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Noruzi M, Behmadi H, Sabzevari O, Foroumadi A, Ghahremani MH, Pourahmad J, Hassani S, Baeeri M, Gholami M, Ghahremanian A, Seyfi S, Taghizadeh G, Sharifzadeh M. Liraglutide alleviated alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) induced cognitive deficits in rats by modifying brain mitochondrial impairment. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176776. [PMID: 38936451 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176776] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The use of NPS compounds is increasing, and impairment in spatial learning and memory is a growing concern. Alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) consumption, as a commonly used NPS, can impair spatial learning and memory via the brain mitochondrial dysfunction mechanism. Liraglutide isone of the most well-known Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists that is used as an anti-diabetic and anti-obesity drug. According to current research, Liraglutide likely ameliorates cognitive impairment in neurodegenerative conditions and substance use disorders. Hence, the purpose of this study is examining the effect of Liraglutide on α-PVP-induced spatial learning and memory problems due to brain mitochondrial dysfunction. Wistar rats (8 in each group) received α-PVP (20 mg/kg/d for 10 consecutive days, intraperitoneally (I.P.)). Then, Liraglutide was administered at 47 and 94 μg/kg/d, I.P., for 4 weeks following the α-PVP administration. The Morris Water Maze (MWM) task evaluated spatial learning and memory 24 h after Liraglutide treatment. Bedside, brain mitochondrial activity parameters, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cytochrome c release, mitochondrial outer membrane damage and swelling, and brain ADP/ATP ratio, were studied. Our results showed that Liraglutide ameliorated α-PVP-induced spatial learning and memory impairments through alleviating brain mitochondrial dysfunction (which is indicated by increasing ROS formation, collapsed MMP, mitochondrial outer membrane damage, cytochrome c release, mitochondrial swelling, and increased brain ADP/ATP ratio). This study could be used as a starting point for future studies about the possible role of Liraglutide in ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction leading to substance use disorder- induced cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Noruzi
- School of Pharmacy, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Homayoon Behmadi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Sabzevari
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Toxicology & Poisoning Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Foroumadi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Ghahremani
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalal Pourahmad
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokoufeh Hassani
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Baeeri
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Gholami
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Toxicology & Poisoning Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Ghahremanian
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Drug and Poision Information Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soheila Seyfi
- Drug Design and Development Research Center, The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ghorban Taghizadeh
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Sharifzadeh
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Sakai Y, Egawa D, Hattori J, Morikawa Y, Suenami K, Takayama T, Nagai A, Michiue T, Ikari A, Matsunaga T. α-Pyrrolidinononanophenone derivatives induce differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell apoptosis via reduction of antioxidant capacity: Involvement of NO depletion and inactivation of Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathway. Neurotoxicology 2024; 100:3-15. [PMID: 38040126 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.11.010] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
α-Pyrrolidinononanophenone (α-PNP) derivatives are known to be one of the hazardous new psychoactive substances due to the most extended hydrocarbon chains of any pyrrolidinophenones on the illicit drug market. Our previous report showed that 4'-iodo-α-PNP (I-α-PNP) is the most potent cytotoxic compound among α-PNP derivatives and induces apoptosis due to mitochondrial dysfunction and suppression of nitric oxide (NO) production in differentiated human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. In this study, to clarify the detailed action mechanisms by I-α-PNP, we investigated the mechanism of reactive oxygen species (ROS) -dependent apoptosis by I-α-PNP in differentiated SH-SY5Y with a focus on the antioxidant activities. Treatment with I-α-PNP elicits overproduction of ROS such as H2O2, hydroxyl radical, and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal, and pretreatment with antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine is attenuated the SH-SY5Y cells apoptosis by I-α-PNP. These results suggested that the overproduction of ROS is related to SH-SY5Y cell apoptosis by I-α-PNP. In addition, I-α-PNP markedly decreased antioxidant capacity in differentiated cells than in undifferentiated cells and inhibited the upregulation of hemeoxygenase 1 (HO1) and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) expression caused by induction of differentiation. Furthermore, the treatment with I-α-PNP increased the nuclear expression level of BTB Domain And CNC Homolog 1 (Bach1), a transcriptional repressor of Nrf2, only in differentiated cells, suggesting that the marked decrease in antioxidant capacity in differentiated cells was due to suppression of Nrf2/HO1 signaling by Bach1. Additionally, pretreatment with an NO donor suppresses the I-α-PNP-evoked ROS overproduction, HO1 down-regulation, increased nuclear Bach1 expression and reduced antioxidant activity in the differentiated cells. These findings suggest that the ROS-dependent apoptosis by I-α-PNP in differentiated cells is attributed to the inactivation of the Nrf2/HO1 signaling pathway triggered by NO depletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Sakai
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Gifu Prefectural Police Headquarters, Gifu 500-8501, Japan.
| | - Daisuke Egawa
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu 502-8585, Japan
| | - Junta Hattori
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu 502-8585, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Morikawa
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Gifu Prefectural Police Headquarters, Gifu 500-8501, Japan
| | - Koichi Suenami
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Gifu Prefectural Police Headquarters, Gifu 500-8501, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Takayama
- Forensic Science Laboratory, Gifu Prefectural Police Headquarters, Gifu 500-8501, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nagai
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Tomomi Michiue
- Department of Legal Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1194, Japan
| | - Akira Ikari
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu 501-1196, Japan
| | - Toshiyuki Matsunaga
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, Gifu Pharmaceutical University, Gifu 502-8585, Japan
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Nguyen VT, Harris AC, Eltit JM. Structural and functional perspectives on interactions between synthetic cathinones and monoamine transporters. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 99:83-124. [PMID: 38467490 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinone derivatives comprise a family of psychoactive compounds structurally related to amphetamine. Over the last decade, clandestine chemists have synthesized a consistent stream of innovative cathinone derivatives to outpace governmental regulatory restrictions. Many of these unregulated substances are produced and distributed as designer drugs. Two of the principal chemical scaffolds exploited to expand the synthetic cathinone family are methcathinone and α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (or α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone, α-PVP). These compounds' main physiological targets are monoamine transporters, where they promote addiction by potentiating dopaminergic neurotransmission. This chapter describes techniques used to study the pharmacodynamic properties of cathinones at monoamine transporters in vitro. Biochemical techniques described include uptake inhibition and release assays in rat brain synaptosomes and in mammalian expression systems. Electrophysiological techniques include current measurements using the voltage clamp technique. We describe a Ca2+ mobilization assay wherein voltage-gated Ca2+ channels function as reporters to study the action of synthetic cathinones at monoamine transporters. We discuss results from systematic structure-activity relationship studies on simple and complex cathinones at monoamine transporters with an emphasis on identifying structural moieties that modulate potency and selectivity at these transporters. Moreover, different profiles of selectivity at monoamine transporters directly predict compounds associated with behavioral and subjective effects within animals and humans. In conclusion, clarification of the structural aspects of compounds which modulate potency and selectivity at monoamine transporters is critical to identify and predict potential addictive drugs. This knowledge may allow prompt allocation of resources toward drugs that represent the greatest threats after drugs are identified by forensic laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vy T Nguyen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Alan C Harris
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Jose M Eltit
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
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Roda E, De Luca F, Priori EC, Ratto D, Pinelli S, Corradini E, Mozzoni P, Poli D, Mazzini G, Bottone MG, Gatti AM, Marti M, Locatelli CA, Rossi P, Bottai D. The Designer Drug αPHP Affected Cell Proliferation and Triggered Deathly Mechanisms in Murine Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1225. [PMID: 37759624 PMCID: PMC10525791 DOI: 10.3390/biology12091225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Increasing reports of neurological and psychiatric outcomes due to psychostimulant synthetic cathinones (SCs) have recently raised public concern. However, the understanding of neurotoxic mechanisms is still lacking, particularly for the under-investigated αPHP, one of the major MDPV derivatives. In particular, its effects on neural stem/progenitor cell cultures (NSPCs) are still unexplored. Therefore, in the current in vitro study, the effects of increasing αPHP concentrations (25-2000 μM), on cell viability/proliferation, morphology/ultrastructure, genotoxicity and cell death pathways, have been evaluated after exposure in murine NSPCs, using a battery of complementary techniques, i.e., MTT and clonogenic assay, flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, TEM, and patch clamp. We revealed that αPHP was able to induce a dose-dependent significant decrease of the viability, proliferation and clonal capability of the NSPCs, paralleled by the resting membrane potential depolarization and apoptotic/autophagic/necroptotic pathway activation. Moreover, ultrastructural alterations were clearly observed. Overall, our current findings demonstrate that αPHP, damaging NSPCs and the morpho-functional fundamental units of adult neurogenic niches may affect neurogenesis, possibly triggering long-lasting, irreversible CNS damage. The present investigation could pave the way for a broadened understanding of SCs toxicology, needed to establish an appropriate treatment for NPS and the potential consequences for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Roda
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy (C.A.L.)
| | - Fabrizio De Luca
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
| | - Erica Cecilia Priori
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
| | - Daniela Ratto
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
| | - Silvana Pinelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Emilia Corradini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Mozzoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Diana Poli
- INAIL Research, Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Via Fontana Candida, 1, 00078 Monte Porzio Catone, Italy
| | - Giuliano Mazzini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
- Institute of Molecular Genetics—CNR (National Research Council), 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bottone
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
| | - Anna Maria Gatti
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy (C.A.L.)
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine, LTTA Center and University Center of Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Collaborative Centre for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Carlo Alessandro Locatelli
- Laboratory of Clinical & Experimental Toxicology, Pavia Poison Centre, National Toxicology Information Centre, Toxicology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, 27100 Pavia, Italy (C.A.L.)
| | - Paola Rossi
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “L. Spallanzani”, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (F.D.L.); (P.R.)
| | - Daniele Bottai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Biosciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy;
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Manke HN, Nunn SS, Sulima A, Rice KC, Riley AL. Effects of Serial Polydrug Use on the Rewarding and Aversive Effects of the Novel Synthetic Cathinone Eutylone. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1294. [PMID: 37759895 PMCID: PMC10526358 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091294] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As individual synthetic cathinones become scheduled and regulated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), new ones regularly are produced and distributed. One such compound is eutylone, a novel third-generation synthetic cathinone whose affective properties (and abuse potential) are largely unknown. The following experiments begin to characterize these effects and how they may be impacted by drug history (a factor affecting reward/aversion for other drugs of abuse). METHODS Eutylone was assessed for its ability to induce conditioned taste avoidance (CTA; aversive effect) and conditioned place preference (CPP; rewarding effect) and their relationship (Experiment 1). Following this, the effects of exposure to cocaine or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA] on eutylone's affective properties were investigated (Experiment 2). RESULTS Eutylone produced dose-dependent CTA and CPP (Experiment 1), and these endpoints were unrelated. Pre-exposure to cocaine and MDMA differentially impacted taste avoidance induced by eutylone (MDMA > cocaine) and did not impact eutylone-induced place preference. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that eutylone, like other synthetic cathinones, has co-occurring, independent rewarding and aversive effects that may contribute to its abuse potential and that these effects are differentially impacted by drug history. Although these studies begin the characterization of eutylone, future studies should examine the impact of other factors on eutylone's affective properties and its eventual reinforcing effects (i.e., intravenous self-administration [IVSA]) to predict its use and abuse liability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley N. Manke
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (H.N.M.)
| | - Samuel S. Nunn
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (H.N.M.)
| | - Agnieszka Sulima
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA (K.C.R.)
| | - Kenner C. Rice
- Drug Design and Synthesis Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA (K.C.R.)
| | - Anthony L. Riley
- Psychopharmacology Laboratory, Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Neuroscience, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA; (H.N.M.)
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Noruzi M, Behmadi H, Khankahdani ZH, Sabzevari O, Foroumadi A, Ghahremani MH, Pourahmad J, Hassani S, Gholami M, Moghimi S, Ghazimoradi MM, Taghizadeh G, Sharifzadeh M. Alpha pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) administration impairs spatial learning and memory in rats through brain mitochondrial dysfunction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 467:116497. [PMID: 37003365 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116497] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) consumption has increased in recent years, thus NPS-induced cognitive decline is a current source of concern. Alpha-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), as a member of NPS, is consumed throughout regions like Washington, D.C., Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Mitochondrial dysfunction plays an essential role in NPS-induced cognitive impairment. Meanwhile, no investigations have been conducted regarding the α-PVP impact on spatial learning/memory and associated mechanisms. Consequently, our study investigated the α-PVP effect on spatial learning/memory and brain mitochondrial function. Wistar rats received different α-PVP doses (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) intraperitoneally for 10 sequential days; 24 h after the last dose, spatial learning/memory was evaluated by the Morris Water Maze (MWM). Furthermore, brain mitochondrial protein yield and function variables (Mitochondrial swelling, succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, lipid peroxidation, Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP), Reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, brain ADP/ATP proportion, cytochrome c release, Mitochondrial Outer Membrane (MOM) damage) were examined. α-PVP higher dose (20 mg/kg) significantly impaired spatial learning/memory, mitochondrial protein yield, and brain mitochondrial function (caused reduced SDH activity, increased mitochondrial swelling, elevated ROS generation, increased lipid peroxidation, collapsed MMP, increased cytochrome c release, and brain ADP/ATP proportion, and MOM damage). Moreover, the lower dose of α-PVP (5 mg/kg) did not alter spatial learning/memory and brain mitochondrial function. These findings provide the first evidence regarding impaired spatial learning and memory following repeated administration of α-PVP and the possible role of brain mitochondrial dysfunction in these cognitive impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Noruzi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homayoon Behmadi
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Omid Sabzevari
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Toxicology & Poisoning Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Foroumadi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Ghahremani
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalal Pourahmad
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shokoufeh Hassani
- Toxicology and Diseases Group (TDG), Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center (PSRC), The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Iran
| | - Mahdi Gholami
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy; Toxicology and Poisoning Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Moghimi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ghorban Taghizadeh
- Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Occupational Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Sharifzadeh
- Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Behavioral patterns of people who use synthetic psychostimulants: Results of a qualitative study in St. Petersburg, Russia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 107:103790. [PMID: 35849936 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103790] [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: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Russia, like many other places, is currently experiencing a proliferation of new psychoactive substances, many of which are psychostimulants. In St. Petersburg, these appear to be mostly congeners of cathinone. We sought to obtain qualitative data to better understand the impact on the health and behaviors of people who use drugs (PWUD) by recruiting individuals who reported recent use of psychostimulants. METHODS In-depth qualitative data on current drug use and its effects were collected through thirty interviews (n=30) and two focus groups (n=10: five male, five female). The interviews and focus groups also provided data on the social contexts of drug use including sexual behaviors and associated medical issues. Secondary data about online drug purchases were obtained from a source that accesses and analyzes darknet purchases. Qualitative data were initially coded using a priori codes developed on the basis of the interview guide, and then data were coded again inductively based on emergent findings from the data. Thematic analysis was carried out using OpenCode 4.0 qualitative data analysis software. RESULTS Thematic analysis of the interviews and focus groups identified distinct differences in behavior patterns between older, more experienced PWUD and a "new generation" of PWUD. Routes of initiation of drug use and sexual behaviors associated with drug use differed, but both groups reported high levels of unsafe injection and sexual behaviors. In interpreting the texts and purchasing data, we have attempted to anticipate how the drug use patterns can influence HIV transmission. CONCLUSIONS The emergence of a new class of psychostimulant drugs presents new threats to the health of drug users and new opportunities to intervene to reduce those risks. The information obtained may assist HIV/AIDS prevention specialists and drug user support groups in their efforts to decrease unsafe drug use and sexual behaviors.
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Ethanol enhanced MDPV- and cocaine-induced aggressive behavior in mice: Forensic implications. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 229:109125. [PMID: 34763230 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reports concerning the causal link between aggressive behavior and use and abuse of different substances (i.e., alcohol, MDPV) can be found in the literature. Nonetheless, the topic concerning the effects of acute ethanol administration on MDPV and cocaine induced aggressive behavior has yet to be thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate such synergistic effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 360 male mice were employed in the study. Ethanol was diluted with saline solution and administered 10 min before MDPV or cocaine injection via oral gavage needles. Similarly, MDPV and cocaine were dissolved in saline solution and administered by intraperitoneal injection. Different associations of specific drug doses were then tested. To investigate the acute effects of MDPV and cocaine and their interaction with ethanol on aggression in mice, a resident-intruder test was used. RESULTS Ethanol alone was ineffective at dosages of 0.05 g/kg and 0.25 g/kg but increased the aggressiveness of the mice at 0.125 g/kg. Similarly, the injection of both cocaine alone and MDPV alone did not significantly increase the aggressiveness of the mice; conversely, the combination of ethanol and cocaine and ethanol and MDPV enhanced aggression at specific ethanol dosages (0.05 g/kg and 0.125 g/kg). CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that acute ethanol administration enhances MDPV- and cocaine-induced aggressive behavior in mice. This aggressive response is particularly enhanced when MDVP and cocaine are coupled with specific ethanol dosages, proving that psychostimulant drugs may act synergistically under certain conditions.
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Alegre-Zurano L, López-Arnau R, Luján MÁ, Camarasa J, Valverde O. Cannabidiol Modulates the Motivational and Anxiety-Like Effects of 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8304. [PMID: 34361071 PMCID: PMC8348800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is a new psychoactive substance (NPS) and the most widespread and life-threatening synthetic cathinone of the "bath salts". Preclinical research has proven the cocaine-like psychostimulant effects of MDPV and its potential for abuse. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychotropic phytocannabinoid that has emerged as a new potential treatment for drug addiction. Here, we tested the effects of CBD (20 mg/kg) on MDPV (2 mg/kg)-induced conditioned place preference and MDPV (0.05 and 0.075 mg/kg/infusion) self-administration paradigms. In addition, we assessed the effects of the co-administration of CBD and MDPV (3 and 4 mg/kg) on anxiety-like behaviour using the elevated plus maze (EPM). CBD mitigated the MDPV-induced conditioned place preference. On the contrary, CBD administration throughout the MDPV (0.075 mg/kg/infusion) self-administration increased drug-seeking and taking behaviours, but only in the high-responders group of mice. Furthermore, CBD exerted anxiolytic-like effects, exclusively in MDPV-treated mice. Taken together, our results indicate that CBD modulation of MDPV-induced motivational responses in mice varies depending on the requirements of the learning task, resulting in a complex response. Therefore, further research attempting to decipher the behavioural and molecular interactions between CBD and MDPV is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Alegre-Zurano
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (L.A.-Z.); (M.Á.L.)
| | - Raúl López-Arnau
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Miguel Á. Luján
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (L.A.-Z.); (M.Á.L.)
| | - Jordi Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Pharmacology Section and Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Universitat de Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Olga Valverde
- Neurobiology of Behaviour Research Group (GReNeC-NeuroBio), Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (L.A.-Z.); (M.Á.L.)
- Neuroscience Research Programme, IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
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10
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Caffino L, Mottarlini F, Bilel S, Targa G, Tirri M, Maggi C, Marti M, Fumagalli F. Single Exposure to the Cathinones MDPV and α-PVP Alters Molecular Markers of Neuroplasticity in the Adult Mouse Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7397. [PMID: 34299015 PMCID: PMC8307734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones have gained popularity among young drug users and are widely used in the clandestine market. While the cathinone-induced behavioral profile has been extensively investigated, information on their neuroplastic effects is still rather fragmentary. Accordingly, we have exposed male mice to a single injection of MDPV and α-PVP and sacrificed the animals at different time points (i.e., 30 min, 2 h, and 24 h) to have a rapid readout of the effect of these psychostimulants on neuroplasticity in the frontal lobe and hippocampus, two reward-related brain regions. We found that a single, low dose of MDPV or α-PVP is sufficient to alter the expression of neuroplastic markers in the adult mouse brain. In particular, we found increased expression of the transcription factor Npas4, increased ratio between the vesicular GABA transporter and the vesicular glutamate transporter together with changes in the expression of the neurotrophin Bdnf, confirming the widespread impact of these cathinones on brain plasticity. To sum up, exposure to low dose of cathinones can impair cortical and hippocampal homeostasis, suggesting that abuse of these cathinones at much higher doses, as it occurs in humans, could have an even more profound impact on neuroplasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Coralie Maggi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
| | - Matteo Marti
- Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (S.B.); (M.T.); (M.M.)
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; (L.C.); (F.M.); (G.T.); (C.M.)
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11
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Antunes M, Sequeira M, de Caires Pereira M, Caldeira MJ, Santos S, Franco J, Barroso M, Gaspar H. Determination of Selected Cathinones in Blood by Solid-Phase Extraction and GC-MS. J Anal Toxicol 2021; 45:233-242. [PMID: 32588896 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkaa074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of potentially dangerous new psychoactive substances (NPS) is challenging for forensic laboratories, as well as the ability to develop and validate methods for a rapid and unambiguous monitoring of these compounds. Thereupon, the aim of this work was to establish a methodology for the identification and quantification of four synthetic cathinones already seized in Portugal [4-chloroethcathinone (4-CEC), α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP), 4-chloro-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (4-Cl-PVP) and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)] in whole blood samples, using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analytes were extracted from blood by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and derivatized with N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA) with 5% trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS). For all analytes, linearity was observed from 25 (lower limit of quantification, LLOQ) to 800 ng/mL, with coefficients of determination higher than 0.99. The limits of detection (LOD) were 5 ng/mL for α-PVP, 4-Cl-PVP and MDPV and 25 ng/mL for 4-CEC. The method was selective, precise and accurate, and the extraction efficiency was higher than 85% for all analytes. The target cathinones were stable under different stock conditions, being MDPV the most stable and 4-CEC the least stable compound. The validated analytical method was then applied to real samples that previously tested positive for amphetamines, but no positive samples were found for the cathinones under study. The present method describes for the first time the quantification of 4-CEC and 4-Cl-PVP in whole blood samples by GC-MS, allowing their accurate determination in forensic situations where the compounds are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Antunes
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Margarida Sequeira
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Mariana de Caires Pereira
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal.,Laboratório de Polícia Científica da Polícia Judiciária-Setor de Drogas e Toxicologia, Rua Gomes Freire, Lisboa 1169-007, Portugal
| | - Maria João Caldeira
- Laboratório de Polícia Científica da Polícia Judiciária-Setor de Drogas e Toxicologia, Rua Gomes Freire, Lisboa 1169-007, Portugal
| | - Susana Santos
- Faculdade de Ciências, Centro de Química Estrutural, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal
| | - João Franco
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, I.P.-Delegação do Sul, Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Rua Manuel Bento de Sousa, 3, Lisboa 1150-219, Portugal
| | - Mário Barroso
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, I.P.-Delegação do Sul, Serviço de Química e Toxicologia Forenses, Rua Manuel Bento de Sousa, 3, Lisboa 1150-219, Portugal
| | - Helena Gaspar
- Faculty of Sciences, BioISI-Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, University of Lisboa, Campo Grande, C8, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal.,MARE-Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre, Polytechnic of Leiria, Edifício CETEMARES, Avenida do Porto de Pesca, 2520-630 PEniche, Portugal
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12
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Schiavi S, Melancia F, Carbone E, Buzzelli V, Manduca A, Peinado PJ, Zwergel C, Mai A, Campolongo P, Vanderschuren LJ, Trezza V. Detrimental effects of the 'bath salt' methylenedioxypyrovalerone on social play behavior in male rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2020; 45:2012-2019. [PMID: 32506112 PMCID: PMC7547114 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-0729-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is the most popular synthetic cathinone found in products marketed as 'bath salts', widely abused among teenagers and young adults. Synthetic cathinones have pharmacological effects resembling those of psychostimulants, which are known to disrupt a variety of social behaviors. However, despite the popular use of MDPV by young people in social contexts, information about its effects on social behavior is scarce. To investigate the impact of MDPV on social behavior at young age, and the underlying neurobehavioral mechanisms, we focused on social play behavior. Social play behavior is the most characteristic social behavior displayed by young mammals and it is crucial for neurobehavioral development. Treatment with MDPV reduced social play behavior in both juvenile and young adult male rats, and its play-suppressant effect was subject to tolerance but not sensitization. As the behavioral effects of MDPV have been ascribed to dopaminergic and noradrenergic neurotransmission, and given the role of these neurotransmitters in social play, we investigated the involvement of dopamine and noradrenaline in the play-suppressant effects of MDPV. The effects of MDPV on social play were blocked by either the α2 adrenoceptor antagonist RX821002 or the dopamine receptor antagonist flupenthixol, given alone or together at sub-effective doses. In sum, MDPV selectively suppresses the most vigorous social behavior of developing rats through both noradrenergic and dopaminergic mechanisms. This study provides important preclinical evidence of the deleterious effects of MDPV on social behavior, and as such increases our understanding of the neurobehavioral effects of this popular cathinone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Schiavi
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Melancia
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Carbone
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Buzzelli
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonia Manduca
- grid.8509.40000000121622106Department of Science, University “Roma Tre”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Clemens Zwergel
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Drug Chemistry & Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ,Department of precision medicine, “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Università della Campania, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonello Mai
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Drug Chemistry & Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ,grid.7841.aIstituto Pasteur—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy ,grid.417778.a0000 0001 0692 3437Neurobiology of Behavior Laboratory, Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Louk J.M.J. Vanderschuren
- grid.5477.10000000120346234Department of Animals in Science and Society, Division of Behavioural Neuroscience, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy.
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13
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Electrochemical detection of the synthetic cathinone 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone using carbon screen-printed electrodes: A fast, simple and sensitive screening method for forensic samples. Electrochim Acta 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2020.136728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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14
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The synthetic cathinone 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone increases impulsive action in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2020; 31:309-321. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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15
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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16
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Chan WS, Wong GF, Hung CW, Wong YN, Fung KM, Lee WK, Dao KL, Leung CW, Lo KM, Lee WM, Cheung BKK. Interpol review of toxicology 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:563-607. [PMID: 33385147 PMCID: PMC7770452 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in toxicology from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20.Papers%202019.pdf.
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17
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Cheng KW, Hsieh CM, Chen HW, Chi PC, Yang DP, Chan SH, Chen JY, Hwa HL, Fang CC, Weng TI, Chen PS. Determination of synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinovalero-phenone and its metabolite in urine using solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY : RCM 2020; 34 Suppl 1:e8579. [PMID: 31502287 DOI: 10.1002/rcm.8579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The presence of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) and its metabolites in urine is evidence of the administration of α-PVP. A toxicological challenge is that the metabolites of α-PVP exhibit amphoteric properties, which make them unsuitable for detection using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). In the study reported, proper derivatization and sample extraction were essential for improving the sensitivity for GC/MS analysis. METHODS An automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) method has been developed and optimized. The derivatization efficiency was tested using longer reaction time and the addition of polar pyridine into a mixture of N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA) with 1% trimethylchlorosilane. Method validation, including linearity, limit of detection, precision, accuracy, and recovery, was evaluated using automatic SPE and GC/MS. RESULTS The results suggested that adding pyridine to BSTFA (1:1, v/v) significantly improved derivatization efficiency and precision. After optimization, the linear range was from 25 to 1000 ng mL-1 with R2 > 0.9950. The limit of detection was 5 ng mL-1 for α-PVP and 25 ng mL-1 for OH-α-PVP. The recovery for SPE was over 88%. The inter-day and intra-day precisions were less than 15%. A forensic sample has been found containing α-PVP (67.3 ng mL-1 ) and OH-α-PVP (560.2 ng mL-1 ). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to validate an auto-SPE-GC/MS method for the quantification and qualification of α-PVP and OH-α-PVP in urine. We have successfully improved the derivatization efficiency and developed a sensitive and semi-automatic approach. This approach is desirable for the detection of synthetic cathinone at trace levels in biological samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai-Wen Cheng
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Providence University, Taichung, 433, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Ming Hsieh
- School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei, 110, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Wen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1 Jen Ai Road Section 1, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Chieh Chi
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1 Jen Ai Road Section 1, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Da-Peng Yang
- Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 7 Chung-Shan S. Road., Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - She-Hung Chan
- Department of Cosmetic Science, Providence University, Taichung, 433, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Yu Chen
- Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 7 Chung-Shan S. Road., Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Hsaio-Lin Hwa
- Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 7 Chung-Shan S. Road., Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chung Fang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Te-I Weng
- Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 7 Chung-Shan S. Road., Taipei, 100, Taiwan
| | - Pai-Shan Chen
- Graduate Institute of Toxicology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 1 Jen Ai Road Section 1, Taipei, 100, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Forensic Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, 7 Chung-Shan S. Road., Taipei, 100, Taiwan
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18
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Lunetta P, Kriikku P, Tikka J, Ojanperä I. Fatal α-PVP and amphetamine poisoning during a sauna and autoerotic practices. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2020; 16:493-497. [PMID: 32219708 PMCID: PMC7449946 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-020-00236-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We describe the sudden death of a middle-aged man while having a sauna under the influence of α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP) (PM blood concentration: 0.8 mg/L), amphetamine (0.34 mg/L), and other drugs (buprenorphine, benzodiazepines), and engaging in solitary sexual activities. The drugs’ effects on the cardio-circulatory system and on body thermoregulation combined with the high temperatures are likely to have been central mechanisms leading to death. The high levels of adrenaline triggered by sexual arousal and the respiratory depression caused by buprenorphine, in association with benzodiazepines, may have also contributed to his death. This previously unreported type of accidental autoerotic death illustrates the risk of using amphetamine-like sympathomimetic drugs (e.g. cathinone derivates) in hot environments such as a sauna, and during sexual activities therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Lunetta
- Department of Biomedicine, Forensic Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland. .,Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.
| | - Pirkko Kriikku
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Forensic Toxicology Unit, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julius Tikka
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Forensic Medicine Unit, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilkka Ojanperä
- Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Forensic Toxicology Unit, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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19
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Leong HS, Philp M, Simone M, Witting PK, Fu S. Synthetic Cathinones Induce Cell Death in Dopaminergic SH-SY5Y Cells via Stimulating Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041370. [PMID: 32085614 PMCID: PMC7073199 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing reports of neurological and psychiatric complications due to psychostimulant synthetic cathinones (SCs) have recently raised public concern. However, the precise mechanism of SC toxicity is unclear. This paucity of understanding highlights the need to investigate the in-vitro toxicity and mechanistic pathways of three SCs: butylone, pentylone, and 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Human neuronal cells of SH-SY5Y were cultured in supplemented DMEM/F12 media and differentiated to a neuronal phenotype using retinoic acid (10 μM) and 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (81 nM). Trypan blue and lactate dehydrogenase assays were utilized to assess the neurotoxicity potential and potency of these three SCs. To investigate the underlying neurotoxicity mechanisms, measurements included markers of oxidative stress, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and intracellular calcium (Ca2+), and cell death pathways were evaluated at two doses (EC15 and EC40), for each drug tested. Following 24 h of treatment, all three SCs exhibited a dose-dependent neurotoxicity, characterized by a significant (p < 0.0001 vs. control) production of reactive oxygen species, decreased mitochondrial bioenergetics, and increased intracellular Ca2+ concentrations. The activation of caspases 3 and 7 implicated the orchestration of mitochondrial-mediated neurotoxicity mechanisms for these SCs. Identifying novel therapeutic agents to enhance an altered mitochondrial function may help in the treatment of acute-neurological complications arising from the illicit use of these SCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huey Sze Leong
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (H.S.L.); (M.P.)
- Discipline of Pathology, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Morgan Philp
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (H.S.L.); (M.P.)
| | - Martin Simone
- Discipline of Pathology, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Paul Kenneth Witting
- Discipline of Pathology, Charles Perkins Centre, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia;
- Correspondence: (P.K.W.); (S.F.); Tel.: +61-2-9114-0524 (P.K.W.); +61-2-9514-8207 (S.F.)
| | - Shanlin Fu
- Centre for Forensic Science, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia; (H.S.L.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: (P.K.W.); (S.F.); Tel.: +61-2-9114-0524 (P.K.W.); +61-2-9514-8207 (S.F.)
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20
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Schifano F, Napoletano F, Arillotta D, Zangani C, Gilgar L, Guirguis A, Corkery JM, Vento A. The clinical challenges of synthetic cathinones. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 86:410-419. [PMID: 31674690 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Within the new psychoactive substances (NPS) scenario, several hundred different molecules, mostly including synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, have been identified so far. The aims of the paper were to: (i) identify the number of synthetic cathinones mentioned in a range of psychonaut, NPS-related, online sources; and (ii) describe the associated acute/long term clinical scenario and the related treatment/management plan. METHODS After about 18 months of operation and exclusion of false positives/duplicates, some 4204 unique NPS molecules were included in the NPSfinder® crawling/navigating software database. Most popular NPS included: 1265 psychedelic phenethylamines (30.1%; confidence interval [CI] 95%: 28.7-31.5%); 1253 synthetic cannabinoids (29.8%; CI 95%: 28.4-31.2%); 429 synthetic opioids (10.2%; CI 95%: 9.3-10.2%); and 171 synthetic cathinones (4.1%; CI 95% 3.5-4.7%). Conversely, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction databases respectively included 169 and 140 cathinones. Overall, the 3 databases reported some 222 synthetic cathinones, and 41 were uniquely identified by the NPSfinder®. RESULTS In terms of clinical scenarios, synthetic cathinone ingestion is initially associated with stimulant effects; however, psychopathological disturbances, violence, suicidal behaviour, hyperthermia, coma and death have also been described. CONCLUSION The proportion of cathinones commented on by psychonaut fora appeared to be relatively small, and similar to those reported by both the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. This may be associated with a recent significant decline in both cathinone-related consumption and acute medical presentation. Due to their complex behavioural and medical toxicity issues, healthcare professionals should be, however, be educated to recognise the signs and symptoms of NPS, including synthetic cathinone, ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Flavia Napoletano
- East London Foundation Trust (ELFT), Homerton University Hospital, London, UK
| | - Davide Arillotta
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Caroline Zangani
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Liam Gilgar
- Gabalfa Clinic, Cardiff and Vale NHS Health Board, Cardiff, UK
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Swansea University Medical School; Institute of Life Sciences; Swansea, UK
| | - John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Alessandro Vento
- Addictions' Observatory (ODDPSS), Rome, Italy.,Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy.,Department of Mental Health, ASL Roma 2, Rome, Italy
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21
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Wojcieszak J, Andrzejczak D, Wojtas A, Gołembiowska K, Zawilska JB. Comparative neuropharmacological studies on three pyrrolidine-containing synthetic cathinones. Forensic Toxicol 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s11419-020-00523-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Purpose
3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (3,4-MDPV) is a prevalent member of α-pyrrolidinophenones, a group of new psychoactive substances, known for its strong psychostimulant effect resulting from potent stimulation of dopamine (DA) circuitry in the brain. As 3,4-MDPV and its derivatives are successively being scheduled, each year novel analogs appear on the market. This study aimed at examination and direct comparison of psychostimulant properties of structural isomer of 3,4-MDPV, namely 2,3-MDPV along with a model α-pyrrolidinophenone, pyrovalerone.
Methods
Open field spontaneous locomotor activity of mice was assessed as a measure of psychostimulant potency. To evaluate the in vivo pharmacological properties of the drugs, extracellular levels of DA and serotonin (5-HT) in the mouse striatum were measured using an in vivo microdialysis technique followed by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. Involvement of dopaminergic system in the behavioral effects of the tested α-pyrrolidinophenones was examined by pre-treatment with a selective D1-DA receptor antagonist, SCH 23390, before measurement of locomotor activity in response to the drugs.
Results
3,4-MDPV, 2,3-MDPV and pyrovalerone produced time- and dose-dependent stimulation of locomotor activity, with 3,4-MDPV being more potent than the other two compounds. Observed locomotor stimulation was mediated by elevated DA-ergic neurotransmission, as all compounds caused a significant increase of extracellular DA levels in the striatum, with 3,4-MDPV being the most potent, and psychostimulant effects were abolished by SCH 23390. Interestingly, the tested pyrovalerones caused in vivo elevation of extracellular 5-HT levels, which contrasted with their in vitro pharmacologic properties.
Conclusions
Pyrovalerone, 2,3-MDPV and 3,4-MDPV produced psychostimulant effects mediated by stimulation of dopaminergic neurotransmission. Additionally, all tested compounds elevated extracellular levels of 5-HT in vivo.
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Angoa-Pérez M, Zagorac B, Winters AD, Greenberg JM, Ahmad M, Theis KR, Kuhn DM. Differential effects of synthetic psychoactive cathinones and amphetamine stimulants on the gut microbiome in mice. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227774. [PMID: 31978078 PMCID: PMC6980639 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The list of pharmacological agents that can modify the gut microbiome or be modified by it continues to grow at a high rate. The greatest amount of attention on drug-gut microbiome interactions has been directed primarily at pharmaceuticals used to treat infection, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and cancer. By comparison, drugs of abuse and addiction, which can powerfully and chronically worsen human health, have received relatively little attention in this regard. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to characterize how selected synthetic psychoactive cathinones (aka “Bath Salts”) and amphetamine stimulants modify the gut microbiome. Mice were treated with mephedrone (40 mg/kg), methcathinone (80 mg/kg), methamphetamine (5 mg/kg) or 4-methyl-methamphetamine (40 mg/kg), following a binge regimen consisting of 4 injections at 2h intervals. These drugs were selected for study because they are structural analogs that contain a β-keto substituent (methcathinone), a 4-methyl group (4-methyl-methamphetamine), both substituents (mephedrone) or neither (methamphetamine). Mice were sacrificed 1, 2 or 7 days after treatment and DNA from caecum contents was subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing. We found that all drugs caused significant time- and structure-dependent alterations in the diversity and taxonomic structure of the gut microbiome. The two phyla most changed by drug treatments were Firmicutes (methcathinone, 4-methyl-methamphetamine) and Bacteriodetes (methcathinone, 4-methyl-methamphetamine, methamphetamine, mephedrone). Across time, broad microbiome changes from the phylum to genus levels were characteristic of all drugs. The present results signify that these selected psychoactive drugs, which are thought to exert their primary effects within the CNS, can have profound effects on the gut microbiome. They also suggest new avenues of investigation into the possibility that gut-derived signals could modulate drug abuse and addiction via altered communication along the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Branislava Zagorac
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Andrew D. Winters
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jonathan M. Greenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Madison Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Kevin R. Theis
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Perinatal Research Initiative in Maternal, Perinatal and Child Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Donald M. Kuhn
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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De-Giorgio F, Bilel S, Ossato A, Tirri M, Arfè R, Foti F, Serpelloni G, Frisoni P, Neri M, Marti M. Reply to "MDPV-induced aggression in humans not established". Int J Legal Med 2019; 134:263-265. [PMID: 31773317 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-019-02176-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabio De-Giorgio
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Andrea Ossato
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Federica Foti
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Paolo Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy. .,Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy.
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Gonçalves JL, Alves VL, Aguiar J, Teixeira HM, Câmara JS. Synthetic cathinones: an evolving class of new psychoactive substances. Crit Rev Toxicol 2019; 49:549-566. [PMID: 31747318 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2019.1679087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones (SCat) are amphetamine-like psychostimulants that emerged onto drug markets as "legal" alternatives to illicit drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, and amphetamines. Usually they are sold as "bath salts," "plant food," or "research chemicals," and rapidly gained popularity amongst drugs users due to their potency, low cost, and availability. In addition, internet drug sales have been replacing the old way of supplying drugs of abuse, contributing to their rapid spread. Despite the legislative efforts to control SCat, new derivatives continue to emerge on the recreational drugs market and their abuse still represents a serious public health issue. To date, about 150 SCat have been identified on the clandestine drugs market, which are one of the largest groups of new psychoactive substances (NPS) monitored by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and the European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction. Similar to the classical stimulants, SCat affect the levels of catecholamines in the central nervous system, which results in their psychological, behavioral and toxic effects. Generally, the effects of SCat greatly differ from drug to drug and relatively little information is available about their pharmacology. The present work provides a review on the development of SCat as substances of abuse, current patterns of abuse and their legal status, chemical classification, known mechanisms of action, and their toxicological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- João L Gonçalves
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Vera L Alves
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Joselin Aguiar
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Helena M Teixeira
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal e Ciências Forenses, IP, Delegação Centro, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José S Câmara
- CQM - Centro de Química da Madeira, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal.,Faculdade de Ciências Exactas e da Engenharia, Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
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Darke S, Duflou J, Peacock A, Farrell M, Lappin J. Characteristics and circumstances of death related to new psychoactive stimulants and hallucinogens in Australia. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 204:107556. [PMID: 31546120 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New psychoactive stimulants and hallucinogens comprise a range of "designer drugs" that have risen to prominence in the 21st century. The study aimed to: 1. Determine the characteristics, and circumstances of death, of all recorded cases of new psychoactive stimulant and hallucinogen-related death in Australia; 2. Determine the toxicology of such deaths; and 3. Determine the major organ pathology of cases. METHODS All cases in which new psychoactive stimulants were a mechanism contributory to death were retrieved from the National Coronial Information System (2000-2017). Information was collected on cause of death, demographics, drug use history, circumstances of death, toxicology and major organ pathology. RESULTS 82 cases were identified. The mean age was 30.7yrs and 86.6% were male. Circumstances of death were: accidental drug toxicity (59.8%), traumatic accident (15.9%), suicide (12.2%) and natural disease (2.4%). The most common clinical presentation observed proximal to death was delirium (26.8%). Delirium was mostly frequently observed after phenethylamine consumption (72.2%). The most common cardiovascular diagnosis at autopsy was replacement fibrosis, indicative of previous ischemia (10.5%). New psychoactive stimulants and hallucinogens detected in toxicology were: cathinones (75.7%), phenethylamines (22.0%) and piperazines (6.1%). Other substances were present in 83.5% of cases, most commonly established controlled psychostimulants (58.2%). CONCLUSIONS Acute toxicity was the most common cause of death, but more than a third of deaths were due to trauma. Cathinones were the most commonly detected of the new psychoactive stimulants and hallucinogens. Delirium was the most frequently reported clinical sign proximal to death and was strongly associated with the phenethylamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Darke
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia.
| | - Johan Duflou
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
| | - Julia Lappin
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, NSW, 2052, Australia; School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Northfields Ave Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia
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Chen Y, Blough BE, Murnane KS, Canal CE. The synthetic cathinone psychostimulant α-PPP antagonizes serotonin 5-HT 2A receptors: In vitro and in vivo evidence. Drug Test Anal 2019; 11:990-998. [PMID: 30845376 DOI: 10.1002/dta.2582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones (SCs) are β-keto analogs of amphetamines. Like amphetamines, SCs target monoamine transporters; however, unusual neuropsychiatric symptoms have been associated with abuse of some SCs, suggesting SCs might possess additional pharmacological properties. We performed radioligand competition binding assays to assess the affinities of nine SCs at human 5-HT2A receptors (5-HT2A R) and muscarinic M1 receptors (M1 R) transiently expressed in HEK293 cells. None of the SCs exhibited affinity at M1 R (minimal displacement of [~Kd ] [3 H]scopolamine up to 10 μM). However, two SCs, α-pyrrolidinopropiophenone (α-PPP) and 4-methyl-α-PPP, had low μM Ki values at 5-HT2A R. In 5-HT2A R-phosphoinositide hydrolysis assays, α-PPP and 4-methyl-α-PPP displayed inverse agonist activity. We further assessed the 5-HT2A R functional activity of α-PPP, and observed it competitively antagonized 5-HT2A R signaling stimulated by the 5-HT2 R agonist (±)-2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodoamphetamine (DOI; Kb = 851 nM). To assess in vivo 5-HT2A R activity, we examined the effects of α-PPP on the DOI-elicited head-twitch response (HTR) in mice. α-PPP dose-dependently blocked the HTR with maximal suppression at 10 mg/kg (P < 0.0001), which is a moderate dose used in studies investigating psychostimulant properties of α-PPP. To corroborate a 5-HT2A R mechanism, we also tested 3,4-methylenedioxy-α-PPP (MDPPP) and 3-bromomethcathinone (3-BMC), SCs that we observed had 5-HT2A R Ki s > 10 μM. Neither MDPPP nor 3-BMC, at 10 mg/kg doses, attenuated the DOI HTR. Our results suggest α-PPP has antagonist interactions at 5-HT2A R in vitro that may translate at physiologically-relevant doses in vivo. Considering 5-HT2A R antagonism has been shown to mitigate effects of psychostimulants, this property may contribute to α-PPPs unpopularity compared to other monoamine transporter inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Bruce E Blough
- Center for Drug Discovery, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kevin S Murnane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Clinton E Canal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Mercer University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Leyrer-Jackson JM, Nagy EK, Olive MF. Cognitive deficits and neurotoxicity induced by synthetic cathinones: is there a role for neuroinflammation? Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1079-1095. [PMID: 30368582 PMCID: PMC6486871 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5067-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The number of synthetic derivatives of cathinone, the primary psychoactive alkaloid found in Catha edulis (khat), has risen exponentially in the past decade. Synthetic cathinones (frequently referred to as "bath salts") produce adverse cognitive and behavioral sequelae, share similar pharmacological mechanisms of action with traditional psychostimulants, and may therefore trigger similar cellular events that give rise to neuroinflammation and neurotoxicity. OBJECTIVES In this review, we provide a brief overview of synthetic cathinones, followed by a summary of cognitive deficits in animals and humans that have been documented following acute or repeated exposure. We also summarize growing evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies for synthetic cathinone-induced neurotoxicity, and provide a working hypothetic model of potential cellular mechanisms. RESULTS Synthetic cathinones produce varying effects on markers of monoaminergic terminal function and can increase the formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, induce apoptotic signaling, and cause neurodegeneration and cytotoxicity. We hypothesize that these effects result from biochemical events similar to those induced by traditional psychostimulants. However, empirical evidence for the ability of synthetic cathinones to induce neuroinflammatory processes is currently lacking. CONCLUSIONS Like their traditional psychostimulant counterparts, synthetic cathinones appear to induce neurocognitive dysfunction and cytotoxicity, which are dependent on drug type, dose, frequency, and time following exposure. However, additional studies on synthetic cathinone-induced neuroinflammation are clearly needed, as are investigations into the neurochemical and neuroimmune mechanisms underlying their neurotoxic effects. Such endeavors may lead to novel therapeutic avenues to promote recovery in habitual synthetic cathinone users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - M. Foster Olive
- Correspondence to: M. Foster Olive, Ph.D. Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave. Tempe, AZ 85287 USA, Phone 1-480-727-9557, Fax 1-480-965-8544,
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Novel complication of Flakka: Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis overlap. Am J Emerg Med 2018; 37:562.e1-562.e3. [PMID: 30503281 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2018.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Flakka, as the newest member of the synthetic cathinone group, is a substance with serious cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric, infectious effects and addictive potential. There are only a few case reports and laboratory studies in the literature and there is no dermatological side effects reported yet. We present the first Stevens-Johnson syndrome/Toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN) overlap case after Flakka use.
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Johnson AR, Banks ML, Selley DE, Negus SS. Amphetamine maintenance differentially modulates effects of cocaine, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and methamphetamine on intracranial self-stimulation and nucleus accumbens dopamine in rats. Neuropsychopharmacology 2018; 43:1753-1762. [PMID: 29703999 PMCID: PMC6006258 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-018-0071-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine maintenance is effective clinically to reduce the consumption of the monoamine uptake inhibitor cocaine but not of the monoamine releaser methamphetamine, and its effectiveness in treating the abuse of other psychostimulants is not known. The mechanisms for differential amphetamine-maintenance effectiveness to treat different types of psychostimulant abuse are also not known. Accordingly, the present study compared the effects of amphetamine maintenance on abuse-related behavioral and neurochemical effects of cocaine, methamphetamine, and the "bath salts" constituent 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) in rats. In behavioral studies, rats were trained to lever press for electrical brain stimulation in an intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) procedure. In neurochemical studies, nucleus accumbens (NAc) levels of dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) were monitored by in vivo microdialysis. Cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDPV each produced dose-dependent ICSS facilitation and increases in NAc DA; cocaine and methamphetamine also increased NAc 5-HT. Amphetamine maintenance (0.32 mg/kg/h × 7 days) produced (1) sustained increases in basal ICSS and NAc DA with no change in NAc 5-HT, (2) blockade of cocaine but not methamphetamine effects on ICSS and NAc DA, and (3) no blockade of cocaine- or methamphetamine-induced increases in NAc 5-HT. Amphetamine maintenance blocked the increases in NAc DA produced by the selective DA uptake inhibitor MDPV, but it did not block MDPV-induced ICSS facilitation. These results show different effects of amphetamine maintenance on behavioral and neurochemical effects of different psychostimulants. The selective effectiveness of amphetamine maintenance to treat cocaine abuse may reflect attenuation of cocaine-induced increases in NAc DA while preserving cocaine-induced increases in NAc 5-HT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy R. Johnson
- 0000 0004 0458 8737grid.224260.0Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Matthew L. Banks
- 0000 0004 0458 8737grid.224260.0Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - Dana E. Selley
- 0000 0004 0458 8737grid.224260.0Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
| | - S. Stevens Negus
- 0000 0004 0458 8737grid.224260.0Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA USA
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Miliano C, Margiani G, Fattore L, De Luca MA. Sales and Advertising Channels of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Internet, Social Networks, and Smartphone Apps. Brain Sci 2018; 8:E123. [PMID: 29966280 PMCID: PMC6071095 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8070123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, the trend of drug consumption has completely changed, and several new psychoactive substances (NPS) have appeared on the drug market as legal alternatives to common drugs of abuse. Designed to reproduce the effects of illegal substances like cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, or ketamine, NPS are only in part controlled by UN conventions and represent an emerging threat to global public health. The effects of NPS greatly differ from drug to drug and relatively scarce information is available at present about their pharmacology and potential toxic effects. Yet, compared to more traditional drugs, more dangerous short- and long-term effects have been associated with their use, and hospitalizations and fatal intoxications have also been reported after NPS use. In the era of cyberculture, the Internet acts as an ideal platform to promote and market these compounds, leading to a global phenomenon. Hidden by several aliases, these substances are sold across the web, and information about consumption is shared by online communities through drug fora, YouTube channels, social networks, and smartphone applications (apps). This review intends to provide an overview and analysis of social media that contribute to the popularity of NPS especially among young people. The possibility of using the same channels responsible for their growing diffusion to make users aware of the risks associated with NPS use is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato-SP 8, Km 0.700-09042, Monserrato, 09121 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Giulia Margiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato-SP 8, Km 0.700-09042, Monserrato, 09121 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Liana Fattore
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato-SP 8, Km 0.700-09042, Monserrato, 09100 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria di Monserrato-SP 8, Km 0.700-09042, Monserrato, 09121 Cagliari, Italy.
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Self-administration of the synthetic cathinone MDPV enhances reward function via a nicotinic receptor dependent mechanism. Neuropharmacology 2018; 137:286-296. [PMID: 29778945 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Revised: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) is an addictive synthetic drug with severe side effects. Previous studies have shown that MDPV has positive reinforcing properties. However, little is known about the effect of MDPV self-administration on the state of the brain reward system and the neuronal mechanisms by which MDPV mediates its effects. The goal of the present studies was to determine the effect of MDPV self-administration on reward function and the role of cholinergic neurotransmission in the reinforcing effects of MDPV. To study the effect of MDPV self-administration on the brain reward system, rats were prepared with intravenous catheters and intracranial self-stimulation electrodes (ICSS). For 10 days, the reward thresholds were assessed immediately before (23 h post prior session) and after 1 h of MDPV self-administration. The reward thresholds were decreased immediately after MDPV self-administration, which is indicative of a potentiation of brain reward function. The reward thresholds 23 h after MDPV intake gradually increased over time, which is indicative of anhedonia. Pretreatment with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) antagonist mecamylamine decreased the self-administration of MDPV and completely prevented the decrease in reward thresholds. A control study with palatable chocolate pellets showed that responding for a natural reinforcer does not affect the state of the brain reward system. Furthermore, mecamylamine did not affect responding for food pellets. In conclusion, the self-administration of MDPV potentiates reward function and nAChR blockade prevents the reward enhancing effects of MDPV self-administration. Preventing the MDPV-induced increase in cholinergic neurotransmission might be a safe approach to diminish MDPV abuse.
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Colon-Perez LM, Pino JA, Saha K, Pompilus M, Kaplitz S, Choudhury N, Jagnarine DA, Geste JR, Levin BA, Wilks I, Setlow B, Bruijnzeel AW, Khoshbouei H, Torres GE, Febo M. Functional connectivity, behavioral and dopaminergic alterations 24 hours following acute exposure to synthetic bath salt drug methylenedioxypyrovalerone. Neuropharmacology 2018; 137:178-193. [PMID: 29729891 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Among cathinone drugs known as bath salts, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) exerts its potent actions via the dopamine (DA) system, and at intoxicating doses may produce adverse behavioral effects. Previous work by our group suggests that prolonged alterations in correlated neural activity between cortical and striatal areas could underlie, at least in part, the adverse reactions to this bath salt drug. In the present study, we assessed the effect of acute MDPV administration on brain functional connectivity at 1 and 24 h in rats. Using graph theory metrics to assess in vivo brain functional network organization we observed that 24 h after MDPV administration there was an increased clustering coefficient, rich club index, and average path length. Increases in these metrics suggests that MDPV produces a prolonged pattern of correlated activity characterized by greater interactions between subsets of high degree nodes but a reduced interaction with regions outside this core subset. Further analysis revealed that the core set of nodes include prefrontal cortical, amygdala, hypothalamic, somatosensory and striatal areas. At the molecular level, MDPV downregulated the dopamine transporter (DAT) in striatum and produced a shift in its subcellular distribution, an effect likely to involve rapid internalization at the membrane. These new findings suggest that potent binding of MDPV to DAT may trigger internalization and a prolonged alteration in homeostatic regulation of DA and functional brain network reorganization. We propose that the observed MDPV-induced network reorganization and DAergic changes may contribute to previously reported adverse behavioral responses to MDPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis M Colon-Perez
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy (AMRIS) Facility, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jose A Pino
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Kaustuv Saha
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Marjory Pompilus
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Sherman Kaplitz
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Nafisa Choudhury
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Darin A Jagnarine
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jean R Geste
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Brandon A Levin
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Isaac Wilks
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Barry Setlow
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Adriaan W Bruijnzeel
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Habibeh Khoshbouei
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Gonzalo E Torres
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Marcelo Febo
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; The McKnight Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Center for Addiction Research and Education (CARE), College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA; Advanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Spectroscopy (AMRIS) Facility, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
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Nóbrega L, Dinis-Oliveira RJ. The synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP): pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic clinical and forensic aspects. Drug Metab Rev 2018. [PMID: 29540067 DOI: 10.1080/03602532.2018.1448867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive substances (NPS), often referred as 'legal highs' or 'designer drugs', are derivatives and analogs of existing psychoactive drugs that are introduced in the recreational market to circumvent existing legislation on drugs of abuse. This work aims to review the state-of-the-art regarding chemical, molecular pharmacology, and in vitro and in vivo data on toxicokinetics of the potent synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinovalerophenone (α-PVP or flakka or zombie drug). Chemical, pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical effects of α-PVP were searched in PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) and governmental websites without limitation of the period. α-PVP is a wide spread and easy to get special type of synthetic cathinone with seemingly powerful cocaine-like stimulant effects, high brain penetration, high liability for abuse and with increased risk of adverse effects such as tachycardia, agitation, hypertension, hallucinations, delirium, mydriasis, self-injury, aggressive behavior, and suicidal ideations. α-PVP undergoes extensive metabolism via different pathways and the α-PVP itself or its metabolites β-hydroxy-α-PVP and α-PVP lactam represent the main targets for toxicological analysis in urine. There is a limited knowledge regarding the short- and long-term effects of α-PVP and metabolites, and pharmacogenetic influence, hence further clinical and forensic toxicological studies are required. Moreover, since α-PVP cannot be detected with classic routine analysis procedures, statements on the frequency of their consumption cannot be made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leandro Nóbrega
- a Department of Public Health, Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- a Department of Public Health, Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.,b UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy , University of Porto , Porto , Portugal.,c Department of Sciences, IINFACTS - Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies , University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL , Gandra , Portugal
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Karila L, Benyamina A. The Effects and Risks Associated with Synthetic Cathinones Use in Humans. CURRENT TOPICS IN NEUROTOXICITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-78707-7_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
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Corkery JM, Guirguis A, Papanti DG, Orsolini L, Schifano F. Synthetic Cathinones—Prevalence and Motivations for Use. CURRENT TOPICS IN NEUROTOXICITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-78707-7_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
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