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Stimulation by propylthiouracil of the hexose monophosphate shunt in human polymorphonuclear leucocytes during phagocytosis.

The effect of propylthiouracil on glucose metabolism in human polymorphonuclear leucocytes was studied. At a therapeutically achievable concentration (0.1 mM), propylthiouracil stimulated hexose monophosphate shunt activity in normal leucocytes during phagocytosis but not in resting cells. However, in the presence of hydrogen peroxide it stimulated hexose monophosphate shunt activity in resting cells, and in the soluble fraction when reduced glutathione and reduced nictotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) were also present. Propylthiouracil had nor effect on glucose-1-C oxidation in either phagocytosing or resting leucocytes obtained from two male patients with chronic granulomatous disease. Stimulation of the hexose monophosphate shunt activity in normal leucocytes during phagocytosis also was demonstrated with methimazole, thiouracil and thiourea, but not with adenine, uracil or urea. There was an apparent minimal common structure requirement in thriourea. Propylthiouracil had no effect on phagocytosis, formate oxidation, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase or catalase activities. Thus, the stimulation of the hexose monophosphate shunt activity by propylthiouracil is dependent on hydrogen peroxide and is best explained by its stimulation or participation in the glutathione cycle.

Blood Glucose↗

Spontaneous reporting of adverse reactions to carbimazole and propylthiouracil in the UK.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and spectrum of serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to thionamide antithyroid drugs. DESIGN AND METHODS: Data spontaneously reported to the UK-wide pharmacovigilance agency, The Committee on Safety of Medicines (Yellow Card Scheme), between 1963 and 2003 were analysed to determine the spectrum and relative frequency of ADRs to carbimazole and propylthiouracil. Representative data on the number of dispensed prescriptions were available from 1981, and were used as a denominator to estimate relative reporting rates of ADRs attributed to the drugs. RESULTS: Between 1981 and 2003 there were 5.23 million prescriptions for thionamide drugs in England and Scotland, 94% of which were for carbimazole. Neutrophil dyscrasia (agranulocytosis and neutropenia) accounted for 49% of all fatalities attributed to these medications. The median time reported for the appearance of neutrophil dyscrasia was 30 days of treatment, but there was a wide range (7-875 days). Neutrophil dyscrasia was more frequently fatal in subjects over 65 years of age; 13.8%vs. 1.2% of fatal reports in younger subjects [odds ratio (OR) 12.90; 5-95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.45-114.92]. Since 1981, reports of most ADRs, including neutrophil dyscrasia, were made significantly more frequently per propylthiouracil prescription dispensed than per carbimazole prescription. CONCLUSION: Detailed data about ADRs to these compounds, and their patient demography, based on a large number of reports are described. Neutrophil dyscrasia is the commonest life-threatening ADR to thionamides. The excess of ADR reports for propylthiouracil compared to carbimazole could reflect genuine differences in toxicity between the compounds, the relative unfamiliarity of UK physicians with propylthiouracil, or the higher use of propylthiouracil in certain patient groups.

Adolescent↗

CD1a expression in psoriatic skin following treatment with propylthiouracil, an antithyroid thioureylene.

BACKGROUND: The antithyroid thioureylenes, propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole (MMI), are effective in the treatment of patients with plaque psoriasis. The mechanism of action of the drugs in psoriasis is unknown. Since the drugs reduce circulating IL-12 levels in patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism, the effect of propylthiouracil on CD1a expression in psoriatic lesions was examined in biopsy samples of patients with plaque psoriasis. CD1a is a marker of differentiated skin antigen presenting cells (APC, Langerhans cells). Langerhans cells and skin monocyte/macrophages are the source of IL-12, a key cytokine involved in the events that lead to formation of the psoriatic plaque. METHODS: Biopsy specimens were obtained from six patients with plaque psoriasis who were treated with 300 mg propylthiouracil (PTU) daily for three months. Clinical response to PTU as assessed by PASI scores, histological changes after treatment, and CD1a expression in lesional skin before and after treatment were studied. RESULTS: Despite significant improvement in clinical and histological parameters the expression of CD1a staining cells in the epidermis did not decline with propylthiouracil treatment. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that the beneficial effect of propylthiouracil in psoriasis is mediated by mechanisms other than by depletion of skin antigen-presenting cells.

Adult↗

Stability of propylthiouracil in extemporaneously prepared oral suspensions at 4 and 25 degrees C.

The stability of propylthiouracil in two extemporaneously prepared suspensions at 4 and 25 degrees C was studied. Commercially available 50-mg propylthiouracil tablets were used to prepare suspensions in 1:1 Ora-Sweet:Ora-Plus and in 1:1 1% methylcellulose:Simple Syrup, NF, to yield a propylthiouracil concentration of 5 mg/mL. Each suspension was stored in 10 amber plastic prescription bottles, 5 of them at 4 degrees C and the other 5 at 25 degrees C. Three samples were taken from each bottle at 0, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, and 91 days for assay by stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography. More than 90% of the initial propylthiouracil concentration was retained in both suspensions for 70 days at 25 degrees C and for 91 days at 4 degrees C. There were no changes in physical appearance, color, or odor, and the pH remained essentially unchanged. Propylthiouracil 5 mg/mL in two extemporaneously prepared oral suspensions was stable for at least 70 days at 25 degrees C and for at least 91 days at 4 degrees C.

Antithyroid Agents↗

Successful outcome with methimazole and lithium combination therapy for propylthiouracil-induced hepatotoxicity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with methimazole and lithium carbonate in management of severe thyrotoxicosis and propylthiouracil-induced hepatotoxicity. METHODS: We present a case report of a patient with severe thyrotoxicosis and worsening liver dysfunction after propylthiouracil therapy, and we review the pertinent literature. RESULTS: In a 49-year-old man with severe thyrotoxicosis and propylthiouracil-induced hepatotoxicity, indices of liver function continued to increase despite discontinuation of propylthiouracil treatment. Adjunctive therapy with methimazole and lithium resulted in prompt remission of clinical manifestations and normalization of thyroid hormone indices, as well as a gradual reversal of liver dysfunction. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive therapy with methimazole and lithium is synergistic in promptly achieving a euthyroid state. Therefore, this combination therapy provides a safe and effective alternative option in patients with thyrotoxicosis associated with propylthiouracil-induced hepatotoxicity.

Journal Article↗

Excessive blood loss during operation in the patient treated with propylthiouracil.

A case of bleeding during operation due to propylthiouracil-induced thrombocytopenia is reported. A 55 year old male who had been treated with propylthiouracil for two months before operation underwent otherwise uneventful cervical laminectomy. Perioperatively he was transfused seven units of whole blood, two units of packed red cells, six units of platelets and two units of fresh frozen plasma for the estimated blood loss of 5500 ml. The patient underwent thyroidectomy without incident 45 days after withdrawal from propylthiouracil. The value of the preoperative coagulation studies of the patient treated with propylthiouracil is discussed.

Hemorrhage↗

Conformational changes of peroxidase and albumin in solutions of propylthiouracil.

Conformational changes of peroxidase and albumin in buffered solutions of propylthiouracil, an antithyroid drug, were evaluated by dialtometry and viscometry, showing that the structural alteration of peroxidase is related to the decoupling of the reactions which it catalyses. Thus, propylthiouracil probably inactivates the peroxidase by altering its structure. Equilibrium dialysis showed that albumin is the principle propylthiouracil-transporting protein in human serum. Propylthiouracil induces a conformational change in albumin when 1 mole of drug per mole of protein is bound, a structural alteration that can change the binding capability of other ligands.

Chemical Phenomena↗

The effect of propylthiouracil on thyroid-stimulating hormone-induced alterations in iodothyronine secretion from perfused dog thyroids.

The aim of this study was to see whether the inhibitory effect of propylthiouracil on thyroidal secretion of 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) and 3,3',5'-triiodothyronine (rT3) could be reproduced in intensively stimulated thyroids, and to elucidate whether an increase in the fractional deiodination of thyroxine (T4) to T3 and rT3 during iodothyronine secretion might be responsible for the transient fall in the T4/T3 and T4/rT3 ratios in thyroid secretion seen in the early phase after stimulation of thyroid secretion. For this purpose T4, T3 and rT3 were measured in effluent from isolated dog thyroid lobes perfused in a non-recirculation system using a synthetic hormone free medium. 1 mmol/1 propylthiouracil induced a significant reduction in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulated T3 and rT3 release while the release of T4 was unaffected. This supports our previous conclusion that T4 is partially monodeiodinated to T3 and rT3 during thyroid secretion. Infusion of 1 mmol/l propylthiouracil for 30 min or 3 mmol/l propylthiouracil for 120 min did not abolish the transient fall in effluent T4/T3 and T4/rT3 induced by TSH stimulation. Thus, this phenomenon seems not to depend on intrathyroidal iodothyronine deiodinating processes.

Animals↗

Effect of propylthiouracil on liver cell development in the male albino mouse: protective effect against ethanol-induced alterations.

The aim of the present study is to analyze whether the addition of propylthiouracil reverts the influence of ethanol on the development of periportal and pericentral hepatocytes and their nuclei in male albino mice. Propylthiouracil-treated animals showed decreased cellular and nuclear areas when compared with the control animals, except for the 180-day-old animals, whose pericentral cells and nuclei were greater than those of the controls and exhibited fatty infiltration. Pericentral hepatocytes and nuclei of the ethanol-fed animals showed an increase of their sizes, especially in 180-day-old animals. In contrast, hepatocyte and nuclear sizes of the animals treated with both propylthiouracil and ethanol were similar to those of the control group, suggesting a protective effect of propylthiouracil against the ethanol-induced alterations.

Animals↗

Long-term treatment of alcoholic liver disease with propylthiouracil. Part 2: Influence of drop-out rates and of continued alcohol consumption in a clinical trial.

Although propylthiouracil has previously been shown to reduce the risk of mortality in alcoholic liver disease by 60%, generalized use of propylthiouracil for this condition has not occurred. Additional data are therefore presented on four aspects to provide a better assessment of its therapeutic effectiveness. First, the characteristics and the prognosis of dropouts were virtually identical in both the drug and placebo groups. Also the methodology and analysis employed, were designed to control for dropouts, thus providing an accurate interpretation of the outcome. Secondly, since 97% of the patients continued to drink, abstinence was not a precondition for the beneficial effect of propylthiouracil. However, the beneficial effect was observed most clearly in those patients who continued to drink at lower levels, whereas lower level drinking per se did not afford protection in placebo patients. Thirdly, serious side effects or clinical hypothyroidism occurred extremely rarely in these patients, many of whom have now received propylthiouracil for over 4 years. Fourthly, we discuss why the outcome in long-term clinical trials in alcoholic liver disease cannot be compared with effects observed in clinical trials lasting only a few weeks. Journal of Hepatology.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

Antibodies to myeloperoxidase in propylthiouracil-induced autoimmune disease in the cat.

Cats are known to develop a lupus-like syndrome similar to that observed in humans when treated with propylthiouracil. We have previously demonstrated that propylthiouracil and other drugs associated with lupus are oxidized in the presence of myeloperoxidase to reactive intermediates. We postulated that these reactive metabolites could modify myeloperoxidase resulting in anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies and possibly be responsible for the lupus-like syndrome. Five cats were treated with propylthiouracil and 2 developed the lupus-like syndrome as well as anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies. These appeared to correlate better with disease than antinuclear antibodies. The antibodies were true autoantibodies because the myeloperoxidase used to detect the antibodies did not require treatment with propylthiouracil. In a subsequent study in which the cat food contained a higher level of taurine, none of the animals developed the autoimmune syndrome. It is possible that diet also plays an important role in the development of such adverse reactions.

Animals↗

Stimulation of mouse liver glutathione S-transferase activity in propylthiouracil-treated mice in vivo by tri-iodothyronine.

Female C57Bl/6J mice were given drinking water containing 0.05% propylthiouracil to induce a hypothyroid condition. Mitochondrial glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity, used as an index of hypothyroidism, was 57.1 +/- 4.5 and 29.4 +/- 3.8 nmol/min per mg of protein for control and propylthiouracil-treated animals respectively. Administration of tri-iodothyronine resulted in an approx. 4.5-fold increase in dehydrogenase activity in propylthiouracil-treated animals. A dose-dependent increase in hepatic GSH S-transferase activity in propylthiouracil-treated animals was observed at tri-iodothyronine concentrations ranging from 2 to 200 micrograms/100 g body wt. This increase in transferase activity was seen only when 1,2-epoxy-3-(p-nitrophenoxy)propane was used as substrate for the transferase. Transferase activity with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene as substrate was decreased by tri-iodothyronine. Administration of actinomycin D (75 micrograms/100 g body wt.) inhibited the tri-iodothyronine induction of transferase activity. Results of these studies strongly suggest that tri-iodothyronine administration markedly affected the activities of GSH S-transferase by inducing a specific isoenzyme of GSH S-transferase and suppressing other isoenzymic activities.

Animals↗

Single daily dose of methimazole compared to every 8 hours propylthiouracil in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.

This study to compare single-dose and multiple-dose antithyroid therapy was prompted by a perceived lack of compliance in our University Medical Clinics by those patients using multidose regimens. Twenty-two hyperthyroid patients were randomly assigned to two therapy groups. Twelve received methimazole (Tapazole) 30 mg once daily in the morning; 10 received propylthiouracil 100 mg every 8 hours. Patients were seen every 4 weeks for 3 months and assessed clinically, as well as having the appropriate thyroid tests done. Univariate analysis revealed no difference in the two groups at baseline. Posttreatment assessment revealed the once-a-day methimazole therapy to be just as effective as propylthiouracil in improving thyroid indices and clinical markers. Compliance with methimazole was 83.3% compared to 53.3% with propylthiouracil. In conclusion, once-a-day methimazole was just as effective as propylthiouracil every 8 hours in this population. Compliance was also improved with the once-a-day therapy.

Drug Administration Schedule↗

Recovery from foetal hypothyroidism: evidence for the safety of breast-feeding while taking propylthiouracil.

We assessed the post-natal thyroid function in eight infants of mothers with Graves' disease whose thyroid function at birth was suppressed by maternal ingestion of propylthiouracil during pregnancy. These mothers continued taking propylthiouracil after delivery and breast-fed exclusively (two mothers supplemented their breast milk with a small amount of baby food). The cord free T4 level was slightly but uniformly below the normal range in all eight infants, and the cord TSH level was above the normal in seven infants. The dose of propylthiouracil after delivery ranged from 50 to 300 mg daily, which was equal to, or higher than, that before delivery. All these abnormal values normalized in the infant after birth. Serum samples, from seven of the eight mothers, taken at delivery were examined for TSH receptor antibodies; all were positive. The antibody titre, however, was too low, and/or free T4 and TSH levels were examined too long after delivery, for the antibodies to be the cause of the restoration of the infants' thyroid function. These results assure the safety of breast-feeding for the infants of mothers with Graves' disease taking propylthiouracil.

Adult↗

In-vivo evaluation in man of a hydrophilic matrix containing propylthiouracil.

To reduce the number of administrations of propylthiouracil required to treat hyperthyroidism, the bioavailability and sustained-release characteristics of 300 mg propylthiouracil formulated in hydrophilic matrix tablets were evaluated after single oral administration in healthy male volunteers. A conventional tablet was chosen as the reference formulation. For tablets formulated from three different types of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, K15M, K4M and K100LV, propylthiouracil dissolution in-vitro was 40%, 51% and 100%, respectively, in 8 h. The three matrix formulations showed sustained plasma concentration-time profiles. The relative bioavailability was 50, 51 and 87%, respectively, for K4M, K15M and K100LV hydroxypropylmethylcellulose matrix tablets. When reverse triiodothyronine concentrations were plotted against the corresponding propylthiouracil concentrations, an antihysteresis loop was observed with the conventional tablets and the K100LV matrix tablet. A linear concentration-response curve was obtained for both the K4M and K15M formulations. The results showed that the K100LV matrix tablet gave a sustained plasma concentration-time profile and a bioavailability and extrathyroidal effect similar to that of a conventional tablet.

Adolescent↗

Effect of propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroidism on phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and sphingomyelin synthesis in chick liver microsomes.

Biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and sphingomyelin was studied in liver endoplasmic reticulum obtained from newly hatched chicks which were made hypothyroid by feeding 0.2% propylthiouracil. In vitro measurements were made of the specific activities of phosphorylcholine-glyceride (cholinephosphotransferase (EC 2.7.8.2), hosphorylethanolamine-glyceride (ethanolamine-phosphotransferase (EC 2.7.8.1)), and phosphorylcholine-ceramide (ceramide cholinephosphotransferase (EC 2.7.8.3)) transferases in control and hypothyroid chick liver for a period of 40 days. The specific activity of all three transferases began to decline after the chicks were on the propylthiouracil-containing diet for 5 days and steadily declined, reaching levels 10-15% of the controls after 15 days. These low levels were maintained for as long as the chicks were on this diet. Administration of L-thyroxine (15 mug/100 g of body weight) to the hypothyroid chicks caused a marked increase in the specific activities of all three transferases, reaching levels similar to those seen in the control chicks in 36-48 h. The specific activities then declined as the chicks were maintained on the diet of propylthiouracil, reaching the former low levels after 120 h. Administration of cycloheximide alone to the hypothyroid chicks caused a rise in the specific activities of the transferases after 24 h approximately equal to that caused by thyroxine alone, while thyroxine and cycloheximide together were no different than either alone. These studies indicate that in some manner circulating thyroxine controls the activities of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and sphingomyelin in chick liver endoplasmic reticulum. There was no evidence that induction of hypothyroidism by propylthiouracil had any effect on the activities of these enzymes in the CNS.

Animals↗

Chronic administration of propylthiouracil ameliorates hyperdynamic circulation in portal hypertensive rats.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a hypothyroid state, induced by chronic propylthiouracil administration, on splanchnic and systemic hemodynamic parameters in rats with portal hypertension due to portal vein ligation. METHODS: Portal hypertension was induced by surgical stenosis of the portal vein. Cardiac index and portal blood flow were measured using radioactive microspheres. Measurements were performed after treatment with propylthiouracil (1 mg/ml in drinking water) for 5 days. RESULTS: Propylthiouracil-treated portal hypertensive rats had a lower portal pressure (12.4 +/- 1.9 versus 16.3 +/- 0.7 mmHg; p < 0.05) and portal blood flow (11.6 +/- 0.7 versus 13.2 +/- 1.3 ml/min/100 g; p < 0.05) than non-treated animals. Splanchnic vasoconstriction in treated animals was associated with a higher peripheral vascular resistance (2.3 +/- 0.4 versus 1.8 +/- 0.3 mmHg/ml/min/100 g; p < 0.05) than controls. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that portal pressure can be lowered by inducing a hypothyroid state by chronic administration of propylthiouracil.

Animals↗

Fulminant hepatic failure associated with propylthiouracil.

OBJECTIVE: To report 2 fatal cases of fulminant hepatic failure associated with propylthiouracil treatment against hyperthyroidism. CASE SUMMARY: Two women, 30 and 32 years old with no previous liver disease, were treated with propylthiouracil against Graves' disease. Both patients developed jaundice after a 4- and 5-month treatment period, respectively. The disease was similar to viral hepatitis, with a progressive course to severe liver dysfunction and death, along with multisystem organ failure despite extensive therapeutic measures. One of the patients was pregnant and subsequently miscarried. Neither patient had a history of alcoholism, drug abuse, blood transfusion, or exposure to hepatitis A, B, or C. Extrahepatic obstruction was ruled out with an abdominal ultrasonogram. Serologic studies and immunologic tests were negative. A submassive necrosis was shown in a postmortem histologic study. DISCUSSION: Naranjo probability scale criteria applied to both cases confirm the adverse reactions as probable. These cases fit the requirements of drug hepatotoxicity proposed by Hanson and the Council of the International Organization of Medical Sciences. Eight deaths associated to propylthiouracil were found in our review of the medical literature up to December 2000. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the widespread use of propylthiouracil, fulminant hepatitis with death is exceptionally rare; these 2 cases could be added to the fatal outcomes published to date.

Adult↗