Meloxicam blood levels are not affected by sex-related hormones in male and female goats

The present study aims to investigate the interaction between the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug meloxicam and sex hormones in seasonal polyoestrous male and female Saanen goats. It was hypothesised that sex hormones, both steroidal and peptide hormones, may influence the serum concentration of the lipophilic drug meloxicam. In the study, the relationship between plasma meloxicam concentration (μg/ml) and the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), testosterone, oestradiol (E2), and progesterone (P4) was evaluated. For this purpose, six male and six female Saanen goats aged one year were intravenously administered a 0.5 mg/kg dose of meloxicam, and blood samples were collected at different time points (0, 5, 30 min, and 2, 8, 24, 48 h) to obtain plasma and serum. The hormone levels were determined by ELISA, following the manufacturer's instructions, and drug concentrations were measured by HPLC-UV. While the study found no direct correlation between the meloxicam levels and the sex hormones, significant sex-related differences in the hormone levels underscore the importance of considering sex-related physiological differences in veterinary pharmacology. These results will establish a scientific basis for future research on species- and sex-specific dosage adjustments.