Dapsone, More than an Effective Neuro and Cytoprotective Drug

Abstract

Background: Dapsone (4,4'-diamino-diphenyl sulfone) is a synthetic derivative of sulfones, with the antimicrobial activity described since 1937. It is also a drug traditionally used in dermatological therapies due to its anti-inflammatory effect. In recent years its antioxidant, antiexcitotoxic, and antiapoptotic effects have been described in different ischemic damage models, traumatic damage, and models of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's (PD) and Alzheimer's diseases (AD). Finally, dapsone has proven to be a safe and effective drug as a protector against heart, renal and pulmonary cells damage; that is why it is now employed in clinical trials with patients as a neuroprotective therapy by regulating the main mechanisms of damage that lead to cell death. Objective: To provide a descriptive review of the evidence demonstrating the safety and therapeutic benefit of dapsone treatment, evaluated in animal studies and various human clinical trials. Methods: We conducted a review of PubMed databases looking for scientific research in animals and humans, oriented to demonstrate the effect of dapsone on regulating and reducing the main mechanisms of damage that lead to cell death. Conclusion: The evidence presented in this review shows that dapsone is a safe and effective neuro and cytoprotective treatment that should be considered for translational therapy.