Ibuprofen inhibits oral NaCl response through transmembrane channel-like 4

Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2021 Oct 8:573:76-79. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.07.082. Epub 2021 Aug 17.

Abstract

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, are known to modify salty taste perception in humans. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unknown. We investigated the inhibitory effect of ibuprofen on the NaCl stimulation of epithelium sodium channel (ENaC) and transmembrane channel-like 4 (TMC4), which are involved in salty taste detection. Although ibuprofen only minimally inhibited the response of the ENaC to NaCl, it significantly inhibited the TMC4 response to NaCl with an IC50 at 1.45 mM. These results suggest that ibuprofen interferes with detection of salty taste via inhibition of TMC4.

Keywords: ENaC; Ibuprofen; Salty taste; TMC4.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / pharmacology*
  • Humans
  • Ibuprofen / pharmacology*
  • Membrane Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Membrane Proteins / metabolism
  • Sodium Chloride / administration & dosage*
  • Taste Perception / drug effects

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Membrane Proteins
  • TMC4 protein, human
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Ibuprofen