1
|
Mohammed AH, Aljarallah AS, Huq M, Mackawy AMH, Alharbi BF, Almutairi KS, Alruwetei AM, Almatroudi AAA, Alharbi HO, Aljohery SAMA, Wasti AZ. Evaluation of the immune system status and hematological dyscrasias, among amphetamine and cannabis abusers at Eradah Hospital in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10600. [PMID: 38719969 PMCID: PMC11079053 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61182-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the immune system status and hematological disturbances among individuals who abuse amphetamines and cannabis. Substance abuse, particularly of amphetamines and cannabis, has been associated with various adverse effects on the body, including potential impacts on the immune system and hematological parameters. However, limited research has been conducted to comprehensively assess these effects in a cross-sectional design. Additionally, fungal infections are on the rise internationally, and immune-compromised people are particularly susceptible. The study will recruit a sample of amphetamine and cannabis abusers (n = 50) at the Eradah Hospital in the Qassim Region of Buraydah and assess their sociodemographic and biochemical variables, including blood indices and differential WBC indices, liver, and kidney profiles. Additionally, 50 sputum samples in total were cultured for testing for fungus infections. To obtain the descriptive statistics, the data was imported into Microsoft Excel and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 22.0. Amphetamine and cannabis abuser's sociodemographic variables analysis observed that the majority (52%) were aged 18-30, with 56% in secondary school. Unemployment was a significant issue, and most had no other health issues. The majority (50%) had 5-10 years of abuse, while 32% had less than 5 years, and only 18% had been drug abusers for more than 10 years. There were significant changes (p < 0.001) in all different leukocyte blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Furthermore, a microscopic examination of blood films from individuals who misuse the combination of the medications "amphetamine and cannabis" reveals hazardous alterations in Neutrophils. Out of 50, 35 sputum samples showed positive growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) with chloramphenicol antibiotic, indicating a unicellular fungal growth. The present study explores the immune system and hematological disturbances linked to amphetamine and cannabis abuse, providing insights into health risks and targeted interventions. The findings complement previous research on drug users' hematological abnormalities, particularly in white blood cells. Routine hematological tests help identify alterations in homeostatic conditions, improving patient knowledge and preventing major issues. Further research is needed on multi-drug abuse prevention, early detection, and intervention. The cross-sectional design allows for a snapshot of the immune system and hematological status among abusers, laying the groundwork for future longitudinal studies. Key Words: Drug Effect, Immunity, Epidemiology, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amal Hussain Mohammed
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atheer Saleh Aljarallah
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohsina Huq
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal M H Mackawy
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Basmah F Alharbi
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khulud Salem Almutairi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsen M Alruwetei
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Abdulaziz A Almatroudi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Hajed Obaid Alharbi
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Said Abdel Mohsen A Aljohery
- Director Laboratory Department, MOH-KSA, Erada Mental Health Hospital, Buraydah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
- Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Afshan Zeeshan Wasti
- Department of Medical Laboratories, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, 51452, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia.
- Department of Biochemistry, Jinnah University for Women, Karachi, 74600, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Falfushynska H, Rychter P, Boshtova A, Faidiuk Y, Kasianchuk N, Rzymski P. Illicit Drugs in Surface Waters: How to Get Fish off the Addictive Hook. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:537. [PMID: 38675497 PMCID: PMC11054822 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The United Nations World Drug Report published in 2022 alarmed that the global market of illicit drugs is steadily expanding in space and scale. Substances of abuse are usually perceived in the light of threats to human health and public security, while the environmental aspects of their use and subsequent emissions usually remain less explored. However, as with other human activities, drug production, trade, and consumption of drugs may leave their environmental mark. Therefore, this paper aims to review the occurrence of illicit drugs in surface waters and their bioaccumulation and toxicity in fish. Illicit drugs of different groups, i.e., psychostimulants (methamphetamines/amphetamines, cocaine, and its metabolite benzoylecgonine) and depressants (opioids: morphine, heroin, methadone, fentanyl), can reach the aquatic environment through wastewater discharge as they are often not entirely removed during wastewater treatment processes, resulting in their subsequent circulation in nanomolar concentrations, potentially affecting aquatic biota, including fish. Exposure to such xenobiotics can induce oxidative stress and dysfunction to mitochondrial and lysosomal function, distort locomotion activity by regulating the dopaminergic and glutamatergic systems, increase the predation risk, instigate neurological disorders, disbalance neurotransmission, and produce histopathological alterations in the brain and liver tissues, similar to those described in mammals. Hence, this drugs-related multidimensional harm to fish should be thoroughly investigated in line with environmental protection policies before it is too late. At the same time, selected fish species (e.g., Danio rerio, zebrafish) can be employed as models to study toxic and binge-like effects of psychoactive, illicit compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Halina Falfushynska
- Faculty of Economics, Anhalt University of Applied Sciences, 06406 Bernburg, Germany
| | - Piotr Rychter
- Faculty of Science & Technology, Jan Dlugosz University in Częstochowa, Armii Krajowej 13/15, 42200 Czestochowa, Poland;
| | | | - Yuliia Faidiuk
- Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Rudolfa Weigla 12, 53114 Wrocław, Poland;
- Educational and Scientific Centre “Institute of Biology and Medicine”, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, 2 Prospekt Hlushkov, 03022 Kyiv, Ukraine
- Zabolotny Institute of Microbiology and Virology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, 154 Zabolotny Str., 03143 Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Nadiia Kasianchuk
- Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61712 Poznań, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60806 Poznań, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Regmi S, Kedia SK, Schmidt M, Mahmood A, Lugemwa T, Dillon PJ. Methamphetamine-Induced Wakefulness and Sleep Management: A Qualitative Analysis of Online Narratives. J Psychoactive Drugs 2023:1-8. [PMID: 37598359 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2246458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
While much attention has been given to methamphetamine's wake-promoting properties and the concept of using methamphetamine to increase energy, little is known about the ways people who use methamphetamine manage their use to pursue their functional goals or the challenges they encounter doing so. This qualitative study explores the experiences of people who used methamphetamine to manage wakefulness and reduce sleep as a means to achieve functional goals. We conducted a grounded theory analysis of 202 anonymous letters submitted to an online forum. Five themes emerged from this process: (1) Using methamphetamine to extend wakefulness and reduce the need for sleep; (2) Losing control over wakefulness and the need for sleep; (3) Managing wakefulness and the need for sleep while on methamphetamine; (4) Getting caught in a cycle of wakefulness and sleep; and (5) Sleep disruptions even after ceasing methamphetamine use. Participants believed methamphetamine was critical to meeting their functional goals, and they went to great lengths to try to manage the substance's ill effects. Thus, clients in treatment for methamphetamine use disorder may benefit from interventions addressing their underlying motivations and perceived associations between methamphetamine and meeting functional goals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sanjaya Regmi
- Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Satish K Kedia
- Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Michael Schmidt
- Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Asos Mahmood
- Center for Health System Improvement, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Medicine-General Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Tony Lugemwa
- Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Patrick J Dillon
- School of Communication Studies, Kent State University at Stark, North Canton, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Soo JEJ, Ng M, Chong TKL, Tan BKK, Ponampalam R. A case of persistent refractory hypoglycemia from polysubstance recreational drug use. World J Emerg Med 2023; 14:75-77. [PMID: 36713342 PMCID: PMC9842469 DOI: 10.5847/wjem.j.1920-8642.2022.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Er Janice Soo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, 169608, Singapore,Corresponding Author: Jie Er Janice Soo,
| | - Mingwei Ng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, 169608, Singapore
| | | | | | - R Ponampalam
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, 169608, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Serum Metabolomic Analysis of Male Patients with Cannabis or Amphetamine Use Disorder. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020179. [PMID: 35208253 PMCID: PMC8879674 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have demonstrated that chronic consumption of abused drugs induces alterations in several proteins that regulate metabolism. For instance, methamphetamine exposure reduces glucose levels. Fatty and amino acid levels were altered in groups exposed to abused drugs. Therefore, in our study, we investigated the serum metabolomic profile of patients diagnosed with cannabis and/or amphetamine use disorders. Blood was obtained from subjects (control, amphetamine, and cannabis). Detection of serum metabolites was performed using gas chromatography. The ratio peak areas for metabolites were analyzed across the three groups. Both cannabis and amphetamine groups showed higher d-erythrotetrafuranose, octadecanoic acid, hexadecenoic acid, trans-9-octadecanoic acid, lactic acid and methyl thio hydantoin metabolites compared with the control group. Moreover, cannabis patients were found to possess higher glycine, 9,12 octadecanoic acid malonic acid, phosphoric acid and prostaglandin F1a than controls. Our analysis showed that the identified metabolic profile of cannabis or amphetamine use disorder patients was different than control group. Our data indicated that chronic exposure to cannabis or amphetamine dysregulated metabolites in the serum. Future studies are warranted to explore the effects of these abused drugs on the metabolic proteins.
Collapse
|
6
|
Li J, Li Y, Gong Z, Zhang J, Zhou Z, Tan X, Li L. Major and trace elements changes of female methamphetamine addicts during six months' compulsory treatment: Biomarkers discovery. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 325:110892. [PMID: 34273604 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.110892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concentration levels of major and trace elements are significantly correlated with human health. However, studies profiling major and trace elements among female using methamphetamine are rare. This study aims to investigate the major and trace elements changes and discover elemental biomarkers in plasma of female methamphetamine (METH) addicts in six months' compulsory treatment. METHODS A total of 60 female METH addicts selected from drug rehabilitation center were randomly divided into three equal groups: (1) Detoxification for one month; (2) Detoxification for three months; (3) Detoxification for six months. Twenty healthy women, without drug abuse history were selected as control group. Four major elements including Na, Mg, K, Ca and twelve trace elements including V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Sn, Pb were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results were analyzed using One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK test). Elemental biomarkers were discovered based on orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). RESULTS The four groups used in the study were divided into four significant sections according to scatter plots. The total elemental concentrations of three METH withdrawal groups were increased compared to the control group. Over six months, element contents of the withdrawal groups gradually equaled element contents of the control group in compulsory treatment. The variable importance in the projection values (VIP > 1) of OPLS-DA model and SNK test (p < 0.05) revealed Fe, Cu, Cr and Se as elemental biomarkers. CONCLUSION Major and trace elements demonstrated significant differences between control group and three METH withdrawal groups. Fe, Cu, Cr and Se are potential elemental biomarkers among METH-abused female groups. Metabolic disorders of major and trace elements exist in the female methamphetamine addicts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaquan Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; Department of Hygiene Inspection & Quarantine Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Yong Li
- Spine Department 1, Central People's Hospital of Tengzhou, Tengzhou, Shandong 277500, China
| | - Zheng Gong
- Department of Hygiene Inspection & Quarantine Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Hygiene Inspection & Quarantine Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Zhengzheng Zhou
- Department of Hygiene Inspection & Quarantine Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| | - Xiaohui Tan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; Guangdong Province Translational Forensic Medicine Engineering Technology Research Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Verdejo-Garcia A, Crossin R. Nutritional and metabolic alterations arising from stimulant use: A targeted review of an emerging field. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 120:303-306. [PMID: 33188822 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
People with stimulant use disorders are usually underweight. Current accepted knowledge is that they are skinny because stimulants suppress appetite - they eat less. But is it that simple? Here we review the relationship between stimulant use, food intake, metabolism and body weight, and highlight key points that may challenge current knowledge: 1) Stimulants interact with the hormonal signals that regulate appetite including ghrelin and leptin, and can produce long-term alterations in the ability to monitor and compensate energy deficits. 2) The diet of people with stimulant use disorders might be characterised by altered nutritional geometry, rather than overall reduction of food intake. 3) Long-term changes in homeostatic signals and nutrient intake can produce metabolic deficits that contribute to unhealthy low weight. Based on this knowledge we advocate for increasing awareness about the nuances of stimulant-related nutritional and metabolic deficits among addiction clinicians, and increased research on the interaction between stimulant use, appetite signaling, and metabolic deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rose Crossin
- Department of Population Health, University of Otago, New Zealand; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Costa G, De Luca MA, Piras G, Marongiu J, Fattore L, Simola N. Neuronal and peripheral damages induced by synthetic psychoactive substances: an update of recent findings from human and animal studies. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:802-816. [PMID: 31719240 PMCID: PMC6990793 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.268895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that synthetic psychoactive substances, in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit toxic effects of varying severity at the peripheral and central levels. Nowadays, toxicity induced by synthetic psychoactive substances poses a serious harm for health, since recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young and adult people. The present review summarizes recent findings on the peripheral and central toxicity elicited by “old” and “new” synthetic psychoactive substances in humans and experimental animals, focusing on amphetamine derivatives, hallucinogen and dissociative drugs and synthetic cannabinoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gessica Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jacopo Marongiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Neuroprotective effect of ghrelin in methamphetamine-treated male rats. Neurosci Lett 2019; 707:134304. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2019.134304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
10
|
Yang L, Shen J, Chen J, Li W, Xie X. Reduced Glycolysis Contributed to Inhibition of Testis Spermatogenesis in Rats After Chronic Methamphetamine Exposure. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:5453-5464. [PMID: 31332157 PMCID: PMC6668493 DOI: 10.12659/msm.917491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous reports suggested that methamphetamine (METH) exposure could lead to inhibition of rat testis spermatogenesis. Glycolysis and glucose metabolism as well as oxidative stress have been implicated in testis spermatogenesis. Here we explored the underlying mechanism of local metabolism and glycolysis of testis after METH exposure. MATERIAL AND METHODS METH was intraperitoneally injected into rats with different doses and duration of METH exposure to establish short-term and chronic exposure models. The serum 8-hydroxy-2 deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) level of rats was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Untargeted gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was applied to identify differential metabolites and metabolic signature. The mRNA expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1alpha (HIF1alpha), glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1), hexokinase 1 (HK1) and lactate dehydrogenase C (LDHC) in rat testes were detected by polymerase chain reaction. Further, we determined the 4 proteins with western blotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Decreased testes index and sperm counts were showed in the chronic METH group. The metabolome revealed that the main differential metabolites impacted were associated with glycolysis and glucose metabolism. The mRNA and protein expression of GLUT1, HK1, and LDHC were reduced in the chronic METH group but elevated in the short-term METH group, whereas HIF1alpha was upregulated in the short-term METH group but remained at baseline in the chronic METH group. CONCLUSIONS Overall, glucose metabolism was regulated by HIF1alpha after short-term METH exposure. Reduced glycolysis in the testis led to impaired spermatogenesis after chronic METH exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Yang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Jihong Shen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Jianheng Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Wenhui Li
- Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Xie
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Papageorgiou M, Raza A, Fraser S, Nurgali K, Apostolopoulos V. Methamphetamine and its immune-modulating effects. Maturitas 2018; 121:13-21. [PMID: 30704560 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The recreational use of methamphetamine (METH, or ice) is a global burden. It pervades and plagues contemporary society; it has been estimated that there are up to 35 million users worldwide. METH is a highly addictive psychotropic compound which acts on the central nervous system, and chronic use can induce psychotic behavior. METH has the capacity to modulate immune cells, giving the drug long-term effects which may manifest as neuropsychiatric disorders, and that increase susceptibility to communicable diseases, such as HIV. In addition, changes to the cytokine balance have been associated with compromise of the blood-brain barrier, resulting to alterations to brain plasticity, creating lasting neurotoxicity. Immune-related signaling pathways are key to further evaluating how METH impacts host immunity through these neurological and peripheral modifications. Combining this knowledge with current data on inflammatory responses will improve understanding of how the adaptive and innate immunity responds to METH, how this can activate premature-ageing processes and how METH exacerbates disturbances that lead to non-communicable age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression and dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Papageorgiou
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ali Raza
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Regenerative Medicine and StemCells Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|