Acute benzodiazepine administration induces change... - BV FAPESP
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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Acute benzodiazepine administration induces changes in homocysteine metabolism in young healthy volunteers

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Author(s):
Pompeia, Sabine [1] ; Grego, Bruno H. C. [1] ; Pradella-Hallinan, Marcia [1] ; Hachul, Helena [1] ; Tufik, Sergio [1] ; D'Almeida, Vania [2]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Psychobiol, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Fed Sao Paulo, Dept Biosci, BR-04024002 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Review article
Source: PROGRESS IN NEURO-PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY & BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY; v. 33, n. 6, p. 933-938, AUG 31 2009.
Web of Science Citations: 3
Abstract

Purpose: High cortisol plasma concentrations have been shown to be associated with increases in homocysteine levels. Here we studied whether decreases in cortisol concentration, induced by an acute oral dose of a benzodiazepine, could decrease homocysteine, and if changes were similar in both genders. Methods: This was a double-blind, cross-over design study Of acute oral flunitrazepam (1.2 mg) and placebo in young, healthy, male and female (n = 21) volunteers. Blood samples were collected 3 h after ingestion (after peak-plasma concentration of flunitrazepam was reached). Various biochemical parameters were analysed, such as plasma homocysteine, cysteine, folate, vitamins B6, B12, and sexual hormones. Results: Flunitrazepam reduced cortisol (p = 0.0011), cysteine (p = 0.014) and homocysteine (p = 0.028) concentrations, irrespective of gender. No correlations were found between cortisol and other biochemical markers (all r's<0.03). Concentration of cysteine and homocysteine were negatively correlated with plasma flunitrazepam concentration, suggesting that changes in these amino acids might be related to the metabolism of this benzodiazepine. Conclusion: Acute administration of flunitrazepam decreases plasma homocysteine and cysteine by mechanisms that seem unrelated to changes in cortisol. Given the importance of homocysteine as a market of life-threatening disorders, the mechanisms involved in the decrease of these amino acids are potential targets for clinical application. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 05/03552-8 - Gender effects, psychological stress and benzodiazepine use on homocysteine plasma concentrations
Grantee:Bruno Henrique Do Carmo Grego
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
FAPESP's process: 98/14303-3 - Center for Sleep Studies
Grantee:Sergio Tufik
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC