Differential effects of performance-enhancing drugs 'Methamphetamine' and 'hCG' on ex-vivo cultured primary blood mononuclear cells of male athletes

Immunity on ice: The impact of methamphetamine on peripheral immunity

Methamphetamine (METH) regulation of the dopamine transporter (DAT) and central nervous system (CNS) dopamine transmission have been extensively studied. However, our understanding of how METH influences neuroimmune communication and innate and adaptive immunity is still developing. Recent studies have shed light on the bidirectional communication between the CNS and the peripheral immune system. They have established a link between CNS dopamine levels, dopamine neuronal activity, and peripheral immunity. Akin to dopamine neurons in the CNS, a majority of peripheral immune cells also express DAT, implying that in addition to their effect in the CNS, DAT ligands such as methamphetamine may have a role in modulating peripheral immunity. For example, by directly influencing DAT-expressing peripheral immune cells and thus peripheral immunity, METH can trigger a feed-forward cascade that impacts the bidirectional communication between the CNS and peripheral immune system. In this review, we aim to discuss the current understanding of how METH modulates both innate and adaptive immunity and identify areas where knowledge gaps exist. These gaps will then be considered in guiding future research directions.

Supplemental aerobic, anaerobic and strength training positively affects autonomic functioning, anaerobic capacity, and immune cell homeostasis of male judo athletes

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of additional package of aerobic, anaerobic and strength training (AAS training), along with the conventional judo specific training, on autonomic nervous system balance, anaerobic capacity, exercise adaptation, phenotype of different blood mononuclear cells and cellular inflammatory signalling of university judo athletes. Thirty male judokas were randomly allocated to a control group/conventional judo specific training group (performing Uchi-komi, Nage komi, and Randori) or to an experimental group/conventional judo specific training + additional AAS training group. Physiological data including recovery ANS variables and anaerobic capacity were obtained by using wireless heart rate variability and anaerobic cycle ergometer, respectively, at two different time points (T1-pre, T3-post). Serum and primary mononuclear cells were prepared at three different time points (T1-pre, T2-acute, T3-post) and processed further as per the experimental requirement. For measuring the expression level of genes, and proteins biomarkers related to immune health, we have performed advanced qPCR array technique, flow cytometry, ELISA and zymosan-fluorescein assays. The additional training modality enhanced athletes’ anaerobic performance, parasympathetic functioning, and exercise adaptation. On the other hand, it decreased fatigue index, stress index, number of reactive immune cells, and intensity of inflammatory signalling. Overall, the present study, for the very first time, exhibited the positive effect of four weeks long additional AAS training on autonomic functioning, anaerobic capacity, and immune cell homeostasis of male judo athletes. This additional training package might also help the judo coaches to optimise training schedule for the competitive session.

Methamphetamine Dysregulation of the Central Nervous System and Peripheral Immunity

Methamphetamine (METH) is a potent psychostimulant that increases extracellular monoamines, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, and affects multiple tissue and cell types in the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral immune cells. The reinforcing properties of METH underlie its significant abuse potential and dysregulation of peripheral immunity and central nervous system functions. Together, the constellation of METH's effects on cellular targets and regulatory processes has led to immune suppression and neurodegeneration in METH addicts and animal models of METH exposure. Here we extensively review many of the cell types and mechanisms of METH-induced dysregulation of the central nervous and peripheral immune systems. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Emerging research has begun to show that methamphetamine regulates dopaminergic neuronal activity. In addition, METH affects non-neuronal brain cells, such as microglia and astrocytes, and immunological cells of the periphery. Concurrent disruption of bidirectional communication between dopaminergic neurons and glia in the CNS and peripheral immune cell dysregulation gives rise to a constellation of dysfunctional neuronal, cell, and tissue types. Therefore, understanding the pathophysiology of METH requires consideration of the multiple targets at the interface between basic and clinical neuroscience.