Free radical-mediated oxidative DNA damage in the mechanism of thalidomide teratogenicity

Parman, T; Wiley, MJ; Wells, PG

HERO ID

1981829

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

1999

PMID

10229238

HERO ID 1981829
In Press No
Year 1999
Title Free radical-mediated oxidative DNA damage in the mechanism of thalidomide teratogenicity
Authors Parman, T; Wiley, MJ; Wells, PG
Journal Nature Medicine
Volume 5
Issue 5
Page Numbers 582-585
Abstract The sedative drug thalidomide ([+]-alpha phthalimidoglutarimide), once abandoned for causing birth defects in humans', has found new therapeutic license in leprosy and other diseases, with renewed teratological consequences(2). Although the mechanism of teratogenesis(3) and determinants of risk remain unclear, related teratogenic xenobiotics are bioactivated by embryonic prostaglandin H synthase (PHS) to a free- radical intermediates that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause oxidative damage to DNA and other cellular macromolecules(4,5) Similarly, thalidomide is bioactivated by horseradish peroxidase, and oxidizes DNA(6) and glutathione(7), indicating free radical-mediated oxidative stress. Furthermore, thalidomide teratogenicity in rabbits is reduced by the PHS inhibitor acetylsalicylic acid, indicating PHS-catalyzed bioactivation(8). Here, we show in rabbits that thalidomide initiates embryonic DNA oxidation and teratogenicity, both of which are abolished by pre-treatment with the free radical spin trapping agent alpha-phenyl-N-t-butylnitrone (PBN). In contrast, in mice, a species resistant to thalidomide teratogenicity, thalidomide does not enhance DNA oxidation, even at a dose 300% higher than that used in rabbits, providing insight into an embryonic determinant of species-dependent susceptibility. In addition to their therapeutic implications, these results constitute direct evidence that the teratogenicity of thalidomide may involve free radical-mediated oxidative damage to embryonic cellular macromolecules.
Pmid 10229238
Wosid WOS:000081497400042
Url <Go to ISI>://WOS:000081497400042
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes