Abstract
Tramadol is an opioid extensively used to treat moderate to severe pain; however, prolonged therapy is associated with several tissues damage. Chronic use of tramadol was linked to increased hospitalizations due to cardiovascular complications. Limited literature has described the effects of tramadol on the cardiovascular system, so we sought to investigate these actions and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Mice received tramadol hydrochloride (40 mg/kg body weight) orally for 4 successive weeks. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiac toxicity were assessed. In addition, eNOS expression was evaluated. Our results demonstrated marked histopathological alteration in heart and aortic tissues after exposure to tramadol. Tramadol upregulated the expression of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in mice heart and aorta, whereas downregulated eNOS expression. Tramadol caused cardiac damage shown by the increase in LDH, Troponin I, and CK-MB activities in serum samples. Overall, these results highlight the risks of tramadol on the cardiovascular system.
Highlights
Tramadol is an opioid extensively used to treat moderate to severe pain; prolonged therapy is associated with several tissues damage
Mice treated with tramadol had significantly elevated serum activity of creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and cTn-I compared to control animals (p < 0.05) (Fig. 1)
Left ventricular myocardial sections of mice treated with tramadol showed separation of cardiac fibers with increased interstitial spaces between them; some cardiac muscle fibers appeared pale stained while others had deeply stained sarcoplasm
Summary
Tramadol is an opioid extensively used to treat moderate to severe pain; prolonged therapy is associated with several tissues damage. Tramadol upregulated the expression of oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in mice heart and aorta, whereas downregulated eNOS expression. Tramadol caused cardiac damage shown by the increase in LDH, Troponin I, and CK-MB activities in serum samples. Overall, these results highlight the risks of tramadol on the cardiovascular system. Tramadol is central acting and widely used opioid analgesic for moderate to severe pain r elief[1]. Oxidative stress and increased ROS production lead to impairment of mitochondrial respiratory chain, oxidative damage of mitochondrial DNA, and mitochondrial dysfunction[20].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
