Paracetamol exposure induces rapid alterations in the human plasma proteome

Background

Paracetamol is a widely used analgesic and antipyretic, yet its effect on human plasma proteome remains poorly characterized. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a single therapeutic dose of paracetamol on the plasma proteome, potentially providing insights into its pharmacological and toxicological pathways.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study with 28 age-matched fasting subjects (14 controls and 14 treated with paracetamol). Anthropometric measurements and laboratory parameters were assessed, and blood samples were collected. An untargeted label-free LC-MS/MS approach, bioinformatics, and network pathway analysis were employed to examine changes in the proteomic profile.

Results

Proteomic analyses revealed significant differences in plasma protein abundance between the groups. A total of 78 dysregulated proteins were identified, with 23 upregulated and 55 downregulated in the paracetamol group. Transthyretin and vascular cell adhesion protein 1 were upregulated, while doublecortin domain-containing protein 1 and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein 1 were downregulated. These proteins were associated with key pathways, including ligand binding, Fc gamma receptor-dependent phagocytosis, and IL-12 signaling.

Conclusion

This proteomic analysis lays the groundwork for further studies to elucidate the mechanisms underlying paracetamol's therapeutic and toxicological effects by highlighting significant dysregulated proteins and related pathways.