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Genotoxic activity of praziquantel
1Departamento de Genética y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico. dorinda@servidor.unam.mx
Mutation Research
|January 24, 1998
Summary
Praziquantel effectively treats parasitic infections but may cause chromosomal damage in some individuals. Further research is needed to assess its genotoxic potential and cancer risk, especially with widespread use.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Praziquantel is a widely used antiparasitic drug effective against trematodes and cestodes.
- Initial genotoxicity tests were largely negative, but later studies revealed contradictory findings.
- Concerns exist regarding Praziquantel's genotoxic potential due to its extensive use and new findings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the genotoxic and potential carcinogenic effects of Praziquantel.
- To investigate Praziquantel's effects on chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei formation.
- To assess the risks associated with Praziquantel's widespread use in various populations and conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing genotoxicity studies, including in vitro and in vivo assays.
- Analysis of host-mediated studies in humans and animal models.
- Monitoring of chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in treated individuals and animal models.
Main Results:
- Praziquantel induced chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei in some individuals and cell types.
- Host-mediated studies showed contradictory results, including a comutagenic effect.
- High doses in pregnant rats led to fetal death and resorption.
Conclusions:
- Praziquantel exhibits genotoxic potential, inducing chromosomal aberrations and micronuclei.
- Its comutagenic effects and teratogenic potential warrant careful consideration.
- Further evaluation is necessary to understand Praziquantel's long-term risks, including neoplasm development, given its extensive global use.