Pregabalin alters reproductive performance in male mice and causes congenital anomalies in offspring

ContextPregabalin is an anticonvulsant drug with analgesic activity for the treatment of neuropathic pain.AimsTo valuate the toxicity of pregabalin in reproductive parameters, spermatogenesis, and teratogenicity in the offspring of mice.MethodsTwenty male mice were randomly distributed into two groups: PGB group and group C (n = 10 per group). The animals in the PGB group received, via gavage, 200 mg/kg of pregabalin diluted in distilled water daily, for a period of 45 days. Group C received distilled water under the same experimental design.Key resultsIn the paternal parameters of the PGB group, there was a significant increase in the size of the testicles, morphological alterations in the spermatozoa, a decrease in the Johnsen score, an increase in the Leydig cells, and a decrease in the serum level of testosterone. In the intrauterine development parameters of females mated with males from the PGB group, a significant decrease in placental weight, weight and length of fetuses, and fetal viability rate was observed. There was a significant increase in the number of resorptions and post-implantation losses. The significant anomalies observed in the offspring were alteration in the size of the kidneys, absent metacarpals and phalanges, alteration in the sternum, and supernumerary thoracic vertebrae.ConclusionResults suggest that pregabalin had toxic effects on the reproductive function of male mice and teratogenic potential.ImplicationsThe findings of this study may provide new hypotheses, taking into account the risk-benefit ratio for male reproduction and offspring health. The use of medication by men and women in reproductive age has impact on health, fertility, and embryofetal development. What is the safety of continuous use medications, such as anticonvulsants, for example, pregabalin, on male fertility and the impact on their descendants? Studies regarding the use of pregabalin during spermatogenesis and its effect on offspring are scarce. The use of pregabalin, when administered in an animal model, demonstrated a decrease in serum testosterone levels, morphological changes in spermatozoids, and fetal malformations. Photograph by V. F. Mestre.