Metabolism of two analgesic agents, tramadol-n-oxide and tramadol, in specific pathogen-free and axenic mice

Disinfection by-Products and Ecotoxic Risk Associated with Hypochlorite Treatment of Tramadol

In recent years, many studies have highlighted the consistent finding of tramadol (TRA) in the effluents from wastewater treatment plants (WTPs) and also in some rivers and lakes in both Europe and North America, suggesting that TRA is removed by no more than 36% by specific disinfection treatments. The extensive use of this drug has led to environmental pollution of both water and soil, up to its detection in growing plants. In order to expand the knowledge about TRA toxicity as well as the nature of its disinfection by-products (DBPs), a simulation of the waste treatment chlorination step has been reported herein. In particular, we found seven new by-products, that together with TRA, have been assayed on different living organisms (Aliivibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata and Daphnia magna), to test their acute and chronic toxicity. The results reported that TRA may be classified as a harmful compound to some aquatic organisms whereas its chlorinated product mixture showed no effects on any of the organisms tested. All data suggest however that TRA chlorination treatment produces a variety of DBPs which can be more harmful than TRA and a risk for the aquatic environment and human health.

Advances in exotic mammal clinical therapeutics

It is important that veterinarians treating exotic companion mammals stay abreast of the latest developments relating to medications and drug delivery approaches for safety, efficacy and welfare issues. Sustained release formulations of commonly used drugs as well as newer routes for administration of therapeutic agents allow the veterinarian treating exotic companion mammals to reduce the stress associated with drug administration. Interactions can occur between vehicle and drugs when formulations are compounded, therefore research studies are warranted regarding potential problems associated with these formulations.

Drug metabolism in silico - the knowledge-based expert system approach. Historical perspectives and current strategies

Drug metabolism in silico is briefly discussed in terms of the importance of understanding the mechanistic basis of drug molecule biotransformation in vivo and its consequences in terms of changes in the properties of metabolites relative to those of the parent compound. A basic overview of an expert system is presented, along with how these general principles apply to expert systems for the prediction of xenobiotic metabolism. A brief history of the development of these systems is also presented. Methods for increasing both the sensitivity and selectivity of prediction are outlined and the benefits of using complementary prediction systems in a conjoint manner are proposed.

ADP-induced platelet aggregation after addition of tramadol in vitro in fed and fasted horses plasma

Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation in fed and fasted horses after addition of tramadol hydrochloride was evaluated in vitro. On 10 horses citrated blood samples were collected 2h after feeding (fed animals) and 21 h after feeding (fasted animals). Final concentrations of ADP 1 and 0.5 μM, and tramadol hydrochloride (1, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after the addition of tramadol) were used to determine the maximum degree and initial velocity of platelet aggregation. Repeated measures multifactor analysis of variance (MANOVA) was used to evaluate the effect of feeding/fasting condition, ADP concentration and addition of tramadol. Findings showed statistical differences (P≤0.05) on studied parameters after addition of tramadol to different ADP concentrations in fed and fasted horses. The clinical relevance of these results is that tramadol provides many advantages as a therapeutic option; in fact, it is an inexpensive and a relatively new analgesic in equine veterinary medicine. Further investigations would be appropriate to compare the effects of different opioids but also using different concentrations of tramadol associated with other drugs in order to have substances which can regulate the functional activity of the platelets and to extend the knowledges on equine platelet aggregation.