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Coffin PO, Suen LW. Methamphetamine Toxicities and Clinical Management. NEJM EVIDENCE 2023; 2:EVIDra2300160. [PMID: 38320504 DOI: 10.1056/evidra2300160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Methamphetamine Toxicities and Clinical ManagementMethamphetamine increases the release and blocks the uptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. This article reviews the morbidity and mortality associated with methamphetamine use and discusses prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip O Coffin
- Center on Substance Use and Health, San Francisco Department of Public Health, San Francisco
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco
| | - Leslie W Suen
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco
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2
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Methamphetamine induced neurotoxic diseases, molecular mechanism, and current treatment strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113591. [PMID: 36007276 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (MA) is a extremely addictive psychostimulant drug with a significant abuse potential. Long-term MA exposure can induce neurotoxic effects through oxidative stress, mitochondrial functional impairment, endoplasmic reticulum stress, the activation of astrocytes and microglial cells, axonal transport barriers, autophagy, and apoptosis. However, the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying MA-induced neurotoxicity remain unclear. MA abuse increases the chances of developing neurotoxic conditions such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurotoxic diseases. MA increases the risk of PD by increasing the expression of alpha-synuclein (ASYN). Furthermore, MA abuse is linked to high chances of developing AD and subsequent neurodegeneration due to biological variations in the brain region or genetic and epigenetic variations. To date, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved therapy for MA-induced neurotoxicity, although many studies are being conducted to develop effective therapeutic strategies. Most current studies are now focused on developing therapies to diminish the neurotoxic effects of MA, based on the underlying mechanism of neurotoxicity. This review article highlights current research on several therapeutic techniques targeting multiple pathways to reduce the neurotoxic effects of MA in the brain, as well as the putative mechanism of MA-induced neurotoxicity.
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Oxytocin, a Novel Treatment for Methamphetamine Use Disorder. Neurol Int 2022; 14:186-198. [PMID: 35225885 PMCID: PMC8883935 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint14010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of substance abuse with oxytocin is a novel approach to a challenging public health issue that continues to contribute to a growing economic cost for societies worldwide. Methamphetamine addiction is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and despite advances in understanding the neurobiology of methamphetamine addiction, treatment options are limited. There are no medications that the Food and Drug Administration currently approves for stimulant use disorder. Off-label use of therapies for stimulant misuse include antidepressants, anxiolytics, and milder stimulants as replacement agents. Due to the shortcomings of these attempts to treat a complicated psychiatric disorder, recent attention to oxytocin therapy (OT) has gained momentum in clinical studies as a possible therapy in the context of social stress, social anxiety, social cognition, and psychosis. Oxytocin produces enhanced connectivity between cortical regions. The results from studies in rodents with OT suggest that central neuromodulation of oxytocin may be beneficial across transition states of stimulant dependence and may alleviate intense withdrawal symptoms. Studies of oxytocin in the context of other drugs of abuse, including cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol, also support the potential of oxytocin to treat stimulant use disorder, methamphetamine type. Methamphetamine abuse continues to be a significant cause of distress and dysfunction throughout the world. The effects of oxytocin on methamphetamine use outlined in this review should act as a catalyst for further investigation into the efficacy of treating stimulant use disorder, methamphetamine type with oxytocin in humans. More human-based research should initiate studies involving the long-term efficacy, side effects, and patient selection.
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Bradlow RCJ, Berk M, Kalivas PW, Back SE, Kanaan RA. The Potential of N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC) in the Treatment of Psychiatric Disorders. CNS Drugs 2022; 36:451-482. [PMID: 35316513 PMCID: PMC9095537 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00907-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) is a compound of increasing interest in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Primarily through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and glutamate modulation activity, NAC has been investigated in the treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar-related disorders, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive-related disorders, substance-use disorders, neurocognitive disorders, and chronic pain. Whilst there is ample preclinical evidence and theoretical justification for the use of NAC in the treatment of multiple psychiatric disorders, clinical trials in most disorders have yielded mixed results. However, most studies have been underpowered and perhaps too brief, with some evidence of benefit only after months of treatment with NAC. Currently NAC has the most evidence of having a beneficial effect as an adjuvant agent in the negative symptoms of schizophrenia, severe autism, depression, and obsessive compulsive and related disorders. Future research with well-powered studies that are of sufficient length will be critical to better understand the utility of NAC in the treatment of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC Australia ,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
| | - Peter W. Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA ,Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC USA
| | - Sudie E. Back
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC USA ,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC USA
| | - Richard A. Kanaan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC Australia ,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC Australia
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McKetin R, Dean OM, Turner A, Kelly PJ, Quinn B, Lubman DI, Dietze P, Carter G, Higgs P, Sinclair B, Reid D, Baker AL, Manning V, Pas NT, Thomas T, Bathish R, Raftery DK, Wrobel A, Saunders L, Arunogiri S, Cordaro F, Hill H, Hall S, Clare PJ, Mohebbi M, Berk M. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) for methamphetamine dependence: A randomised controlled trial. EClinicalMedicine 2021; 38:101005. [PMID: 34308314 PMCID: PMC8283342 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2021.101005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methamphetamine dependence is a significant global health concern for which there are no approved medications. The cysteine prodrug, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), has been found to ameliorate glutamate dysregulation in addiction, and to reduce craving for methamphetamine and other drugs. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of NAC as a pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine dependence. METHODS A parallel double-blind randomised placebo-controlled trial of people dependent on methamphetamine recruited from Geelong, Melbourne and Wollongong, Australia, between July 2018 and December 2019. Participants were randomised to receive either 12 weeks of oral NAC (2400 mg/day) or matched placebo, delivered as a take-home medication. The primary outcome was methamphetamine use, measured in two ways: (a) change in days of use in the past 4 weeks from baseline to weeks 4, 8 and 12, assessed using the Timeline Followback; and (b) methamphetamine-positive oral fluid samples taken weekly. Analyses were intention-to-treat and based on imputed data. Secondary outcomes were craving, severity of dependence, withdrawal severity and psychiatric symptoms (depression, suicidality, hostility and psychotic symptoms). Significance levels were p < 0.025 for primary outcomes and p < 0.01 for secondary outcomes. Adverse events were compared between groups by system organ class. The study was prospectively registered, ACTRN12618000366257. RESULTS Participants (N = 153; 59% male, mean [SD] age 38 [8]) were randomised to placebo (n = 77) or NAC (n = 76). Both groups had a median (IQR) of 24 (15-28) days of methamphetamine use in the 4 weeks prior to baseline. Both groups significantly reduced methamphetamine use (mean [SE] reduction of 7.3 [1.2]) days for placebo, 6.8 [1.2] for NAC) but NAC did not reduce days of methamphetamine use more than placebo (group difference of 0.5 days, 97.5% CI -3.4-4.3). There was no significant effect of NAC on methamphetamine-positive oral fluid samples (placebo 79%, NAC 76%; mean difference -2.6, 97.5% CI -12.6-7.4). NAC did not significantly reduce craving, severity of dependence, withdrawal, suicidality, depression, hostility or psychotic symptoms relative to placebo. Adverse events did not differ significantly between placebo and NAC groups. INTERPRETATION These findings suggest that take-home oral NAC has no significant effect on methamphetamine use or most clinically related outcomes amongst people who are dependent on the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca McKetin
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Olivia M. Dean
- Deakin University, School of Medicine, IMPACT – the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Geelong, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alyna Turner
- Deakin University, School of Medicine, IMPACT – the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Geelong, Australia
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Peter J. Kelly
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Brendan Quinn
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Dan I. Lubman
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Australia
| | - Gregory Carter
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Barbara Sinclair
- Drug and Alcohol Services, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, Australia
| | - David Reid
- Drug and Alcohol Services, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Amanda L. Baker
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Victoria Manning
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Australia
| | - Nina te Pas
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Australia
| | - Tamsin Thomas
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ramez Bathish
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Australia
| | - Dayle K. Raftery
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Anna Wrobel
- Deakin University, School of Medicine, IMPACT – the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Geelong, Australia
| | - Lucy Saunders
- Deakin University, School of Medicine, IMPACT – the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Geelong, Australia
| | - Shalini Arunogiri
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Frank Cordaro
- Drug and Alcohol Services, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Harry Hill
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Scott Hall
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Philip J. Clare
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Prevention Research Collaboration, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Mohammadreza Mohebbi
- Deakin University, School of Medicine, IMPACT – the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Geelong, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Biostatistics Unit, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, School of Medicine, IMPACT – the Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, Geelong, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Health Drug and Alcohol Services, Geelong, Australia
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Jîtcă G, Ősz BE, Tero-Vescan A, Vari CE. Psychoactive Drugs-From Chemical Structure to Oxidative Stress Related to Dopaminergic Neurotransmission. A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:381. [PMID: 33806320 PMCID: PMC8000782 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10030381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, more and more young people want to experience illegal, psychoactive substances, without knowing the risks of exposure. Besides affecting social life, psychoactive substances also have an important effect on consumer health. We summarized and analyzed the published literature data with reference to the mechanism of free radical generation and the link between chemical structure and oxidative stress related to dopaminergic neurotransmission. This review presents data on the physicochemical properties, on the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, the chemical structure activity relationship (SAR), and possible mechanisms by which neuronal injuries occur due to oxidative stress as a result of drug abuse such as "bath salts", amphetamines, or cocaine. The mechanisms of action of ingested compounds or their metabolites involve intermediate steps in which free radicals are generated. The brain is strongly affected by the consumption of such substances, facilitating the induction of neurodegenerative diseases. It can be concluded that neurotoxicity is associated with drug abuse. Dependence and oxidative stress are linked to inhibition of neurogenesis and the onset of neuronal death. Understanding the pathological mechanisms following oxidative attack can be a starting point in the development of new therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Jîtcă
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (G.J.); (C.E.V.)
| | - Bianca E. Ősz
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (G.J.); (C.E.V.)
| | - Amelia Tero-Vescan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Camil E. Vari
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Târgu Mureș, 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (G.J.); (C.E.V.)
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Drug addiction co-morbidity with alcohol: Neurobiological insights. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2021; 157:409-472. [PMID: 33648675 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Addiction is a chronic disorder that consists of a three-stage cycle of binge/intoxication, withdrawal/negative affect, and preoccupation/anticipation. These stages involve, respectively, neuroadaptations in brain circuits involved in incentive salience and habit formation, stress surfeit and reward deficit, and executive function. Much research on addiction focuses on the neurobiology underlying single drug use. However, alcohol use disorder (AUD) can be co-morbid with substance use disorder (SUD), called dual dependence. The limited epidemiological data on dual dependence indicates that there is a large population of individuals suffering from addiction who are dependent on more than one drug and/or alcohol, yet dual dependence remains understudied in addiction research. Here, we review neurobiological data on neurotransmitter and neuropeptide systems that are known to contribute to addiction pathology and how the involvement of these systems is consistent or divergent across drug classes. In particular, we highlight the dopamine, opioid, corticotropin-releasing factor, norepinephrine, hypocretin/orexin, glucocorticoid, neuroimmune signaling, endocannabinoid, glutamate, and GABA systems. We also discuss the limited research on these systems in dual dependence. Collectively, these studies demonstrate that the use of multiple drugs can produce neuroadaptations that are distinct from single drug use. Further investigation into the neurobiology of dual dependence is necessary to develop effective treatments for addiction to multiple drugs.
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Blum K, Cadet JL, Gold MS. Psychostimulant use disorder emphasizing methamphetamine and the opioid -dopamine connection: Digging out of a hypodopaminergic ditch. J Neurol Sci 2021; 420:117252. [PMID: 33279726 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2020.117252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approved food and drug administration (FDA) medications to treat Psychostimulant Use Disorder (PUD) are needed. Both acute and chronic neurological deficits related to the neurophysiological effects of these powerfully addictive drugs can cause stroke and alterations in mood and cognition. OBJECTIVE This article presents a brief review of the psychiatric and neurobiological sequelae of methamphetamine use disorder, some known neurogenetic associations impacted by psychostimulants, and explores treatment modalities and outcomes. HYPOTHESIS The authors propose that gentle D2 receptor stimulation accomplished via some treatment modalities can induce dopamine release, causing alteration of D2-directed mRNA and thus enhanced function of D2 receptors in the human. This proliferation of D2 receptors, in turn, will induce the attenuation of craving behavior, especially in genetically compromised high-risk populations. DISCUSSION A better understanding of the involvement of molecular neurogenetic opioid, mesolimbic dopamine, and psychostimulant connections in "wanting" supports this hypothesis. While both scientific and, clinical professionals search for an FDA approved treatment for PUD the induction of dopamine homeostasis, via activation of the brain reward circuitry, offers treatment for underlying neurotransmitter functional deficits, potential prophylaxis, and support for recovery efforts. CONCLUSION Dopamine regulation may help people dig out of their hypodopaminergia ditch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Graduate College, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, Baltimore, MD, United States of America.
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse, United States of America
| | - Mark S Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St Louis, MO, United States of America.
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9
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Cano-Cebrián MJ, Fernández-Rodríguez S, Hipólito L, Granero L, Polache A, Zornoza T. Efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in the prevention of alcohol relapse-like drinking: Study in long-term ethanol-experienced male rats. J Neurosci Res 2020; 99:638-648. [PMID: 33063355 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorders are chronic and highly relapsing disorders, thus alcoholic patients have a high rate of recidivism for drug use even after long periods of abstinence. The literature points to the potential usefulness of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in the management of several substance use disorders probably due to its capacity to restore brain homeostasis of the glutamate system disrupted in addiction. However, there is little evidence in the case of alcohol. The aim of this study was to explore the potential anti-relapse efficacy of NAC using the alcohol deprivation effect (ADE) model in long-term experienced rats. Two experiments were performed in male Wistar rats to: (a) test the efficacy of NAC to prevent relapse and (b) discriminate the best administration schedule (intermittent vs. continuous) for NAC. In the first experiment, animals were implanted with mini-osmotic pumps delivering 0 or 1 mg/hr NAC during 14 days. In a second experiment, rats received 0, 60, or 100 mg/kg once daily by subcutaneous injection. The efficacy to prevent ADE was evaluated in both experiments. NAC subcutaneously administered, either by continuous infusion or by intermittent injections regimen, is able to block the ADE. The best results were obtained after using 60 mg/kg NAC dose. Our findings support the hypothesis that NAC may represent a valuable therapy in the management of alcohol relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Cano-Cebrián
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Sandra Fernández-Rodríguez
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Lucia Hipólito
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Luis Granero
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Ana Polache
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
| | - Teodoro Zornoza
- Departament de Farmàcia i Tecnologia Farmacèutica i Parasitologia, Universitat de València, Burjassot, Spain
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10
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McKETIN R, Quinn B, Higgs P, Berk M, Dean OM, Turner A, Kelly PJ, Lubman DI, Carter G, Baker AL, Manning V, Thomas T, Bathish R, Raftery D, Saunders L, Wrobel A, Meehan A, Sinclair B, Reid D, Arunogiri S, Hill H, Cordaro F, Dietze PM. Clinical and demographic characteristics of people who smoke versus inject crystalline methamphetamine in Australia: Findings from a pharmacotherapy trial. Drug Alcohol Rev 2020; 40:1249-1255. [PMID: 33022140 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13183] [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] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS There has been a rapid increase in smoking crystalline methamphetamine in Australia. We compare the clinical and demographic characteristics of those who smoke versus inject the drug in a cohort of people who use methamphetamine. DESIGN AND METHODS Participants (N = 151) were dependent on methamphetamine, aged 18-60 years, enrolled in a pharmacotherapy trial for methamphetamine dependence, and reported either injecting (n = 54) or smoking (n = 97) methamphetamine. Measures included the Timeline Followback, Severity of Dependence Scale, Amphetamine Withdrawal Questionnaire, Craving Experience Questionnaire and the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (symptoms of depression, hostility, psychosis and suicidality). Simultaneous regression was used to identify independent demographic correlates of smoking methamphetamine and to compare the clinical characteristics of participants who smoked versus injected. RESULTS Compared to participants who injected methamphetamine, those who smoked methamphetamine were younger and less likely to be unemployed, have a prison history or live alone. Participants who smoked methamphetamine used methamphetamine on more days in the past 4 weeks than participants who injected methamphetamine (26 vs. 19 days, P = 0.001); they did not differ significantly in their severity of methamphetamine dependence, withdrawal, craving or psychiatric symptoms (P > 0.05). After adjustment for demographic differences, participants who smoked had lower craving [b (SE) = -1.1 (0.5), P = 0.021] and were less likely to report psychotic symptoms [b (SE) = -1.8 (0.7), P = 0.013] or antidepressant use [b (SE) = -1.1 (0.5), P = 0.022]. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Smoking crystalline methamphetamine is associated with a younger less marginalised demographic profile than injecting methamphetamine, but a similarly severe clinical profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca McKETIN
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brendan Quinn
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Higgs
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia.,Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.,Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Services, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Olivia M Dean
- Deakin University, IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia.,Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alyna Turner
- Deakin University, IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Peter J Kelly
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Dan I Lubman
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Australia
| | - Gregory Carter
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Priority Research Centre, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Amanda L Baker
- Centre for Brain and Mental Health Priority Research Centre, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Victoria Manning
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Australia
| | - Tamsin Thomas
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Ramez Bathish
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Australia
| | - Dayle Raftery
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute and School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Lucy Saunders
- Deakin University, IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Anna Wrobel
- Deakin University, IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Alcyone Meehan
- Deakin University, IMPACT-The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Barbara Sinclair
- Drug and Alcohol Services, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, Australia
| | - David Reid
- Drug and Alcohol Services, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Shalini Arunogiri
- Monash Addiction Research Centre, Eastern Health Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Turning Point, Eastern Health, Richmond, Australia
| | - Harry Hill
- Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Services, Barwon Health, Geelong, Australia
| | - Frank Cordaro
- Drug and Alcohol Services, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, Australia
| | - Paul M Dietze
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,National Drug Research Institute, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Back SE, Gray K, Santa Ana E, Jones JL, Jarnecke AM, Joseph JE, Prisciandaro J, Killeen T, Brown DG, Taimina L, Compean E, Malcolm R, Flanagan JC, Kalivas PW. N-acetylcysteine for the treatment of comorbid alcohol use disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder: Design and methodology of a randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2020; 91:105961. [PMID: 32087337 PMCID: PMC7333883 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.105961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two prevalent psychiatric conditions in the U.S. The co-occurrence of AUD and PTSD is also common, and associated with a more severe clinical presentation and worse treatment outcomes across the biopsychosocial spectrum (e.g., social and vocational functioning, physical health) as compared to either disorder alone. Despite the high co-occurrence and negative outcomes, research on effective medications for AUD/PTSD is sparse and there is little empirical evidence to guide treatment decisions. The study described in this paper addresses this knowledge gap by testing the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in reducing alcohol use and PTSD symptoms. Animal studies and prior clinical research suggest a role for NAC in the treatment of substance use disorders and PTSD via glutamate modulation. NAC is a cysteine pro-drug that stimulates the cystine-glutamate exchanger, normalizes glial glutamate transporters, and restores glutamatergic tone on presynaptic receptors in reward regions of the brain. Moreover, NAC is available over-the-counter, has a long-established safety record, and does not require titration to achieve the target dose. This paper describes the rationale, study design, and methodology of a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of NAC (2400 mg/day) among adults with co-occurring AUD and PTSD. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) are utilized to investigate the neural circuitry and neurochemistry underlying comorbid AUD/PTSD and identify predictors of treatment outcome. This study is designed to determine the efficacy of NAC in the treatment of co-occurring AUD/PTSD and provide new information regarding mechanisms of action implicated in co-occurring AUD/PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudie E Back
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Kevin Gray
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Elizabeth Santa Ana
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Jones
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Amber M Jarnecke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Jane E Joseph
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - James Prisciandaro
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Therese Killeen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Delisa G Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Linda Taimina
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Ebele Compean
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Robert Malcolm
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Julianne C Flanagan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Peter W Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Althobaiti YS. Role of venlafaxine in relapse to methamphetamine seeking. Potential treatment option for drug dependence. Saudi Med J 2019; 40:339-346. [PMID: 30957126 PMCID: PMC6506650 DOI: 10.15537/smj.2019.4.23718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the effects of venlafaxine (VEN) on the relapse of methamphetamine (METH)-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats. METHODS This study was conducted at the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, and the Addiction and Neuroscience Research Unit, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia between May 2017 and October 2018. A total of 32 male Wistar rats were used in this study. Rats were divided to receive either METH or saline during the conditioning phase. Following the acquisition of METH-induced CPP, the animals were randomly divided to receive saline or VEN for 21 days instead of METH during the extinction training. The reinstatement was initiated by re-exposure to a single dose of METH to test any anti-reinstatement effects of VEN. Results: Two-way repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (time × chamber) was used to analyze time spent in conditioning chambers, while distance traveled was analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Saline or VEN, when administered alone, did not affect CPP or locomotor activity results. A priming intraperitoneal injection of METH reinstated CPP in the animals treated with saline during the extinction phase. Interestingly, VEN treatment blocked METH-induced CPP. CONCLUSION Venlafaxine effects on the reinstatement of METH-induced CPP are not likely due to nonspecific effects on locomotor activity. This beneficial effect of VEN on relapse to METH-induced CPP could be due to its antidepressant effects. Venlafaxine can thus be a potential therapeutic option in the treatment of relapse to METH-seeking behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf S Althobaiti
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. E-mail.
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13
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A study protocol for the N-ICE trial: A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study of the safety and efficacy of N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) as a pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine ("ice") dependence. Trials 2019; 20:325. [PMID: 31164169 PMCID: PMC6549263 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3450-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There are currently no approved pharmacotherapies for managing methamphetamine dependence. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been found to reduce the craving for methamphetamine and other drugs, but its effect on methamphetamine use and other clinically related endpoints are uncertain. The N-ICE trial is evaluating the safety and efficacy of NAC as a take-home pharmacotherapy for methamphetamine dependence. Methods/design This is a two-arm parallel double-blind placebo-controlled three-site randomised trial (ratio 1:1) using permuted block randomisation, with variable block sizes. It is stratified by site, sex and whether the methamphetamine is injected or not. Participants (N = 180; 60 per site) need to be dependent on methamphetamine, interested in reducing their methamphetamine use and not currently receiving treatment for substance use disorders. The trial is being conducted in outpatient settings in Melbourne, Geelong and Wollongong, Australia. Participants will receive either 2400 mg oral NAC or a matched placebo, delivered as a take-home medication for 12 weeks. Two 600 mg capsules are self-administered in the morning and two more in the evening. Adherence is being monitored using eCAP™ medication bottle lids, which record the date and time of each occasion the bottle is opened. The primary outcome is methamphetamine use during the 12-week trial medication period, measured as (a) days of use, assessed using the timeline followback, and (b) methamphetamine-positive saliva tests, taken weekly. Secondary measures include weekly assessment of methamphetamine craving, severity of methamphetamine dependence, methamphetamine withdrawal symptoms and psychiatric symptoms (depression, suicidality, psychotic symptoms and hostility). Adverse events are monitored at each weekly assessment. Tolerability is assessed using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication. Discussion The N-ICE trial is the first clinical trial to assess whether NAC can reduce methamphetamine use. This trial will improve our understanding of the potential utility of NAC in managing methamphetamine dependence and clinically related outcomes. If found to be effective, take-home NAC could be a potentially scalable and affordable pharmacotherapy option for treating methamphetamine dependence. Trial registration Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12618000366257. Registered on 29 May 2018. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3450-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Kirwan A, Curtis M, Dietze P, Aitken C, Woods E, Walker S, Kinner S, Ogloff J, Butler T, Stoové M. The Prison and Transition Health (PATH) Cohort Study: Study Protocol and Baseline Characteristics of a Cohort of Men with a History of Injecting Drug Use Leaving Prison in Australia. J Urban Health 2019; 96:400-410. [PMID: 30989484 PMCID: PMC6565648 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-019-00353-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) are disproportionately represented among individuals who experience imprisonment and often have more complex physical and mental health needs than people in prison without injecting histories. The trajectories of PWID after prison release are poorly understood, hampering the development of effective strategies to address their distinct health needs. The Prison and Transition Health (PATH) Cohort Study is characterising the post-release trajectories of incarcerated male PWID in Victoria, Australia. We outline study methodology and baseline characteristics of participants prior to their release. Four hundred participants were recruited from three prisons and completed researcher-administered baseline interviews covering socio-demographics, social supports, physical health, mental health, alcohol and other drug use, and pre-release and transitional service utilisation. The median age among participants was 36 years (IQR 30-42), and they reported a median of five (IQR 3-9) previous adult incarcerations. Almost half (49%) were reliant on government payments prior to incarceration. One quarter (25%) of participants reported removal from their parents' care as children and 64% reported being a parent or primary caregiver to children. Most participants (81%) reported a previous mental health diagnosis and 44% reported three or more diagnoses. The most common drugs injected prior to incarceration were crystal methamphetamine (80%) and heroin (62%), and most (85%) reported being under the influence of drugs at the time of committing offences for which they were currently incarcerated. Injecting drug use during their current sentence was reported by 40% of participants, and 48% reported engaging with some form of drug treatment during their current sentence. Study participants are characterised by significant mental health and substance use morbidities, social disadvantage and criminogenic histories that present challenges for the provision of post-release support services. Data from the PATH Cohort Study will help inform strategies to improve the health and social outcomes of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kirwan
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health Discipline, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Michael Curtis
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health Discipline, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health Discipline, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Campbell Aitken
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health Discipline, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emma Woods
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health Discipline, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Shelley Walker
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health Discipline, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Stuart Kinner
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Mater Research Institute-UQ, University of Queensland, Mount Gravatt, Australia
| | - James Ogloff
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology and Forensicare, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tony Butler
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health Discipline, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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15
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Solhi H, Sanaei-Zadeh H, Solhi S, Badakhshan D, Ghasemi S, Sedeh BS. Rapid detection of methamphetamine in human fingernails by liquid-liquid extraction method and one-step methamphetamine test strip. NATIONAL MEDICAL JOURNAL OF INDIA 2019; 31:67-69. [PMID: 30829219 DOI: 10.4103/0970-258x.253162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Methamphetamine cannot be detected through conventional urine screening tests or other analytical methods in methamphetamine abusers who have not used the drug for some time. In some instances, detection of methamphetamine in fingernails can be a good alternative. We aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the one-step methamphetamine test strip used in the detection of methamphetamine in urine in the detection of methamphetamine in fingernails. Methods We took 72 fingernail samples, including 60 samples from methamphetamine abusers and 12 samples as controls from their relatives who had no history of methamphetamine use. The liquid-liquid extraction method was used on fingernail samples, and the resultant solution was tested with one-step methamphetamine test strip. We analysed participants' demographics including age, gender, duration of methamphetamine abuse and strip test results. Results The mean (SD) age of the participants was 25 (4.33) years. The mean (SD) duration of methamphetamine abuse was 10 (4.5) months. Of the 72 participants, 61 (84.7%) had positive and 11 (15.3%) had negative strip test results. All 60 methamphetamine abusers had positive test results. A positive or negative history of methamphetamine abuse was taken as the gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity of the test was 100% and 91.6%, respectively. Conclusion Performing liquid-liquid extraction on fingernails and using the strip test for detection of methamphetamine is a simple, inexpensive, rapid and accessible method, and its high sensitivity and specificity make it appropriate for screening. This method may be preferred over other urine and blood methamphetamine detection methods when the patient has not used the drug for a few days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Solhi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, A'lam-Al-Hoda Street, Shahid Shiroodi Street, Arak, Markazi Province, Iran
| | - Hossein Sanaei-Zadeh
- Division of Medical Toxicology, Hazrat Ali-Asghar (p) Hospital, Meshkinfam Street, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sadra Solhi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, A'lam-Al-Hoda Street, Shahid Shiroodi Street, Arak, Markazi Province, Iran
| | - Dariush Badakhshan
- General Office of Legal Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, A'lam-Al-Hoda Street, Shahid Shiroodi Street, Arak, Markazi Province, Iran
| | - Shahab Ghasemi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, A'lam-Al-Hoda Street, Shahid Shiroodi Street, Arak, Markazi Province, Iran
| | - Bahman Sadeghi Sedeh
- Department of Social Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, A'lam-Al-Hoda Street, Shahid Shiroodi Street, Arak, Markazi Province, Iran
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16
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Papageorgiou M, Raza A, Fraser S, Nurgali K, Apostolopoulos V. Methamphetamine and its immune-modulating effects. Maturitas 2018; 121:13-21. [PMID: 30704560 DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 11/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The recreational use of methamphetamine (METH, or ice) is a global burden. It pervades and plagues contemporary society; it has been estimated that there are up to 35 million users worldwide. METH is a highly addictive psychotropic compound which acts on the central nervous system, and chronic use can induce psychotic behavior. METH has the capacity to modulate immune cells, giving the drug long-term effects which may manifest as neuropsychiatric disorders, and that increase susceptibility to communicable diseases, such as HIV. In addition, changes to the cytokine balance have been associated with compromise of the blood-brain barrier, resulting to alterations to brain plasticity, creating lasting neurotoxicity. Immune-related signaling pathways are key to further evaluating how METH impacts host immunity through these neurological and peripheral modifications. Combining this knowledge with current data on inflammatory responses will improve understanding of how the adaptive and innate immunity responds to METH, how this can activate premature-ageing processes and how METH exacerbates disturbances that lead to non-communicable age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, depression and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Papageorgiou
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Ali Raza
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sarah Fraser
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Kulmira Nurgali
- Institute for Health and Sport, Victoria University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Regenerative Medicine and StemCells Program, Australian Institute of Musculoskeletal Science (AIMSS), Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
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17
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Womersley JS, Townsend DM, Kalivas PW, Uys JD. Targeting redox regulation to treat substance use disorder using N‐acetylcysteine. Eur J Neurosci 2018; 50:2538-2551. [PMID: 30144182 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.14130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a chronic relapsing disorder characterized by transitioning from acute drug reward to compulsive drug use. Despite the heavy personal and societal burden of SUDs, current treatments are limited and unsatisfactory. For this reason, a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying addiction is required. Altered redox status, primarily due to drug-induced increases in dopamine metabolism, is a unifying feature of abused substances. In recent years, knowledge of the effects of oxidative stress in the nervous system has evolved from strictly neurotoxic to include a more nuanced role in redox-sensitive signaling. More specifically, S-glutathionylation, a redox-sensitive post-translational modification, has been suggested to influence the response to drugs of abuse. In this review we will examine the evidence for redox-mediating drugs as therapeutic tools focusing on N-acetylcysteine as a treatment for cocaine addiction. We will conclude by suggesting future research directions that may further advance this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline S Womersley
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, 409 Drug Discovery Building, 70 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Danyelle M Townsend
- Department of Drug Discover and Biomedical Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Peter W Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Joachim D Uys
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Medical University of South Carolina, 409 Drug Discovery Building, 70 President Street, Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
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18
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Attenuation of toluene-induced brain stimulation reward enhancement and behavioral disturbances by N-acetylcysteine in mice. Toxicology 2018; 408:39-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2018.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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19
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Yawalkar R, Changotra H, Gupta GL. Protective influences of N-acetylcysteine against alcohol abstinence-induced depression by regulating biochemical and GRIN2A, GRIN2B gene expression of NMDA receptor signaling pathway in rats. Neurochem Int 2018; 118:73-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
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20
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Yang X, Wang Y, Li Q, Zhong Y, Chen L, Du Y, He J, Liao L, Xiong K, Yi CX, Yan J. The Main Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Methamphetamine- Induced Neurotoxicity and Implications for Pharmacological Treatment. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:186. [PMID: 29915529 PMCID: PMC5994595 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) is a popular new-type psychostimulant drug with complicated neurotoxicity. In spite of mounting evidence on METH-induced damage of neural cell, the accurate mechanism of toxic effect of the drug on central nervous system (CNS) has not yet been completely deciphered. Besides, effective treatment strategies toward METH neurotoxicity remain scarce and more efficacious drugs are to be developed. In this review, we summarize cellular and molecular bases that might contribute to METH-elicited neurotoxicity, which mainly include oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation. We also discuss some drugs that protect neural cells suffering from METH-induced neurotoxic consequences. We hope more in-depth investigations of exact details that how METH produces toxicity in CNS could be carried out in future and the development of new drugs as natural compounds and immunotherapies, including clinic trials, are expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Yang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiyan Li
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yaxian Zhong
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liangpei Chen
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yajun Du
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing He
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lvshuang Liao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kun Xiong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chun-Xia Yi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jie Yan
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Cossar R, Stoové M, Kinner SA, Dietze P, Aitken C, Curtis M, Kirwan A, Ogloff JRP. The associations of poor psychiatric well-being among incarcerated men with injecting drug use histories in Victoria, Australia. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2018; 6:1. [PMID: 29330606 PMCID: PMC5766477 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-018-0059-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dual substance dependence and psychiatric and psychological morbidities are overrepresented in prison populations and associated with reoffending. In the context of an increasing prison population in Australia, investigating the needs of vulnerable people in prison with a dual diagnosis can help inform in-prison screening and treatment and improve prison and community service integration and continuation of care. In this study we quantified psychiatric well-being in a sample of people in prison with a history of injecting drug use in Victoria, Australia, and identified factors associated with this outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS Data for this paper come from baseline interviews undertaken in the weeks prior to release as part of a prospective cohort study of incarcerated men who reported regular injecting drug use prior to their current sentence. Eligible participants completed a researcher-administered structured questionnaire that canvassed a range of issues. Psychiatric well-being was assessed using the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and potential correlates were included based on a review of the literature. Of the 317 men included for analyses, 139 were classified as experiencing current poor psychiatric well-being. In the multivariate model using modified logistic regression, history of suicide attempt (aOR = 1.36, 95%CI 1.03-1.78), two or more medical conditions (aOR = 1.87, 95%CI 1.30-2.67) and use of crystal methamphetamine in the week prior to their current sentence (aOR = 1.52, 95%CI 1.05-2.22) were statistically significantly associated with current poor psychiatric well-being. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensively addressing the health-related needs for this vulnerable population will require a multidisciplinary approach and enhancing opportunities to screen and triage people in prison for mental health and other potential co-occurring health issues will provide opportunities to better address individual health needs and reoffending risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reece Cossar
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology & Forensicare, Melbourne, Australia
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stuart A. Kinner
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Griffith Criminology Institute, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia
- Mater Research Institute-UQ, University of Queensland, Mount Gravatt, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Campbell Aitken
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Michael Curtis
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amy Kirwan
- Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James R. P. Ogloff
- Centre for Forensic Behavioural Science, Swinburne University of Technology & Forensicare, Melbourne, Australia
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Morley KC, Cornish JL, Faingold A, Wood K, Haber PS. Pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of methamphetamine dependence. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2017; 26:563-578. [PMID: 28351169 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2017.1313229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methamphetamine use is a serious public health concern in many countries and is second to cannabis as the most widely abused illicit drug in the world. Effective management for methamphetamine dependence remains elusive and the large majority of methamphetamine users relapse following treatment. Areas covered: Progression in the understanding of the pharmacological basis of methamphetamine use has provided us with innovative opportunities to develop agents to treat dependence. The current review summarizes relevant literature on the neurobiological and clinical correlates associated with methamphetamine use. We then outline agents that have been explored for potential treatments in preclinical studies, human laboratory phase I and phase II trials over the last ten years. Expert opinion: No agent has demonstrated a broad and strong effect in achieving MA abstinence in Phase II trials. Agents with novel therapeutic targets appear promising. Advancement in MA treatment, including translation into practice, faces several clinical challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten C Morley
- a NHMRC Centre for Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, Discipline of Addiction Medicine , The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Jennifer L Cornish
- b Department of Psychology , Centre for Emotional Health, Macquarie University , Sydney , Australia
| | - Alon Faingold
- c Drug Health Services , Royal Prince Alfred Hospital , Camperdown , Australia
| | - Katie Wood
- a NHMRC Centre for Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, Discipline of Addiction Medicine , The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Paul S Haber
- a NHMRC Centre for Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, Discipline of Addiction Medicine , The University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia.,c Drug Health Services , Royal Prince Alfred Hospital , Camperdown , Australia
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