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International Journal of Molecular... Feb 2022While cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death, major depressive disorder (MDD) is the primary cause of disability, affecting more than 300 million...
While cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death, major depressive disorder (MDD) is the primary cause of disability, affecting more than 300 million people worldwide. Interestingly, there is evidence that CVD is more prevalent in people with MDD. It is well established that neurotransmitters, namely serotonin and norepinephrine, are involved in the biochemical mechanisms of MDD, and consequently, drugs targeting serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake, such as duloxetine, are commonly prescribed for MDD. In this connection, serotonin and norepinephrine are also known to play critical roles in primary hemostasis. Based on these considerations, we investigated if duloxetine can be repurposed as an antiplatelet medication. Our results-using human and/or mouse platelets show that duloxetine dose-dependently inhibited agonist-induced platelet aggregation, compared to the vehicle control. Furthermore, it also blocked agonist-induced dense and α-granule secretion, integrin αIIbβ3 activation, phosphatidylserine expression, and clot retraction. Moreover duloxetine-treated mice had a significantly prolonged occlusion time. Finally, duloxetine was also found to impair hemostasis. Collectively, our data indicate that the antidepressant duloxetine, which is a serotonin-norepinephrine antagonist, exerts antiplatelet and thromboprotective effects and inhibits hemostasis. Consequently, duloxetine, or a rationally designed derivative, presents potential benefits in the context of CVD, including that associated with MDD.
Topics: Animals; Antidepressive Agents; Depressive Disorder, Major; Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Hemostasis; Humans; Mice; Norepinephrine; Platelet Activation; Platelet Aggregation; Platelet Glycoprotein GPIIb-IIIa Complex; Serotonin; Serotonin Antagonists; Thrombosis
PubMed: 35269729
DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052587 -
Andrologia Nov 2021This study assessed the impact of duloxetine (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) on semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation and serum hormones. We... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
This study assessed the impact of duloxetine (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor) on semen parameters, sperm DNA fragmentation and serum hormones. We performed a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised clinical trial of duloxetine 60mg or placebo daily for 6 weeks (5 weeks full dose and 1 week taper). The primary outcome was the proportion of men with abnormal DNA fragmentation during and after duloxetine administration. Secondary outcomes were changes in semen parameters and hormones on treatment (2 and 6 weeks) and after discontinuation (8 and 10 weeks). Sixty-eight healthy males aged 18-65 were included. Duloxetine was not associated with an increase in the proportion of participants with abnormal sperm DNA fragmentation terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labelling scores (>25%) on treatment (p = 0.09) or after treatment (p = 0.56), nor did median sperm DNA fragmentation increase on treatment. Compared with placebo, there were no changes in bulk semen parameters during treatment. Limited changes in hormonal values were detected. This first published human study of a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor on male fertility revealed no clinically meaningful effects on sperm DNA fragmentation, semen parameters or serum hormones. Duloxetine, and possibly other serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, may be considered for men desiring fertility who require antidepressant treatment.
Topics: Antidepressive Agents; DNA Fragmentation; Double-Blind Method; Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Fertility; Humans; Male; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; Spermatozoa
PubMed: 34374108
DOI: 10.1111/and.14207 -
Pain Jul 2020The dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are key structures in nociception and chronic pain disorders. Several gene expression studies of DRG in preclinical pain models have been...
The dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are key structures in nociception and chronic pain disorders. Several gene expression studies of DRG in preclinical pain models have been performed, but it is unclear if consistent gene changes are identifiable. We, therefore, compared several recent RNA-Seq data sets on the whole DRG in rodent models of nerve injury. Contrary to previous findings, we show hundreds of common differentially expressed genes and high positive correlation between studies, despite model and species differences. We also find, in contrast to previous studies, that 60% of the common rodent gene response after injury is likely to occur in nociceptors of the DRG. Substantial expression changes are observed at a 1-week time-point, with smaller changes in the same genes at a later 3- to 4-week time-point. However, a subset of genes shows a similar magnitude of changes at both early and late time-points, suggesting their potential involvement in the maintenance of chronic pain. These genes are centred around suppression of endogenous opioid signalling. Reversal of this suppression could allow endogenous and exogenous opioids to exert their analgesic functions and may be an important strategy for treating chronic pain disorders. Currently used drugs, such as amitriptyline and duloxetine, do not seem to appropriately modulate many of the critical pain genes and indeed may transcriptionally suppress endogenous opioid signalling further.
Topics: Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Ganglia, Spinal; Humans; Neuralgia; Nociceptors; Signal Transduction
PubMed: 32107361
DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001847 -
The Primary Care Companion For CNS... May 2022
Topics: Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Erythema Multiforme; Humans
PubMed: 35522835
DOI: 10.4088/PCC.21cr02983 -
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Jan 2021Establish the impact of pain severity on the cost-effectiveness of generic duloxetine for knee osteoarthritis (OA) in the United States.
OBJECTIVE
Establish the impact of pain severity on the cost-effectiveness of generic duloxetine for knee osteoarthritis (OA) in the United States.
DESIGN
We used a validated computer simulation of knee OA to compare usual care (UC) - intra-articular injections, opioids, and total knee replacement (TKR) - to UC preceded by duloxetine in those no longer achieving pain relief from non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Outcomes included quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), lifetime medical costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). We considered cohorts with mean ages 57-75 years and Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain 25-55 (0-100, 100-worst). We derived inputs from published data. We discounted costs and benefits 3% annually. We conducted sensitivity analyses of duloxetine efficacy, duration of pain relief, toxicity, and costs.
RESULTS
Among younger subjects with severe pain (WOMAC pain = 55), duloxetine led to an additional 9.6 QALYs per 1,000 subjects (ICER = $88,500/QALY). The likelihood of duloxetine being cost-effective at willingness-to-pay (WTP) thresholds of $50,000/QALY and $100,000/QALY was 40% and 54%. Offering duloxetine to older patients with severe pain led to ICERs >$150,000/QALY. Offering duloxetine to subjects with moderate pain (pain = 25) led to ICERs <$50,000/QALY, regardless of age. Among knee OA subjects with severe pain (pain = 55) who are unwilling or unable to undergo TKR, ICERs were <$50,600/QALY, regardless of age.
CONCLUSIONS
Duloxetine is a cost-effective addition to knee OA UC for subjects with moderate pain or those with severe pain unable or unwilling to undergo TKR. Among younger subjects with severe pain, duloxetine is cost-effective at WTP thresholds >$88,500/QALY.
Topics: Aged; Analgesics; Analgesics, Opioid; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Computer Simulation; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Glucocorticoids; Humans; Injections, Intra-Articular; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Pain Measurement; Quality-Adjusted Life Years
PubMed: 33171315
DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2020.10.001 -
Brain and Behavior Mar 2020Neuropathic pain occurs in 1% of the population and is difficult to manage. This chronic pain causes psychological distress and impacts patient's quality of life,... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
INTRODUCTION
Neuropathic pain occurs in 1% of the population and is difficult to manage. This chronic pain causes psychological distress and impacts patient's quality of life, especially in cancer patients. The aim of this study was to show and compare the efficacy of pregabalin and duloxetine, which are reported in the group of first-line treatment at European Federation of Neurological Societies (EFNS) guidelines on the pharmacological treatment of neuropathic pain (2010 revision) in lung cancer patients by using visual analogue scale (VAS) and Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Sign (LANSS).
PATIENTS AND METHODS
A prospective, randomized, open label, 3 month of study was conducted. A total of 44 patients that were diagnosed with neuropathic pain (14 women and 30 men) were included in the study. Patient's LANSS and VAS values were recorded before treatment. Then, 22 patients undergo pregabalin and 22 patients undergo duloxetine therapy. But due to side effects (dizziness, constipation), two patients had stopped to use pregabalin. Their LANSS and VAS values were recorded after 1 and 3 months of therapy.
RESULTS
When we compare LANSS and VAS scores before treatment, after 1 and 3 months of treatment with pregabalin and duloxetine, a significant decrease was observed in both groups at the 1 and 3 months (p < .01). Duloxetine is superior to pregabalin in reducing the LANSS scores when we compare two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
Both duloxetine and pregabalin are effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain of lung cancer patients. And as far as we know, this is the first study comparing the efficacy of duloxetine and pregabalin in the neuropathic pain of lung cancer patients.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Analgesics; Cancer Pain; Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Neuralgia; Pain Measurement; Pregabalin; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 31967742
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1527 -
Journal of Neuroscience Research Jun 2017Central noradrenergic centers such as the locus coeruleus (LC) are traditionally viewed as pain inhibitory; however, complex interactions among brainstem pathways and... (Review)
Review
Central noradrenergic centers such as the locus coeruleus (LC) are traditionally viewed as pain inhibitory; however, complex interactions among brainstem pathways and their receptors modulate both inhibition and facilitation of pain. In addition to the well-described role of descending pontospinal pathways that inhibit spinal nociceptive transmission, an emerging body of research now indicates that noradrenergic neurons in the LC and their terminals in the dorsal reticular nucleus (DRt), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), spinal dorsal horn, and spinal trigeminal nucleus caudalis participate in the development and maintenance of allodynia and hyperalgesia after nerve injury. With time after injury, we argue that the balance of LC function shifts from pain inhibition to pain facilitation. Thus, the pain-inhibitory actions of antidepressant drugs achieved with elevated noradrenaline concentrations in the dorsal horn may be countered or even superseded by simultaneous activation of supraspinal facilitating systems dependent on α -adrenoreceptors in the DRt and mPFC as well as α -adrenoreceptors in the LC. Indeed, these opposing actions may account in part for the limited treatment efficacy of tricyclic antidepressants and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors such as duloxetine for the treatment of chronic pain. We propose that the traditional view of the LC as a pain-inhibitory structure be modified to account for its capacity as a pain facilitator. Future studies are needed to determine the neurobiology of ascending and descending pathways and the pharmacology of receptors underlying LC-mediated pain inhibition and facilitation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Topics: Animals; Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; Chronic Pain; Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Humans; Locus Coeruleus; Norepinephrine; Serotonin and Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors
PubMed: 27685982
DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23956 -
The Clinical Journal of Pain Nov 2021We conducted the updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the best available quantitative and qualitative evidence to evaluate the effects and safety of duloxetine... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
We conducted the updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the best available quantitative and qualitative evidence to evaluate the effects and safety of duloxetine for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (OA) pain.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search used 3 English and 4 Chinese biomedical databases from inception through July 10, 2020. We included randomized controlled trials of duloxetine with intervention duration of 2 weeks or longer for knee OA. The primary outcome was pain intensity measured by Brief Pain Inventory and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale. Secondary outcome measurements included 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, Patient's Global Impression of Improvement, Clinical Global Impressions of Severity, and adverse events (AEs). The quality of all included studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk-of-bias criteria. The review was registered in the PROSPERO (CRD 42020194072).
RESULTS
Six studies totaling 2059 patients met the eligibility criteria. Duloxetine had significant reductions in Brief Pain Inventory 24 hours average pain (mean difference [MD]=-0.74; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.92 to -0.57; P<0.00001; I2=13%; 5 trials; 1695 patients); patient general activity (MD=-0.76; 95% CI, -0.96 to -0.56; P<0.00001; I2=0%; 5 trials; 1694 patients) WOMAC physical function subscale (MD=-4.22; 95% CI, -5.14 to -3.30; P<0.00001; I2=26%; 5 trials; 1986 patients); Patient's Global Impression of Improvement (MD=-0.48; 95% CI, -0.58 to -0.37; P<0.00001; I2=29%; 5 trials; 1741 patients); and Clinical Global Impressions of Severity (MD=-0.34; 95% CI, -0.44 to -0.24; P<0.00001; I2=0%; 4 trials; 1178 patients) compared with placebo control. However, no difference on WOMAC pain subscale (standard mean difference=-1.68; 95% CI, -3.45 to 0.08; P=0.06; I2=100%; 3 trials; 1104 patients) and in serious AEs (risk ratio=0.92; 95% CI, 0.40-2.11; P=0.84; I2=0%; 5 trials; 1762 patients) between duloxetine and placebo. Furthermore, duloxetine failed to show superior effects for improving the life quality and demonstrated more treatment-emergent AEs.
CONCLUSION
Duloxetine may be an effective treatment option for knee OA patients but further rigorously designed and well-controlled randomized trials are warranted.
Topics: Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Humans; Knee Joint; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Pain; Pain Measurement
PubMed: 34483232
DOI: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000975 -
Annals of Palliative Medicine Mar 2021A comprehensive approach to pain management often requires multimodal therapy and a combination of medications. Oncology patients may be prescribed methadone and...
BACKGROUND
A comprehensive approach to pain management often requires multimodal therapy and a combination of medications. Oncology patients may be prescribed methadone and duloxetine as single agents or in combination for cancer-related pain, particularly neuropathic pain. Duloxetine is also prescribed for depression or anxiety in patients with cancer.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review on patients with cancer-related pain prescribed duloxetine and methadone combination therapy at the Virginia Commonwealth University supportive care clinic (SCC) between 2012 and 2019. Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores reported by patients on monotherapy were compared to scores after they started combination therapy. Of 131 patients identified on combination therapy, 43 met study criteria (2 with incomplete ESAS scores).
RESULTS
ESAS total and subscores after combination therapy were lower than on monotherapy. Combination therapy decreased total, pain, and emotion subscores by 5.6 (SD =17.3, dz =-0.32, P=0.046), 0.9 (SD =3.0, dz =-0.30, P=0.052), and 1.8 (SD =5.1, dz =-0.36, P=0.023), respectively. On combination therapy, 28% of patients reported at least a two-point reduction in pain scores. All study participants reported cancer pain with neuropathic components; most had mixed pain syndromes comprising nociceptive and neuropathic components. Adherence rates were high as 81% of patients with follow-up appointments continued therapy.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest the combination of duloxetine and methadone reduces cancer-related pain and emotional symptom burden compared to either medication as a single agent.
Topics: Cancer Pain; Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Humans; Methadone; Neoplasms; Retrospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 33474965
DOI: 10.21037/apm-20-1455 -
Medicine Nov 2019Previous clinical trials indicated that duloxetine may be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) pain. This meta-analysis is conducted to evaluate short term... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Previous clinical trials indicated that duloxetine may be effective in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) pain. This meta-analysis is conducted to evaluate short term analgesic effect and safety of duloxetine in the treatment of OA.
METHODS
Electronic databases were searched in February 2019, including PUBMED, EMBASE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science. All eligible studies should be randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing duloxetine treatment group to placebo about OA pain relief and safety outcomes.
RESULTS
Five RCTs with 2059 patients were involved in this systematic review and meta-analysis. Compared to placebo, duloxetine treatment showed significant better result, with higher reduction pain intensity (mean difference [MD] = -0.77, P < .00001), higher rates of both 30% and 50% reduction in pain severity (risk ratio [RR] = 1.42, P < .00001; RR = 1.62, P < .00001), lower mean Patient Global Improvement-Inventory (PGI-I) score (MD = -0.48, P < .00001). The results of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) score change from baseline to endpoint also favored duloxetine treatment group in all four categories, including total (MD = -5.43, P < .00001), pain (MD = -1.63, P = .001), physical function (MD = -4.22, P < .00001), and stiffness score (MD = -0.58, P < .00001). There were higher rates of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) (RR = 1.32, P < .00001) and discontinuation (RR = 1.88, P < .00001) in duloxetine group. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of severe adverse events (SAEs) between these 2 groups (RR = 0.84, P = .68).
CONCLUSION
Duloxetine was an effective and safe choice to improve pain and functional outcome in OA patients. However, further studies are still needed to find out the optimal dosage for OA and examine its long-term efficacy and safety.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42019128862.
Topics: Analgesics; Duloxetine Hydrochloride; Humans; Ontario; Osteoarthritis; Pain Measurement; Patient Acuity; Physical Functional Performance; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 31689755
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000017541