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Kindt HM, Tuan WJ, Bone CW. Do prescription stimulants increase risk of Parkinson's disease among adults with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder? A retrospective cohort study. Fam Pract 2024; 41:605-609. [PMID: 36593727 DOI: 10.1093/fampra/cmac153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder in older adults that is associated with neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and characterized by loss of dopaminergic cells. Illicit stimulants increase oxidative stress and are associated with increased risk of PD. Prescription stimulants are similar in mechanism to illicit stimulants, yet their influence on PD is not well described. This study aims to determine if prescription stimulants influence risk of PD among older adults with attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS We implemented a retrospective observational cohort design utilizing the TriNetX database which sources from the electronic health records of 57 healthcare organizations. Inclusion criteria were ADHD diagnosis and age ≥50. Those exposed to stimulants and the unexposed controls were matched based on demographics and known risk factors for PD. The outcome of interest was the incidence of PD over a 30-year follow-up period. We utilized TriNetX software for hazard ratio (HR) analysis. RESULTS Among the 59,471 individuals treated with prescription stimulants 131 of them developed PD, and there were 272 individuals who developed PD that were not prescribed stimulants. This analysis yielded a HR of 0.419 (HR = 0.419 [95% CI 0.34, 0.516], P = 0.0013). CONCLUSION Illicit stimulants are associated with increased risk of PD, but this study suggests prescribed stimulants may not impart that same risk. The reduced risk in this cohort may be due to protection from illicit substance use and oxidative stress, however additional study exploring the relationship between prescription stimulants and PD is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey M Kindt
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Wen-Jan Tuan
- Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Curtis W Bone
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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2
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Chen S, Zhou W, Lai M. Synthetic Cathinones: Epidemiology, Toxicity, Potential for Abuse, and Current Public Health Perspective. Brain Sci 2024; 14:334. [PMID: 38671986 PMCID: PMC11048581 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040334] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, derived from cathinone found in the plant Catha edulis, represent the second largest and most frequently seized group of new psychoactive substances. They are considered as β-keto analogs of amphetamine, sharing pharmacological effects with amphetamine and cocaine. This review describes the neurotoxic properties of synthetic cathinones, encompassing their capacity to induce neuroinflammation, dysregulate neurotransmitter systems, and alter monoamine transporters and receptors. Additionally, it discusses the rewarding and abuse potential of synthetic cathinones drawing from findings obtained through various preclinical animal models, contextualized with other classical psychostimulants. The review also offers an overview of current abuse trends of synthetic cathinones on the illicit drug market, specifying the aspects covered, and underscores the risks they pose to public health. Finally, the review discusses public health initiatives and efforts to reduce the hazards of synthetic cathinones, including harm reduction methods, education, and current clinical management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Miaojun Lai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
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Ding J, Wu J, Hou X, Yang L, Gao Y, Zheng J, Jia N, He Z, Zhang H, Wang C, Qi X, Huang J, Pei X, Wang J. α-synuclein-lack expression rescues methamphetamine-induced mossy fiber degeneration in dorsal hippocampal CA3. Neurotoxicology 2024; 101:36-45. [PMID: 38311184 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) - induced cognitive impairments may be related to synaptic degeneration at mossy fiber terminals, critical for spatial memory formation in hippocampal circuits. We have previously found METH-induced neurodegeneration in the striatum by increasing the α-synuclein (α-SYN) level. However, whether and how the METH-induced mossy fiber degeneration is also blamed for the abnormal accumulation of α-SYN remains to be elucidated. Chronic METH exposure decreased mossy fiber density but upregulatedα-SYN and phosphorylated TAU (TAU-pSer396) in hippocampal CA3, associated with glial cell overactivation, axonal neuropathies, and memory impairment. Notably, the knockout of the α-SYN gene significantly alleviated the METH-induced mossy fiber degeneration and memory impairment. Meanwhile, the TAU-pSer396 accumulation and glial activation were ameliorated by α-SYN knockout. Our findings suggest an essential role of α-SYN in mediating METH-induced mossy fiber degeneration, providing promising therapeutic and prophylactic targets for METH-related neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiuyang Ding
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China; Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jun Wu
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaotao Hou
- Guangzhou KingMed Center for Clinical Laboratory Co., Ltd., Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic Disease Diagnostic, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Taian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Taian, China
| | - Yingdong Gao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Taian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Taian, China
| | - Juan Zheng
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Taian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Taian, China
| | - Nannan Jia
- Neonatal Screening Center, Taian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Taian, China
| | - Zheng He
- Neonatal Screening Center, Taian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Taian, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Taian Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Taian, China
| | - Chengfei Wang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xiaolan Qi
- Key Laboratory of Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Jiang Huang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Xianglin Pei
- School of Materials and Architectural Engineering, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang China.
| | - Jiawen Wang
- School of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.
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Daiwile AP, Cadet JL. Modeling methamphetamine use disorder in mammals: Sex differences in behavioral, biochemical, and transcriptional consequences. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2024; 99:145-168. [PMID: 38467480 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is the most commonly misused amphetamine-type stimulant throughout the globe. METH is very rewarding, and its misuse can lead to a diagnosis of METH use disorder (MUD). Although METH use is observed in both sexes, there are, however, reported differences in the clinical manifestations of METH use and its consequences. These observations indicate the need for more research on the long-term sex-dependent consequences of METH taking in both preclinical and clinical settings. In effect, sex is a biological variable that can impact conclusions drawn from various basic and clinical studies. Thus, the present chapter provides a succinct review of the current state of the research on METH and its sex-associated consequences. In addition to behavioral and cognitive aspects of METH use, we discuss METH-induced changes in neurotransmitter systems and structures in the brain. Thus, the book chapter serves to highlight the significance of sex as a critical element that needs to be considered during discussions of novel therapeutic approaches to MUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul P Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, United States.
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5
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Kargar HMP, Noshiri H. Protective effects of alpha-lipoic acid on anxiety-like behavior, memory and prevention of hippocampal oxidative stress in methamphetamine-treated rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:315-326. [PMID: 37882813 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06487-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Alpha-lipoic acid is an essential cofactor for aerobic metabolism and acts as a potent antioxidant in the body. It has been shown that acute exposure to methamphetamine induces oxidative stress, which is responsible for severe cognitive deficits in animals. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in the processing of memory and anxiety-like behavior. OBJECTIVES In this study, preventive effect of the alpha-lipoic acid on memory impairment in methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity was investigated. METHODS Wistar male rats (200-220 g) were allocated to five groups (seven rats in each group): (1) saline + saline, (2) saline + vehicle (sunflower oil as alpha-lipoic acid solvent), (3) methamphetamine + vehicle, (4) methamphetamine + alpha-lipoic acid 10 mg/kg, and (5) methamphetamine + alpha-lipoic acid 40 mg/kg. Rats received intraperitoneal methamphetamine repeatedly (2 × 20 mg/kg, 2 h interval). Alpha-lipoic acid was injected 30 min, 24 h, and 48 h after the last injection of methamphetamine. The passive avoidance test and open field were used for evaluation of memory retrieval and anxiety, respectively. After behavioral test, rats were anesthetized, their brains were extracted, and after preparing hippocampal homogenates, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were evaluated. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed that injection of saline or sunflower oil had no significant effect on anxiety, memory, or oxidative stress markers. Methamphetamine induced memory impairment, increased anxiety-like behavior and MDA level, but it reduced catalase and SOD activity. Treatment with alpha-lipoic acid decreased MDA, increased catalase and SOD activity, and also prevented memory impairment and anxiety-like behavior. Our results showed that alpha-lipoic acid protected the hippocampus from oxidative stress by elevating SOD and CAT activities and reduced memory impairment following acute methamphetamine injection. These findings suggest that alpha-lipoic acid may have a protective effect against the adverse effects of methamphetamine exposure on the hippocampus. Therefore, the current data indicated that ALA can reduce oxidative stress predominantly by its antioxidant property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mohammad Pour Kargar
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran.
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Islamic Azad University, Damghan Branch, Damghan, Iran.
| | - Hamid Noshiri
- Department of Biology, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
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Choi S, Methiwala HN, Graves SM. Isradipine, an L-type calcium channel inhibitor, attenuates cue-associated methamphetamine-seeking in mice. Brain Res 2023; 1818:148528. [PMID: 37567548 PMCID: PMC10530265 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (meth) is an addictive psychostimulant and there are no FDA-approved treatment options for patients suffering from meth use disorders. In addition to being addictive, meth is also neurotoxic and chronic administration results in degeneration of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopamine and locus coeruleus (LC) norepinephrine neurons in mice. Optimal treatment strategies for meth use disorders would attenuate maladaptive meth-seeking behavior as well as provide neuroprotection. The L-type calcium channel inhibitor isradipine and the monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor rasagiline both prevent chronic meth-induced SNc and LC degeneration but effects on meth-seeking are unknown. To test whether these clinically available compounds can mitigate meth-seeking, mice were implanted with chronic indwelling jugular vein catheters and allowed to self-administer meth (0.1 mg/kg/infusion) for 10 consecutive days (2-hrs/day) on a fixed ratio (FR) 1 schedule of reinforcement with meth infusions paired to a cue light. One day after the last self-administration session mice were tested for cue-associated meth-seeking behavior wherein the meth-associated cue light was contingently presented but meth reinforcement withheld. Isradipine (3 mg/kg) attenuated cue-associated meth-seeking in both male and female mice. In contrast, rasagiline (1 mg/kg) had no effect on seeking in either sex. These results suggest that isradipine may have the potential to serve as a dual-purpose pharmacotherapy for meth use disorders by attenuating seeking behavior and providing neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanghoon Choi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | | | - Steven M Graves
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
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Al-Hakeim HK, Altufaili MF, Alhaideri AF, Almulla AF, Moustafa SR, Maes M. Increased AGE-RAGE axis stress in methamphetamine abuse and methamphetamine-induced psychosis: Associations with oxidative stress and increased atherogenicity. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13333. [PMID: 37753569 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA)-induced psychosis (MIP) is associated with increased oxidative toxicity (especially lipid peroxidation) and lowered antioxidant defences. Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) cause oxidative stress upon ligand binding to AGE receptors (RAGEs). There is no data on whether MA use may cause AGE-RAGE stress or whether the latter is associated with MIP. This case-control study recruited 60 patients with MA use disorder and 30 normal controls and measured serum levels of oxidative stress toxicity (OSTOX, lipid peroxidation), antioxidant defences (ANTIOX), magnesium, copper, atherogenicity, AGE and soluble RAGE (sRAGE) and computed a composite reflecting AGE-RAGE axis activity. MA dependence and use were associated with elevated levels of AGE, sRAGE, OSTOX/ANTIOX, Castelli Risk Index 1 and atherogenic index of plasma. Increased sRAGE concentrations were strongly correlated with dependence severity and MA dose. Increased AGE-RAGE stress was correlated with OSTOX, OSTOX/ANTIOX and MA-induced intoxication symptoms, psychosis, hostility, excitement and formal thought disorders. The regression on AGE-RAGE, the OSTOX/ANTIOX ratio, decreased magnesium and increased copper explained 54.8% of the variance in MIP symptoms, and these biomarkers mediated the effects of increasing MA concentrations on MIP symptoms. OSTOX/ANTIOX, AGE-RAGE and insufficient magnesium were found to explain 36.0% of the variance in the atherogenicity indices. MA causes intertwined increases in AGE-RAGE axis stress and oxidative damage, which together predict the severity of MIP symptoms and increased atherogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Abbas F Almulla
- Medical Laboratory Technology Department, College of Medical Technology, The Islamic University, Najaf, Iraq
| | - Shatha Rouf Moustafa
- Clinical Analysis Department, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
- Key Laboratory of Psychosomatic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
- Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Dongdaemun-gu, South Korea
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8
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Gannon BM, Fitzgerald LR, Godwin CO, Hughes-Meredith HD, Rice KC, Fantegrossi WE. Effects of ambient temperature on locomotor activity and place conditioning elicited by abused psychostimulants in mice: Role of 3,4-methylenedioxy moiety. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 250:110917. [PMID: 37579623 PMCID: PMC10481935 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Humans often administer psychostimulants in party or music festival settings characterized by warm ambient temperatures, which may impact drug effects; however, preclinical studies rarely investigate drug effects at multiple ambient temperatures. Work with 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) suggests that the presence of a 3,4-methylenedioxy ring moiety may influence ambient temperature-dependent effects. METHODS Locomotor activity and conditioned place preference dose-response curves were generated at 20±2°C for two amphetamine analogues (MDMA and methamphetamine [METH]) and two cathinone analogues (MDPV and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone [αPVP]) in mice. Effects were then redetermined at 29±2°C for each drug and assay. RESULTS All four drugs elicited dose-dependent locomotor stimulation at the cool ambient temperature. At the warm ambient temperature, MDMA and MDPV produced sensitization to stereotypy, whereas METH and αPVP produced sensitization to locomotor activity. Regarding place conditioning, the warm ambient environment potentiated place preference elicited by doses of METH and αPVP that were sub-threshold in the cool ambient environment, but attenuated the effects of analogous doses of MDMA and MDPV. CONCLUSIONS These studies suggest that warmer ambient temperatures may potentiate typical stimulant effects for the drugs lacking the 3,4-methylenedioxy ring, but may potentiate the behaviorally toxic/adverse effects for the drugs containing a 3,4-methylenedioxy ring. Thus, preclinical abuse liability studies conducted at standard laboratory temperatures may not fully capture the effects of psychostimulants and highlight the need to model the environments in which drugs are typically used by humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda M Gannon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Lauren R Fitzgerald
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Christopher O Godwin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Heidi D Hughes-Meredith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Kenner C Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, Chemical Biology Research Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William E Fantegrossi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA.
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Sancho Santos ME, Horký P, Grabicová K, Steinbach C, Hubená P, Šálková E, Slavík O, Grabic R, Randák T. From metabolism to behaviour - Multilevel effects of environmental methamphetamine concentrations on fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 878:163167. [PMID: 37003339 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.163167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a concerning drug of abuse that produces strong psychostimulant effects. The use of this substance, along with the insufficient removal in the sewage treatment plants, leads to its occurrence in the environment at low concentrations. In this study, brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) were exposed to 1 μg/L of METH as environmental relevant concentration for 28 days in order to elucidate the complex effects resulting from the drug, including behaviour, energetics, brain and gonad histology, brain metabolomics, and their relations. Trout exposed to METH displayed lowered activity as well as metabolic rate (MR), an altered morphology of brain and gonads as well as changes in brain metabolome when compared to controls. Increased activity and MR were correlated to an increased incidence of histopathology in gonads (females - vascular fluid and gonad staging; males - apoptotic spermatozoa and peritubular cells) in exposed trout compared to controls. Higher amounts of melatonin in brain were detected in exposed fish compared to controls. Tyrosine hydroxylase expression in locus coeruleus was related to the MR in exposed fish, but not in the control. Brain metabolomics indicated significant differences in 115 brain signals between control and METH exposed individuals, described by the coordinates within the principal component analyses (PCA) axes. These coordinates were subsequently used as indicators of a direct link between brain metabolomics, physiology, and behaviour - as activity and MR varied according to their values. Exposed fish showed an increased MR correlated with the metabolite position in PC1 axes, whereas the control had proportionately lower MR and PC1 coordinates. Our findings emphasize the possible complex disturbances in aquatic fauna on multiple interconnected levels (metabolism, physiology, behaviour) as a result of the presence of METH in aquatic environments. Thus, these outcomes can be useful in the development of AOP's (Adverse Outcome Pathways).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eugenia Sancho Santos
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavel Horký
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Grabicová
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Christoph Steinbach
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Hubená
- Behavioural Neuroendocrinology, Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, 751 23 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Šálková
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Slavík
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Kamýcká 129, 165 00 Prague 6, Czech Republic
| | - Roman Grabic
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Randák
- University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Zátiší 728/II, 389 25 Vodňany, Czech Republic
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10
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Persons JE, Conway KS. Neuropathologic Features in Chronic Methamphetamine Use. Am J Forensic Med Pathol 2023; 44:77-82. [PMID: 36826228 DOI: 10.1097/paf.0000000000000817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Methamphetamine is a psychostimulant that exerts its euphoric and stimulant effects by increasing cytosolic monoamine concentration at the nerve terminal. In addition to its known systemic cardiovascular effects, there is compelling evidence to suggest a direct neurotoxic effect of methamphetamine; however, the existing body of literature includes very few human tissue studies. This exploratory analysis used postmortem human brain specimens to examine histologic and immunohistochemical features associated with chronic methamphetamine use. This retrospective cohort study included 60 decedents who were autopsied at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics between the years 2015 and 2021. Logistic regression models demonstrated no definite pathologic changes in the hippocampi of individuals with a history of chronic methamphetamine use. Decedents with a history of methamphetamine use had a marginally increased odds of basal ganglia arteriosclerosis, which did not reach statistical significance (odds ratio, 3.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.6-19.2; P = 0.17), which may be independent of the systemic hypertensive effects of methamphetamine. Future studies that include targeted examination of brain regions of interest, such as the basal ganglia and specifically the striatum, may prove revealing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane E Persons
- From the Department of Pathology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Kyle S Conway
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
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11
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Taracha E, Czarna M, Turzyńska D, Maciejak P. Amphetamine-induced prolonged disturbances in tissue levels of dopamine and serotonin in the rat brain. Pharmacol Rep 2023; 75:596-608. [PMID: 36944909 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-023-00472-6] [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: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A hallmark of psychostimulants is the persistence of neurobiological changes they produce. The difficulty in reversing long-time effects of psychostimulants use is why addiction therapy is so ineffective. This study aimed to look for such drug-induced changes that can be detected even after many weeks of abstinence. METHODS Rats were given 12 doses of amphetamine (Amph) at 1.5 mg/kg. The rewarding effect of Amph was assessed using ultrasonic vocalization. After 14 and 28 days of abstinence, tissue levels of dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and their metabolites were measured in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (Acb), dorsomedial (CPuM), and dorsolateral (CPuL) striatum. RESULTS After 28 days of abstinence, DA levels were increased in the dorsal striatum while 5-HT levels were decreased in all brain regions studied. The opposite direction of changes in DA and 5-HT tissue levels observed in the dorsal striatum may be related to the changes in the emotional state during abstinence and may contribute to the incubation of craving and relapses. Tissue levels of 5-HT and DA showed intra- and inter-structural correlations, most pronounced after 14 days of abstinence. Most of them were absent in the control group (ctrl), which may indicate that their appearance was related to the changes induced by earlier Amph administration. We did not find any associations between reward sensitivity and the persistence of Amph-induced neurochemical disturbances. CONCLUSIONS Administration of 12 moderate doses of Amph causes prolonged changes in DA and 5-HT tissue levels. The direction and severity of the changes are dependent on the brain region and the neurotransmitter studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Taracha
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego St., 02-957, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Magdalena Czarna
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego St., 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Experimental Oncology and Preclinical Research, The Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 5 Wilhelma Roentgena St., 02-781, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Danuta Turzyńska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego St., 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Maciejak
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego St., 02-957, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology, Medical University of Warsaw, 1B Banacha St., 02-097, Warsaw, Poland
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Heal DJ, Gosden J, Smith SL, Atterwill CK. Experimental strategies to discover and develop the next generation of psychedelics and entactogens as medicines. Neuropharmacology 2023; 225:109375. [PMID: 36529260 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Research on classical psychedelics (psilocybin, LSD and DMT) and entactogen, MDMA, has produced a renaissance in the search for more effective drugs to treat psychiatric, neurological and various peripheral disorders. Psychedelics and entactogens act though interaction with 5-HT2A and other serotonergic receptors and/or monoamine reuptake transporters. 5-HT, which serves as a neurotransmitter and hormone, is ubiquitously distributed in the brain and peripheral organs, tissues and cells where it has vasoconstrictor, pro-inflammatory and pro-nociceptive actions. Serotonergic psychedelics and entactogens have known safety and toxicity risks. For these drugs, the risks been extensively researched and empirically assessed through human experience. However, novel drug-candidates require thorough non-clinical testing not only to predict clinical efficacy, but also to address the risks they pose during clinical development and later after approval as prescription medicines. We have defined the challenges researchers will encounter when developing novel serotonergic psychedelics and entactogens. We describe screening techniques to predict clinical efficacy and address the safety/toxicity risks emerging from our knowledge of the existing drugs: 1) An early-stage, non-clinical screening cascade to pharmacologically characterise novel drug-candidates. 2) Models to detect hallucinogenic activity. 3) Models to differentiate hallucinogens from entactogens. 4) Non-clinical preclinical lead optimisation technology (PLOT) screening to select drug-candidates. 5) Modified animal models to evaluate the abuse and dependence risks of novel psychedelics in Safety Pharmacology testing. Our intention has been to design non-clinical screening strategies that will reset the balance between benefits and harms to deliver more effective and safer novel psychedelics for clinical use. This article is part of the Special Issue on 'National Institutes of Health Psilocybin Research Speaker Series'.
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Affiliation(s)
- D J Heal
- DevelRx Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham, NG1 1GF, UK; Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK.
| | - J Gosden
- DevelRx Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham, NG1 1GF, UK.
| | - S L Smith
- DevelRx Ltd, BioCity, Nottingham, NG1 1GF, UK.
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Ishida Y, Nosaka M, Ishigami A, Kondo T. Forensic application of aquaporins. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 63:102249. [PMID: 37060638 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2023.102249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of water channel proteins that primarily elicit the basic functions of water transport and osmotic homeostasis. To date, at least 17 mammalian AQPs have been identified, AQP-0 to -12 have been found in higher orders including human, and AQP-13 to -16 have been described in older lineages. Moreover, these proteins have recently been shown to regulate many biological processes through unique activities, such as cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and mitochondrial metabolism. Several studies have focused on the involvement of AQPs in cell biology aspect, showing that they are involved in a variety of physiological processes and pathophysiological conditions. Furthermore, in the field of forensic medicine, studies on whether AQPs can be a useful marker for diagnosing various causes of death have been conducted using autopsy samples and animal experiments, which have produced interesting results. Herein, we review certain observations regarding AQPs and discuss their potential to contribute to the future practice of forensic research.
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Chaidee N, Kraiwattanapirom N, Pannengpetch S, Nopparat C, Govitrapong P, Siripornpanich V, Suwanjang W, Nudmamud-Thanoi S, Chetsawang B. Cognitive impairment and changes of red blood cell components and serum levels of IL-6, IL-18, and L-tryptophan in methamphetamine abusers. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASE 2023; 12:1-15. [PMID: 36937109 PMCID: PMC10018000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The deficit in cognitive function is more concerning in methamphetamine (MA) users. The cognitive deficit was suspected to be the consequence of neuroinflammation-induced neurological dysregulation. In addition, activating the key enzyme in the tryptophan metabolic pathway by pro-inflammatory cytokines results in metabolite toxicity, further generating cognitive impairments. However, the evidence for the role of neuroinflammation and tryptophan metabolites involved in MA-induced cognitive deficit needs more conclusive study. OBJECTIVES This retrospective study aimed to determine blood-inflammatory markers, tryptophan metabolite-related molecules, and cognitive function in MA abusers compared to healthy control (HC) participants. METHODS The cognitive functions were evaluated using Stroop, Go/No-Go, One Back Task (OBT), and Wisconsin Card Sorting Test-64 (WCST-64). Blood samples were analyzed for complete blood count (CBC) analysis, serum inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-18 and tryptophan metabolites. RESULTS MA group exhibited poor cognitive performance in selective attention, inhibition, working memory, cognitive flexibility, concept formation and processing speed compared to HC. Reduction in red blood cell (RBC) components but induction in white blood cells (WBCs) and IL-6 were observed in MA abusers, which might indicate anemia of (systemic chronic low-grade) inflammation. In addition, the depletion of precursor in the tryptophan metabolic pathway, L-tryptophan was also observed in MA users, which might represent induction in tryptophan metabolites. CONCLUSION These findings emphasize that blood biomarkers might be a surrogate marker to predict the role of neuroinflammation and abnormal tryptophan metabolite in MA-induced cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nutthika Chaidee
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol UniversitySalaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Natcharee Kraiwattanapirom
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol UniversitySalaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Supitcha Pannengpetch
- Center for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol UniversitySalaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Chutikorn Nopparat
- Innovative Learning Center, Srinakharinwirot UniversityBangkok, Thailand
| | | | - Vorasith Siripornpanich
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol UniversitySalaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Wilasinee Suwanjang
- Center for Research and Innovation, Faculty of Medical Technology, Mahidol UniversitySalaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Sutisa Nudmamud-Thanoi
- Department of Anatomy and Centre of Excellence in Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Science, Naresuan UniversityPhitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Banthit Chetsawang
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol UniversitySalaya, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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15
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Tryptophan and Substance Abuse: Mechanisms and Impact. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032737. [PMID: 36769059 PMCID: PMC9917371 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Addiction, the continuous misuse of addictive material, causes long-term dysfunction in the neurological system. It substantially affects the control strength of reward, memory, and motivation. Addictive substances (alcohol, marijuana, caffeine, heroin, methamphetamine (METH), and nicotine) are highly active central nervous stimulants. Addiction leads to severe health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, serious infections, and pulmonary/dental diseases. Drug dependence may result in unfavorable cognitive impairments that can continue during abstinence and negatively influence recovery performance. Although addiction is a critical global health challenge with numerous consequences and complications, currently, there are no efficient options for treating drug addiction, particularly METH. Currently, novel treatment approaches such as psychological contingency management, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational enhancement strategies are of great interest. Herein, we evaluate the devastating impacts of different addictive substances/drugs on users' mental health and the role of tryptophan in alleviating unfavorable side effects. The tryptophan metabolites in the mammalian brain and their potential to treat compulsive abuse of addictive substances are investigated by assessing the functional effects of addictive substances on tryptophan. Future perspectives on developing promising modalities to treat addiction and the role of tryptophan and its metabolites to alleviate drug dependency are discussed.
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Azizi S, Kheirandish R, Dabiri S, Lakzaee M. Adverse effects of methamphetamine on vital organs of male rats: Histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:549-557. [PMID: 37051094 PMCID: PMC10083837 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.68573.15055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Methamphetamine (named crystal, ice, and crank), is a strong psychostimulant drug with addictive and neurotoxic properties. It is absorbed by various organs and induces tissue damage in abusers. Most METH studies have focused on the central nervous system and its effects on other organs have been neglected. Experimental investigations of animal models are used to provide significant additional information. We have studied the histopathological effects of methamphetamine in the brains, hearts, livers, testes, and kidneys of rats. Materials and Methods Methamphetamine (0.5 mg/kg) was administered subcutaneously for 21 days. Immunohistochemistry was carried out with markers including glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for reactive astrocytes, vimentin as an intermediate filament in different cells, and CD45 marker for the detection of reactive microglia in the brain. Also, some samples were taken from livers, kidneys, hearts, and testes. Results Degenerative changes and necrosis were the most common histopathological effects in the liver, kidneys, heart, testes, and brains of rats treated with methamphetamine. Immunohistochemical analyses by vimentin and GFAP markers revealed reactive microglia and astrocytes with the appearance of swollen cell bodies and also short, thickened, and irregular processes. Moreover, the number of CD45-positive cells was higher in this group. Reactive cells were more noticeable in the peduncles and subcortical white matter of the cerebellum. Conclusion Our results showed the toxic effects of methamphetamine on the vital organs and induction of neurotoxicity, cardiomyopathy, renal damage, and infertility in male rats. We could not attribute observed hepatic changes to METH and further evaluation is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrzad Azizi
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
- Corresponding author: Shahrzad Azizi. Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran. ;
| | - Reza Kheirandish
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Pathology Department, Afzalipour Kerman Medical School, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mina Lakzaee
- Department of Pathobiology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
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Jones G, Ricard JA, Hendricks P, Simonsson O. Associations between MDMA/ecstasy use and physical health in a U.S. population-based survey sample. J Psychopharmacol 2022; 36:1129-1135. [PMID: 36189781 DOI: 10.1177/02698811221127318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA/"ecstasy") is an empathogen that can give rise to increased pleasure and empathy and may effectively treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Although prior research has demonstrated associations between ecstasy use and favorable mental health outcomes, the associations between ecstasy and physical health have largely been unexplored. Thus, the goal of this study was to examine the associations between ecstasy use and physical health in a population-based survey sample. METHOD This study utilized data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2005-2018), a yearly survey that collects information on substance use and health outcomes in a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults. We used multinomial, ordered, and logistic regression models to test the associations between lifetime ecstasy use and various markers of physical health (self-reported body mass index, overall health, past year heart condition and/or cancer, past year heart disease, past year hypertension, and past year diabetes), controlling for a range of potential confounders. RESULTS Lifetime ecstasy use was associated with significantly lower risk of self-reported overweightness and obesity (adjusted relative risk ratio range: 0.55-0.88) and lower odds of self-reported past year heart condition and/or cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 0.67), hypertension (aOR: 0.85), and diabetes (aOR: 0.58). Ecstasy use was also associated with significantly higher odds of better self-reported overall health (aOR: 1.18). CONCLUSION Ecstasy shares protective associations with various physical health markers. Future longitudinal studies and clinical trials are needed to more rigorously test these associations.
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Yan X, He W, Pan S. Amphetamine-induced neurite injury in PC12 cells through inhibiting GAP-43 pathway. Neurotoxicology 2022; 93:103-111. [PMID: 36150536 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.09.004] [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: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine (AMPH) causes the degeneration of dopamine terminals in the central nervous system. The mechanisms for this damage are unclear. We found AMPH reduced level of GAP-43 in the striatum of rats that receives rich dopaminergic terminals. Using PC12 cells as dopaminergic neuronal models, we further found that AMPH inhibited GAP-43 and GAP-43 phosphorylation in PC12 cells. The reduced GAP-43 was correlated with neurite injury of PC12 cells. The PKCβ1, an upstream molecule of GAP-43, was also inhibited by AMPH. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) as a specific activator of PKC increased levels of PKCβ1 and GAP-43, and efficiently prevented neurite degeneration of PC12 cells induced by AMPH. On the other side, enzastuarin, an inhibitor of PKC, decreased levels of PKCβ1 and GAP-43, and caused neurite injury of PC12 cells. Together, our results suggest that AMPH induces neurite injury in PC12 cells through inhibiting PKCβ1/GAP-43 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Yan
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Ultrasound, Yangxin People's Hospital, Yangxin, Hubei Province, China
| | - Wenji He
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China; Department of Anatomy, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Sanqiang Pan
- Department of Anatomy, Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.
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Methamphetamine induced neurotoxic diseases, molecular mechanism, and current treatment strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113591. [PMID: 36007276 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113591] [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: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA) is a extremely addictive psychostimulant drug with a significant abuse potential. Long-term MA exposure can induce neurotoxic effects through oxidative stress, mitochondrial functional impairment, endoplasmic reticulum stress, the activation of astrocytes and microglial cells, axonal transport barriers, autophagy, and apoptosis. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying MA-induced neurotoxicity remain unclear. MA abuse increases the chances of developing neurotoxic conditions such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurotoxic diseases. MA increases the risk of PD by increasing the expression of alpha-synuclein (ASYN). Furthermore, MA abuse is linked to high chances of developing AD and subsequent neurodegeneration due to biological variations in the brain region or genetic and epigenetic variations. To date, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapy for MA-induced neurotoxicity, although many studies are being conducted to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Most current studies are now focused on developing therapies to diminish the neurotoxic effects of MA, based on the underlying mechanism of neurotoxicity. This review article highlights current research on several therapeutic techniques targeting multiple pathways to reduce the neurotoxic effects of MA in the brain, as well as the putative mechanism of MA-induced neurotoxicity.
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Hosseini A, Shetab-Boushehri SMH, Shetab-Boushehri SV. Evaluation of Cytotoxic, Necrotic, Apoptotic, and Autophagic Effects of Methamphetamine and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine on U-87 MG (Glial) and B104-1-1 (Neuronal) Cell Lines. Neurotox Res 2022; 40:1499-1515. [PMID: 35838908 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-022-00543-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are empathogen (entactogen) psychoactive designer drugs which are mainly used for recreational purposes. Both MA and MDMA are central nervous system stimulants which are classified as monoamine neurotransmitter reuptake inhibitors. They have strong cytotoxic effects on dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons. Neurotoxicities of MA and MDMA by glial activation have been shown. The present work has investigated and measured cytotoxic, necrotic and apoptotic, and autophagic effects of MA and MDMA on U-87 MG (glial) and B104-1-1 (neuronal) cell lines by janus green, ethidium bromide/acridine orange, and monodansylcadaverine/propidium iodide staining to evaluate and compare their effects on glial and neuronal cells, respectively. The results of the present work showed that: (1) MDMA induced more potent mitochondrial toxicity, stronger necrotic and autophagic effects than MA in both B104-1-1 (neuronal) and U-87 MG (glial) cell lines; (2) although MDMA induced stronger apoptotic effect than MA on U-87 MG cell line, it had equal apoptotic effect on B104-1-1 cell line with MA; and (3) MDMA induced more potent mitochondrial toxicity, stronger necrotic, apoptotic, and autophagic effects than MA in B104-1-1 cell line than U-87 MG cell line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asieh Hosseini
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Vahid Shetab-Boushehri
- Razi Drug Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. .,Ameretat Shimi Pharmaceutical Co, Tehran, Iran.
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Espinosa-Velasco M, Reguilón MD, Bellot M, Nadal-Gratacós N, Berzosa X, Gómez-Canela C, Rodríguez-Arias M, Camarasa J, Escubedo E, Pubill D, López-Arnau R. Repeated administration of N-ethyl-pentedrone induces increased aggression and impairs social exploration after withdrawal in mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 117:110562. [PMID: 35500841 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
N-ethyl-pentedrone (NEPD, 2-(ethylamino)-1-phenyl-1-pentanone) is one of the latest synthetic cathinone derivatives that emerged into the illicit drug market. This drug has psychostimulant properties and has been related with several intoxications and even fatalities. However, information about the consequences of its acute and repeated consumption is lacking. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the behavioral effects after both acute and repeated NEPD exposure as well as the neurochemical changes. Male OF1 mice were treated with an acute dose (1, 3 or 10 mg/kg, i.p.) or received repeated injections of these doses (twice/day, 5 days) of NEPD. Shortly after drug-exposure or during drug-withdrawal, anxiety-like behavior, aggressiveness, social interaction, depressive-like symptoms, body weight and temperature were assessed. Also, monoamine synthesis enzymes, levels of neurotransmitters and their precursors and main metabolites, as well as ΔFosB, were determined in striatum and prefrontal cortex from post-mortem tissue. Acute administration of NEPD induced anxiolytic effects and reduced social exploration whereas during withdrawal after repeated administration the anxiolytic effect had vanished, and the reduced social exploration was still present and accompanied with increased aggressive behavior. Moreover, NEPD (10 mg/kg) induced slight hyperthermia and reduced weight gain during the repeated administration, whereas increased locomotor activity and lack of depressive symptoms were found during withdrawal. This was accompanied by increased plasma corticosterone and decrease in striatal dopamine. Finally, the long-lasting and robust increase in ΔFosB levels found in striatum after NEPD chronic exposure suggests a high risk of dependence. The increased aggressivity and locomotor activity, together with this potential of inducing dependence justify a warning about the risks of consumption of NEPD if translated to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Espinosa-Velasco
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain
| | - Marina D Reguilón
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina Bellot
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography Section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià - Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Nadal-Gratacós
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Berzosa
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Gómez-Canela
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography Section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià - Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Jordi Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain.
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Spain
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Davis DL, Metzger DB, Vann PH, Wong JM, Subasinghe KH, Garlotte IK, Phillips NR, Shetty RA, Forster MJ, Sumien N. Sex differences in neurobehavioral consequences of methamphetamine exposure in adult mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2331-2349. [PMID: 35347365 PMCID: PMC9232998 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06122-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Recreational and medical use of stimulants is increasing, and their use may increase susceptibility to aging and promote neurobehavioral impairments. The long-term consequences of these psychostimulants and how they interact with age have not been fully studied. OBJECTIVES Our study investigated whether chronic exposure to the prototypical psychostimulant, methamphetamine (METH), at doses designed to emulate human therapeutic dosing, would confer a pro-oxidizing redox shift promoting long-lasting neurobehavioral impairments. METHODS Groups of 4-month-old male and female C57BL/6 J mice were administered non-contingent intraperitoneal injections of either saline or METH (1.4 mg/kg) twice a day for 4 weeks. Mice were randomly assigned to one experimental group: (i) short-term cognitive assessments (at 5 months), (ii) long-term cognitive assessments (at 9.5 months), and (ii) longitudinal motor assessments (at 5, 7, and 9 months). Brain regions were assessed for oxidative stress and markers of neurotoxicity after behavior testing. RESULTS Chronic METH exposure induced short-term effects on associative memory, gait speed, dopamine (DA) signaling, astrogliosis in females, and spatial learning and memory, balance, DA signaling, and excitotoxicity in males. There were no long-term effects of chronic METH on cognition; however, it decreased markers of excitotoxicity in the striatum and exacerbated age-associated motor impairments in males. CONCLUSION In conclusion, cognitive and motor functions were differentially and sex-dependently affected by METH exposure, and oxidative stress did not seem to play a role in the observed behavioral outcomes. Future studies are necessary to continue exploring the long-term neurobehavioral consequences of drug use in both sexes and the relationship between aging and drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delaney L Davis
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, UNT HSC, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Daniel B Metzger
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, UNT HSC, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Philip H Vann
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, UNT HSC, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Jessica M Wong
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, UNT HSC, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Kumudu H Subasinghe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, UNT HSC, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Isabelle K Garlotte
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, UNT HSC, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Nicole R Phillips
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, UNT HSC, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Ritu A Shetty
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, UNT HSC, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Michael J Forster
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, UNT HSC, Fort Worth, TX, USA
| | - Nathalie Sumien
- Department of Pharmacology & Neuroscience, UNT HSC, Fort Worth, TX, USA.
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Li X, Li K, Zhu Z, Jin Y, Gao Z, Xu J, Zhang L. Exercise Regulates the Metabolic Homeostasis of Methamphetamine Dependence. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12070606. [PMID: 35888730 PMCID: PMC9323070 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12070606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise is effective in enhancing cognitive function, reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms, reducing cravings, and improving quality of life in methamphetamine (METH) addiction. However, little is known about the effect of exercise on metabolic profiles. We performed LC/MS-based targeted metabolic profiling on serum samples to investigate the metabolic characteristics of METH dependence and find the differences between METH-dependent individuals and nonusers and evaluated the metabolomic profiles of individuals with METH dependence following aerobic exercise training. We identified a total of 201 metabolites, among which 115 were differentially expressed under METH use. Among the differentially regulated metabolites, 72 were selected as potential biomarkers. Further analysis identified 19 pathways, among which glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism; alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism; and citrate cycle were most significantly affected by METH. The aerobic exercise intervention differentially regulated 55 metabolites, of which 51 were selected as potential biomarkers and were mainly enriched in 10 pathways. Interestingly, alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism and nitrogen metabolism were the remarkably affected pathways. Furthermore, METH increased the serum levels of glutamate and decreased GABA, whereas exercise decreased the serum levels of glutamate and increased GABA. Results suggested that METH dependency disturbed normal metabolic homeostasis, whereas exercise restored metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.J.); (Z.G.); (J.X.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Kefeng Li
- Department of Medicine, Quzhou College of Technology, Quzhou 324000, China;
| | - Zhicheng Zhu
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.J.); (Z.G.); (J.X.)
| | - Yu Jin
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.J.); (Z.G.); (J.X.)
| | - Zhanle Gao
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.J.); (Z.G.); (J.X.)
| | - Jisheng Xu
- School of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu 610041, China; (Z.Z.); (Y.J.); (Z.G.); (J.X.)
| | - Li Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Central CNS Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China;
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Rendić SP, Crouch RD, Guengerich FP. Roles of selected non-P450 human oxidoreductase enzymes in protective and toxic effects of chemicals: review and compilation of reactions. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2145-2246. [PMID: 35648190 PMCID: PMC9159052 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03304-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This is an overview of the metabolic reactions of drugs, natural products, physiological compounds, and other (general) chemicals catalyzed by flavin monooxygenase (FMO), monoamine oxidase (MAO), NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO), and molybdenum hydroxylase enzymes (aldehyde oxidase (AOX) and xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR)), including roles as substrates, inducers, and inhibitors of the enzymes. The metabolism and bioactivation of selected examples of each group (i.e., drugs, “general chemicals,” natural products, and physiological compounds) are discussed. We identified a higher fraction of bioactivation reactions for FMO enzymes compared to other enzymes, predominately involving drugs and general chemicals. With MAO enzymes, physiological compounds predominate as substrates, and some products lead to unwanted side effects or illness. AOX and XOR enzymes are molybdenum hydroxylases that catalyze the oxidation of various heteroaromatic rings and aldehydes and the reduction of a number of different functional groups. While neither of these two enzymes contributes substantially to the metabolism of currently marketed drugs, AOX has become a frequently encountered route of metabolism among drug discovery programs in the past 10–15 years. XOR has even less of a role in the metabolism of clinical drugs and preclinical drug candidates than AOX, likely due to narrower substrate specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rachel D Crouch
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN, 37204, USA
| | - F Peter Guengerich
- Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232-0146, USA
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25
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Protection of the PC12 Cells by Nesfatin-1 Against Methamphetamine-Induced Neurotoxicity. Int J Pept Res Ther 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-022-10417-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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26
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Cooke P, Janowitz H, Dougherty SE. Neuronal Redevelopment and the Regeneration of Neuromodulatory Axons in the Adult Mammalian Central Nervous System. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:872501. [PMID: 35530177 PMCID: PMC9074815 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.872501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One reason that many central nervous system injuries, including those arising from traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and stroke, have limited recovery of function is that neurons within the adult mammalian CNS lack the ability to regenerate their axons following trauma. This stands in contrast to neurons of the adult mammalian peripheral nervous system (PNS). New evidence, provided by single-cell expression profiling, suggests that, following injury, both mammalian central and peripheral neurons can revert to an embryonic-like growth state which is permissive for axon regeneration. This “redevelopment” strategy could both facilitate a damage response necessary to isolate and repair the acute damage from injury and provide the intracellular machinery necessary for axon regrowth. Interestingly, serotonin neurons of the rostral group of raphe nuclei, which project their axons into the forebrain, display a robust ability to regenerate their axons unaided, counter to the widely held view that CNS axons cannot regenerate without experimental intervention after injury. Furthermore, initial evidence suggests that norepinephrine neurons within the locus coeruleus possess similar regenerative abilities. Several morphological characteristics of serotonin axon regeneration in adult mammals, observable using longitudinal in vivo imaging, are distinct from the known characteristics of unaided peripheral nerve regeneration, or of the regeneration seen in the spinal cord and optic nerve that occurs with experimental intervention. These results suggest that there is an alternative CNS program for axon regeneration that likely differs from that displayed by the PNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Cooke
- Linden Lab, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Haley Janowitz
- Linden Lab, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah E Dougherty
- Linden Lab, Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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A review on the mitochondrial toxicity of “ecstasy” (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, MDMA). Curr Res Toxicol 2022; 3:100075. [PMID: 35651589 PMCID: PMC9149009 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2022.100075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
in vitro and in vivo studies on MDMA mitochondria toxicity are revised. MDMA causes ATP depletion and inhibition of mitochondrial complexes. MDMA or its metabolites impair mitochondrial trafficking in vitro. MDMA evokes deletion on mitochondrial DNA in vivo. A direct translation to humans is hampered by the doses and concentrations of MDMA.
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or “ecstasy”) is a drug of abuse used by millions worldwide. MDMA human abuse and dependence is well described, but addictive properties are not always consistent among studies. This amphetamine is a substrate type releaser, binding to monoamine transporters, leading to a pronounced release of serotonin and noradrenaline and to a minor extent dopamine. The toxicity of MDMA is well studied at the pre-clinical level, with neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity being particularly described. In this review, we describe the most relevant MDMA effects at the mitochondrial level found in in vitro and in vivo models, these later conducted in mice and rats. Most of these reports focus on the mitochondria of brain or liver. In in vitro models, MDMA causes depletion of ATP levels and inhibition of mitochondrial complex I and III, loss in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and induction of mitochondrial permeability transition. The involvement of mitochondria in the apoptotic cell death evoked by MDMA has also been shown, such as the release of cytochrome c. Additionally, MDMA or its metabolites impaired mitochondrial trafficking and increased the fragmentation of axonal mitochondria. In animal studies, MDMA decreased mitochondrial complex I activity and decreased ATP levels. Moreover, MDMA-evoked oxidative stress has been shown to cause deletion on mitochondrial DNA and impairment in mitochondrial protein synthesis. Although the concentrations and doses used in some studies do not always correlate to the human scenario, the mitochondrial abnormalities evoked by MDMA are well described and are in part responsible for its mechanism of toxicity.
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28
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Nam SH, Lim MH, Park TW. Stimulant Induced Movement Disorders in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Soa Chongsonyon Chongsin Uihak 2022; 33:27-34. [PMID: 35418800 PMCID: PMC8984208 DOI: 10.5765/jkacap.210034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stimulants, such as amphetamine and methylphenidate, are one of the most effective treatment modalities for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and may cause various movement disorders. This review discusses various movement disorders related to stimulant use in the treatment of ADHD. We reviewed the current knowledge on various movement disorders that may be related to the therapeutic use of stimulants in patients with ADHD. Recent findings suggest that the use of stimulants and the onset/aggravation of tics are more likely to be coincidental. In rare cases, stimulants may cause stereotypies, chorea, and dyskinesia, in addition to tics. Some epidemiological studies have suggested that stimulants used for the treatment of ADHD may cause Parkinson’s disease (PD) after adulthood. However, there is still a lack of evidence that the use of stimulants in patients with ADHD may cause PD, and related studies are only in the early stages. As stimulants are one of the most commonly used medications in children and adolescents, close observations and studies are necessary to assess the effects of stimulants on various movement disorders, including tic disorders and Parkinson’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seok-Hyun Nam
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Myung Ho Lim
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Human Resources, Dankook University, Cheonan, Korea
| | - Tae Won Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University College of Medicine, Jeonju, Korea
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He T, Han C, Liu C, Chen J, Yang H, Zheng L, Waddington JL, Zhen X. Dopamine D1 receptors mediate methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic damage: involvement of autophagy regulation via the AMPK/FOXO3A pathway. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:951-964. [PMID: 35190859 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06097-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Clinical studies have revealed that methamphetamine abuse increases risk for developing Parkinson's diseases. It is thus important to elucidate the mechanisms by which methamphetamine damages dopaminergic neurons. OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to elucidate the role of the dopamine D1 receptor in methamphetamine-mediated dopaminergic neuronal damage and its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Mice were treated for 4 days with vehicle, methamphetamine, or the D1 agonist SKF38393 and then assessed for locomotion and performance in the pole and rotarod tests. Cellular indices of autophagy, LC3, P62, and Beclin-1, tyrosine hydroxylase, and the AMPK/FOXO3A pathway were analyzed in striatal tissue from treated mice, in PC12 cells, and in D1 receptor mutant mice. RESULTS Repeated treatment with a relatively high dose of methamphetamine for 4 days induced both loss of dopaminergic neurons and activation of autophagy in the striatum as evidenced by increased expression of LC3 and P62. However, such treatment did not induce either loss of dopaminergic neurons or activation of autophagy in D1 receptor knockout mice. D1 receptor-mediated activation of autophagy was also confirmed in vitro using dopaminergic neuronal PC12 cells. Further studies demonstrated that the AMPK/FOXO3A signaling pathway is responsible for D1 receptor-mediated activation of autophagy. CONCLUSIONS The present data indicate a novel mechanism for methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic neuronal damage and reveal an important role for D1 receptors in the neurotoxicity of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chaojun Han
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
- College of Pharmacy, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chun Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiaojiao Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huicui Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Longtai Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - John L Waddington
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Xuechu Zhen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, Jiangsu, China.
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Nie L, Wen X, Luo W, Ju T, Ren A, Wu B, Li J, Hu J. Disruption of regional homogeneity in the brains of chronic methamphetamine users. Brain Imaging Behav 2022; 16:1605-1613. [PMID: 35175550 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-022-00637-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have reported evidence supporting structural and functional alterations in the brains of methamphetamine (MA) users. The aim of the present study was to extend current knowledge regarding brain function(s) in MA users by examining regional homogeneity (ReHo). Chronic MA users (51 male, 46 female), who were undergoing supervised abstinence for 12 to 621 days, and 79 healthy controls (43 male, 36 female) underwent resting-state functional brain magnetic resonance imaging. Voxel-wise whole-brain scale group differences in ReHo were examined. The mean ReHo values of significant clusters were extracted, and linear regression was used to identify factors that contributed to these mean ReHo values. MA users exhibited lower ReHo values in the left orbital part of the inferior frontal gyrus extending to the left insula and left temporal pole, left amygdala, and left fusiform gyrus. MA users also exhibited greater ReHo values in the bilateral pre- and postcentral gyri and right cerebellum. Characteristics of MA use, including duration, duration of abstinence from MA, and age at onset of MA use, demonstrated no reliable contribution to ReHo of the significant clusters. Findings of the present study demonstrated that chronic MA use was associated with regional specific disruption of ReHo, which is relatively independent of structural and functional alterations and, apparently, does not recover after relatively long-term abstinence. This disruption may underlie overall neurocognitive deficits in MA users, which is difficult to recover.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Nie
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116029, China
| | - Xiantao Wen
- Sichuan Provincial Compulsory Drug Addiction Treatment Agency for Males, Ziyang, China
| | - Wei Luo
- Sichuan Provincial Compulsory Drug Addiction Treatment Agency for Females, Deyang, China
| | - Tao Ju
- Hospital of Sichuan Provincial Compulsory Drug Addiction Treatment Agency for Females, Deyang, China
| | - Anlian Ren
- Sichuan Provincial Compulsory Drug Addiction Treatment Agency for Males, Ziyang, China
| | - Binbin Wu
- Hospital of Sichuan Provincial Compulsory Drug Addiction Treatment Agency for Females, Deyang, China
| | - Jing Li
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Jinsheng Hu
- School of Psychology, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, 116029, China.
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Nukitram J, Cheaha D, Sengnon N, Wungsintaweekul J, Limsuwanchote S, Kumarnsit E. Ameliorative effects of alkaloid extract from Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil. Leaves on methamphetamine conditioned place preference in mice. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 284:114824. [PMID: 34763040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Mitragyna speciosa (Korth.) Havil., popularly known as Kratom (KT), is a medicinal plant used for pain suppression in Southeast Asia. It has been claimed to assist drug users withdraw from methamphetamine (METH) dependence. However, its use was controversial and not approved yet. AIM OF THE STUDY This study was conducted to characterize local field potential (LFP) patterns in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and the hippocampus (HP) in mice with METH conditioned place preference (CPP) that were treated with KT alkaloid extract. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Swiss albino ICR mice were implanted with intracraneal electrodes into the NAc and HP. To induce METH CPP, animals were injected intraperitoneally once a day with METH (1 mg/kg) and saline (0.9% w/v) alternately and put into METH/saline compartments to experience the associations between drug/saline injection and the unique environmental contexts for 10 sessions. Control group received saline injection paired with both saline/saline compartments. On post-conditioning day, effects of 40 (KT40), 80 (KT80) mg/kg KT alkaloid extract and 20 mg/kg bupropion (BP) on CPP scores and LFP powers and NAc-HP coherence were tested. RESULTS Two-way ANOVA revealed significant induction of CPP by METH sessions (P < 0.01). Multiple comparisons indicated that METH CPP was completely abolished by KT80 (P < 0.001). NAc gamma I (30.0-44.9 Hz) and HP delta (1.0-3.9 Hz) powers were significantly increased in mice with METH CPP (P < 0.01). The elevated NAc gamma I was significantly suppressed by KT80 (P < 0.05) and the increased HP delta was significantly reversed by KT40 (P < 0.01) and KT80 (P < 0.001). In addition, NAc-HP coherence was also significantly increased in gamma I (30.0-44.9 Hz) frequency range (P < 0.05) but it was reversed by KT80 (P < 0.05). Treatment with BP did not produce significant effect on these parameters. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that KT alkaloid extract significantly reversed CPP scores and LFP patterns induced by METH administration. The ameliorative effects of the extract might be beneficial for treatment of METH craving and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakkrit Nukitram
- Physiology Program, Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand; Biosignal Research Center for Health, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Dania Cheaha
- Biology Program, Division of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand; Biosignal Research Center for Health, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Narumon Sengnon
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Juraithip Wungsintaweekul
- Department of Pharmacognosy and Pharmaceutical Botany, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Supattra Limsuwanchote
- Pharmacology Program, Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand
| | - Ekkasit Kumarnsit
- Physiology Program, Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand; Biosignal Research Center for Health, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai Campus, Hatyai, Songkhla, 90112, Thailand.
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32
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Zeng Y, Chen Y, Zhang S, Ren H, Xia J, Liu M, Shan B, Ren Y. Natural Products in Modulating Methamphetamine-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:805991. [PMID: 35058785 PMCID: PMC8764133 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.805991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH), an amphetamine-type psychostimulant, is highly abused worldwide. Chronic abuse of METH causes neurodegenerative changes in central dopaminergic neurons with numerous neuropsychiatric consequences. Neuronal apoptosis plays a critical role in METH-induced neurotoxicity and may provide promising pharmacological targets for preventing and treating METH addiction. In recent years, accumulating evidence has revealed that natural products may possess significant potentials to inhibit METH-evoked neuronal apoptosis. In this review, we summarized and analyzed the improvement effect of natural products on METH-induced neuronal apoptosis and their potential molecular mechanisms on modulating dopamine release, oxidative stress, mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway, endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptotic pathway, and neuroinflammation. Hopefully, this review may highlight the potential value of natural products in modulating METH-caused neuronal apoptosis and provide useful information for future research and developments of novel and efficacious pharmacotherapies in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Zeng
- College of Acupuncture-moxibustion and Tuina, College of Basic Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Chinese Classics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunhui Chen
- College of Acupuncture-moxibustion and Tuina, College of Basic Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Chinese Classics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Su Zhang
- College of Acupuncture-moxibustion and Tuina, College of Basic Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Chinese Classics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Huan Ren
- College of Acupuncture-moxibustion and Tuina, College of Basic Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Chinese Classics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jialin Xia
- College of Acupuncture-moxibustion and Tuina, College of Basic Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Chinese Classics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengnan Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Baozhi Shan
- School of Humanities, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang, China
| | - Yulan Ren
- College of Acupuncture-moxibustion and Tuina, College of Basic Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Chinese Classics, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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33
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Jameie SB, Kazemian A, Sanadgol Z, Asadzadeh Bayqara S, Jameie MS, Farhadi M. Coenzyme Q10 reduces expression of apoptotic markers in adult rat nucleus accumbens dopaminergic neurons treated with methamphetamine. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:2273-2281. [PMID: 35034284 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-07049-7] [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: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abuse of addictive drugs such as methamphetamine (METH) has become a global problem, leading to many social, economic, and health disturbances, including neurological and cognitive disorders. Neuronal damage is reported in chronic METH abusers. The neuroprotective role of CoQ10 has been shown in many studies. In the present study, we aimed to assess the pre and post-efficacy of CoQ10 on the dopaminergic neurons of the Nucleus Accumbens (de Miranda et al. in Food Res Int 121:641-647, 2019) in the male adult rats treated with METH. METHODS 80 rats were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 10), including: negative control (intact), positive control (received 5 mg/kg/day METH/IP), three post-treatment groups (METH + 5, 10, 20 mg/kg CoQ10) and three pre-treatment groups (received 5, 10, 20 mg/kg CoQ10 as pre-treatment for 14 days before METH injection). The expression of Bax, Bcl-2, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, P53, Caspase-3 and tyrosine hydroxylase in NAc studied using western blotting. Nissl staining was used to study the neuronal density of NAc. RESULTS Our results showed that the different doses of CoQ10 in METH-treated animals significantly changed pro-apoptotic proteins' expression in the benefit of neuronal survival of NAc (P < 0.05). Neuronal density in NAc were significantly lower in the METH group compared to the control and CoQ10 treated groups. Pre- and post-treatment with different doses of CoQ10 restored the neuronal damage in NAc. CONCLUSIONS CoQ10 could decrease the activation of pro-apoptotic proteins and reduce the neurodegenerative effects induced by METH. From a clinical point of view, it seems that certain antioxidants such as CoQ10 should receive more attention in clinical trial research. We believe that antioxidants could be the promising for drug abuse treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Jameie
- Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - A Kazemian
- Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Z Sanadgol
- Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Microbiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
| | - S Asadzadeh Bayqara
- Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mana Sadat Jameie
- Neuroscience Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Cardiovascular Diseases Research Institute, Tehran Heart Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - M Farhadi
- Department of Microbiology, Karaj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran.
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Shi S, Chen T, Zhao M. The Crosstalk Between Neurons and Glia in Methamphetamine-Induced Neuroinflammation. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:872-884. [PMID: 34982394 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03513-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH), an illicit psycho-stimulant, is widely known as an addictive drug that may cause neurotoxic effects. Previous researches on METH abuse have mainly focused on neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and glutamate. However, there is growing evidence that neuroinflammation also plays an important role in the etiology and pathophysiology of brain dysfunction induced by METH abuse. This has cast a spotlight on the research of microglia and astrocyte, which are critical mediators of neuroimmune pathology in recent years. In the central nervous system (CNS) immunity, abnormalities of the microglia and astrocytes have been observed in METH abusers from both postmortem and preclinical studies. The bidirectional communication between neurons and glia is essential for the homeostasis and biological function of the CNS while activation of glia induces the release of cytokines and chemokines during pathological conditions, which will affect the neuron-glia interactions and lead to adverse behavioral consequences. However, the underlying mechanisms of interaction between neurons and glia in METH-induced neuroinflammation remain elusive. Notably, discovering and further understanding glial activity and functions, as well as the crosstalk between neurons and glia may help to explain the pathogenesis of METH abuse and behavioral changes in abusers. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of the crosstalk between neurons and glia in METH-induced neuroinflammation. We also review the existing microglia-astrocyte interaction under METH exposure. We hope the present review will lead the way for more studies on the development of new therapeutic strategies for METH abuse in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Shi
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Tianzhen Chen
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 South Wan Ping Road, Shanghai, 200030, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology (CEBSIT), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
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35
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Chen R, Huang P, Wei S, Zhang C, Lai X, Wang H, Tang J. Methamphetamine exposure increases cardiac microvascular permeability by activating the VEGF-PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway, reversed by Bevacizumab. Hum Exp Toxicol 2022; 41:9603271221121795. [PMID: 35975811 DOI: 10.1177/09603271221121795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is an illicit amphetamine-like psychostimulant that is commonly abused. However, the modulation of METH-induced cardiac microvascular permeability is still not completely known. Previously, we discovered that the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) regulated the cardiotoxicity produced by METH. In this work, we looked into the effect of METH exposure on cardiac microvascular permeability via the VEGF-PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway, as well as the efficacy of Bevacizumab treatment in reducing this effect. The findings revealed that METH exposure enhanced cardiac microvascular permeability while also activating the VEGF-PI3K-Akt-eNOS signaling pathway. Furthermore, treatment with Bevacizumab has been shown to be effective in reversing the METH-induced phenomena. Briefly stated, our research may provide fresh insight into the molecular underpinnings of METH-induced cardiac microvascular permeability, and it may also provide evidence for a relationship between METH misuse and Bevacizumab medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Department of Forensic Medicine, 12453Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Peng Huang
- Women and Children Medical Research Center, Affiliated Foshan Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, 70570Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Songren Wei
- Department of Neuropharmacology and Novel Drug Discovery, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 70570Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cui Zhang
- School of Forensic Medicine, 70570Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoping Lai
- Department of Forensic Medicine, 12453Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Huijun Wang
- School of Forensic Medicine, 70570Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianpin Tang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, 12453Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
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36
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López-Arnau R, Camarasa J, Carbó ML, Nadal-Gratacós N, Puigseslloses P, Espinosa-Velasco M, Urquizu E, Escubedo E, Pubill D. 3,4-Methylenedioxy methamphetamine, synthetic cathinones and psychedelics: From recreational to novel psychotherapeutic drugs. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:990405. [PMID: 36262632 PMCID: PMC9574023 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.990405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The utility of classical drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders (e.g., antidepressants, anxiolytics) is often limited by issues of lack of efficacy, delayed onset of action or side effects. Psychoactive substances have a long history of being used as tools to alter consciousness and as a gateway to approach the unknown and the divinities. These substances were initially obtained from plants and animals and more recently by chemical synthesis, and its consumption evolved toward a more recreational use, leading to drug abuse-related disorders, trafficking, and subsequent banning by the authorities. However, these substances, by modulation of certain neurochemical pathways, have been proven to have a beneficial effect on some psychiatric disorders. This evidence obtained under medically controlled conditions and often associated with psychotherapy, makes these substances an alternative to conventional medicines, to which in many cases the patient does not respond properly. Such disorders include post-traumatic stress disease and treatment-resistant depression, for which classical drugs such as MDMA, ketamine, psilocybin and LSD, among others, have already been clinically tested, reporting successful outcomes. The irruption of new psychoactive substances (NPS), especially during the last decade and despite their recreational and illicit uses, has enlarged the library of substances with potential utility on these disorders. In fact, many of them were synthetized with therapeutic purposes and were withdrawn for concrete reasons (e.g., adverse effects, improper pharmacological profile). In this review we focus on the basis, existing evidence and possible use of synthetic cathinones and psychedelics (specially tryptamines) for the treatment of mental illnesses and the properties that should be found in NPS to obtain new therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raúl López-Arnau
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Camarasa
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcel Lí Carbó
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Nadal-Gratacós
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pol Puigseslloses
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Espinosa-Velasco
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edurne Urquizu
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Pharmacology Section, Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Facultat de Farmàcia i Ciències de l'Alimentació, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
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37
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Ochozková A, Mihalčíková L, Yamamotová A, Šlamberová R. Can prenatal methamphetamine exposure be considered a good animal model for ADHD? Physiol Res 2021; 70:S431-S440. [PMID: 35099261 PMCID: PMC8884398 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental disorder with a heterogeneous origin with a global incidence that continues to grow. Its causes and pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. It includes a combination of persistent symptoms such as difficulty in concentration, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Maternal methamphetamine (MA) abuse is a serious problem worldwide, it can lead to behavioral changes in their offspring that have similarities with behavioral changes seen in children with ADHD. There are several types of ADHD animal models, e.g. genetic models, pharmacologically, chemically and exogenously induced models. One of the exogenously induced ADHD models is the hypoxia-induced model. Our studies, as well as those of others, have demonstrated that maternal MA exposure can lead to abnormalities in the placenta and umbilical cord that result in prenatal hypoxia as well as fetal malnutrition that can result in irreversible changes to experimental animals. Therefore, the aim the present study was to compare the cognitive impairments in MA exposure model with those in established model of ADHD - prenatal hypoxia model, to test whether MA exposure is a valid model of ADHD. Pregnant Wistar rats were divided into four groups based on their gestational exposure to MA: (1) daily subcutaneous injections of MA (5 mg/kg), (2) saline injections at the same time and volume, (3) daily 1-hr hypoxia (10 % O2), and (4) no gestational exposure (controls). Male rat offspring were tested for short-term memory in the Novel Object Recognition Test and the Object Location Test between postnatal days 35 and 40. Also their locomotor activity in both tests was measured. Based on the present results, it seems that prenatal MA exposure is not the best animal model for ADHD since it shows corresponding symptoms only in certain measures. Given our previous results supporting our hypothesis, more experiments are needed to further test possible use of prenatal MA exposure as an animal model of the ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ochozková
- Department of Physiology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
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38
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Smith MA, Schmidt KT, Sharp JL, Pearson T, Davis AL, Gibson AN, Potter KM. Lack of evidence for positive reinforcing and prosocial effects of MDMA in pair-housed male and female rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 913:174646. [PMID: 34800468 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174646] [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: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is classified as an entactogen, producing feelings of emotional openness and relatedness. One unique feature of MDMA is that people tend to selectively take this drug in social and/or intimate situations. Although MDMA is recognized as having abuse liability, preclinical studies report that it has weak reinforcing effects in animals. The objective of this study was to characterize the positive reinforcing and prosocial effects of MDMA in a translational model of the social environment in which two rats have simultaneous and contingent access to MDMA in close physical proximity. To this end, MDMA self-administration was examined on both fixed and progressive ratio schedules of reinforcement in six groups of rats: (1) isolated males, (2) isolated females, (3) male-male dyads, (4) female-female dyads, (5) male-female dyads, and (6) female-male dyads. For pair-housed rats, data from both rats were analyzed. Next, social preferences were examined in a partner preference test. MDMA failed to produce positive reinforcing effects under all conditions examined. Across a 30-fold dose range (0.01-1.0 mg/kg/infusion), MDMA did not maintain higher responding than saline on both schedules of reinforcement and in all groups tested. In partner preference tests, a history of shared exposure to MDMA did not establish a social preference, and acute administration of MDMA failed to establish a preference for another MDMA-treated rat. These data suggest that social contact does not increase the positive reinforcing effects of MDMA in rats, and that neither contingent nor noncontingent MDMA administration establishes a social preference in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Smith
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Davidson College, Davidson, NC, USA.
| | - Karl T Schmidt
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Davidson College, Davidson, NC, USA
| | - Jessica L Sharp
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Davidson College, Davidson, NC, USA
| | - Tallia Pearson
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Davidson College, Davidson, NC, USA
| | - Anna L Davis
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Davidson College, Davidson, NC, USA
| | - Abigail N Gibson
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Davidson College, Davidson, NC, USA
| | - Kenzie M Potter
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Davidson College, Davidson, NC, USA
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39
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Espinosa-Velasco M, Reguilón MD, Bellot M, Nadal-Gratacós N, Berzosa X, Puigseslloses P, Gómez-Canela C, Rodríguez-Arias M, Pubill D, Camarasa J, Escubedo E, López-Arnau R. Behavioural and neurochemical effects after repeated administration of N-ethylpentylone (ephylone) in mice. J Neurochem 2021; 160:218-233. [PMID: 34816436 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
N-ethyl-pentylone (NEP), also known as 'ephylone' and N-ethylnorpentylone, has been identified as one of the most recent novel psychostimulants to emerge into the illicit drug market and it has been associated with some intoxications and even fatalities. However, little is known about the consequences of its repeated consumption as well as the role of the monoaminergic system in such consequences. Thus, the aim of our study was to investigate the neurochemical profile and the behavioural effects after both acute and repeated NEP exposure. Male OF1 mice were acutely (1, 3, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) or repeatedly (1, 3, 10 mg/kg, i.p., 5 days, twice/day) exposed to NEP, and anxiety-like behaviour, aggressiveness, social interaction, depressive-like symptoms, body temperature, changes in monoaminergic enzymes and neurotransmitters levels as well as ΔFosB in striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC) from post-mortem tissue were analysed short after drug-exposure or during drug-withdrawal. Acute administration of NEP induced anxiolytic effects but also an aggressive behaviour and social exploration deficits in mice, which persist during NEP-withdrawal. Moreover, NEP induced hyperthermia as well as depressive-like symptoms after repeated administrations that may be related to the decrease in serotonin and noradrenaline levels observed in striatum and PFC. Finally, the long-term increase in ΔFosB levels in striatum after NEP chronic exposure points to a high risk of dependence. Altogether indicates that NEP consumption induces different neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders accompanied by changes in the monoaminergic system, posing a threat to public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Espinosa-Velasco
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marina D Reguilón
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina Bellot
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography Section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià - Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Nadal-Gratacós
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Berzosa
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pol Puigseslloses
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Pharmaceutical Chemistry Group (GQF), IQS School of Engineering, Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristian Gómez-Canela
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Applied (Chromatography Section), School of Engineering, Institut Químic de Sarrià - Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Arias
- Unit of Research Psychobiology of Drug Dependence, Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universitat de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Pharmacology Section, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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40
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Costa G, Gołembiowska K. Neurotoxicity of MDMA: Main effects and mechanisms. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113894. [PMID: 34655576 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy'), in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit acute and persistent abnormalities of varying severity at the central level. Importantly, neurotoxic effects of MDMA have been demonstrated in experimental animals. Accordingly, central toxicity induced by MDMA may pose a serious harm for health, since MDMA is among the substances that are used for recreational purposes by young and adult people. This review provides a concise overview of recent findings from preclinical and clinical studies that evaluated the central effects of MDMA, and the mechanisms involved in the neurotoxicity induced by this amphetamine-related drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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41
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Costa G, Caputi FF, Serra M, Simola N, Rullo L, Stamatakos S, Sanna F, Germain M, Martinoli MG, Candeletti S, Morelli M, Romualdi P. Activation of Antioxidant and Proteolytic Pathways in the Nigrostriatal Dopaminergic System After 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Administration: Sex-Related Differences. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:713486. [PMID: 34512343 PMCID: PMC8430399 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.713486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) is an amphetamine-related drug that may damage the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system. To investigate the mechanisms that sustain this toxic effect and ascertain their sex-dependence, we evaluated in the nigrostriatal system of MDMA-treated (4 × 20 mg/kg, 2 h apart) male and female mice the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the gene expression of SOD type 1 and 2, together with SOD1/2 co-localization with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive neurons. In the same mice and brain areas, activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and of β2/β5 subunits of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) were also evaluated. After MDMA, SOD1 increased in striatal TH-positive terminals, but not nigral neurons, of males and females, while SOD2 increased in striatal TH-positive terminals and nigral neurons of males only. Moreover, after MDMA, SOD1 gene expression increased in the midbrain of males and females, whereas SOD2 increased only in males. Finally, MDMA increased the SOD activity in the midbrain of females, without affecting GPx activity, decreased the β2/β5 activities in the striatum of males and the β2 activity in the midbrain of females. These results suggest that the mechanisms of MDMA-induced neurotoxic effects are sex-dependent and dopaminergic neurons of males could be more sensitive to SOD2- and UPS-mediated toxic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Caputi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Laura Rullo
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Serena Stamatakos
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Sanna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marc Germain
- Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.,CERMO-FC UQAM, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Maria-Grazia Martinoli
- Department of Medical Biology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval and CHU Research Center, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Sanzio Candeletti
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Research Council of Italy, Neuroscience Institute, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Romualdi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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42
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Sharma HS, Lafuente JV, Feng L, Muresanu DF, Menon PK, Castellani RJ, Nozari A, Sahib S, Tian ZR, Buzoianu AD, Sjöquist PO, Patnaik R, Wiklund L, Sharma A. Methamphetamine exacerbates pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury at high altitude. Neuroprotective effects of nanodelivery of a potent antioxidant compound H-290/51. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2021; 266:123-193. [PMID: 34689858 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Military personnel are often exposed to high altitude (HA, ca. 4500-5000m) for combat operations associated with neurological dysfunctions. HA is a severe stressful situation and people frequently use methamphetamine (METH) or other psychostimulants to cope stress. Since military personnel are prone to different kinds of traumatic brain injury (TBI), in this review we discuss possible effects of METH on concussive head injury (CHI) at HA based on our own observations. METH exposure at HA exacerbates pathophysiology of CHI as compared to normobaric laboratory environment comparable to sea level. Increased blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, edema formation and reductions in the cerebral blood flow (CBF) following CHI were exacerbated by METH intoxication at HA. Damage to cerebral microvasculature and expression of beta catenin was also exacerbated following CHI in METH treated group at HA. TiO2-nanowired delivery of H-290/51 (150mg/kg, i.p.), a potent chain-breaking antioxidant significantly enhanced CBF and reduced BBB breakdown, edema formation, beta catenin expression and brain pathology in METH exposed rats after CHI at HA. These observations are the first to point out that METH exposure in CHI exacerbated brain pathology at HA and this appears to be related with greater production of oxidative stress induced brain pathology, not reported earlier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hari Shanker Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - José Vicente Lafuente
- LaNCE, Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Lianyuan Feng
- Department of Neurology, Bethune International Peace Hospital, Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, China
| | - Dafin F Muresanu
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Medicine & Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania; "RoNeuro" Institute for Neurological Research and Diagnostic, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Preeti K Menon
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rudy J Castellani
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Ala Nozari
- Anesthesiology & Intensive Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Seaab Sahib
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Z Ryan Tian
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, United States
| | - Anca D Buzoianu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, "Iuliu Hatieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Per-Ove Sjöquist
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ranjana Patnaik
- Department of Biomaterials, School of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Lars Wiklund
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Aruna Sharma
- International Experimental Central Nervous System Injury & Repair (IECNSIR), Department of Surgical Sciences, Anesthesiology & Intensive Care Medicine, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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43
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Jung S, Kim Y, Kim M, Seo M, Kim S, Kim S, Lee S. Exercise Pills for Drug Addiction: Forced Moderate Endurance Exercise Inhibits Methamphetamine-Induced Hyperactivity through the Striatal Glutamatergic Signaling Pathway in Male Sprague Dawley Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158203. [PMID: 34360969 PMCID: PMC8348279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical exercise reduces the extent, duration, and frequency of drug use in drug addicts during the drug initiation phase, as well as during prolonged addiction, withdrawal, and recurrence. However, information about exercise-induced neurobiological changes is limited. This study aimed to investigate the effects of forced moderate endurance exercise training on methamphetamine (METH)-induced behavior and the associated neurobiological changes. Male Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to the administration of METH (1 mg/kg/day, i.p.) and/or forced moderate endurance exercise (treadmill running, 21 m/min, 60 min/day) for 2 weeks. Over the two weeks, endurance exercise training significantly reduced METH-induced hyperactivity. METH and/or exercise treatment increased striatal dopamine (DA) levels, decreased p(Thr308)-Akt expression, and increased p(Tyr216)-GSK-3β expression. However, the phosphorylation levels of Ser9-GSK-3β were significantly increased in the exercise group. METH administration significantly increased the expression of NMDAr1, CaMKK2, MAPKs, and PP1 in the striatum, and exercise treatment significantly decreased the expression of these molecules. Therefore, it is apparent that endurance exercise inhibited the METH-induced hyperactivity due to the decrease in GSK-3β activation by the regulation of the striatal glutamate signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sooyeun Lee
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-53-580-6651; Fax: +82-53-580-5164
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44
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Apóstol Del Rosal GD, Limón ID, Martínez I, Patricio-Martínez A. The Chronic Oral Administration of Clobenzorex or Amphetamine Decreases Motor Behavior and Induces Glial Activation in the Striatum Without Dopaminergic Degeneration. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:1405-1417. [PMID: 34279823 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00395-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Described as amphetamine-like due to their structural and stimulant similarities, clobenzorex is one of the five most-commonly used drugs in Mexico for the treatment of obesity. Various studies have shown that amphetamines induce dopaminergic neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation in the striatum, symptoms which are associated with motor damage. For this reason, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic clobenzorex administration on motor behaviors, TH immunoreactivity, gliosis, and the neurodegenerative process in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The present research was conducted on three experimental groups of male Wistar rats: the vehicle group, the amphetamine group (2 mg/kg), and the clobenzorex group (30 mg/kg). All groups were subject to oral administration every 24 h for 31 days. Motor activity and motor coordination were evaluated in the open field test and the beam walking test, respectively. The animals were euthanized after the last day of treatment to enable the extraction of their brains for the evaluation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels, the immunoreactivity of the glial cells, and the neurodegeneration of both the striatum and SNpc via amino-cupric-silver stain. The results obtained show that amphetamine and clobenzorex administration decrease motor activity and motor coordination in the beam walking test and cause increased gliosis in the striatum, while no significant changes were observed in terms of immunoreactivity to TH and neurodegeneration in both the striatum and SNpc. These results suggest that the chronic administration of clobenzorex may decrease motor function in a manner similar to amphetamine, via the neuroadaptive and non-neurotoxic changes caused to the striatum under this administration scheme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grego David Apóstol Del Rosal
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ilhuicamina Daniel Limón
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Isabel Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neuroquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Aleidy Patricio-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico.
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Blvd. Valsequillo y Av. San Claudio Edificio BIO-1 C.U. Col. Jardines de San Manuel A.P, 72570, Puebla, Mexico.
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Successful Use of Minocycline for the Treatment of Methamphetamine-Induced Psychosis and Cognitive Impairments: An Open-Label Case Series. Clin Neuropharmacol 2021; 44:126-131. [PMID: 34241980 DOI: 10.1097/wnf.0000000000000460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Methamphetamine-induced psychosis and neuropsychological impairments are common among patients with methamphetamine use disorder. Given some preclinical and clinical studies reporting potential effects of minocycline, a second-generation tetracycline, on correcting manifestations of drug addiction, this study aimed to examine the effectiveness of minocycline in attenuating psychotic symptoms and neuropsychological impairments in chronic methamphetamine users. METHOD Five men with treatment-resistant methamphetamine use disorder and psychotic symptoms were selected using a convenience sampling method, and they were administered a daily dose of 200-mg minocycline for 8 weeks; within this period, psychiatric and neuropsychological assessments (including memory and executive functions) were carried out at the baseline, week 2, week 4, week 8, and 2-month follow-up. RESULTS The findings showed that minocycline attenuated both positive (Cohen d = 0.63) and negative (Cohen d = 0.53) methamphetamine-induced psychotic symptoms and also improved patients' neuropsychological functions, particularly their auditory working memory (Cohen d = 0.45). CONCLUSIONS These results provide promising evidence regarding the positive effects of minocycline as adjunctive pharmacotherapy for patients with methamphetamine use disorder. However, given that this was an open-label study, further research is warranted to draw a firm conclusion about the effectiveness of minocycline for methamphetamine-induced psychosis and neuropsychological deficits.
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Chang W, Gu JG. Effects on tactile transmission by serotonin transporter inhibitors at Merkel discs of mouse whisker hair follicles. Mol Pain 2021; 16:1744806920938237. [PMID: 32600103 PMCID: PMC7328215 DOI: 10.1177/1744806920938237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Merkel disc is a main type of tactile end organs formed by Merkel cells and
Aβ-afferent endings as first tactile sensory synapses. They are highly abundant in
fingertips, touch domes, and whisker hair follicles of mammals and are essential for
sensory tasks including social interaction, environmental exploration, and tactile
discrimination. We have recently shown that Merkel discs use serotonin to transmit tactile
signals from Merkel cells to Aβ-afferent endings to drive slowly adapting type 1 impulses
on the Aβ-afferent nerves. This raises a question as whether the serotoninergic
transmission at Merkel discs may be regulated by serotonin transporters and whether
serotonin transporter inhibitors may affect the tactile transmission. Here, we made
recordings from whisker afferent nerves of mouse whisker hair follicles and tested the
effects of monoamine transporter inhibitors on slowly adapting type 1 impulses. We show
that methamphetamine, a monoamine releasing facilitator and reuptake inhibitor, elicited
spontaneous impulses as well as increased the numbers of slowly adapting type 1 impulses
elicited by whisker hair deflections. S-duloxetine, a potent inhibitor of transporters of
serotonin and norepinephrine, and fluoxetine, a selective inhibitor of serotonin
transporters, both also increased the numbers of slowly adapting type 1 impulses.
Prolonged treatment of whisker hair follicles with methamphetamine abolished most of
slowly adapting type 1 impulses. Furthermore, the treatment of whisker hair follicles with
methamphetamine resulted in serotonin release from whisker hair follicles. Taken together,
our results suggest that serotonin transporters play a role in regulating tactile
transmission at Merkel discs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weipang Chang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jianguo G Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Shudo A. Extensive tissue necrosis of the tongue in a methamphetamine user: A case report. SPECIAL CARE IN DENTISTRY 2021; 41:431-436. [PMID: 33606289 DOI: 10.1111/scd.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system, and its side effects may result in severe self-mutilation. This report describes a case of a meth user with severe oral injury that demonstrates the necessity for prompt treatment when severe tongue biting occurs. METHODS AND RESULTS A 43-year-old meth-using man with severe tongue biting was left untreated for more than 24 hours, resulting in extensive ischemic changes in the tongue and eventual extensive tissue necrosis. After debridement and deep suture repair in several layers, the wound healed. However, tongue dysfunction and a speech disorder remained because of tongue shortening. CONCLUSION Meth may induce or aggravate severe oral self-mutilation. Tongue biting with severe tissue damage may occur as oral self-mutilation in meth users; however, among self-mutilation behaviors, tongue biting is especially difficult to prevent. A withdrawal from meth and a behavioral approach may be necessary for fundamental prevention, but it is often difficult in high dependence users. When severe tongue biting occurs, prompt suture reconstruction must be performed before ischemic change occurs to prevent tissue necrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Shudo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Kishiwada Tokushukai Hospital, Osaka, Japan.,Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hyogo College of Medicine, Hyogo, Japan
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Chen LJ, Zhi X, Zhang KK, Wang LB, Li JH, Liu JL, Xu LL, Yoshida JS, Xie XL, Wang Q. Escalating dose-multiple binge methamphetamine treatment elicits neurotoxicity, altering gut microbiota and fecal metabolites in mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 148:111946. [PMID: 33359793 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is an addictive and illegal psychostimulant drug that can cause multiple organ dysfunction, especially in the central nervous system (CNS). Gut microbiota have been implicated in development of various CNS-related diseases, via the gut-brain axis (GBA). However, effect of METH in the alteration of gut microbiota and fecal metabolites is unclear, whereas the relationship with METH-induced neurotoxicity remains unknown. In the current study, we investigated effect of METH on neurotoxicity in striatum and colonic damage by exposing BALB/c mice to an escalating dose-multiple binge regimen, and then analyzed protein expression using Western blot analysis. We further detected and sequenced the 16 S rRNA gene in fecal samples, and performed ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS)-based metabolomics to analyze gut microbes and fecal metabolites. Exposure to METH significantly downregulated tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) proteins, but upregulated MAOA, Beclin1, Atg5, and LC3-Ⅱ. METH up-regulated inflammation-related factors, such as caspase1, TNF-α and IL-18, by activating the toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (Myd88)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway and reduced occludin protein expression. In addition, METH exposure changed α and β diversities of gut microbiota. Specifically, METH exposure elevated relative abundances of pathogenic bacteria, but reduced those of probiotics. Metabolomics, combined with enrichment analyses revealed that METH exposure altered fecal metabolites. Our findings suggest that METH exposure induced autophagy in the CNS, elevated intestinal autophagy flora, leading to accumulation of fecal metabolites in the autophagy pathway, and causing enteritis. Moreover, METH promoted intestinal inflammation by increasing the relative abundance of the pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract, and reduced intestinal TJ protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jian Chen
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Zhi
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kai-Kai Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Bin Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Hao Li
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Li Liu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ling-Ling Xu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Xiao-Li Xie
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Nie L, Ghahremani DG, Mandelkern MA, Dean AC, Luo W, Ren A, Li J, London ED. The relationship between duration of abstinence and gray-matter brain structure in chronic methamphetamine users. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2021; 47:65-73. [PMID: 33426968 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2020.1778712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Brain structural findings in chronic methamphetamine users have been inconsistent. Identifying contributing influences (e.g., sex, abstinence duration) can help clarify the clinical course of recovery.Objectives: We studied the effects of long-term methamphetamine abstinence on gray-matter volume. Our hypothesis was that smaller volume early in abstinence would precede long-term recovery.Methods: Individuals who used methamphetamine (≥100 g lifetime use, mandated to residential treatment for methamphetamine-positive urine; 40 men, 21 women), undergoing supervised abstinence (men: 12-400 days; women: 130-594 days), were compared to healthy controls (49 men, 36 women) using T1-weighted MRI. Volumes of orbitofrontal, anterior cingulate and parietal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum were measured using Freesurfer software. Associations of volumes with abstinence duration were tested in males and females separately because their abstinence times differed (121.5 ± 124.5 vs. 348.0 ± 128.6 days, p < 0.001); only males were studied in early abstinence. The General Linear Model was used to test effects of abstinence duration and group (methamphetamine users vs. controls).Results: In males, duration of abstinence was multivariate significant for gray-matter volumes (p = 0.017). Abstinence duration was associated with increases in volumes of the orbitofrontal and parietal cortices (ps = 0.031, 0.016) and hippocampi (ps = 0.044). Irrespective of abstinence, male methamphetamine users had smaller hippocampi than male controls (p = 0.008). Females showed no significant effects of group or abstinence.Conclusions: In males, abstinence from methamphetamine appears to result in volumetric increases in regions important for cognitive function, which may affect recovery during the course of treatment. Data from the period of early abstinence are required to evaluate volumetric changes in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Nie
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dara G Ghahremani
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Andy C Dean
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wei Luo
- Sichuan Provincial Compulsory Drug Addiction Treatment Agency for Females, Deyang, China
| | - Anlian Ren
- Sichuan Provincial Compulsory Drug Addiction Treatment Agency for Males, Ziyang, China
| | - Jing Li
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Edythe D London
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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50
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Ramshini E, Sheykhzade M, Dabiri S, Shabani M. Cannabinoid CB1 receptor mediates METH-induced electrophysiological and morphological alterations in cerebellum Purkinje cells. Hum Exp Toxicol 2020; 40:940-951. [PMID: 33249856 DOI: 10.1177/0960327120975448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Our previous studies on cannabinoid type1 receptor (CB1R) activation on Methamphetamine (METH)-induced neurodegeneration and locomotion impairments in male rats suggest an interaction between CB1Rs and METH. However, the role of these receptors in METH-neurotoxicity has not been fully identified. Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to investigate the involvement of CB1Rs in these effects. We conducted an electrophysiological study to evaluate functional interactions between METH and CB1Rs using whole-cell patch current clamp recording. Furthermore, we designed the Nissl staining protocol to assess the effect of METH on the basic cerebellar Purkinje cell structure. Our findings revealed that METH significantly increased the action potential half-width, spontaneous interspike intervals, first spike latency, and decreased the rebound action potential and spontaneous firing frequency. Using CB1R agonist and antagonist, our results showed a significant interaction with some of the electrophysiological alterations induced by METH. Further, Nissl staining revealed that the exposure to the combination of METH and SR141716A resulted in the necrotic cell death. Results of the current study raises the possibility that METH consumption profoundly affect the intrinsic membrane properties of cerebellar Purkinje neurons and cannabinoid system manipulations may counteract some of these effects. In summary, our findings provide further insights into the modulatory role of the endocannabinoid system in METH-induced neurologic changes, which can be used in the development of potential therapeutic interventions for METH dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Effat Ramshini
- Department of Physiology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,158777Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Majid Sheykhzade
- 365660Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Shahriar Dabiri
- Pathology and Stem Cell Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Shabani
- 158777Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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