Adverse effects induced by diclofenac, ibuprofen, and paracetamol toxicity on immunological and biochemical parameters in Swiss albino mice

Background: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally used to reduce pain in different diseases acting as anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic. Paracetamol is a nonprescription drug extremely used for antipyresis and analgesia. In spite of their beneficial effects, NSAIDs have been notified to be linked with some adverse effects. The present study was conducted to elucidate the comparative biochemical and immunological changes in mice treated with diclofenac (Diclo), ibuprofen (Ibu), or paracetamol (Para). Methods: Swiss albino mice were divided uniformly into seven different groups. Mice were intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered with Diclo (7.4 and 14.8 mg/kg), Ibu (60 and 120 mg/kg), and Para (36.7 and 73.4 mg/kg) daily for 1 month against saline-treated mice served as control. Blood samples were collected, and the assessments of some biochemical and immunological markers were measured. Results: No significant change was observed in total WBC count; however, relative values of leukocytes indicated relative neutropenia, lymphopenia, monocytosis, and basophilia in all treatments. Furthermore, all tested drugs caused elevation in the number of bone marrow (BM) cells; however, splenocyte count was significantly decreased post Para and Ibu administration, but Diclo treatment showed increase in splenocyte count. Additionally, the number of thymocytes and lymph node cells had no significant changes. Alternations of levels of serum ALT and AST were markedly changed in a dose-dependent manner, but no significant differences were monitored in the levels of serum urea and creatinine. Conclusions: It could be concluded that administration of diclofenac, ibuprofen, or paracetamol may induce immunological and biochemical perturbations and further investigations are required to assess their toxicity in the biological system.