Sex differences in salicylic acid metabolism in Nigerian subjects

Abstract

1. The urinary metabolites of a single dose (1 g) of salicylic acid were investigated in black Nigerian subjects (78 females 44 males). 2. Qualitatively, the major metabolites were the glycine and glucuronic acid conjugates.

3. Quantitatively, there was a statistically significant difference in the level of these metabolites between female and male subjects (P<0.001) (using Student's t-test).

4. The results of the present study compared with earlier published data show a statistically significant quantitative difference between black Nigerians and Caucasians

5. The results suggest possible racial and sex differences in the metabolism of salicylic acid.