-tests, the only trial that resulted in significant data was the positive control versus negative control. In conclusion, the data for the experiment was not statistically significant because only 1 out of 6 t-tests resulted in significant data. It is believed that this was due to the data points maintaining a substantial difference as well as being due to chance. This research could further apply to investigating the effects of antibiotics such as penicillin on the liver.