Ionuţ-Alexandru CHELARU, Ramona-Alexandra CIAUSU, Camelia URECHE, Mircea Nicusor NICOARA, Alin Stelian CIOBICA, Gabriel-Andrei ANDRONIC, Dorel URECHE
ABSTRACT :
Anti-inflammatory drugs are among the most frequently prescribed pharmacological agents in dental practice, playing a central role in the management of pain, inflammation, and post-operative discomfort. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Ibu), are fundamental in managing dental pain due to their efficacy in reducing post-procedural inflammation and discomfort. However, extensive use and poor disposal have resulted in its development as a pollutant in aquatic ecosystems, posing a risk to nontarget organisms. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are recognized as a sensitive model for studying the effects of Ibu exposure on behavior and brain function. Ibu concentrations in the environment have been demonstrated to disrupt locomotor activity, induce anxiety-like behaviors, impair social cohesion, and influence memory in zebrafish. The changes in behavior are linked to problems with prostaglandin signaling, stress management, oxidative stress, and inflammation in the brain. Sublethal effects in zebrafish may impair predator avoidance, foraging efficacy, social interactions, and reproductive success, thereby influencing population dynamics. This study underlines Ibu’s dual relevance: its vital role in dental therapy and its environmental impact as a pharmaceutical pollutant. It emphasizes the significance of responsible prescribing, patient education about proper drug disposal, while including behavioral toxicology in environmental risk assessments. These findings emphasize the importance of a One Health strategy that links human health, aquatic ecosystems, and sustainable environmental management by integrating dental pharmacology and ecological issues. Keywords: dental pharmacology, anti-inflammatory drugs, Ibuprofen, zebrafish, pharmaceutical pollution.