RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a commonly used inhaled anesthetic that is legal to purchase as a food additive and is popular as a recreational euphoric drug. Abuse causes a functional B12 deficiency, leading to clinical features and imaging consistent with subacute combined spinal cord degeneration (SCD). CASES: Poison Center medical records from four patients are reviewed in this series. Four patients presented with lower extremity weakness, paresthesias and gait abnormalities in the setting of chronic N2O abuse. Each reported using 50-150 N2O cartridges ("whippets") almost daily for months to years, and reported supplementing with oral B12 at the recommendation of other users and online forums. None reported prior B12 deficiency or dietary restrictions, and none exhibited hematologic abnormalities. RESULTS: All patients had clinical signs of neurotoxicity including weakness and ataxia. Additionally, all had elevated methylmalonic acid and homocysteine concentrations with normal B12 indicating a functional B12 deficiency. Three had imaging consistent with SCD despite home supplementation The MRI in the fourth case was inconclusive due to movement artifact. CONCLUSION: We report four cases of subacute combined degeneration induced by recreational nitrous oxide abuse despite self-administered vitamin B12 supplementation.
Asunto(s)
Drogas Ilícitas , Degeneración Combinada Subaguda , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias , Deficiencia de Vitamina B 12 , Suplementos Dietéticos/efectos adversos , Humanos , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Óxido Nitroso/efectos adversos , Degeneración Combinada Subaguda/inducido químicamente , Degeneración Combinada Subaguda/complicaciones , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/complicaciones , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/diagnóstico , Vitamina B 12/uso terapéutico , Vitamina B 12/toxicidad , Deficiencia de Vitamina B 12/inducido químicamente , Deficiencia de Vitamina B 12/complicaciones , Deficiencia de Vitamina B 12/diagnósticoRESUMEN
Nitrous oxide (N2O), also known as "laughing gas," is a colorless, nonirritating gas. Clinically, it is widely used as an inhaled anesthetic, analgesic, and anxiolytic. In recent years, recreational abuse of N2O has become increasingly common, especially among young adults and adolescents, but many of them lack awareness of the possible side effects associated with this drug. N2O abuse can damage multiple systems, especially the nervous system, but the exact mechanism of N2O toxicity remains controversial. At present, an increasing number of cases of nervous system damage caused by N2O abuse have been reported both at home and abroad. Discontinuation of N2O use and timely supplementation with vitamin B12 are essential for a good prognosis. Long-term abuse without timely treatment will eventually lead to irreversible neurological damage. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology of N2O abuse, neurotoxicity mechanisms, clinical manifestations, relevant auxiliary examinations, treatments, and prognosis to improve social awareness of N2O exposure risk, especially among users and clinicians.
Asunto(s)
Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Óxido Nitroso/toxicidad , Uso Recreativo de Drogas/tendencias , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/epidemiología , Humanos , Síndromes de Neurotoxicidad/diagnóstico , Síndromes de Neurotoxicidad/tratamiento farmacológico , Síndromes de Neurotoxicidad/epidemiología , Óxido Nitroso/administración & dosificación , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/diagnóstico , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/tratamiento farmacológico , Resultado del Tratamiento , Vitamina B 12/administración & dosificaciónRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Smoking mixtures containing synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) have become very popular over the last years but pose a serious risk for public health. Limited knowledge is, however, available regarding the acute effects of SCs on cognition and psychomotor performance. Earlier we demonstrated signs of impairment in healthy volunteers after administering one of the first SCs, JWH-018, even though subjective intoxication was low. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the acute effects of JWH-018 on several cognitive and psychomotor tasks in participants who are demonstrating representative levels of acute intoxication. METHODS: 24 healthy cannabis-experienced participants took part in this placebo-controlled, cross-over study. Participants inhaled the vapor of 75 µg JWH-018/kg body weight and were given a booster dose if needed to induce a minimum level of subjective high. They were subsequently monitored for 4 h, during which psychomotor and cognitive performance, vital signs, and subjective experience were measured, and serum concentrations were determined. RESULTS: Maximum subjective high (average 64%) was reached 30 min after administration of JWH-018, while the maximum blood concentration was shown after 5 min (8 ng/mL). JWH-018 impaired motor coordination (CTT), attention (DAT and SST), memory (SMT), it lowered speed-accuracy efficiency (MFFT) and slowed down response speed (DAT). CONCLUSION: In accordance with our previous studies, we demonstrated acute psychomotor and cognitive effects of a relatively low dose of JWH-018.
Asunto(s)
Cannabinoides/toxicidad , Cannabis/química , Disfunción Cognitiva/inducido químicamente , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Indoles/toxicidad , Naftalenos/toxicidad , Extractos Vegetales/toxicidad , Trastornos Psicomotores/inducido químicamente , Uso Recreativo de Drogas/psicología , Drogas Sintéticas/toxicidad , Administración por Inhalación , Adulto , Atención/efectos de los fármacos , Cannabinoides/administración & dosificación , Cannabinoides/sangre , Cognición/efectos de los fármacos , Disfunción Cognitiva/sangre , Estudios Cruzados , Método Doble Ciego , Femenino , Voluntarios Sanos , Humanos , Drogas Ilícitas/sangre , Indoles/administración & dosificación , Indoles/sangre , Masculino , Naftalenos/administración & dosificación , Naftalenos/sangre , Extractos Vegetales/administración & dosificación , Extractos Vegetales/sangre , Trastornos Psicomotores/sangre , Desempeño Psicomotor/efectos de los fármacos , Tiempo de Reacción/efectos de los fármacos , Memoria Espacial/efectos de los fármacos , Drogas Sintéticas/administración & dosificación , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
CONTEXT: Heavy metals, including thallium and lead, are introduced to illicit drug users' body as a result of using drugs such as cocaine and heroin. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine urine, blood, and hair thallium (Tl) concentrations in illicit opioid users along with the relevant clinical signs and symptoms consistent with thallotoxicosis and to compare them with the corresponding variables in the control non-opioid user group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This case-control study was conducted on 50 illicit opioid users who had abused opioids continuously for more than a year, referred to Amirie Drug Abuse Treatment Clinic in Kashan, Iran. The control group included 50 non-opioid users. Thallium concentrations in urine, blood, and hair were assessed in both groups (n = 100) using electrothermal (graphite furnace) atomic absorption spectrometry (ET AAS, GF AAS). RESULTS: In the studied group, the median (interquartile range) concentrations of thallium in urine, blood, and hair were 54.8 ± 79.9 µg/L, 14.5 ± 11.1 µg/L, and 5.4 ± 3.7 µg/g, respectively; these values were 4.8 ± 5.2 µg/L, 2.5 ± 2.4 µg/L, and 1.4 ± 1.1 µg/g, respectively, in the control group. There were significant differences in urine, blood, and hair thallium concentrations between the study group and the control group (p < 0.001). There were significant correlations between duration of illicit opioid use and urine thallium concentrations (r = 0.394, p = 0.005) and hair thallium concentrations (r = 0.293, p = 0.039), but not with blood thallium concentrations (r = 0.246, p = 0.085). Urine and blood thallium concentrations of illicit opioid users with clinical signs and symptoms consistent with thallotoxicosis of weakness (p = 0.01), depression (p = 0.03), and headache (p = 0.03) were higher than users without these problems. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The results of the study showed that thallium concentrations in urine, blood, and hair in illicit opioid users were significantly higher than the comparable concentrations in the control group. This can be due to the use of illicit opioids adulterated with thallium. Also, this study showed long-term illicit opioid use may lead to thallium exposure. In addition, cigarette smoking was associated with increased thallium exposure.
Asunto(s)
Cabello/química , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides , Talio , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Analgésicos Opioides/toxicidad , Estudios de Casos y Controles , Femenino , Heroína/toxicidad , Humanos , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Irán/epidemiología , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/sangre , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/epidemiología , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/metabolismo , Trastornos Relacionados con Opioides/orina , Opio/toxicidad , Talio/análisis , Talio/sangre , Talio/toxicidad , Talio/orina , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
The use of recreational drugs, including new psychoactive substances (NPS), is paralleled by emergency department visits of drug users with severe cardiotoxicity. Drug-induced cardiotoxicity can be the (secondary) result of increased norepinephrine blood concentrations, but data on potential drug-induced direct effects on cardiomyocyte function are scarce. The presence of hundreds of NPS therefore calls for efficient screening models to assess direct cardiotoxicity. We investigated effects of four reference compounds (3-30â¯nM dofetilide, nifedipine and isoproterenol, and 1-10⯵M mexiletine) and six recreational drugs (0.01-100⯵M cocaine, 0.01-1000⯵M amphetamine, MDMA, 4-fluoroamphetamine, α-PVP and MDPV) on cardiomyocyte function (beat rate, spike amplitude and field potential duration (FPDâ¯≈â¯QT interval in ECGs)), using Pluricyte® human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes cultured on ready-to-use CardioPlate™ multi-well microelectrode arrays (mwMEAs). Moreover, the effects of exposure to recreational drugs on cell viability were assessed. Effects of reference compounds were in accordance with the literature, indicating the presence of hERG potassium (dofetilide), sodium (mexiletine) and calcium (nifedipine) channels and α-adrenergic receptors (isoproterenol). All recreational drugs decreased the spike amplitude at 10-100⯵M. All amphetamine-type stimulants and α-PVP decreased the beat rate at 300⯵M, while cocaine and MDPV did so at 10⯵M and 30⯵M, respectively. All drugs increased the FPD, however at varying concentrations. MDMA, MDPV and amphetamine affected cardiomyocyte function at concentrations relevant for human exposure, while other drugs affected cardiomyocyte function only at higher concentrations (≥ 10⯵M). Cell viability was only mildly affected at concentrations well above the lowest concentrations affecting cardiomyocyte function. We demonstrate that MEA recordings of hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes enable screening for acute, direct effects on cardiomyocyte function. Our data further indicate that tachycardia in patients exposed to recreational drugs is likely due to indirect drug effects, while prolonged repolarization periods (prolonged QTc interval) could (partly) result from direct drug effects on cardiomyocyte function.
Asunto(s)
Cardiotoxicidad/etiología , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos/métodos , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Miocitos Cardíacos/efectos de los fármacos , Psicotrópicos/toxicidad , Alcaloides/toxicidad , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Células Cultivadas , Cocaína/toxicidad , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos/instrumentación , Humanos , Indoles/toxicidad , Células Madre Pluripotentes Inducidas , Síndrome de QT Prolongado/inducido químicamente , Microelectrodos , Miocitos Cardíacos/metabolismo , Pruebas de Toxicidad/instrumentación , Pruebas de Toxicidad/métodosRESUMEN
The number of new psychoactive substances (NPS), synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) in particular, is growing constantly. Because of the insufficiently explored effects on consumer health, they have become a major problem in the emergency departments. They are difficult to identify, and there are no antidotes that could reverse their detrimental effects. We report a case of poisoning of a young man who used SCs. The patient was admitted to the emergency department of the Clinical Hospital Merkur, Zagreb (Croatia) after sniffing and smoking a herbal product bought on the street. He presented with severe cognitive difficulties and visible eye redness. Other symptoms included somnolence, disorientation, loss of coordination, unsteady gait, hyporeflexia, stiffness, cramps and cold limbs, blurred vision, teeth grinding, dry mouth, tinnitus, fear, suicidal thoughts, impaired focus, memory, and speech, sedation, fatigue, depression, thought blocking, and autistic behaviour. His skin was dry, and his mucosa dry and irritated. Herbal products "Rainbow Special" and "Luminated Aroma" used by the patient were qualitatively analysed with gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS) after direct extraction with an organic solvent. Solid-phase extraction method was used to analyse serum and urine samples. Despite the negative findings of biological samples, mostly due to the limitations of GC/MS, the clinical picture infallibly pointed to the poisoning with SCs. This was confirmed by the findings of 5-fluoro AMB (methyl 2-(1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indazole-3-carboxamido)-3-methylbutanoate) in the herbal products.
Asunto(s)
Cannabinoides/toxicidad , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Extractos Vegetales/toxicidad , Intoxicación/etiología , Intoxicación/terapia , Psicotrópicos/toxicidad , Adulto , Croacia , Humanos , Masculino , Resultado del Tratamiento , Adulto JovenRESUMEN
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The different species of the genus Datura have been used traditionally by some pre-Columbian civilizations, as well as in medieval rituals linked to magic and witchcraft in both Mexico and Europe. It is also noteworthy the use of different alkaloids obtained from the plants for medicinal purposes in the treatment of various groups of diseases, especially of the respiratory and muscularskeletal systems. AIM OF THE STUDY: A review of the ethnobotanical uses of the genus Datura in Mexico and Spain has been conducted. We focus on the medicinal and ritualistic uses included in modern ethnobotanical studies, emphasizing the historical knowledge from post-colonial American Codices and medieval European texts. Datura's current social emergency as a drug of recreation and leisure, as well as its link to crimes of sexual abuse is also considered. The work is completed with some notes about the distribution and ecology of the different species and a phytochemical and pharmacological review of Datura alkaloids, necessary to understand their arrival in Europe and the ethnobotanical uses made since then MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature review and compilation of information on traditional medicinal uses of the genus has been carried out from the main electronic databases. Traditional volumes (codices) have also been consulted in libraries of different institutions. Consultations have been made with the National Toxicological Services of Spain and Mexico for toxicological data. RESULTS: A total of 118 traditional uses were collected in both territories, 111 medicinal ones to be applied in 76 conditions or symptoms included in 13 pathological groups. Although there are particular medicinal uses in the two countries, we found up to 15 similar uses, of which 80% were previously mentioned in post-Colonial American codices. Applications in the treatment of asthma and rheumatism are also highlighted. Apart from medicinal uses, it is worth noting their cultural and social uses, in the case of Mexico relating to diseases such as being scared, astonishment or falling in love, and in the case of Spain, as a recreational drug and lately, for criminal purposes. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the variety of uses traditionally given to the different species in both territories. The fact that most of the coincident or similar uses in both countries also appear in the classical codices can be found an example of the flow, not only of the plants from America to Europe, but also of their associated information. It is also relevant that particular uses have derived in both countries, reflecting the difference in the cultural factors and traditions linked to rituals and cultural practices. Finally, the significant growth of Datura consumption in recent years as a drug of leisure and recreation, as well as in crimes of sexual submission, should be considered as research of maximum relevance in the field of forensic botany and toxicology.
Asunto(s)
Datura , Etnobotánica/métodos , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Medicina Tradicional/métodos , Extractos Vegetales/uso terapéutico , Animales , Datura/genética , Etnobotánica/tendencias , Humanos , Drogas Ilícitas/química , Drogas Ilícitas/aislamiento & purificación , Medicina Tradicional/tendencias , México/etnología , Extractos Vegetales/química , Extractos Vegetales/aislamiento & purificación , Trastornos Respiratorios/tratamiento farmacológico , Trastornos Respiratorios/etnología , Solanaceae/genética , España/etnología , Especificidad de la EspecieRESUMEN
While the prevalence and the use of new psychoactive substances (NPS) is steadily increasing, data on pharmacological, toxicological and clinical effects is limited. Considering the large number of NPS available, there is a clear need for efficient in vitro screening techniques that capture multiple mechanisms of action. Neuronal cultures grown on multi-well microelectrode arrays (mwMEAs) have previously proven suitable for neurotoxicity screening of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and (illicit) drugs. We therefore used rat primary cortical cultures grown on mwMEA plates to investigate the effects of eight NPS (PMMA, α-PVP, methylone, MDPV, 2C-B, 25B-NBOMe, BZP and TFMPP) and two 'classic' illicit drugs (cocaine, methamphetamine) on spontaneous neuronal activity. All tested drugs rapidly and concentration-dependently decreased the weighted mean firing rate (wMFR) and the weighted mean burst rate (wMBR) during a 30â¯min acute exposure. Of the 'classic' drugs, cocaine most potently inhibited the wMFR (IC50 9.8⯵M), whereas methamphetamine and the structurally-related NPS PMMA were much less potent (IC50 100⯵M and IC50 112⯵M, respectively). Of the cathinones, MDPV and α-PVP showed comparable IC50 values (29⯵M and 21⯵M, respectively), although methylone was 10-fold less potent (IC50 235⯵M). Comparable 10-fold differences in potency were also observed between the hallucinogenic phenethylamines 2C-B (IC50 27⯵M) and 25B-NBOMe (IC50 2.4⯵M), and between the piperazine derivatives BZP (IC50 161⯵M) and TFMPP (IC50 19⯵M). All drugs also inhibited the wMBR and concentration-response curves for wMBR and wMFR were comparable. For most drugs, IC50 values are close to the estimated human brain concentrations following recreational doses of these drugs, highlighting the importance of this efficient in vitro screening approach for classification and prioritization of emerging NPS. Moreover, the wide range of IC50 values observed for these and previously tested drugs of abuse, both within and between different classes of NPS, indicates that additional investigation of structure-activity relationships could aid future risk assessment of emerging NPS.
Asunto(s)
Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos/métodos , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Psicotrópicos/toxicidad , Potenciales de Acción , Animales , Corteza Cerebral/efectos de los fármacos , Corteza Cerebral/fisiología , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos/instrumentación , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Concentración 50 Inhibidora , Microelectrodos , Neuronas/fisiología , Cultivo Primario de Células , Ratas WistarRESUMEN
Emerging trends in market dynamics and the use of new psychoactive substances are both a public health concern and a complex regulatory issue. One novel area of investigation is the availability of homemade opioids, amphetamines and dissociatives, and the potential fueling of interest in clandestine home manufacture of drugs via the Internet. We illustrate here how online communal folk pharmacology of homemade drugs on drug website forums may actually inform home manufacture practices or contribute to the reduction of harms associated with this practice. Discrepancies between online information around purification and making homemade drugs safer, and the synthesis of the same substances in a proper laboratory environment, exist. Moderation and shutdown of synthesis queries and discussions online are grounded in drug websites adhering to harm-reduction principles by facilitating discussions around purification of homemade drugs only. Drug discussion forums should consider reevaluating their policies on chemistry discussions in aiming to reach people who cannot or will not refrain from cooking their own drugs with credible information that may contribute to reductions in the harms associated with this practice.
Asunto(s)
Analgésicos Opioides/síntesis química , Analgésicos Opioides/toxicidad , Drogas Ilícitas/síntesis química , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Anfetaminas/síntesis química , Anfetaminas/toxicidad , Reducción del Daño , Humanos , Internet , Sistemas en LíneaRESUMEN
5-Methoxy-N,N-diisopropyltryptamine (5-MeO-DIPT, 'foxy') is one of the most popular tryptamine hallucinogens in the illicit drug market. It produces serious adverse effects, but its pharmacological profile is not well recognized. In vitro data have shown that 5-MeO-DIPT acts as a potent serotonin transporter (SERT) inhibitor and displays high affinity at serotonin 5-HT1A, 5-HT2A, and 5-HT2C receptors. In this study, using microdialysis in freely moving rats, we examined the effect of 5-MeO-DIPT on dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and glutamate release in the rat striatum, nucleus accumbens, and frontal cortex. In search of a possible neurotoxic effect of 5-MeO-DIPT, we measured DA and 5-HT tissue content in the above rat brain regions and also determined the oxidative DNA damage with the comet assay. Moreover, we tested drug-elicited head-twitch response and a forepaw treading induced by 8-OH-DPAT. 5-MeO-DIPT at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg increased extracellular DA, 5-HT, and glutamate level but the differences in the potency were found between brain regions. 5-MeO-DIPT increased 5-HT and decreased 5-HIAA tissue content which seems to result from SERT inhibition. On the other hand, a decrease in DA, DOPAC, and HVA tissue contents suggests possible adaptive changes in DA turnover or damage of DA terminals by 5-MeO-DIPT. DNA single and double-strand breaks persisted up to 60 days after the treatment, indicating marked neurotoxicity of 5-MeO-DIPT. The induction of head-twitch response and potentiation of forepaw treading induced by 8-OH-DPAT indicate that hallucinogenic activity seems to be mediated through the stimulation of 5-HT2A and 5-HT1A receptors by 5-MeO-DIPT.
Asunto(s)
5-Metoxitriptamina/análogos & derivados , Cuerpo Estriado/efectos de los fármacos , Lóbulo Frontal/efectos de los fármacos , Alucinógenos/toxicidad , Núcleo Accumbens/efectos de los fármacos , 5-Metoxitriptamina/toxicidad , 8-Hidroxi-2-(di-n-propilamino)tetralin/farmacología , Anfetaminas/farmacología , Análisis de Varianza , Animales , Cuerpo Estriado/metabolismo , Daño del ADN/efectos de los fármacos , Dopamina/metabolismo , Lóbulo Frontal/metabolismo , Ácido Glutámico/metabolismo , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Masculino , Microdiálisis , Actividad Motora/efectos de los fármacos , Actividad Motora/fisiología , N-Metil-3,4-metilenodioxianfetamina/toxicidad , Núcleo Accumbens/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas Wistar , Serotonina/metabolismoRESUMEN
Annual prevalence of the use of common illicit drugs and new psychoactive substances (NPS) is high, despite the often limited knowledge on the health risks of these substances. Recently, cortical cultures grown on multi-well microelectrode arrays (mwMEAs) have been used for neurotoxicity screening of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and toxins with a high sensitivity and specificity. However, the use of mwMEAs to investigate the effects of illicit drugs on neuronal activity is largely unexplored. We therefore first characterised the cortical cultures using immunocytochemistry and show the presence of astrocytes, glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons. Neuronal activity is concentration-dependently affected following exposure to six neurotransmitters (glutamate, GABA, serotonin, dopamine, acetylcholine and nicotine). Most neurotransmitters inhibit neuronal activity, although glutamate and acetylcholine transiently increase activity at specific concentrations. These transient effects are not detected when activity is determined during the entire 30min exposure window, potentially resulting in false-negative results. As expected, exposure to the GABAA-receptor antagonist bicuculline increases neuronal activity. Exposure to a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA-receptor (diazepam) or to glutamate receptor antagonists (CNQX and MK-801) reduces neuronal activity. Further, we demonstrate that exposure to common drugs (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and amphetamine) and NPS (1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP), 4-fluoroamphetamine (4-FA) and methoxetamine (MXE)) decreases neuronal activity. MXE most potently inhibits neuronal activity with an IC50 of 0.5µM, whereas 4-FA is least potent with an IC50 of 113µM. Our data demonstrate the importance of analysing neuronal activity within different time windows during exposure to prevent false-negative results. We also show that cortical cultures grown on mwMEAs can successfully be applied to investigate the effects of different (illicit) drugs on neuronal activity. Compared to investigating multiple single endpoints for neurotoxicity or neuromodulation, such as receptor activation or calcium channel function, mwMEAs can provide information on integrated aspects of drug-induced neurotoxicity more rapidly. Therefore, this approach could contribute to a faster insight in possible health risks and shorten the regulation process.
Asunto(s)
Potenciales de Acción/efectos de los fármacos , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Microelectrodos , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , 6-Ciano 7-nitroquinoxalina 2,3-diona/farmacología , Animales , Animales Recién Nacidos , Astrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Corteza Cerebral/citología , Maleato de Dizocilpina/farmacología , Evaluación Preclínica de Medicamentos/métodos , Antagonistas de Aminoácidos Excitadores/farmacología , GABAérgicos/farmacología , Proteínas Transportadoras de GABA en la Membrana Plasmática/metabolismo , Proteína Ácida Fibrilar de la Glía/metabolismo , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Factores de Tiempo , Tirosina 3-Monooxigenasa/metabolismo , Proteína 1 de Transporte Vesicular de Glutamato/metabolismoRESUMEN
During the last decade, several studies have shown that mitochondrial parameters, such as integrity, respiratory activity, membrane potential and ROS production are intimately linked with sperm quality. Given the limitations of conventional semen analyses in terms of predicting male fertility, an increasing number of studies are focusing on the characterization of sperm mitochondria in order to more accurately assess sperm functionality. Moreover, mitochondria from several organs, such as the liver, have been described as a powerful screening tool for drug safety, being an easy in vitro model to assess the toxicity of distinct families of compounds. Given that mitochondrial functionality is intimately related to sperm homeostasis, it has become important to understand how compounds, ranging from dietary supplements, environmental pollutants, dependency-inducing drugs to pharmacological agents (such as erectile dysfunction-targeted drugs and male contraceptives) affect sperm mitochondrial function. In this review, we discuss studies describing the effects of various chemical agents on spermatozoa, with particular emphasis on mitochondrial function. From the extensive literature analyzed, we conclude that in some cases the role of sperm mitochondria as putative predictors of sperm functionality is very obvious, while in others further studies are needed to clarify this issue.
Asunto(s)
Anticonceptivos Masculinos/farmacología , Mitocondrias/efectos de los fármacos , Espermatozoides/efectos de los fármacos , Suplementos Dietéticos , Contaminantes Ambientales/toxicidad , Humanos , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Masculino , Potencial de la Membrana Mitocondrial/efectos de los fármacos , Mitocondrias/metabolismo , Especies Reactivas de Oxígeno/metabolismo , Espermatozoides/fisiologíaRESUMEN
With mounting evidence that the risk of cannabis-induced psychosis may be related to both dose and potency of tetrahydrocannbinol (THC), increasing reports of psychosis associated with cannabinoids containing greater amounts of THC are anticipated. We report two cases of emergent psychosis after using a concentrated THC extract known as cannabis "wax," "oil," or "dabs" raising serious concerns about its psychotic liability. Although "dabbing" with cannabis wax is becoming increasingly popular in the US for both recreational and "medicinal" intentions, our cases raise serious concerns about its psychotic liability and highlight the importance of understanding this risk by physicians recommending cannabinoids for purported medicinal purposes.
Asunto(s)
Cannabis/toxicidad , Dronabinol/toxicidad , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Abuso de Marihuana/complicaciones , Extractos Vegetales/toxicidad , Psicosis Inducidas por Sustancias/etiología , Adolescente , Adulto , Diagnóstico Diferencial , Estudios de Seguimiento , Humanos , Masculino , Abuso de Marihuana/terapia , Psicosis Inducidas por Sustancias/diagnóstico , Psicosis Inducidas por Sustancias/terapiaRESUMEN
Mephedrone is a new designer drug of abuse. We have investigated the neurochemical/enzymatic changes after mephedrone administration to adolescent rats (3×25 mg/kg, s.c. in a day, with a 2 h interval between doses, for two days) at high ambient temperature (26±2 °C), a schedule that intends to model human recreational abuse. In addition, we have studied the effect of mephedrone in spatial learning and memory. The drug caused a transient decrease in weight gain. After the first dose, animals showed hypothermia but, after the subsequent doses, temperature raised over the values of saline-treated group. We observed the development of tolerance to these thermoregulatory effects of mephedrone. Mephedrone induced a reduction of the densities of dopamine (30% in the frontal cortex) and serotonin (40% in the frontal cortex and the hippocampus and 48% in the striatum) transporters without microgliosis. These deficits were also accompanied by a parallel decrease in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and tryptophan hydroxylase 2. These changes matched with a down-regulation of D2 dopamine receptors in the striatum. Mephedrone also induced an oxidative stress evidenced by an increase of lipid peroxidation in the frontal cortex, and accompanied by a rise in glutathione peroxidase levels in all studied brain areas. Drug-treated animals displayed an impairment of the reference memory in the Morris water maze one week beyond the cessation of drug exposure, while the spatial learning process seems to be preserved. These findings raise concerns about the neuronal long-term effects of mephedrone.
Asunto(s)
Drogas de Diseño/toxicidad , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Metanfetamina/análogos & derivados , Animales , Temperatura Corporal/efectos de los fármacos , Peso Corporal/efectos de los fármacos , Catalasa/metabolismo , Cuerpo Estriado/efectos de los fármacos , Cuerpo Estriado/metabolismo , Proteínas de Transporte de Dopamina a través de la Membrana Plasmática/metabolismo , Lóbulo Frontal/efectos de los fármacos , Lóbulo Frontal/metabolismo , Glutatión Peroxidasa/metabolismo , Hipocampo/efectos de los fármacos , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Masculino , Memoria/efectos de los fármacos , Metanfetamina/toxicidad , Óxido Nítrico Sintasa/metabolismo , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Proteínas de Transporte de Serotonina en la Membrana Plasmática/metabolismo , Aprendizaje Espacial/efectos de los fármacos , Superóxido Dismutasa/metabolismo , Triptófano Hidroxilasa/metabolismoRESUMEN
Objective: To estimate the possibilities of using and systematizing computed tomographic findings in patients with toxic phosphorus necrosis of the jaw. Material and Methods: The investigation enrolled 87 patients diagnosed as having toxic phosphorus osteonecrosis. Radiation examination consisted of two stages: primary and repeated radiologic examinations in the postoperative period (final examination before hospital discharge). All the patients underwent skull X-ray and multislice computed tomography (MSCT). Results: Clinical and radiation examination revealed toxic phosphorus osteonecrosis of the maxilla and mandible in 29 (33%) cases. Osteonecrosis affected only the mandible in 40 (46%) cases and only the maxilla in 18 (21%) cases. In all the patients, computed tomography showed main trends in the X-ray semiotics of toxic phosphorus necrosis of the facial skeleton, such as periostitis; osteosclerosis; development a lesion having a "soap-bubble" appearance; nonspecific and inflammatory bone destruction. The bone, being destroyed, was replaced by pus; inflammatory granulations were absent; osteonecrosis occurred. These processes were characterized by the absence of an obvious demarcation zone along the edges of the process. Sequestration commonly occurred to form sinus tracts. The process involved the adjacent bones; there were reactive changes in the accessory sinuses. Conclusion: MSCT data are of highly informative value in evaluating the status of bone tissue and teeth and in detecting a concomitant abnormality in patients with osteonecrosis of the facial skeleton and may be used to plan surgical treatment for this category of patients.
Asunto(s)
Codeína/análogos & derivados , Mandíbula , Maxilar , Tomografía Computarizada Multidetector/métodos , Osteonecrosis/diagnóstico , Fósforo/toxicidad , Adulto , Analgésicos Opioides/química , Analgésicos Opioides/toxicidad , Codeína/química , Codeína/toxicidad , Femenino , Humanos , Drogas Ilícitas/química , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Masculino , Mandíbula/diagnóstico por imagen , Mandíbula/patología , Maxilar/diagnóstico por imagen , Maxilar/patología , Osteonecrosis/inducido químicamente , Osteonecrosis/cirugía , Cuidados Preoperatorios/métodos , Reproducibilidad de los ResultadosRESUMEN
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive dysfunction of memory and higher cognitive functions with abnormal accumulation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles throughout cortical and limbic brain regions. Withania somnifera (WS) also known as 'ashwagandha' (ASH) is used widely in Ayurvedic medicine as a nerve tonic and memory enhancer. However, there is paucity of data on potential neuroprotective effects of ASH against ß-Amyloid (1-42) (Aß) induced neuropathogenesis. In the present study, we have tested the neuroprotective effects of Methanol: Chloroform (3:1) extract of ASH and its constituent Withanolide A (WA) against Aß induced toxicity, HIV-1(Ba-L) (clade B) infection and the effects of drugs of abuse using a human neuronal SK-N-MC cell line. Aß when tested individually, induced cytotoxic effects in SK-N-MC cells as shown by increased trypan blue stained cells. However, when ASH was added to Aß treated cells the toxic effects were neutralized. This observation was supported by cellular localization of Aß, MTT formazan exocytosis, and the levels of acetylcholinesterase activity, confirming the chemopreventive or protective effects of ASH against Aß induced toxicity. Further, the levels of MAP2 were significantly increased in cells infected with HIV-1(Ba-L) (clade B) as well as in cells treated with Cocaine (COC) and Methamphetamine (METH) compared with control cells. In ASH treated cells the MAP2 levels were significantly less compared to controls. Similar results were observed in combination experiments. Also, WA, a purified constituent of ASH, showed same pattern using MTT assay as a parameter. These results suggests that neuroprotective properties of ASH observed in the present study may provide some explanation for the ethnopharmacological uses of ASH in traditional medicine for cognitive and other HIV associated neurodegenerative disorders and further ASH could be a potential novel drug to reduce the brain amyloid burden and/or improve the HIV-1 associated neurocognitive impairments.
Asunto(s)
Péptidos beta-Amiloides/fisiología , VIH-1/fisiología , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/farmacología , Fragmentos de Péptidos/fisiología , Witanólidos/farmacología , Línea Celular , Humanos , Neuronas/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas/metabolismo , Neuronas/virología , Withania/químicaRESUMEN
Cocaine is a powerful addictive drug, widely abused in most Western countries. It easily reaches various domains within and outside of the central nervous system (CNS), and triggers varying levels of cellular toxicity. No pharmacological treatment is available to alleviate cocaine-induced toxicity in the cells without side-effects. Here, we discerned the role of milk thistle (MT) seed extract against cocaine toxicity. First, we investigated acute cytotoxicity induced by treatment with 2, 3 and 4 mM cocaine for 1 h in astroglial, liver and kidney cells in vitro, and then in living shrimp larvae in vivo. We showed that astroglial cells are more sensitive to cocaine than liver, kidney cells or larvae. Cocaine exposure disrupted the general architecture of astroglial cells, induced vacuolation, decreased cell viability, and depleted the glutathione (GSH) level. These changes may represent the underlying pathology of cocaine in the astrocytes. By contrast, MT pretreatment (200 µg/ml) for 30 min sustained the cell morphological features and increased both cell viability and the GSH level. Besides its protective effects, the MT extract was revealed to be non-toxic to astroglial cells, and displayed high free-radical scavenging activity. The results from this study suggest that enhanced GSH level underlies cell protection, and indicate that compounds that promote GSH synthesis in the cells may be beneficial against cocaine toxicity.
Asunto(s)
Cocaína/toxicidad , Depuradores de Radicales Libres/farmacología , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Semillas/química , Silybum marianum/química , Animales , Artemia , Astrocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Astrocitos/fisiología , Forma de la Célula/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Perros , Depuradores de Radicales Libres/química , Glutatión/metabolismo , Células de Riñón Canino Madin Darby , Extractos Vegetales/química , Ratas , Vacuolas/efectos de los fármacosRESUMEN
Several studies have reported the ketamine-induced cognitive impairment. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation improves cognitive function in human infants and protects against learning impairment in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we investigated the effect of DHA on ketamine-induced impairment of spatial cognition and learning ability in Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice. Morris water maze (MWM) was used to assess spatial learning and memory. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The results showed that intraperitoneal injection of ketamine (30mg/kg, twice per day) for 4 weeks led to the decline of spatial cognitive ability in mice, and 420mg/(kgd) DHA supplementation for 6 weeks improved ketamine-induced spatial cognitive impairment to a certain extent. The up-regulation of GABA levels in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex was related to the improvement in spatial learning. Our results suggested that DHA supplementation would be a promising intervention to improve ketamine-induced spatial memory and cognitive dysfunction, and this effect of DHA might be correlated with the up-regulation of GABA levels.
Asunto(s)
Trastornos del Conocimiento/tratamiento farmacológico , Cognición/efectos de los fármacos , Ácidos Docosahexaenoicos/farmacología , Drogas Ilícitas/toxicidad , Ketamina/toxicidad , Discapacidades para el Aprendizaje/tratamiento farmacológico , Aprendizaje Espacial/efectos de los fármacos , Animales , Trastornos del Conocimiento/inducido químicamente , Trastornos del Conocimiento/psicología , Ácidos Docosahexaenoicos/uso terapéutico , Hipocampo/efectos de los fármacos , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Discapacidades para el Aprendizaje/inducido químicamente , Discapacidades para el Aprendizaje/psicología , Masculino , Aprendizaje por Laberinto/efectos de los fármacos , Ratones Endogámicos ICR , Corteza Prefrontal/efectos de los fármacos , Corteza Prefrontal/metabolismo , Ácido gamma-Aminobutírico/metabolismoRESUMEN
New psychoactive substances (NPS), are now a large group of substances of abuse not yet completely controlled by international drug conventions, which may pose a public health threat. Anxiety, paranoia, hallucinations, seizures, hyperthermia and cardiotoxicity are some of the common adverse effects associated with these compounds. In this paper, three case reports taken from the archive of processed cases of the authors' laboratory are presented and discussed to stress the risks of possible adverse consequences for NPS users: in particular, (i) the risk deriving from the difficulty of predicting the actual consumed dose, due to variability of active ingredients concentration in consumed products, (ii) the risk deriving from the difficulty of predicting the actual active ingredients present in consumed products, as opposed to those claimed by the manufacturer, and (iii) the risk deriving from the difficulty of predicting the actual pharmacological and toxicological effects related to the simultaneous consumption of different psychoactive ingredients contained in single products, whose interactions are mostly unknown. Each of them individually provide a source of concern for possible serious health related consequences. However, they should be considered in conjunction with each others, with the worldwide availability of NPS through the web and also with the incessantly growing business derived from the manipulation and synthesis of new substances. The resulting scenario is that of a cultural challenge which demands a global approach from different fields of knowledge.