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Published on: November 5, 2019
Possible links between sickle cell crisis and pentavalent antimony
Daniel Garcerant1, Luisa Rubiano, Victor Blanco
1CIDEIM: Centro Internacional De Entrenamiento E Investigaciones Médicas (International Center for Medical Research and Training), Cali, Colombia. danielgarcerant@hotmail.com
Summary
Pentavalent antimony (Sb(v)), a leishmaniasis treatment, may trigger sickle cell crisis (SCC) in patients with sickle cell anemia. Glutathione depletion is a potential shared pathway, warranting further investigation into this drug-disease interaction.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Pentavalent antimony (Sb(v)) compounds, such as meglumine antimoniate, are the primary treatment for leishmaniasis.
- Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin, leading to complications like vaso-occlusive crisis (SCC).
Observation:
- A case report details a 6-year-old child with leishmaniasis who experienced an SCC during treatment with meglumine antimoniate.
- No prior literature documented a link between antimonial drugs and sickle cell disease.
Findings:
- Mechanistic review suggests glutathione depletion as a potential common pathway linking Sb(v) and SCC pathophysiology.
- ChemoText database analysis supported an association between Sb(v), glutathione, and SCC, indicating a possible drug-induced complication.
Implications:
- This case and preliminary analysis suggest a potential, previously unrecognized interaction between antimonial therapy and sickle cell disease.
- Further laboratory research is necessary to confirm if Sb(v) directly causes SCC and to elucidate the underlying biochemical mechanisms.
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01:17Antidotes
Antidotes are medicinal substances used to counteract the harmful effects of toxins or drugs in the body. They function in various ways, each uniquely designed to combat specific toxic compounds.
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...
Specific antidotes operate by inhibiting the enzymes that control biochemical pathways, reducing the production of harmful metabolites.
An example of an antidote is atropine, which counteracts the detrimental effects of cholinesterase inhibitors. It achieves this by deactivating muscarinic receptors,...