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Keller DA, Bassan A, Amberg A, Burns Naas LA, Chambers J, Cross K, Hall F, Jahnke GD, Luniwal A, Manganelli S, Mestres J, Mihalchik-Burhans AL, Woolley D, Tice RR. In silico approaches in carcinogenicity hazard assessment: case study of pregabalin, a nongenotoxic mouse carcinogen. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1234498. [PMID: 38026843 PMCID: PMC10679394 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1234498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In silico toxicology protocols are meant to support computationally-based assessments using principles that ensure that results can be generated, recorded, communicated, archived, and then evaluated in a uniform, consistent, and reproducible manner. We investigated the availability of in silico models to predict the carcinogenic potential of pregabalin using the ten key characteristics of carcinogens as a framework for organizing mechanistic studies. Pregabalin is a single-species carcinogen producing only one type of tumor, hemangiosarcomas in mice via a nongenotoxic mechanism. The overall goal of this exercise is to test the ability of in silico models to predict nongenotoxic carcinogenicity with pregabalin as a case study. The established mode of action (MOA) of pregabalin is triggered by tissue hypoxia, leading to oxidative stress (KC5), chronic inflammation (KC6), and increased cell proliferation (KC10) of endothelial cells. Of these KCs, in silico models are available only for selected endpoints in KC5, limiting the usefulness of computational tools in prediction of pregabalin carcinogenicity. KC1 (electrophilicity), KC2 (genotoxicity), and KC8 (receptor-mediated effects), for which predictive in silico models exist, do not play a role in this mode of action. Confidence in the overall assessments is considered to be medium to high for KCs 1, 2, 5, 6, 7 (immune system effects), 8, and 10 (cell proliferation), largely due to the high-quality experimental data. In order to move away from dependence on animal data, development of reliable in silico models for prediction of oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, immunosuppression, and cell proliferation will be critical for the ability to predict nongenotoxic compound carcinogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jordi Mestres
- Chemotargets SL, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Kostoff RN, Briggs MB, Kanduc D, Dewanjee S, Kandimalla R, Shoenfeld Y, Porter AL, Tsatsakis A. Modifiable contributing factors to COVID-19: A comprehensive review. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 171:113511. [PMID: 36450305 PMCID: PMC9701571 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.113511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The devastating complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) result from an individual's dysfunctional immune response following the initial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Multiple toxic stressors and behaviors contribute to underlying immune system dysfunction. SARS-CoV-2 exploits the dysfunctional immune system to trigger a chain of events ultimately leading to COVID-19. The current study identifies eighty immune system dysfunction-enabling toxic stressors and behaviors (hereafter called modifiable contributing factors (CFs)) that also link directly to COVID-19. Each CF is assigned to one of the five categories in the CF taxonomy shown in Section 3.3.: Lifestyle (e.g., diet, substance abuse); Iatrogenic (e.g., drugs, surgery); Biotoxins (e.g., micro-organisms, mycotoxins); Occupational/Environmental (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides); Psychosocial/Socioeconomic (e.g., chronic stress, lower education). The current study shows how each modifiable factor contributes to decreased immune system capability, increased inflammation and coagulation, and increased neural damage and neurodegeneration. It is unclear how real progress can be made in combatting COVID-19 and other similar diseases caused by viral variants without addressing and eliminating these modifiable CFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Neil Kostoff
- Independent Consultant, Gainesville, VA, 20155, USA,Corresponding author. Independent Consultant, 13500 Tallyrand Way, Gainesville, VA, 20155, USA
| | | | - Darja Kanduc
- Dept. of Biosciences, Biotechnologies, and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, Bari, 70125, Italy
| | - Saikat Dewanjee
- Advanced Pharmacognosy Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, 700032, India
| | - Ramesh Kandimalla
- Applied Biology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Uppal Road, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, 5265601, Israel
| | - Alan L. Porter
- School of Public Policy, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Aristidis Tsatsakis
- Department of Forensic Sciences and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003, Heraklion, Greece
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Shokry DA, El Nabrawy N, Yassa HD, Gaber SS, Batiha GES, Welson NN. Pregabalin induced reproductive toxicity and body weight changes by affecting caspase3 and leptin expression: Protective role of wheat germ oil. Life Sci 2020; 260:118344. [PMID: 32853651 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Pregabalin (PGB) drug abuse is common among the youth. It substituted tramadol before its recent schedule as a controlled drug since April 2019. PGB is an antiepileptic drug acting on the central nervous system. It blocks calcium channels regulating the action of neurotransmitters and causing prolonged depolarization. The present study aimed to investigate the toxic effect of long term pregabalin abuse on the reproductive function and body weight in both male and female albino rats and to evaluate the ameliorative effect of wheat germ oil (WGO). Forty-eight rats were randomly divided into eight groups. The first four groups were males and they were treated as follows: control group (1.5 mL saline), WGO group (1.5 mL L/kg), PGB group (300 mg/kg), and protective group (PGB + WGO). All doses were administrated once per day for 60 days by gastric gavage. The second four groups were females. They were divided and treated the same as the male groups. Pregabalin caused significant weight loss, decreased serum triglyceride level, and increased leptin gene expression in all rats. PGB affected male rats reproduction by decreasing total testosterone serum level and inhibiting spermatogenesis. Reproductive toxicity in females was caused by decreasing pituitary steroids, increasing gonadal hormones, and increasing the number of atretic ovarian follicles. Mechanism of toxicity may be attributed to the PGB oxidative stress effect that induced apoptosis and caused diffuse gonadal atrophy. WGO showed a protective effect on PGB induced toxicity as all measured parameters were relatively improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina A Shokry
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Naglaa El Nabrawy
- National Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Hanan D Yassa
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Egypt
| | - Shereen S Gaber
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Egypt
| | - Gaber El-Saber Batiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhour University, Egypt
| | - Nermeen N Welson
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Egypt.
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The neurotoxic effect of long-term use of high-dose Pregabalin and the role of alpha tocopherol in amelioration: implication of MAPK signaling with oxidative stress and apoptosis. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2020; 393:1635-1648. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01875-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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Kakiuchi-Kiyota S, Obert LA, Crowell DM, Xia S, Roy MD, Coskran TM, Kreeger JM, Crabbs TA, Cohen SM, Cattley RC, Cook JC. Expression of Hematopoietic Stem and Endothelial Cell Markers in Canine Hemangiosarcoma. Toxicol Pathol 2020; 48:481-493. [PMID: 31918642 DOI: 10.1177/0192623319897539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Several chemicals and pharmaceuticals increase the incidence of hemangiosarcomas (HSAs) in mice, but the relevance to humans is uncertain. Recently, canine HSAs were identified as a powerful tool for investigating the pathogenesis of human HSAs. To characterize the cellular phenotype of canine HSAs, we evaluated immunoreactivity and/or messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of markers for hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), endothelial cells (ECs), a tumor suppressor protein, and a myeloid marker in canine HSAs. Neoplastic canine cells expressed EC markers and a myeloid marker, but expressed HSC markers less consistently. The canine tumor expression results were then compared to previously published immunoreactivity results for these markers in human and mouse HSAs. There are 2 noteworthy differences across species: (1) most human HSAs had HSC marker expression, indicating that they were comprised of tumor cells that were less differentiated than those in canine and mouse tumors; and (2) human and canine HSAs expressed a late-stage EC maturation marker, whereas mouse HSAs were negative, suggesting that human and canine tumors may retain greater differentiation potential than mouse tumors. These results indicate that HSA development is variable across species and that caution is necessary when discussing translation of carcinogenic risk from animal models to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leslie A Obert
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | | | - Shuhua Xia
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | - Marc D Roy
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | | | - John M Kreeger
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
| | - Torrie A Crabbs
- Experimental Pathology Laboratories, Inc., Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Samuel M Cohen
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, NE, USA
| | - Russell C Cattley
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, AL, USA. Kakiuchi-Kiyota is now with Safety Assessment, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA; Obert is now with Translational Medicine & Comparative Pathology, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA; Roy is now with Nonclinical Development, Sarepta Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jon C Cook
- Drug Safety Research & Development, Pfizer Inc., Groton, CT, USA
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Vahle JL, Anderson U, Blomme EA, Hoflack JC, Stiehl DP. Use of toxicogenomics in drug safety evaluation: Current status and an industry perspective. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol 2018; 96:18-29. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yrtph.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/14/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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Cook JC, Obert LA, Koza-Taylor P, Coskran TM, Opsahl AC, Ziemek D, Roy M, Qian J, Lawton MP, Criswell KA. From the Cover: Fenretinide, Troglitazone, and Elmiron Add to Weight of Evidence Support for Hemangiosarcoma Mode-of-Action From Studies in Mice. Toxicol Sci 2017; 161:58-75. [DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Wegner CD, Goodwin A, Cook JC, Allamneni K, Sohn J, McVean M. Why Do Promising Therapies Stall in Development and How Can We Move Them Forward? Int J Toxicol 2017; 36:340-349. [PMID: 28578602 DOI: 10.1177/1091581817709773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
There are many reasons that molecules fail to progress to market and various principles of risk-benefit decisions that can help drive the molecule through development. This symposium included discussions on global strategies involved in pushing promising molecules to market, what to do when a molecule stalls in its progress to market, and options for rescuing the molecule and pushing it forward again. Innovative partnerships that bring stalled drugs back into clinical development were also addressed. A regulatory perspective on common reasons for a molecule to fail in its forward progress was presented. In addition, situations arise when a third-party advisory committee can provide input to help overcome issues identified by a regulatory agency. Using examples from the private and public domain, presentations centered on how to repurpose a molecule and when more science is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig D Wegner
- 1 AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, IMED Biotech Unit, Waltham, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Goodwin
- 2 US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Jon C Cook
- 3 Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | | | - Jane Sohn
- 2 US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Maralee McVean
- 5 PreClinical Research Services, Inc, Fort Collins, CO, USA
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Verma V, Singh N, Singh Jaggi A. Pregabalin in neuropathic pain: evidences and possible mechanisms. Curr Neuropharmacol 2014; 12:44-56. [PMID: 24533015 PMCID: PMC3915349 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x1201140117162802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregabalin is an antagonist of voltage gated Ca2+ channels and specifically binds to alpha-2-delta subunit to produce antiepileptic and analgesic actions. It successfully alleviates the symptoms of various types of neuropathic pain and presents itself as a first line therapeutic agent with remarkable safety and efficacy. Preclinical studies in various animal models of neuropathic pain have shown its effectiveness in treating the symptoms like allodynia and hyperalgesia. Clinical studies in different age groups and in different types of neuropathic pain (peripheral diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia, post-herpetic neuralgia, cancer chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain) have projected it as the most effective agent either as monotherapy or in combined regimens in terms of cost effectiveness, tolerability and overall improvement in neuropathic pain states. Preclinical studies employing pregabalin in different neuropathic pain models have explored various molecular targets and the signaling systems including Ca2+ channel-mediated neurotransmitter release, activation of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs), potassium channels and inhibition of pathways involving inflammatory mediators. The present review summarizes the important aspects of pregabalin as analgesic in preclinical and clinical studies as well as focuses on the possible mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Verma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala-147002, India
| | - Nirmal Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala-147002, India
| | - Amteshwar Singh Jaggi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala-147002, India
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Lee SK, Dawson J, Lee JA, Osman G, Levitin MO, Guzel RM, Djamgoz MB. Management of cancer pain: 1. Wider implications of orthodox analgesics. Int J Gen Med 2014; 7:49-58. [PMID: 24470767 PMCID: PMC3891517 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s42187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, the first of two parts, we first provide an overview of the orthodox analgesics used commonly against cancer pain. Then, we examine in more detail the emerging evidence for the potential impact of analgesic use on cancer risk and disease progression. Increasing findings suggest that long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, particularly aspirin, may reduce cancer occurrence. However, acetaminophen may raise the risk of some hematological malignancies. Drugs acting upon receptors of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and GABA “mimetics” (eg, gabapentin) appear generally safe for cancer patients, but there is some evidence of potential carcinogenicity. Some barbiturates appear to slightly raise cancer risks and can affect cancer cell behavior in vitro. For cannabis, studies suggest an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue, larynx, and possibly lung. Morphine may stimulate human microvascular endothelial cell proliferation and angiogenesis; it is not clear whether this might cause harm or produce benefit. The opioid, fentanyl, may promote growth in some tumor cell lines. Opium itself is an emerging risk factor for gastric adenocarcinoma and possibly cancers of the esophagus, bladder, larynx, and lung. It is concluded that analgesics currently prescribed for cancer pain can significantly affect the cancer process itself. More futuristically, several ion channels are being targeted with novel analgesics, but many of these are also involved in primary and/or secondary tumorigenesis. Further studies are needed to elucidate possible cellular and molecular effects of orthodox analgesics and their possible long-term impact, both positive and negative, and thus enable the best possible clinical gain for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jill Dawson
- Healthcare Communications Consultancy, Danville, CA, USA
| | - Jack A Lee
- College of Arts and Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Gizem Osman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Maria O Levitin
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Refika Mine Guzel
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mustafa Ba Djamgoz
- Division of Cell and Molecular Biology, Neuroscience Solutions to Cancer Research Group, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, London, UK ; Cyprus International University, Biotechnology Research Centre, Haspolat, North Cyprus, Mersin, Turkey
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Sałat K, Librowski T, Nawiesniak B, Gluch-Lutwin M. Evaluation of analgesic, antioxidant, cytotoxic and metabolic effects of pregabalin for the use in neuropathic pain. Neurol Res 2013; 35:948-58. [PMID: 23816319 DOI: 10.1179/1743132813y.0000000236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this research was to evaluate analgesic, antioxidant, metabolic, and cytotoxic effects of pregabalin (PGB), which is widely applied for the treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes in diabetic patients. METHODS We used the streptozotocin (STZ) model of painful diabetic neuropathy (PDN) in mice and we measured the effect of intraperitoneally administered PGB on tactile and thermal nociceptive thresholds in the von Frey and hot plate assays, respectively. The influence of PGB on the motor coordination of diabetic animals was investigated in the rotarod test. In vitro in HepG2 and 3T3-L1 cell lines cytotoxicity of PGB, its influence on glucose utilization, and lipid accumulation were assessed. The antioxidant capacity of PGB was evaluated spectrophotometrically using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical method. RESULTS Pregabalin was a very efficacious antiallodynic and analgesic drug capable of increasing the pain thresholds for tactile allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in diabetic mice. In the von Frey test at a dose of 30 mg/kg it elevated the pain threshold for 168% versus diabetic control and in the hot plate test this dose prolonged the latency time to pain reaction for 130% versus control value of diabetic mice. No motor deficits were observed in PGB-treated diabetic animals. In vitro PGB did not influence glucose utilization or lipid accumulation. No antioxidant or cytotoxic effects of PGB were observed at concentrations 1-100 μM. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our experiments demonstrated significant antiallodynic and analgesic properties of PGB in mice. In vitro studies showed that this drug is metabolically neutral. It did not cause motor coordination impairments in diabetic animals either. These effects might be of great importance for diabetic patients.
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Baldwin DS, Ajel K, Masdrakis VG, Nowak M, Rafiq R. Pregabalin for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: an update. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2013; 9:883-92. [PMID: 23836974 PMCID: PMC3699256 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s36453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A PREVIOUS REVIEW SUMMARIZED WHAT WAS THEN KNOWN ABOUT THE POTENTIAL ROLE OF PREGABALIN IN THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH GENERALIZED ANXIETY DISORDER (GAD): this review provides an update on its pharmacological properties and presumed mechanism of action, the liability for abuse, and efficacy and tolerability in patients with GAD. Pregabalin has a similar molecular structure to the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid (GABA) but its mechanism of action does not appear to be mediated through effects on GABA. Instead, its anxiolytic effects may arise through high-affinity binding to the alpha-2-delta sub-unit of the P/Q type voltage-gated calcium channel in "over-excited" presynaptic neurons, thereby reducing the release of excitatory neurotransmitters such as glutamate. The findings of randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses together indicate that pregabalin is efficacious in both acute treatment and relapse prevention in GAD, with some evidence of an early onset of effect, and broad efficacy in reducing the severity of psychological and physical symptoms of anxiety. It also has efficacy as an augmenting agent after non-response to antidepressant treatment in GAD. Continuing vigilance is needed in assessing its potential abuse liability but the tolerability profile of pregabalin may confer some advantages over other pharmacological treatments in the short term for treatment in patients with GAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Baldwin
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Khalil Ajel
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Vasilios G Masdrakis
- First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Athens University Medical School, Athens, Greece
| | - Magda Nowak
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences Academic Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rizwan Rafiq
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
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Criswell KA, Wojcinski Z, Pegg D, Albassam M, Duddy S, Olsen E, Bailie M, Foote S, Anderson T. Key components of the mode of action for hemangiosarcoma induction in pregabalin-treated mice: evidence of increased bicarbonate, dysregulated erythropoiesis, macrophage activation, and increased angiogenic growth factors in mice but not in rats. Toxicol Sci 2012; 128:22-41. [PMID: 22539625 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In carcinogenicity studies, pregabalin increased hemangiosarcoma incidence in mice but not in rats. Investigative studies, ranging in length from 24 h to 12 months, were conducted in mice (1000 or 5000 mg/kg) and rats (900 mg/kg) to evaluate a potential mode-of-action scheme for tumor formation. Three areas were evaluated: (1) hematopoiesis (because endothelial and hematopoietic cells arise from the same precursor and hemangiosarcomas are primarily located in mouse hematopoietic tissues), (2) angiogenic growth factors (because increased angiogenic growth factors may stimulate vascular tumors), and (3) pulmonary/blood gas parameters (because hypoxia is a known driver for endothelial cell proliferation). In mice, pregabalin rapidly increased platelet and megakaryocyte counts, activated platelets and bone marrow erythrophages, decreased the myeloid-to-erythroid (M:E) ratio (49%), and produced bone marrow and splenic congestion and extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor immunohistochemical staining were also increased in mouse bone marrow and spleen and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 immunolabeling was increased in liver. Serum bicarbonate was increased within 24 h of pregabalin administration, persisted over time, and was accompanied by decreased respiratory rate (up to 34%) and increased partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO(2)), resulting in sustained metabolic alkalosis and elevated blood pH in mice. In contrast, in rats, pregabalin decreased overall bone marrow cellularity, including decreased number of megakaryocytes (24%) with no evidence of erythrophages, no change in M:E ratio, no EMH, and no increase in angiogenic growth factors or blood pH. Persistent alterations in serum bicarbonate, respiratory function, and blood gas parameters in mice, without adequate compensatory mechanisms, has the potential to create chronic tissue hypoxia, an accepted driver of endothelial cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kay A Criswell
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, USA.
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Pegg D, Bleavins M, Herman J, Wojcinski Z, Graziano M, Henck J, Criswell KA, Anderson T, Duddy S. Hemangiosarcoma in mice administered pregabalin: analysis of genotoxicity, tumor incidence, and tumor genetics. Toxicol Sci 2012; 128:9-21. [PMID: 22539615 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfs146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregabalin, (S)-3-(aminomethyl)-5-methylhexanoic acid, binds with high affinity to the α(2)δ subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels and exerts analgesic, anxiolytic, and antiseizure activities. Two-year carcinogenicity studies were completed in B6C3F1 and CD-1 mice and two separate studies in Wistar rats. Doses in mice were 200, 1000, and 5000 mg/kg/day, with systemic exposures (AUC(0-24 h)) up to 31 times the mean exposure in humans, given the maximum recommended clinical dose. In rats, doses were 50, 150, and 450 mg/kg/day in males and 100, 300, and 900 mg/kg/day in females; systemic exposures up to 24 times were achieved in clinical trials. In both strains of mice, pregabalin treatment was associated with an increased incidence of hemangiosarcoma primarily in liver, spleen, and bone marrow. The incidence of hemangiosarcoma was higher in B6C3F1 mice than in CD-1 mice, consistent with its spontaneous incidence. Pregabalin did not increase the incidence of any other tumor type in rats and was not genotoxic, based on an extensive battery of in vivo and in vitro tests in bacterial and mammalian systems. Thus, pregabalin is a single-species, single tumor-type, nongenotoxic mouse carcinogen. Hemangiosarcomas occurring in mice treated with pregabalin were genotypically distinct from hemangiosarcomas induced by genotoxic carcinogens in humans with respect to ras and p53 mutation patterns and were similar to spontaneous tumors. Furthermore, there was a strong association between pregabalin treatment and bone marrow changes in these studies in mice, suggesting a possible link between the effects observed in bone marrow and the increase in tumor incidence in pregabalin-treated mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Pegg
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Drug Safety Research and Development, Groton, Connecticut 06340, USA
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