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Costa G, Gołembiowska K. Neurotoxicity of MDMA: Main effects and mechanisms. Exp Neurol 2021; 347:113894. [PMID: 34655576 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; 'ecstasy'), in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit acute and persistent abnormalities of varying severity at the central level. Importantly, neurotoxic effects of MDMA have been demonstrated in experimental animals. Accordingly, central toxicity induced by MDMA may pose a serious harm for health, since MDMA is among the substances that are used for recreational purposes by young and adult people. This review provides a concise overview of recent findings from preclinical and clinical studies that evaluated the central effects of MDMA, and the mechanisms involved in the neurotoxicity induced by this amphetamine-related drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, 12 Smętna, 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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Lapostolle F, Beaune S. Ecstasy : la deuxième vague…. ANNALES FRANCAISES DE MEDECINE D URGENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3166/afmu-2021-0309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
La molécule de MDMA (3,4-méthylènedioxyméthamphétamine ou ecstasy) a plus de 100 ans. Sa consommation a explosé dans les années 1990, essentiellement dans un cadre « festif » ou « récréatif ». Elle a ensuite considérablement diminué au début des années 2000 et connaît actuellement un regain d’intérêt certain. Sa consommation a volontiers été considérée comme anodine avant qu’il n’apparaisse clairement qu’elle pouvait provoquer des décès, en l’absence même de « surdose ». Les mécanismes de toxicité sont multiples, complexes et imparfaitement élucidés. L’interaction avec les principaux neuromédiateurs est certaine. L’ecstasy est classée dans les produits empathogènes. Sa consommation vise à favoriser les relations sociales. De nombreux effets secondaires sont possibles. Les conditions de consommation, en ambiance confinée, avec une activité physique soutenue et prolongée favorisent la survenue des effets secondaires. Les effets secondaires bénins sont tolérés et considérés comme étant le « prix à payer » dans la recherche des effets psychogènes. En raison de son tropisme, les principales complications de la consommation d’ecstasy sont psychiatriques et neurologiques, mais aussi cardiovasculaires, respiratoires et métaboliques. Cependant, les formes graves de l’intoxication sont marquées par un tableau d’hyperthermie maligne responsable de complications multiples et pouvant conduire au décès. Tous les auteurs insistent sur la possibilité de complications, de formes graves, voire de décès après la consommation d’une dose unique de MDMA. Il n’y a pas de traitement spécifique. Le traitement symptomatique est au premier plan. Hydratation et sédation sont les clés de ce traitement.
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Lang CN, Sommer MJ, Neukamm MA, Staudacher DL, Supady A, Bode C, Duerschmied D, Lother A. Use of the CytoSorb adsorption device in MDMA intoxication: a first-in-man application and in vitro study. Intensive Care Med Exp 2020; 8:21. [PMID: 32542550 PMCID: PMC7295925 DOI: 10.1186/s40635-020-00313-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) abuse is frequent, and overdosing might cause severe and eventually lethal multi-organ failure. To date, there is no causal therapy of MDMA intoxication and removal of MDMA from the circulation might be a reasonable measure to prevent adverse courses after overdosing. We present here first-in-man experience and in vitro data supporting a potential role of an adsorber device in severe MDMA overdosing. Results We applied a CytoSorb adsorber device in a 21-year-old male presenting with severe MDMA intoxication and multi-organ failure, including neurological impairment, hyperpyrexia, rhabdomyolysis, oliguric renal failure, liver failure, and coagulopathy with disseminated gastrointestinal and intramuscular bleeding. Use of the adsorber device was associated with a decline in MDMA concentrations in serum from 540 to 140 ng/ml within the first 24 h, a decrease of interleukin 6 and myoglobin levels, and subsequent clinical improvement. The patient was discharged from hospital after restoration of organ function and full neurological recovery. Effective elimination of MDMA by the adsorber device could be confirmed in vitro, when the device lowered MDMA concentrations to non-detectable levels. Conclusions We report here first-in-man experience and in vitro data showing the capacity of a CytoSorb adsorber device for MDMA removal. Early integration of CytoSorb use may enhance the management of severe MDMA intoxication, though we cannot prove whether clinical improvement was directly related to elimination of MDMA or beneficial effects on rhabdomyolysis, hyperinflammation, or liver failure. Our findings encourage further investigation of the CytoSorb adsorber device in a prospective study and to evaluate its use for other intoxications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corinna N Lang
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Faculty of Medicine, Heart Center Freiburg University, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. .,Department of Medicine III (Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Michaela J Sommer
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Merja A Neukamm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dawid L Staudacher
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Faculty of Medicine, Heart Center Freiburg University, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Medicine III (Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Supady
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Faculty of Medicine, Heart Center Freiburg University, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Medicine III (Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Bode
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Faculty of Medicine, Heart Center Freiburg University, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Medicine III (Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Duerschmied
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Faculty of Medicine, Heart Center Freiburg University, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Medicine III (Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Achim Lother
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology I, Faculty of Medicine, Heart Center Freiburg University, University of Freiburg, Hugstetter Str. 55, 79106, Freiburg, Germany. .,Department of Medicine III (Interdisciplinary Medical Intensive Care), Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany. .,Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Araújo AM, Enea M, Fernandes E, Carvalho F, de Lourdes Bastos M, Carvalho M, Guedes de Pinho P. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Hepatotoxicity under the Heat Stress Condition: Novel Insights from in Vitro Metabolomic Studies. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:1222-1234. [PMID: 31971386 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hyperthermia has been extensively reported as a life-threatening consequence of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) abuse. In this work, we used a sensitive untargeted metabolomic approach based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to evaluate the impact of hyperthermia on the hepatic metabolic changes caused by MDMA. For this purpose, primary mouse hepatocytes were exposed to subtoxic (LC01 and LC10) and toxic (LC30) concentrations of MDMA for 24 h, at 37 or 40.5 °C (simulating body temperature increase after MDMA consumption), and alterations on both intracellular metabolome and extracellular volatilome were evaluated. Multivariate analysis showed that metabolic patterns clearly discriminate MDMA treated cells from control cells, both in normothermic and hyperthermic conditions. The metabolic signature was found to be largely common to MDMA subtoxic and toxic concentrations, although with evident differences in the magnitude of response, with metabolic changes significantly more pronounced at 40.5 °C. Discriminant metabolites associated with MDMA-induced hepatotoxicity are mostly involved in the amino acid metabolism, aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis, glutathione metabolism, tricarboxylic acid cycle, and pyruvate metabolism. Moreover, our metabolomic findings were corroborated by classical toxicity parameters, demonstrating the high sensitivity of this omic approach to assess molecular-level effects. Overall, this study indicates that MDMA triggers significant metabolic alterations on hepatic cells, even at low concentrations, that are clearly exacerbated at high temperatures. These findings provide new metabolic pieces to solve the puzzle of MDMA's hepatotoxicity mechanism and emphasize the increased risks of MDMA abuse due to the thermogenic action of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Margarida Araújo
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Enea
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Eduarda Fernandes
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Márcia Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.,UFP Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit (FP-ENAS), University Fernando Pessoa, Praça Nove de Abril, 349, 4249-004 Porto, Portugal
| | - Paula Guedes de Pinho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Costa G, De Luca MA, Piras G, Marongiu J, Fattore L, Simola N. Neuronal and peripheral damages induced by synthetic psychoactive substances: an update of recent findings from human and animal studies. Neural Regen Res 2020; 15:802-816. [PMID: 31719240 PMCID: PMC6990793 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.268895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that synthetic psychoactive substances, in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit toxic effects of varying severity at the peripheral and central levels. Nowadays, toxicity induced by synthetic psychoactive substances poses a serious harm for health, since recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young and adult people. The present review summarizes recent findings on the peripheral and central toxicity elicited by “old” and “new” synthetic psychoactive substances in humans and experimental animals, focusing on amphetamine derivatives, hallucinogen and dissociative drugs and synthetic cannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gessica Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jacopo Marongiu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences; National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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