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Dr Sandra Sacre, BSMS

A new study by a molecular biologist in the Brighton and Sussex Medical School (BSMS) has found that Prozac and another common antidepressant may provide drug-development opportunities for rheumatoid arthritis. 

Research by Dr Sandra Sacre, Lecturer in Molecular Biology at BSMS, studied the anti-inflammatory potential of fluoxetine (Prozac) and citalopram (Celexa), which are both drugs of a type known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Both of these SSRIs exhibited anti-arthritic effects in rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the joints. This inflammation eventually erodes the cartilage between the joints - causing pain, stiffness, joint deformity and physical disability.

Dr Sacre said: "We were interested in SSRIs because of their reported anti-inflammatory effects.

"Prior studies have shown that patients with depression who respond to treatment with SSRIs display a reduction in cytokine levels (signals that can induce inflammation), suggesting a connection between SSRIs and the immune system.

"Our studies observed reduced inflammation, reduced cartilage and bone erosion, and a preservation of the joint structure."

However, the levels of the SSRIs required to halt progression of the disease are higher than those normally prescribed for depression.

"Our data suggests that effective inhibition of rheumatoid arthritis would require levels of the drugs higher than the safe therapeutic dosages," said Dr Sacre.

She suggested that further study may uncover drugs that offer an effective treatment of rheumatoid arthritis in the future.

The full findings are published in the March issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology.