The Effects of Pregabalin on Gastric Ulcer Formation and Antioxidant Parameters

Pregabalin, a drug used in epilepsy, anxiety, neuropathic pain is reported to have analgesic effects in inflammatory pain. We aimed to investigate whether pregabalin have gastric side effects and to compare with a non steroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) in rats. The effects of pregabalin on antioxidant levels, which are suggested to protect against gastric mucosal damage were also studied. Pregabalin 30, 50, 100 mg/kg, indomethacin 5 mg/kg (reference-NSAID), saline (control group) were administered orally for 10 days. At the end of 10 day treatment, rats were sacrificed, gastric tissues were removed out, mucus secretion was determined spectrophotometrically, ulcer index was scored from score 0:(no-petechia) to score 3:(petechia>5mm). Also, to evaluate the antioxidant effects of pregabalin, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in gastric tissue were studied. Pregabalin 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg similar to indomethacin significantly reduced mucus secretion and increased ulcer index compared to control while pregabalin 30 mg/kg did not. Pregabalin 30 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg decreased SOD and catalase levels. Pregabalin 100 mg/kg dose increased MDA levels. 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg pregabalin showed gastric side effects as reduced mucus secretion and ulcer formation similar to indomethacin and 30 mg/kg pregabalin may be reasonable dose without showing gastric side effects. Pregabalin 50 mg/kg seems to have enhancing effects on antioxidant levels