Abstract

Combined administration of methotrexate (MTX) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can result in a decreased systemic clearance of MTX. To date, inhibition of renal uptake via organic anion transporters and efflux via multidrug resistance–associated protein (MRPs) by NSAIDs has been recognized as possible sites of drug interaction between MTX and NSAIDs. Although most NSAIDs are glucuronidated in kidney tissue and excreted mainly as glucuronide conjugates, it is not fully known whether the glucuronides of NSAIDs (NSAIDs-Glu) inhibit MTX excretion via MRP2 and MRP4. The purpose of this study was to investigate the inhibitory effects of the glucuronides of several NSAIDs (diclofenac, R- and S-ibuprofen, R- and S-flurbiprofen, and R- and S-naproxen), as well as the parent NSAIDs on MTX uptake using human MRP2- and MRP4-expressing inside-out vesicles. Results confirm that all NSAIDs and NSAIDs-Glu examined exhibited stereoselective and concentration-dependent inhibitory effects on MTX uptake via MRP2 and MRP4. Notably, NSAIDs-Glu potently inhibited MTX uptake via MRP2 and MRP4 compared with the corresponding parent NSAIDs except for naproxen in MRP2 and S-flurbiprofen in MRP4. The present results support that the glucuronides of NSAIDs, as well as the parent NSAIDs, are involved in the inhibition of urinary excretion of MTX via MRP2 and MRP4.