Effect of prenatal and early life paracetamol exposure on the level of neurotransmitters in rats--Focus on the spinal cord.

The present study has examined the influence of the prenatal and early life administration of paracetamol on the level of neurotransmitters in the spinal cord of rat pups. The effect of the drug was evaluated in 2-month old Wistar male rats exposed to paracetamol in doses of 5 (P5, n=9) or 15 mg/kg (P15, n=9) p.o. during the prenatal period and after birth until the completion of the second month of life. A parallel control group received tap water (Con, n=9). In this study we have determined the level of monoamines, their metabolites and amino acids in the spinal cord of rats using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the second month of life. The present experiment demonstrates the action of paracetamol at the molecular level associated with significant modulation of neurotransmission in the spinal cord related to dopaminergic and noradrenergic systems. Simultaneously, paracetamol administration increases the content of an aspartic and glutamic acids in the spinal cord at a critical time during development.

Developmental exposure to paracetamol causes biochemical alterations in medulla oblongata.

The effect and safety of prenatal and early life administration of paracetamol - routinely used over-the-counter antipyretic and analgesic medication on monoamines content and balance of amino acids in the medulla oblongata is still unknown. In this study we have determined the level of neurotransmitters in this structure in two-month old Wistar male rats exposed to paracetamol in the dose of 5 (P5, n=10) or 15mg/kg b.w. (P15, n=10) during prenatal period, lactation and till the end of the second month of life. Control group received drinking water (Con, n=10). Monoamines, their metabolites and amino acids concentration in medulla oblongata of rats were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in 60 postnatal day (PND60). This experiment shows that prenatal and early life paracetamol exposure modulates neurotransmission associated with serotonergic, noradrenergic and dopaminergic system in medulla oblongata. Reduction of alanine and taurine levels has also been established.

Interactions between preparations containing female sex hormones and dietary supplements.

An increasing number of premenopausal women use contraception whereas postmenopausal women use hormone replacement therapy (HRT). This long-term hormone therapy poses a high risk of interactions with dietary supplements. Taking estrogens at the same time as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), biologically-active compounds of glycine soja, Ginkgo biloba or Pimpinella anisum, may distort the final effect of the hormone agent. On the other hand, estrogen therapy coupled with melatonin or retinol supplementation may lead to an increased level of dietary supplements in the serum as studies have proved a concomitant beneficial effect of HRT and vitamin E supplementation on lipid profiles. In turn, taking preparations containing St John's wort during hormone therapy may lead to a reduction in hormone concentrations in serum and debilitation of the pharmacological effect. It results from the inductive effect of the biologically-active compounds of St John's wort on the metabolism of hormones as a result of the enhanced activity of cytochrome P450 CYP3A4.

[Interactions between synthetic drugs used in treatment of selected central nervous system disorders and dietary supplements and herbal drugs]. / Interakcje pomiedzy syntetycznymi lekami stosowanymi w wybranych schorzeniach osrodkowego ukladu nerwowego a suplementami diety i lekami ziolowymi.

The risk of interaction between dietary supplements, herbal drugs and synthetic drugs increases when patients are treated chronically, e.g. due to impairment of central nervous system (CNS)--depression, psychotic disorders, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. On the basis of scientific literature, there was shown that simultaneous intake of antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs and herbal drugs or dietary supplements containing: St. John's wort, valerian root, ginkgo biloba leaf, hops, and food ingredients: dietary fiber or folic acid, may lead to interactions. Dietary fiber supplementation should be applied carefully during treatment of Parkinson's disease and in case of Alzheimer disease treatment--supplements containing ginkgo biloba leaf can increase the risk of interaction. Knowledge of these interactions is essential in effective treatment of this illness. However this area of science should be verified constantly due to growing number of new products registered as a supplements--often with complex composition.