Thein vitrogenotoxic and cytotoxic effects of remeron on human peripheral blood lymphocytes

Abstract

Remeron (Mirtazapine) is an antidepressant drug which exerts its action by blocking presynaptic α-2-adrenergic receptors and postsynaptic serotonin types 2 and 3 receptors. In this in vitro analysis, human peripheral blood lymphocytes was treated by remeron (10, 25, 40 and 55 μg/mL) for 24 hours and 48 hours periods, then it was attempted to study of genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of the substance on human peripheral blood lymphocytes by some tests such as sister chromatid exchange (SCE), chromosomal abnormalities (CA) and micronucleus (MN) tests. Also proliferating effect of the substance was investigated. Remeron didn't significantly cause chromosomal abnormalities and sister chromatid exchange while caused micronucleus at 40 μg/mL concentration and 24 h periodic time and increased proliferation index of the both 24 and 48 hours treated cells was decreased in a concentration manner. Also, exposing to the remeron for 24 and 48 hours leaded to a decrease in mitotic index and nucleus division index in the cells by concentration dependent manner. These findings showed that remeron did not have significantly genotoxic effects on human peripheral blood lymphocytes while it showed cytotoxic effects on the cells, which is the first report on genotoxic and cytotoxic properties of remeron.

Micronucleus in oral exfoliated cells and associated factors among young adults in the far south of Brazil

“…Self-medication is associated with different factors such as: sex, age, marital status, children, drug use, knowledge about medications and medication availability (31,32) . It is important to investigate the use of medication in researches among young adults, due its possible impact on DNA integrity (33)(34)(35) .…”

Effects of age, sex, medication, and environmental conditions on genetic alterations in oral mucosa cells

“…Drug use also contributes to DNA damage. Continuous, generalized, and long-term drug use, as well as the consumption of multiple types of drugs, such as antidepressants [9, 10] and antihypertensives [11], may further promote DNA damage [12]. In addition to biological factors and lifestyle habits, the exposure of a population to contaminated environments should be considered.…”