Adverse reactions of methotrexate promote an increase in oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

It is considered that besides being involved in the etiology and progression of rheumatoid arthritis, oxidative stress (OS) may be increased by medications used in the treatment of autoimmune diseases, such as methotrexate. Therefore, the present study sought to evaluate the oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis who use methotrexate and associate this medication with adverse reactions and use of other medications. This is a longitudinal, analytical and quantitative study. The sample consisted of 40 patients. The characterization of patients and data on medication use and adverse reactions were collected through a questionnaire. At the same time blood was collected for the analysis of OS biomarkers. Among the most relevant finding, an association between the use of antiemetics and antidepressants and lower SOD and CAT levels was found. It was also observed that CAT, SOD and TBARS levels were higher among those who reported adverse reactions of MTX. In conclusion, controlling side effects is important to minimize damage resulting from treatment. It is therefore important that a pharmacist monitors the treatment so as to reduce risks to patients and the damage that may be caused by uncontrolled and supervised adverse reactions

Keywords:
Autoimmune Diseases; Pharmacist; Reactive Oxygen Species.