Determination of oxidative stress parameters in fluoxetine users

Abstract

Fluoxetine (FLU), a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is the first line in depression treatment and it is involved in oxidative stress (OE). Thus, this study aimed to analyze the OE parameters in patients diagnosed with depression and treated with FLU. Were evaluated 121 volunteers divided into two groups: 58 fluoxetine users (with major depression) and 63 non-fluoxetine users (control group, without major depression). The OE was evaluated by determining the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant power (FRAP) and activity of antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). MDA, FRAP, GPx and SOD were dosed in plasma. The influence of age, smoking, alcoholism, comorbidities, use of another drugs and antioxidants in the OE were evaluated. The results were compared between the groups. In relation to the fluoxetine daily dose, MDA presented higher levels in patients using 20 mg daily FLU when compared to the control group, as well as the activity of the GPx enzyme and the FRAP levels. In this way, the use of fluoxetine may interfere with the OE parameters, causing an increase in OE levels.