Ibuprofen use is associated with reduced C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 levels in chronic spinal cord injury

The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, 2022 · DOI: 10.1080/10790268.2020.1773029 · Published: January 1, 2022

Spinal Cord Injury Pharmacology Genetics

Simple Explanation

This study looked at the connection between using ibuprofen and levels of certain substances in the blood that show inflammation in people with long-term spinal cord injuries. The researchers found that people who regularly took ibuprofen had lower levels of these inflammation markers, suggesting that ibuprofen might help reduce inflammation in these individuals. This research is important because long-term inflammation can cause other health problems for people with spinal cord injuries, and finding ways to reduce inflammation could improve their overall health.

Study Duration

August 2009 and December 2014

Participants

338 (278 male, 60 female) community dwelling individuals with chronic SCI (≥1-year post-injury)

Evidence Level

Prospective cohort study

Key Findings

1
Ibuprofen users had significantly lower CRP levels (2.3 mg/L versus 3.5 mg/L, P = 0.04) compared to nonusers after adjusting for clinical and demographic factors.
2
Ibuprofen users had significantly lower IL-6 levels (3.2 pg/ml versus 4.0 pg/ml, P = 0.04) compared to nonusers after adjusting for clinical and demographic factors.
3
CRP and IL-6 levels both increased with BMI and were higher in wheelchair users compared to walkers and those with active skin pressure injuries.

Research Summary

The study investigated the association between ibuprofen use and systemic inflammation markers (CRP and IL-6) in individuals with chronic SCI. Results indicated that ibuprofen use was associated with significantly lower CRP and IL-6 levels, even after adjusting for confounding factors. The authors suggest that ibuprofen use may be an important variable to consider in future studies of systemic inflammation in SCI and warrants further prospective clinical trials.

Practical Implications

Future Research

Future studies should assess the frequency, duration, and dosage-dependent effects of ibuprofen on systemic markers of inflammation in chronic SCI.

Clinical Trials

The findings may support future clinical trials to determine the safety and efficacy of ibuprofen treatment for various outcomes in chronic SCI.

Therapeutic Potential

Ibuprofen use may be neuroprotective in SCI and other forms of neurotrauma.

Study Limitations

1
The study population was primarily white, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
2
The study does not address associations between ibuprofen use and inflammatory markers in the acute setting of SCI.
3
Ibuprofen use was self-reported, lacking the ability to analyze biomarker variation based on dosage or duration of use with greater specificity.

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