Research Paper On Thalidomide

Thalidomide was originally invented in the 1950s by the Swiss pharmaceutical company. It was then initially released by the German company Chemie Grunenthalas in 1957 and was advertised to be one of the safest sedative drugs which is non-addictive (Kim & Scialli, 2011). Additionally, due to its effect in helping pregnant women to reduce the symptoms of morning sickness, thalidomide became widespread around the world; it was sold in more than 40 countries and was known as different names; for example, Distaval in Australia or Contergan in Germany (Vargesson, 2009). In spite of its popularity, thalidomide was banned in most countries after few years due to its tragical impact in neonates. In 1961, thalidomide was soon confirmed by two independent
Hanse, Gong, Philbert, and Harris (2002) report that thalidomide can damage the cells and lead to teratogenicity by increasing the amount of oxygen radicals produced and inducing oxidative stress. On the other side, in their study, Stephens, Bunde and Fillmore (2000) demonstrate that thalidomide tends to inhibit angiogenesis by reducing the production of IGF-1 and FGF-2. IGF-1 and FGF-2 are the factors that play a role in stimulating the first step of alpha 5- and beta 3-integrin subunit genes expression, which leads to the stimulation of the formation of new blood vessels. Another study of Ito, Ando, Suzuki, Ogura, Hotta, Imamura, Yamaguchi, and Handa (2010) provides evidence to support that CRBN - a thalidomide-binding protein – can damage Cullin-4A and DNA binding protein 1, which are the essential factors for the limb
In his study, Stroud (2005) suggests that thalidomide has a positive impact in treating cancer due to its antiangiogenic effect and reducing the results of cachexia including weight loss, a loss of appetite or progressive muscle atrophy. Its positive activity in anti-inflammation is also used in treating severe ENL (Erythema nodosum leprosum). However, Prommer, Twycross, Myhalyo, & Wilcock (2011) point out that using thalidomide can lead to a variety of adverse effects. For example, almost patients may experience constipation, weakness, dizziness, fatigue and mild decrease in bowel motility (Prommer, Twycross, Myhalyo, & Wilcock, 2011); other side effects of that drug can be arrhythmia, hypotension, edema, sinus bradycardia, orthostatic hypotension, severe skin reactions, tumor flare, increased lymphadenopathy, enlargement of the spleen, seizures, altered temperature sensitivity, irregular menstrual cycles, hypothyroidism or an increase in HIV viral