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

Abstract

Context Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant drug with analgesic activity for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Aims To valuate the toxicity of pregabalin in reproductive parameters, spermatogenesis, and teratogenicity in the offspring of mice. Methods Twenty 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 results In 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. Conclusion Results suggest that pregabalin had toxic effects on the reproductive function of male mice and teratogenic potential. Implications The findings of this study may provide new hypotheses, taking into account the risk–benefit ratio for male reproduction and offspring health.