Disulfiram for the treatment of cocaine dependence.

BACKGROUND: Cocaine is a psychostimulant used by approximately 0.4% of the general population worldwide. Cocaine dependence is a chronic mental disorder characterised by the inability to control cocaine use and a host of severe medical and psychosocial complications. There is current no approved pharmacological treatment for cocaine dependence. Some researchers have proposed disulfiram, a medication approved to treat alcohol use disorder. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 2010. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of disulfiram for the treatment of cocaine dependence. SEARCH METHODS: We updated our searches of the following databases to August 2022: the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group Specialised Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO. We also searched for ongoing and unpublished studies via two trials registries. We handsearched the references of topic-related systematic reviews and included studies. The searches had no language restrictions. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials that evaluated disulfiram alone or associated with psychosocial interventions versus placebo, no intervention, other pharmacological interventions, or any psychosocial intervention for the treatment of cocaine dependence. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS: Thirteen studies (1191 participants) met our inclusion criteria. Disulfiram versus placebo or no treatment Disulfiram compared to placebo may increase the number of people who are abstinent at the end of treatment (point abstinence; risk ratio (RR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05 to 2.36; 3 datasets, 142 participants; low-certainty evidence). However, compared to placebo or no pharmacological treatment, disulfiram may have little or no effect on frequency of cocaine use (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.11 standard deviations (SDs), 95% CI -0.39 to 0.17; 13 datasets, 818 participants), amount of cocaine use (SMD -0.00 SDs, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.30; 7 datasets, 376 participants), continuous abstinence (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.80 to 1.91; 6 datasets, 386 participants), and dropout for any reason (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.92 to 1.55; 14 datasets, 841 participants). The certainty of the evidence was low for all these outcomes. We are unsure about the effects of disulfiram versus placebo on dropout due to adverse events (RR 12.97, 95% CI 0.77 to 218.37; 1 study, 67 participants) and on the occurrence of adverse events (RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.35 to 25.98), because the certainty of the evidence was very low for these outcomes. Disulfiram versus naltrexone Disulfiram compared with naltrexone may reduce the frequency of cocaine use (mean difference (MD) -1.90 days, 95% CI -3.37 to -0.43; 2 datasets, 123 participants; low-certainty evidence) and may have little or no effect on amount of cocaine use (SMD 0.12 SDs, 95% CI -0.27 to 0.51, 2 datasets, 123 participants; low-certainty evidence). We are unsure about the effect of disulfiram versus naltrexone on dropout for any reason (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.32, 3 datasets, 131 participants) and dropout due to adverse events (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.07 to 3.55; 1 dataset, 8 participants), because the certainty of the evidence was very low for these outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that disulfiram compared to placebo may increase point abstinence. However, disulfiram compared to placebo or no pharmacological treatment may have little or no effect on frequency of cocaine use, amount of cocaine use, continued abstinence, and dropout for any reason. We are unsure if disulfiram has any adverse effects in this population. Caution is required when transferring our results to clinical practice.

Disulfiram ameliorates bleomycin induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis in rats.

Bleomycin (BL) is a widely used anticancer drug that can cause pulmonary fibrosis due to increased fibroblast proliferation and increased secretion of extracellular matrix. RASSF1A is a tumor suppressor gene that is down-regulated by DNA methylation during fibrosis. Disulfiram (DSF), a noncytosine DNA methyltransferase inhibitor, can revert epigenetic biomarkers and re-express silenced genes. We investigated anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of DSF on regulation of epigenetic molecules and histopathology in a rat model of BL induced pulmonary fibrosis. We used six groups of rats: sesame oil (SO) control (Co) group, BL group, BL + SO group and three BL + DSF groups administered 1 mg/kg DSF (BL + DSF), 10 mg/kg DSF (BL + DSF10) or 100 mg/kg DSF (BL + DSF100), respectively. BL was administered intratracheally to induce pulmonary fibrosis. DSF and SO were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) 2 days before BL administration; these injections were continued for 3 weeks. At the end of the study, lung tissues were removed for molecular and histopathologic studies. Administration of 10 or 100 mg/kg DSF after BL induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, and up-regulated RASSF1A and down-regulated TNF-α and IL-1 ß compared to the BL and BL + SO groups. A RASSF1A unmethylated band was observed using the methylation-specific PCR technique in rats that had been administered 10 and 100 mg/kg DSF, which indicated partial DNA demethylation. Histopathologic evaluation revealed that fibrosis and all inflammatory scores were decreased significantly in the BL + DSF10 and BL + DSF100 groups compared to the BL group. Our findings indicate that DSF modified DNA methylation by up-regulating RASSF1A, which reduced inflammation and fibrosis in BL induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis.

Aversive Reaction Between Disulfiram and Betel Quid Among Inpatients With Alcohol Use Disorder in Bhutan: A Preliminary Study.

Betel quid (BQ) is commonly used in the Asia-Pacific region. Disulfiram is prescribed for people with alcohol use disorders (PwAUDs) after the completion of detoxification as an alternative to rehabilitation. This prospective observational study reported the aversive reactions and common symptoms of disulfiram and BQ in PwAUDs. Participants included PwAUDs admitted to the psychiatric ward at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital for detoxification, who were on Disulfiram and using BQ at the same time. Aversive reactions between disulfiram and BQ were observed for 100 patients over a year. Twenty participants showed aversive reactions between BQ and disulfiram. Common symptoms included sweating, diarrhea, dizziness, tremors, palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, and headache. Since PwAUDs in Bhutan are inducted on disulfiram after detoxification, and most use BQ simultaneously, this study will help inform health care providers to educate people about the aversive reactions of disulfiram and BQ.

Disulfiram-like Reaction With Ginaton: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Alcohol consumption, even minimal, can exacerbate the disulfiram-like reaction (also referred to as acetaldehyde syndrome) that occurs with the use of medications that impede the breakdown of acetaldehyde. Such medications include Ginaton, a proprietary tablet formulation of Ginkgo biloba extract commonly used in Europe, Asia, and the United States for cardiovascular and nervous system health. This article details such a case from China. Healthcare providers should be proactive in educating patients about the potential adverse reactions related to using Ginaton and the importance of avoiding alcohol consumption while using it. Patients should also be advised to disclose their alcohol-consumption habits and seek medical advice before initiating treatment with any medication or supplement during treatment with Ginaton.

Medication treatment for alcohol use disorder in special populations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a significant public health concern, with underutilized effective treatments, particularly in special populations. This article summarizes the current evidence and guidelines for treating AUD in special populations. METHODS: This article is a literature review that synthesizes the latest research on AUD treatment for special populations. We screened 242 articles and included 57 in our final review. RESULTS: There are four food and Drug Administration-approved medications for AUD (MAUD): disulfiram, oral naltrexone, extended-release injectable naltrexone (XR-NTX), and acamprosate. Naltrexone and disulfiram have the potential to cause liver toxicity, and acamprosate should be avoided in patients with severe kidney disease. Psychosocial treatments should be considered first-line for pregnant and nursing patients. Naltrexone is contraindicated in patients on opioids, as it may precipitate acute withdrawal. For patients experiencing homelessness, nonabstinent treatment goals may be more practical, and XR-NTX should be considered to improve adherence. Limited evidence suggests medication can improve AUD treatment outcomes in adolescents and young adults. For patients with poor treatment response despite adequate medication adherence, switching to a different medication and augmentation with psychosocial treatments should be considered. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the unique considerations for special populations with AUD is crucial, and addressing their special needs may improve their treatment outcomes. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Our study significantly contributes to the existing literature by summarizing crucial information for the treatment of AUD in special populations, highlighting distinct challenges, and emphasizing tailored approaches to improve overall health and well-being.

Can Metronidazole Cause a Disulfiram-Like Reaction? A Case-Control Study Propensity Matched by Age, Sex, and Ethanol Concentration.

INTRODUCTION: There is controversy over the existence of a metronidazole-induced disulfiram-like reaction. Uncontrolled case reports suggest metronidazole can cause a severe disulfiram-like reaction in combination with ethanol. Criticism of these cases suggest the observed effects appear to be as likely caused by ethanol as by a drug interaction. Controlled experimental data refute these reports, demonstrating metronidazole does not increase acetaldehyde and cannot reliably produce disulfiram-like reactions. The purpose of this study is to retrospectively assess the incidence of clinical effects consistent with a disulfiram-like reaction in a population of patients with confirmed ethanol use who received metronidazole. As alcohol may also be responsible for the effects seen, the incidence of effects is assessed against a control group matched for age, sex, and ethanol concentration. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed from December 1, 2010, through December 31, 2020 on emergency department patients with ethanol use confirmed via detectable ethanol concentration who received metronidazole while ethanol was predicted to still be present in the serum. A matched comparator group with the same ethanol concentrations, as well as sex and age, was generated for comparison. The incidence of disulfiram-like reaction symptoms documented in the medical record was compared between groups. RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were included in the study: 18 in the metronidazole group and 18 in the ethanol concentration matched control group. The mean age in both groups was 46 years. The metronidazole group was 50% male, and the mean ethanol concentration was 0.21 g/dL. The control group was 44.4% male. There was significantly less hypertension in the metronidazole group compared to the control group (16.7% vs 61.1%, P $lt; 0.0001). There were no other significant difference in disulfiram-like effects between the two groups. No patients who received metronidazole and had a detectable ethanol concentration had a suspected disulfiram-like reaction documented in the medical record. CONCLUSIONS: This data set further supports the lack of a disulfiram-like reaction when metronidazole is used in patients with recent ethanol use in the acute care setting. Additionally, it highlights that the clinical effects of a disulfiram-like reactions may be present at baseline from ethanol ingestion or underlying disease regardless of metronidazole use. These findings are consistent with well-controlled human and animal data demonstrating no increase in acetaldehyde concentrations or disulfiram-like symptoms when metronidazole is co-administered with ethanol. In patients where metronidazole is indicated as the superior agent, its use should not be avoided due to concern about an interaction with ethanol.

Disulfiram reduces the severity of mouse acute pancreatitis by inhibiting RIPK1-dependent acinar cell necrosis.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a frequent abdominal inflammatory disease. Despite the high morbidity and mortality, the management of AP remains unsatisfactory. Disulfiram (DSF) is an FDA-proved drug with potential therapeutic effects on inflammatory diseases. In this study, we aim to investigate the effect of DSF on pancreatic acinar cell necrosis, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Cell necrosis was induced by sodium taurocholate or caerulein, AP mice model was induced by nine hourly injections of caerulein. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation were used to explore the potential targets of DSF in protecting against cell necrosis. The results indicated that DSF significantly inhibited acinar cell necrosis as evidenced by a decreased ratio of necrotic cells in the pancreas. Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation identified RIPK1 as a potent target of DSF in protecting against acinar cell necrosis. qRT-PCR analysis revealed that DSF decreased the mRNA levels of RIPK1 in freshly isolated pancreatic acinar cells and the pancreas of AP mice. Western blot showed that DSF treatment decreased the expressions of RIPK1 and MLKL proteins. Moreover, DSF inhibited NF-κB activation in acini. It also decreased the protein expression of TLR4 and the formation of neutrophils extracellular traps (NETs) induced by damage-associated molecular patterns released by necrotic acinar cells. Collectively, DSF could ameliorate the severity of mouse acute pancreatitis by inhibiting RIPK-dependent acinar cell necrosis and the following formation of NETs.

Disulfiram protects against abdominal aortic aneurysm by ameliorating vascular smooth muscle cells pyroptosis.

PURPOSE: Recent studies demonstrated that pyroptosis is involved in abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression, suggesting a potential target for AAA treatment. This study aimed to identify if disulfiram could inhibit angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) damage, thereby exerting protective effects on AAA. METHODS: The AAA mouse model was established by continuous subcutaneous Ang II infusion for 28 days. Then aortic tissue of the mice was isolated and subjected to RNA sequencing, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence staining. To explore the therapeutic effect of disulfiram, mice were orally administered disulfiram (50 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 28 days accompanied with Ang II infusion. Pathological changes in aortic tissues were measured using microultrasound imaging analysis and histopathological analysis. In addition, inflammatory response, pyroptosis, and oxidative stress damage were examined in mouse aortic vascular smooth muscle (MOVAS) cells stimulated with Ang II in vitro. RESULTS: The RNA sequencing and bioinformatic analysis results suggested that pyroptosis- and inflammation-related genes were significantly upregulated in AAA, consistent with the results of qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Most importantly, the therapeutic effect of disulfiram on AAA was identified in our study. First, disulfiram administration significantly attenuated Ang II-induced inflammation, pyroptosis, and oxidative stress in VSMCs, which is associated with the inhibition of the NF-κB-NLRP3 pathway. Second, in-vivo studies revealed that disulfiram treatment reduced AAA formation and significantly ameliorated collagen deposition and elastin degradation in the aortic wall. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that disulfiram has a novel protective effect against AAA by inhibiting Ang II-induced VSMCs pyroptosis.

Intranasal disulfiram-induced encephalopathy: clinical and neuroimage findings. / Encefalopatía inducida por disulfiram intranasal: resultados clínicos y de neuroimagen.

INTRODUCTION: Disulfiram-induced-encephalopathy is a rare complication that has been well described in adults. Although it usually occurs in acute intoxication with high doses of disulfiram, late onset encephalopathy has also been reported. Some authors propose the inhibition of dopamine beta-hydroxylase mediated by toxic metabolites of disulfiram as the main responsible, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. The aim of this report was to describe the clinical and neuroimaging findings in an unusual case of acute encephalitis due to disulfiram toxicity associated to chronic intranasal consume. CASE REPORT: A chronic alcoholic who referred snorted use of a very high dose of disulfiram without simultaneous alcohol intake developed an acute encephalopathy with a rapidly progressive respiratory failure. A characteristic neuroimage finding consisting in extensive bilateral symmetric involvement of both pallidal nuclei was described. Recovery and neurologic improvement were slow. Two months after the intoxication, the patient still had slight intentional tremor and a scheduled magnetic resonance imaging. showed evolution of symmetrical areas of cytotoxic edema to necrosis. CONCLUSION: Disulfiram-induced neurotoxicity must be suspect during chronic therapy with disulfiram or after acute ingestion of high doses. Symptoms such as symmetric sensory and motor neuropathy, confusion, catatonia, parkinsonism, ataxia, choreoathetosis, seizures and encephalopathy should make us rule out this disorder. A brain imaging test should be performed in these patients since a characteristic involvement of both nuclei pallidus has been described, but it is not present in all patients.

TITLE: Encefalopatía inducida por disulfiram intranasal: resultados clínicos y de neuroimagen.Introducción. La encefalopatía inducida por disulfiram es una complicación rara que se ha descrito en adultos, generalmente en intoxicaciones agudas, aunque también se ha comunicado en forma de encefalopatía de aparición tardía. Su mecanismo fisiopatológico se desconoce con exactitud, pero se atribuye a un posible papel en la inhibición de la dopamina beta-hidroxilasa mediada por metabolitos tóxicos del disulfiram. El objetivo de este trabajo fue describir los hallazgos clínicos y en la neuroimagen en un caso inusual de encefalopatía aguda tóxica inducida por un consumo intranasal crónico de disulfiram. Caso clínico. Paciente de 48 años con enolismo crónico que refirió el uso inhalado por vía intranasal de una dosis muy elevada de disulfiram sin ingesta simultánea de alcohol desarrolló una encefalopatía aguda con insuficiencia respiratoria rápidamente progresiva. La neuroimagen reveló una extensa afectación simétrica bilateral de ambos núcleos pálidos, un hallazgo característico en esta intoxicación. La recuperación neurológica fue lenta. Dos meses después de la intoxicación, el paciente presentaba un ligero temblor intencional residual y una resonancia magnética mostró una evolución de las áreas simétricas de edema citotóxico a necrosis. Conclusión. La neurotoxicidad inducida por disulfiram debe sospecharse durante el tratamiento crónico con disulfiram o después de una ingesta aguda de dosis elevadas. La presencia de síntomas como una neuropatía sensitivomotora simétrica, confusión, catatonía, parkinsonismo, ataxia, coreoatetosis, convulsiones y encefalopatía nos debe obligar a descartar este trastorno. La neuroimagen debe considerarse en este escenario, ya que se ha descrito una afectación característica de ambos núcleos pálidos.

Pharmacotherapies for Adults With Alcohol Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine medications' comparative efficacy and safety for adults with alcohol use disorders. METHODS: We searched eleven electronic data sources for randomized clinical trials with at least 4 weeks of treatment reporting on alcohol consumption (total abstinence and reduced heavy drinking), dropouts, and dropouts due to adverse events. We conducted network meta-analyses using random-effects, frequentist models, and calculated summary rate ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We included 156 trials (N = 27,334). Nefazodone (RR = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.42-3.13), aripiprazole (RR = 1.97; 95% CI, 1.36-2.88), carbamazepine (RR = 1.85; 95% CI, 1.03-3.32), and nalmefene (RR = 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01-1.35) were associated with the most dropouts. Baclofen (RR = 0.83; 95% CI, 0.70-0.97) and pregabalin (RR = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.43-0.94) caused fewer dropouts than placebo. Nalmefene (RR = 3.26; 95% CI, 2.34-4.55), fluvoxamine (RR = 3.08; 95% CI, 1.59-5.94), and topiramate (RR=2.18; 95% CI, 1.36-3.51) caused more dropouts from adverse events over placebo. Gamma-hydroxy-butyrate (RR = 1.90; 95% CI, 1.03-3.53), baclofen (RR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.39-2.34), disulfiram (RR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.39-2.10), gabapentin (RR = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.04-2.67), acamprosate (RR = 1.33; 95% CI, 1.15-1.54), and oral naltrexone (RR = 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01-1.32) improved total abstinence over placebo (Fig. 3C). For reduced heavy drinking, disulfiram (RR = 0.19; 95% CI, 0.10-0.35), baclofen (RR = 0.72; 95% CI, 0.57-0.91), acamprosate (RR = 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70-0.86), and oral naltrexone (RR = 0.81; 95% CI, 0.73-0.90) were efficacious against placebo. CONCLUSIONS: The current meta-analyses provide evidence that several medications for AUDs are effective and safe and encourage the expanded use of these medications in the clinical setting. Our review found that acamprosate (2-3 g/d), disulfiram (250-500 mg/d), baclofen (30 mg/d), and oral naltrexone (50 mg/d) had the best evidence for improving abstinence and heavy drinking for patients with AUD. PROSPERO: CRD42020208946.

Use of Neuromuscular Ultrasound in the Diagnosis of Disulfiram Polyneuropathy.

ABSTRACT: We present the case of a 37-year-old woman with alcohol use disorder, who developed leg cramping, bilateral foot drop, and hand weakness 3 months after starting disulfiram. This was accompanied by an 18-pound involuntary weight loss. Electrophysiologic findings showed a motor predominant axonal neuropathy. Neuromuscular ultrasound showed normal to small cross-sectional area of all nerves studied. This case is discussed, and the ultrasound findings are compared with another reported case.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis-derived macrophage pyroptosis causes polycystic ovary syndrome via steroidogenesis disturbance and apoptosis of granulosa cells.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis is critical in the etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). However, the mechanisms of gut microbiota in PCOS pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated. We aimed to explore the role of gut microbiota-derived macrophage pyroptosis in PCOS. This study conducted dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) induced PCOS mice model, 16S rDNA sequencing, western blot, genetic knocking out, transcriptome and translatome profiling, et al. to evaluate the underlying mechanisms. 16S rDNA sequencing showed reduced gut Akkermansia and elevated gram-negative bacteria (Desulfovibrio and Burkholderia) abundances in DHEA induced PCOS mice, which was accompanied by increased serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS could induce macrophage pyroptosis in mice ovaries, also activated in PCOS. Gasdermin D (GSDMD) is the final executor of macrophage pyroptosis. We demonstrated that Gsdmd knockout in mice could dramatically ameliorate PCOS. Mechanistically, transcriptome and translatome profiling revealed that macrophage pyroptosis disrupted estrogen production and promoted apoptosis of granulosa cells. Interferon (IFN)-γ, which was elevated in PCOS mice serum and ovaries, enhanced macrophage pyroptosis and exacerbated its effect on estrogen receptor in granulosa cells. Inspiringly, we identified that disulfiram and metformin could augment gut Akkermansia abundance, reduce serum IFN-γ level, inhibit macrophage pyroptosis in ovaries, therefore ameliorating PCOS. Collectively, this study emphasizes that macrophage pyroptosis, which was induced by gut microbiota dysbiosis and enhanced by IFN-γ, plays a key role in PCOS pathogenesis through estrogen synthesis dysfunction and apoptosis of granulosa cells. Disulfiram and metformin, which enhanced gut Akkermansia abundance and suppressed macrophage pyroptosis, may be considered as potential therapeutic strategies for PCOS.

[The Practice of Medicinal Alcohol Withdrawal in the Psychiatry of the GDR - The Methods of Aversion and Disulfiram Treatment]. / Die Praxis der medikamentösen Alkoholentwöhnung in der Psychiatrie der DDR ­ Die Methoden der Aversions- und Disulfirambehandlung.

OBJECTIVE: The aversion and disulfiram treatment used for alcohol withdrawal in the GDR are described in their mode of action, application and in their therapeutic outcome. METHOD: In this literature study primarily works published in the GDR itself were identified, analysed and contextualised. RESULTS: While aversion therapy caused aversion to alcohol through the development of a conditioned reflex, disulfiram has an alcohol-sensitising effect. In therapeutic practice, the aversion therapy was largely replaced by disulfiram during the 1970 s, although there was no general guideline for its use. Disulfiram therapy could prove itself as a drug adjuvant, but was successively marginalised by psycho- and socio-therapeutic approaches. CONCLUSION: Both aversion and disulfiram therapy were the central drug procedures for the treatment of people with alcohol problems in the GDR psychiatric system, were applied inconsistently, and complemented a complex therapeutic regime.