1
|
Alanazi IM, Alzahrani AR, Alsaad MA, Moqeem AL, Hamdi AM, Taher MM, Watson DG, Helen Grant M. The effect of mephedrone on human neuroblastoma and astrocytoma cells. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102011. [PMID: 38454918 PMCID: PMC10918268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone is an illegal drug that is used recreationally. Few studies have been conducted to investigate the mechanisms by which mephedrone is harming cells. In this research, we investigated the effect of mephedrone using toxicology coupled with LC-MS/MS based metabolomics in the two CNS derived cell lines. Methods of assessment such as neutral red (NR) assay, dimethylthiazolyl diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) measurement, and morphology were performed to identify the effect on cell viability and to identify the best concentration to be used in a metabolomics study. A concentration of 100 μM of mephedrone was used in the metabolomic experiment because at this concentration mephedrone had induced several intracellular changes. Although there no clear indicators of cellular damage caused by mephedrone. In astrocytes there was a clear indication that cell membrane function might be impaired by depletion of ether lipids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim M. Alanazi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abidiyah, P.O.Box 13578, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah R. Alzahrani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-Abidiyah, P.O.Box 13578, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad A. Alsaad
- Department of Parasitology, College of Medicine, Umm AL Qura University, Al-Abidiyah, P.O.Box 13578, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulaziz L. Moqeem
- Home Health Care,Directorate of Health Affairs Jeddah, Ministry of Health, P.O.Box11176, Ryiadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsen M. Hamdi
- Home Health Care,Directorate of Health Affairs Jeddah, Ministry of Health, P.O.Box11176, Ryiadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohiuddin M. Taher
- Science and Technology Unit, Deanship of Scientific Research, and Department of Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Umm-Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - David G. Watson
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0RE, UK
| | - M. Helen Grant
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow G4 0NW, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen S, Zhou W, Lai M. Synthetic Cathinones: Epidemiology, Toxicity, Potential for Abuse, and Current Public Health Perspective. Brain Sci 2024; 14:334. [PMID: 38671986 PMCID: PMC11048581 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones, derived from cathinone found in the plant Catha edulis, represent the second largest and most frequently seized group of new psychoactive substances. They are considered as β-keto analogs of amphetamine, sharing pharmacological effects with amphetamine and cocaine. This review describes the neurotoxic properties of synthetic cathinones, encompassing their capacity to induce neuroinflammation, dysregulate neurotransmitter systems, and alter monoamine transporters and receptors. Additionally, it discusses the rewarding and abuse potential of synthetic cathinones drawing from findings obtained through various preclinical animal models, contextualized with other classical psychostimulants. The review also offers an overview of current abuse trends of synthetic cathinones on the illicit drug market, specifying the aspects covered, and underscores the risks they pose to public health. Finally, the review discusses public health initiatives and efforts to reduce the hazards of synthetic cathinones, including harm reduction methods, education, and current clinical management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Chen
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Wenhua Zhou
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| | - Miaojun Lai
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Addiction Research, The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo 315201, China; (S.C.); (W.Z.)
- Department of Psychiatry, Ningbo Kangning Hospital, Ningbo 315201, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Angoa-Perez M, Kuhn DM. The pharmacology and neurotoxicology of synthetic cathinones. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 99:61-82. [PMID: 38467489 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.12.001] [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
The synthetic cathinones are man-made compounds derived from the naturally occurring drug cathinone, which is found in the khat plant. The drugs in this pharmacological class that will be the focus of this chapter include mephedrone, MDPV, methcathinone and methylone. These drugs are colloquially known as "bath salts". This misnomer suggests that these drugs are used for health improvement or that they have legitimate medical uses. The synthetic cathinones are dangerous drugs with powerful pharmacological effects that include high abuse potential, hyperthermia and hyperlocomotion. These drugs also share many of the pharmacological effects of the amphetamine class of drugs including methamphetamine, amphetamine and MDMA and therefore have high potential to cause damage to the central nervous system. The synthetic cathinones are frequently taken in combination with other psychoactive drugs such as alcohol, marijuana and the amphetamine-like stimulants, creating a situation where heightened pharmacological and neurotoxicological effects are likely to occur. Despite the structural features shared by the synthetic cathinones and amphetamine-like stimulants, including their actions at monoamine transporters and receptors, the effects of the synthetic cathinones do not always match those of the amphetamines. In particular, the synthetic cathinones are far less neurotoxic than their amphetamine counterparts, they produce a weaker hyperthermia, and they cause less glial activation. This chapter will briefly review the pharmacology and neurotoxicology of selected synthetic cathinones with the aim of delineating key areas of agreement and disagreement in the literature particularly as it relates to neurotoxicological outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Perez
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Margiani G, Castelli MP, Pintori N, Frau R, Ennas MG, Pagano Zottola AC, Orrù V, Serra V, Fiorillo E, Fadda P, Marsicano G, De Luca MA. Adolescent self-administration of the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist JWH-018 induces neurobiological and behavioral alterations in adult male mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3083-3102. [PMID: 35943523 PMCID: PMC9481487 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06191-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The use of synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) is growing among adolescents, posing major medical and psychiatric risks. JWH-018 represents the reference compound of SCRA-containing products. OBJECTIVES This study was performed to evaluate the enduring consequences of adolescent voluntary consumption of JWH-018. METHODS The reinforcing properties of JWH-018 were characterized in male CD1 adolescent mice by intravenous self-administration (IVSA). Afterwards, behavioral, neurochemical, and molecular evaluations were performed at adulthood. RESULTS Adolescent mice acquired operant behavior (lever pressing, Fixed Ratio 1-3; 7.5 µg/kg/inf); this behavior was specifically directed at obtaining JWH-018 since it increased under Progressive Ratio schedule of reinforcement, and was absent in vehicle mice. JWH-018 IVSA was reduced by pretreatment of the CB1-antagonist/inverse agonist AM251. Adolescent exposure to JWH-018 by IVSA increased, at adulthood, both nestlet shredding and marble burying phenotypes, suggesting long-lasting repetitive/compulsive-like behavioral effects. JWH-018 did not affect risk proclivity in the wire-beam bridge task. In adult brains, there was an increase of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1) positive cells in the caudate-putamen (CPu) and nucleus accumbens (NAc), along with a decrease of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity in the CPu. These glial alterations in adult brains were coupled with an increase of the chemokine RANTES and a decrease of the cytokines IL2 and IL13 in the cortex, and an increase of the chemokine MPC1 in the striatum. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests for the first time that male mice self-administer the prototypical SCRA JWH-018 during adolescence. The adolescent voluntary consumption of JWH-018 leads to long-lasting behavioral and neurochemical aberrations along with glia-mediated inflammatory responses in adult brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Margiani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Roberto Frau
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,"Guy Everett" Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Ennas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio C Pagano Zottola
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires, UMR 5095, Bordeaux, France
| | - Valeria Orrù
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Valentina Serra
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Edoardo Fiorillo
- Institute for Genetic and Biomedical Research, National Research Council (CNR), Lanusei, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council (CNR), Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- INSERM, U1215 NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Marszalek-Grabska M, Zakrocka I, Budzynska B, Marciniak S, Kaszubska K, Lemieszek MK, Winiarczyk S, Kotlinska JH, Rzeski W, Turski WA. Binge-like mephedrone treatment induces memory impairment concomitant with brain kynurenic acid reduction in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 454:116216. [PMID: 36057403 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
While mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone), a synthetic cathinone derivative, is widely abused by adolescents and young adults, the knowledge about its long-term effects on memory processes is limited. Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a neuroactive metabolite of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation. KYNA is considered an important endogenous modulator influencing physiological and pathological processes, including learning and memory processes. The aim of this study was to determine whether (A) binge-like mephedrone administration (10.0 and 30.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, in 4 doses separated by 2 h) induces memory impairments, assessed 2, 8 and 15 days after mephedrone cessation in the passive avoidance test in mice, and whether (B) KYNA is involved in these memory processes. To clarify the role of KYNA in the mephedrone effects, its level in the murine brain in vivo, and in cortical slices in vitro, as well as the activities of kynurenine aminotransferases (KATs) I and II were assessed. Furthermore, cell line experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of mephedrone on normal human brain cells. Our results showed memory impairments 8 and 15 days after binge-like mephedrone administration. At the same time, reduction in the KYNA level in the murine brain was noted. In vitro studies showed no effect of mephedrone on the production of KYNA in cortical slices or on the activity of the KAT I and II enzymes. Finally, exposure of normal cells to mephedrone in vitro resulted in a modest reduction of cell viability and proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Marszalek-Grabska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Izabela Zakrocka
- Department of Nephrology, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Budzynska
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Medical University, Chodzki 4a, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Sebastian Marciniak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kaszubska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Marta Kinga Lemieszek
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Winiarczyk
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jolanta H Kotlinska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University, Chodzki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wojciech Rzeski
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland; Department of Functional Anatomy and Cytobiology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Jaczewskiego 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
A Quantitative LC–MS/MS Method for the Detection of 16 Synthetic Cathinones and 10 Metabolites and Its Application to Suspicious Clinical and Forensic Urine Samples. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050510. [PMID: 35631341 PMCID: PMC9145040 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Synthetic cathinones currently represent one of the most predominant (sub)-classes of new psychoactive substance (NPS) in illicit drug markets. Despite the increased concerns caused by the constant introduction of new analogues, these drugs are not commonly assayed in routine drug testing procedures and may not be detected in standard screening procedures. This study presents a validated liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the detection and quantification of 16 synthetic cathinones and 10 metabolites in human urine. Methods: The method was validated for all analytes using published guidelines. The evaluated parameters achieved acceptable values according to the set criteria. Potential abuse of synthetic cathinones was investigated in suspicious urine samples from Saudi Arabia originating from workplace drug testing, pre-employment and Accident & Emergency (A&E). Such samples generated a presumptive positive immunoassay for amphetamine; however, they yielded a negative LC–MS/MS confirmation for this analyte, following the recommended cutoff values of Substance of Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) guidelines. Results: 5.8% of the analyzed samples were found to contain at least one target analyte, namely mephedrone and N-ethylpentylone, as well as their dihydro-metabolites. The results also revealed polydrug use with the synthetic cathinones being present together with other classical stimulant drugs. Conclusions: This is the first report of NPS use in Saudi Arabia with respect to designer stimulant drugs. Confirmatory urine analyses for suspicious stimulant use should extend beyond classical stimulants to cover a broad range of NPSs and their metabolites in order to report any otherwise potentially undetected/new analyte.
Collapse
|
7
|
Apóstol Del Rosal GD, Limón ID, Martínez I, Patricio-Martínez A. The Chronic Oral Administration of Clobenzorex or Amphetamine Decreases Motor Behavior and Induces Glial Activation in the Striatum Without Dopaminergic Degeneration. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:1405-1417. [PMID: 34279823 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00395-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Described as amphetamine-like due to their structural and stimulant similarities, clobenzorex is one of the five most-commonly used drugs in Mexico for the treatment of obesity. Various studies have shown that amphetamines induce dopaminergic neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation in the striatum, symptoms which are associated with motor damage. For this reason, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of chronic clobenzorex administration on motor behaviors, TH immunoreactivity, gliosis, and the neurodegenerative process in the striatum and substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). The present research was conducted on three experimental groups of male Wistar rats: the vehicle group, the amphetamine group (2 mg/kg), and the clobenzorex group (30 mg/kg). All groups were subject to oral administration every 24 h for 31 days. Motor activity and motor coordination were evaluated in the open field test and the beam walking test, respectively. The animals were euthanized after the last day of treatment to enable the extraction of their brains for the evaluation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels, the immunoreactivity of the glial cells, and the neurodegeneration of both the striatum and SNpc via amino-cupric-silver stain. The results obtained show that amphetamine and clobenzorex administration decrease motor activity and motor coordination in the beam walking test and cause increased gliosis in the striatum, while no significant changes were observed in terms of immunoreactivity to TH and neurodegeneration in both the striatum and SNpc. These results suggest that the chronic administration of clobenzorex may decrease motor function in a manner similar to amphetamine, via the neuroadaptive and non-neurotoxic changes caused to the striatum under this administration scheme.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grego David Apóstol Del Rosal
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Ilhuicamina Daniel Limón
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Isabel Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neuroquímica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Aleidy Patricio-Martínez
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Puebla, Mexico.
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, Blvd. Valsequillo y Av. San Claudio Edificio BIO-1 C.U. Col. Jardines de San Manuel A.P, 72570, Puebla, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Soares J, Costa VM, Bastos MDL, Carvalho F, Capela JP. An updated review on synthetic cathinones. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:2895-2940. [PMID: 34100120 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03083-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cathinone, the main psychoactive compound found in the plant Catha edulis Forsk. (khat), is a β-keto analogue of amphetamine, sharing not only the phenethylamine structure, but also the amphetamine-like stimulant effects. Synthetic cathinones are derivatives of the naturally occurring cathinone that largely entered the recreational drug market at the end of 2000s. The former "legal status", impressive marketing strategies and their commercial availability, either in the so-called "smartshops" or via the Internet, prompted their large spread, contributing to their increasing popularity in the following years. As their popularity increased, the risks posed for public health became clear, with several reports of intoxications and deaths involving these substances appearing both in the social media and scientific literature. The regulatory measures introduced thereafter to halt these trending drugs of abuse have proved to be of low impact, as a continuous emergence of new non-controlled derivatives keep appearing to replace those prohibited. Users resort to synthetic cathinones due to their psychostimulant properties but are often unaware of the dangers they may incur when using these substances. Therefore, studies aimed at unveiling the pharmacological and toxicological properties of these substances are imperative, as they will provide increased expertise to the clinicians that face this problem on a daily basis. The present work provides a comprehensive review on history and legal status, chemistry, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, adverse effects and lethality in humans, as well as on the current knowledge of the neurotoxic mechanisms of synthetic cathinones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Soares
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Vera Marisa Costa
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria de Lourdes Bastos
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Capela
- UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- FP-ENAS (Fernando Pessoa Energy, Environment and Health Research Unit), CEBIMED (Biomedical Research Centre), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wronikowska O, Zykubek M, Michalak A, Pankowska A, Kozioł P, Boguszewska-Czubara A, Kurach Ł, Łazorczyk A, Kochalska K, Talarek S, Słowik T, Pietura R, Kurzepa J, Budzyńska B. Insight into Glutamatergic Involvement in Rewarding Effects of Mephedrone in Rats: In Vivo and Ex Vivo Study. Mol Neurobiol 2021; 58:4413-4424. [PMID: 34021482 PMCID: PMC8487417 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02404-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Mephedrone is a widely used drug of abuse, exerting its effects by interacting with monoamine transporters. Although this mechanism has been widely studied heretofore, little is known about the involvement of glutamatergic transmission in mephedrone effects. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated glutamatergic involvement in rewarding effects of mephedrone using an interdisciplinary approach including (1) behavioural study on effects of memantine (non-selective NMDA antagonist) on expression of mephedrone-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) in rats; (2) evaluation of glutamate concentrations in the hippocampus of rats following 6 days of mephedrone administration, using in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS); and (3) determination of glutamate levels in the hippocampus of rats treated with mephedrone and subjected to MRS, using ion-exchange chromatography. In the presented research, we confirmed priorly reported mephedrone-induced rewarding effects in the CPP paradigm and showed that memantine (5 mg/kg) was able to reverse the expression of this effect. MRS study showed that subchronic mephedrone administration increased glutamate level in the hippocampus when measured in vivo 24 h (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) and 2 weeks (5 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) after last injection. Ex vivo chromatographic analysis did not show significant changes in hippocampal glutamate concentrations; however, it showed similar results as obtained in the MRS study proving its validity. Taken together, the presented study provides new insight into glutamatergic involvement in rewarding properties of mephedrone.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Wronikowska
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.,Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Maria Zykubek
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Michalak
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Pankowska
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Street, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
| | - Paulina Kozioł
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Street, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Boguszewska-Czubara
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Łukasz Kurach
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Artur Łazorczyk
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Street, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kochalska
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Street, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
| | - Sylwia Talarek
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Tymoteusz Słowik
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8 Street, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Radosław Pietura
- Department of Radiography, Medical University of Lublin, Staszica 16 Street, 20-081, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kurzepa
- I Department of Medical Radiology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8 Street, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Budzyńska
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Chair and Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki 4a Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Grotell M, den Hollander B, Jalkanen A, Törrönen E, Ihalainen J, de Miguel E, Dudek M, Kettunen MI, Hyytiä P, Forsberg MM, Kankuri E, Korpi ER. Alcohol Co-Administration Changes Mephedrone-Induced Alterations of Neuronal Activity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:679759. [PMID: 33995109 PMCID: PMC8115874 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.679759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone (4-MMC), despite its illegal status, is still a widely used psychoactive substance. Its effects closely mimic those of the classical stimulant drug methamphetamine (METH). Recent research suggests that unlike METH, 4-MMC is not neurotoxic on its own. However, the neurotoxic effects of 4-MMC may be precipitated under certain circumstances, such as administration at high ambient temperatures. Common use of 4-MMC in conjunction with alcohol raises the question whether this co-consumption could also precipitate neurotoxicity. A total of six groups of adolescent rats were treated twice daily for four consecutive days with vehicle, METH (5 mg/kg) or 4-MMC (30 mg/kg), with or without ethanol (1.5 g/kg). To investigate persistent delayed effects of the administrations at two weeks after the final treatments, manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging brain scans were performed. Following the scans, brains were collected for Golgi staining and spine analysis. 4-MMC alone had only subtle effects on neuronal activity. When administered with ethanol, it produced a widespread pattern of deactivation, similar to what was seen with METH-treated rats. These effects were most profound in brain regions which are known to have high dopamine and serotonin activities including hippocampus, nucleus accumbens and caudate-putamen. In the regions showing the strongest activation changes, no morphological changes were observed in spine analysis. By itself 4-MMC showed few long-term effects. However, when co-administered with ethanol, the apparent functional adaptations were profound and comparable to those of neurotoxic METH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Milo Grotell
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bjørnar den Hollander
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aaro Jalkanen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Essi Törrönen
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jouni Ihalainen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Elena de Miguel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mateusz Dudek
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mikko I Kettunen
- Kuopio Biomedical Imaging Unit, A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Hyytiä
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markus M Forsberg
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Esko Kankuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esa R Korpi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chou HH, Hsieh CH, Chaou CH, Chen CK, Yen TH, Liao SC, Seak CJ, Chen HY. Synthetic cathinone poisoning from ingestion of drug-laced "instant coffee packets" in Taiwan. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:1403-1412. [PMID: 33715482 DOI: 10.1177/0960327121996043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cathinone abuse is a global health issue. Synthetic cathinones emerged in Taiwan in 2009, and their prevalence rapidly rose. They are usually made into "instant coffee packets," and these so-called "toxic coffee packets" may also contain psychoactive drugs other than synthetic cathinones. Due to the diversity of the ingredients, clinical presentations can be complex. METHODS Retrospective analysis of emergency department (ED) patients who reported ingesting toxic coffee packets at three Chang-Gung Memorial Hospitals located in northern Taiwan between January, 2015 and December, 2019. RESULTS Sixty patients were included. Their mean age was 28.85 ± 9.24 years and 47(78.33%) were male. The most common presentations were palpitation, agitation, hallucination, and altered consciousness. Tachycardia and hypertension were common, while hyperthermia was observed in only three patients. Three patients (5%) developed rhabdomyolysis, and one underwent transient hemodialysis. Most patients were discharged from the ED, but 15(25%) were admitted, of whom nine (15%) were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), and one eventually died. Confirmation tests (mass-spectrometry-based analysis) were available in 10 patients; all reported positive for at least one type of synthetic cathinone. Polysubstance exposure was common. In multivariate logistic regression analyses, Glasgow coma scale ≤13 and the presence of seizure were associated with ICU admission. CONCLUSION Patients who report ingesting toxic coffee packets are very likely to have been exposed to synthetic cathinones. Polysubstance exposure is common following ingestion. Cardiovascular and neurological symptoms are the main presentations, and severe complications such as rhabdomyolysis and life-threatening dysrhythmia can occur.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H-H Chou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung
| | - C-H Hsieh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou
| | - C-H Chaou
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou.,College of Medicine, 38014Chang Gung University, Taoyuan
| | - C-K Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou
| | - T-H Yen
- College of Medicine, 38014Chang Gung University, Taoyuan.,Department of Nephrology and Clinical Poison Center, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan
| | - S-C Liao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung
| | - C-J Seak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou.,College of Medicine, 38014Chang Gung University, Taoyuan.,Department of Emergency Medicine, New Taipei Municipal Tucheng Hospital, New Taipei City
| | - H-Y Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, 38014Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou.,College of Medicine, 38014Chang Gung University, Taoyuan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ferreira C, Almeida C, Tenreiro S, Quintas A. Neuroprotection or Neurotoxicity of Illicit Drugs on Parkinson's Disease. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10060086. [PMID: 32545328 PMCID: PMC7344445 DOI: 10.3390/life10060086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is currently the most rapid growing neurodegenerative disease and over the past generation, its global burden has more than doubled. The onset of PD can arise due to environmental, sporadic or genetic factors. Nevertheless, most PD cases have an unknown etiology. Chemicals, such as the anthropogenic pollutant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and amphetamine-type stimulants, have been associated with the onset of PD. Conversely, cannabinoids have been associated with the treatment of the symptoms'. PD and medical cannabis is currently under the spotlight, and research to find its benefits on PD is on-going worldwide. However, the described clinical applications and safety of pharmacotherapy with cannabis products are yet to be fully supported by scientific evidence. Furthermore, the novel psychoactive substances are currently a popular alternative to classical drugs of abuse, representing an unknown health hazard for young adults who may develop PD later in their lifetime. This review addresses the neurotoxic and neuroprotective impact of illicit substance consumption in PD, presenting clinical evidence and molecular and cellular mechanisms of this association. This research area is utterly important for contemporary society since illicit drugs' legalization is under discussion which may have consequences both for the onset of PD and for the treatment of its symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Ferreira
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (C.F.); (C.A.)
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário–Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine of Porto University, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, P-4200–319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Catarina Almeida
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (C.F.); (C.A.)
| | - Sandra Tenreiro
- CEDOC–Chronic Diseases Research Center, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, P-1150-082 Lisboa, Portugal;
| | - Alexandre Quintas
- Molecular Pathology and Forensic Biochemistry Laboratory, Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal; (C.F.); (C.A.)
- Laboratório de Ciências Forenses e Psicológicas Egas Moniz, Campus Universitário–Quinta da Granja, Monte de Caparica, P-2825-084 Caparica, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Altun B, Çok İ. Psychoactive Bath Salts and Neurotoxicity Risk. Turk J Pharm Sci 2020; 17:235-241. [PMID: 32454785 DOI: 10.4274/tjps.galenos.2018.40820] [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: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are new designer drugs that possess hallucinogenic and psychostimulant properties, and are designed to mimic the effects of illegal substances such as cocaine, amphetamines, and 3.4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy) and to produce rewarding effects, circumventing existing laws and penalties. Synthetic cathinones, also referred to as 'bath salts', have become popular particularly among young people since the mid-2000s. Similar to other psychomotor stimulants, synthetic cathinones have the potential to increase monoamine concentration in the synaptic cleft by targeting the plasma membrane transporters of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Because of their structural similarities to amphetamines, it has been suggested that synthetic cathinones may have a neurotoxicity profile similar to that of their amphetamine congeners. Therefore, it has been hypothesized that synthetic cathinones may induce neurotoxicity on monoamine nerve endings in the striatum, hippocampus, and cortex. To date, with regard to synthetic cathinone neurotoxicity, parameters such as monoamine depletion, biosynthetic enzyme inhibition, cytotoxicity, generation of reactive oxygen species, pro-oxidation status, and the ability to induce neuroinflammation were investigated in both in vitro and in vivo experimental studies. Compared with amphetamines, synthetic cathinones appear to have more moderate effects than their amphetamine congeners in terms of neurotoxic effects. However, many synthetic cathinone users take these substances simultaneously with other substances such as benzodiazepines, amphetamines, ecstasy, tetrahydrocannabinol, and ethanol and this abuse can modify their neurotoxic effects. Hence, it is important to understand the underlying mechanism of early neurotoxic effects in case of polysubstance use. In this review, we aimed to present up-to-date information on the abuse potential of synthetic cathinones, their legal status, mechanism of action, and particularly their neurotoxic effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Beril Altun
- Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İsmet Çok
- Gazi University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Youyou Z, Yalei Y, Yanfei D, Shuquan Z, Zhaoyang L, Liang R, Liang L. Effects of Methcathinone Exposure during Prenatal and Lactational Periods on the Development and the Learning and Memory Abilities of Rat Offspring. Neurotox Res 2020; 38:86-95. [PMID: 32140923 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00184-2] [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: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of prenatal and lactational methcathinone exposure on the development and the learning and memory abilities of rat offspring using a Sprague-Dawley rat model. Pregnant and lactating rats were administered a consecutive daily dose of methcathinone (0.37 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of saline by injection on gestational days 7-20 and postnatal days 2-15, respectively. The physical development and neurobehavioral test results of rat pups were recorded throughout the lactation period. Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests were performed from postnatal day 35 to day 42 to assess the learning and memory abilities of rat offspring in adolescence. The occurrence of hair growth and developments in neurological reflexes, such as improvements in limb grasp, righting reflex, and gait, were delayed in pups after perinatal methcathinone exposure compared with that in the control. Results from MWM and NOR tests indicate that perinatal methcathinone exposure induced deficits in spatial memory, learning ability, and novel object exploration in the adolescent offspring compared with that in the control. The impairment of spatial learning and memory was greater in the prenatal exposure group, while the impairment of novel object exploration was greater in the lactational exposure group. These data show that the prenatal and lactational methcathinone exposure induced the delay of physical and neurological reflex development and impaired learning and memory in rat offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Youyou
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Yalei
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Deng Yanfei
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
- Chongxin Judicial Expertise Center, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Zhao Shuquan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Li Zhaoyang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health and State Key Laboratory of Environmental Health for Incubating, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ren Liang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Liu Liang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Riley AL, Nelson KH, To P, López-Arnau R, Xu P, Wang D, Wang Y, Shen HW, Kuhn DM, Angoa-Perez M, Anneken JH, Muskiewicz D, Hall FS. Abuse potential and toxicity of the synthetic cathinones (i.e., “Bath salts”). Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 110:150-173. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
17
|
Mead J, Parrott A. Mephedrone and MDMA: A comparative review. Brain Res 2020; 1735:146740. [PMID: 32087112 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Mephedrone and MDMA are both constituents of party drugs, with mephedrone being relatively new compared to MDMA. This review compares current knowledge regarding the patterns of usage and neuropsychobiological effects of both mephedrone and MDMA. Both drugs share common psychoactive effects, the duration of which is significantly shorter with mephedrone use, attributing towards a pattern of binge use among users. Both drugs have also been associated with adverse health, psychiatric, and neurocognitive problems. Whilst there is extensive research into the psychobiological problems induced by MDMA, the evidence for mephedrone is comparatively limited. The adverse effect profile of mephedrone appears to be less severe than that of MDMA. Users often believe it to be safer, although both drugs have been associated with overdoses. The neurotoxic potential of mephedrone appears to be low, whereas MDMA can cause long-term damage to the serotonergic system, although this needs further investigation. The abuse liability of mephedrone is significantly greater than that of MDMA, raising concerns regarding the impact of lifetime usage on users. Given that mephedrone is relatively new, the effects of long-term exposure are yet to be documented. Future research focused on lifetime users may highlight more severe neuropsychobiological effects from the drug.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Mead
- Department of Psychology, School of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew Parrott
- Department of Psychology, School of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Synthetic psychoactive cathinones: hypothermia and reduced lethality compared to methamphetamine and methylenedioxymethamphetamine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 191:172871. [PMID: 32061662 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Synthetic psychoactive cathinones (SPCs) are drugs with psychostimulant and entactogenic properties like methamphetamine (MA) and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Despite clinical reports of human overdose, it remains to be determined if SPCs have greater propensity for adverse effects than MA or MDMA. OBJECTIVES To determine whether the SPCs cathinone (CAT), methcathinone (MCAT), mephedrone (MMC), and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) have lower LD50 values than MA or MDMA. METHODS Male and female C57Bl/6J mice received single injections of one of 6 doses of a test drug (0-160 mg/kg IP). Temperature and behavioral observations were taken every 20 min for 2 h followed by euthanasia of surviving mice. Organs were weighed and evaluated for histopathological changes. RESULTS LD50 values for MA and MDMA, 84.5 and 100.9 mg/kg respectively, were similar to previous observations. The LD50 for MMC was 118.8 mg/kg, but limited lethality was observed for other SPCs (CAT, MCAT, MDPV), so LD50 values could not be calculated. For all drugs, death was associated with seizure, when it was observed. Rather than hyperthermia, dose-dependent hypothermia was observed for MMC, MDPV, CAT, and MCAT. Contrary to initial expectations, none of the SPCs studied here had LD50 values lower than MA or MDMA. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that, under the conditions studied here: (1) SPCs exhibit less lethality than MA and MDMA; (2) SPCs impair thermoregulation; (3) effects of SPCs on temperature appear to be independent of effects on lethality.
Collapse
|
19
|
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.
Collapse
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:
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Brain-wide genetic mapping identifies the indusium griseum as a prenatal target of pharmacologically unrelated psychostimulants. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:25958-25967. [PMID: 31796600 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1904006116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychostimulant use is an ever-increasing socioeconomic burden, including a dramatic rise during pregnancy. Nevertheless, brain-wide effects of psychostimulant exposure are incompletely understood. Here, we performed Fos-CreERT2-based activity mapping, correlated for pregnant mouse dams and their fetuses with amphetamine, nicotine, and caffeine applied acutely during midgestation. While light-sheet microscopy-assisted intact tissue imaging revealed drug- and age-specific neuronal activation, the indusium griseum (IG) appeared indiscriminately affected. By using GAD67gfp/+ mice we subdivided the IG into a dorsolateral domain populated by γ-aminobutyric acidergic interneurons and a ventromedial segment containing glutamatergic neurons, many showing drug-induced activation and sequentially expressing Pou3f3/Brn1 and secretagogin (Scgn) during differentiation. We then combined Patch-seq and circuit mapping to show that the ventromedial IG is a quasi-continuum of glutamatergic neurons (IG-Vglut1 +) reminiscent of dentate granule cells in both rodents and humans, whose dendrites emanate perpendicularly toward while their axons course parallel with the superior longitudinal fissure. IG-Vglut1 + neurons receive VGLUT1+ and VGLUT2+ excitatory afferents that topologically segregate along their somatodendritic axis. In turn, their efferents terminate in the olfactory bulb, thus being integral to a multisynaptic circuit that could feed information antiparallel to the olfactory-cortical pathway. In IG-Vglut1 + neurons, prenatal psychostimulant exposure delayed the onset of Scgn expression. Genetic ablation of Scgn was then found to sensitize adult mice toward methamphetamine-induced epilepsy. Overall, our study identifies brain-wide targets of the most common psychostimulants, among which Scgn +/Vglut1 + neurons of the IG link limbic and olfactory circuits.
Collapse
|
21
|
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.
Collapse
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,
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Oliver CF, Palamar JJ, Salomone A, Simmons SJ, Philogene-Khalid HL, Stokes-McCloskey N, Rawls SM. Synthetic cathinone adulteration of illegal drugs. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:869-879. [PMID: 30338489 PMCID: PMC6472990 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5066-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Current prevalence estimates of synthetic cathinone ("bath salt") use may be underestimates given that traditional metrics (e.g., surveys, urinalysis) often fail to capture the emergent issue of synthetic cathinone adulteration of more common illegal drugs, such as ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). OBJECTIVES This review examines the evolution of synthetic cathinones and prevalence of use over the past decade in the United States. We also review methods of self-report and biological testing of these compounds as well as adverse outcomes associated with adulterated drug use. RESULTS Synthetic cathinone use emerged in the United States by 2009 with use associated with tens of thousands of poisonings. Reported poisonings and self-reported use have substantially decreased over the past five years. However, our review suggests that current estimates of use are underestimates due to underreporting stemming primarily from unknown or unintentional use of adulterated formulations of relatively popular illegal drugs, such as ecstasy. CONCLUSIONS While intentional synthetic cathinone use has decreased in recent years, evidence suggests that prevalence of use is underestimated. Testing of drugs and/or biological specimens can improve the accuracy of synthetic cathinone use estimates. Furthermore, we advocate that researchers and clinicians should become better aware that exposure to these potent compounds (e.g., as adulterants) often occurs unknowingly or unintentionally. To improve our understanding of synthetic cathinone adulteration, research utilizing a combinatorial approach (survey and biological testing) will help more accurately estimate the prevalence and impact of this public health issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chicora F Oliver
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, 882A, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
| | - Joseph J Palamar
- Department of Population Health, 180 Madison Avenue Room 1752, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Alberto Salomone
- Centro Regionale Antidoping "A. Bertinaria", Regione Gonzole 10/1, 10043, Orbassano, Torino, Italy
| | - Steven J Simmons
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, 882A, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Helene L Philogene-Khalid
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, 882A, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, 100 E. Lehigh Ave, Philadelphia, PA, 19125, USA
| | - Nick Stokes-McCloskey
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, 882A, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Scott M Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, 882A, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dissociation between hypothermia and neurotoxicity caused by mephedrone and methcathinone in TPH2 knockout mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:1097-1106. [PMID: 30074064 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4991-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Mephedrone is a commonly abused constituent of "bath salts" and has many pharmacological effects in common with methamphetamine. Despite their structural similarity, mephedrone differs significantly from methamphetamine in its effects on core body temperature and dopamine nerve endings. The reasons for these differences remain unclear. OBJECTIVES Mephedrone elicits a transient hypothermia which may provide intrinsic neuroprotection against methamphetamine-like toxicity to dopamine nerve endings. Furthermore, evidence in the literature suggests that this hypothermia is mediated by serotonin. By utilizing transgenic mice devoid of brain serotonin, we determined the contribution of this neurotransmitter to changes in core body temperature as well as its possible role in protecting against neurotoxicity. The effects of methcathinone and 4-methyl-methamphetamine, two structural analogs of mephedrone and methamphetamine, were also evaluated in these mice. RESULTS The hypothermia induced by mephedrone and methcathinone in wild-type mice was not observed in mice lacking brain serotonin. Despite preventing drug-induced hypothermia, the lack of serotonin did not alter the neurotoxic profiles of the test drugs. CONCLUSIONS Serotonin is a key mediator of pharmacological hypothermia induced by mephedrone and methcathinone, but these body temperature effects do not contribute to dopamine nerve ending damage observed in mice following treatment with mephedrone, methcathinone or 4-methyl-methamphetamine. Thus, the key component of methamphetamine neurotoxicity lacking in mephedrone remains to be elucidated.
Collapse
|
24
|
Simmons SJ, Leyrer-Jackson JM, Oliver CF, Hicks C, Muschamp JW, Rawls SM, Olive MF. DARK Classics in Chemical Neuroscience: Cathinone-Derived Psychostimulants. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:2379-2394. [PMID: 29714473 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00147] [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] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cathinone is a plant alkaloid found in khat leaves of perennial shrubs grown in East Africa. Similar to cocaine, cathinone elicits psychostimulant effects which are in part attributed to its amphetamine-like structure. Around 2010, home laboratories began altering the parent structure of cathinone to synthesize derivatives with mechanisms of action, potencies, and pharmacokinetics permitting high abuse potential and toxicity. These "synthetic cathinones" include 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone), 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and the empathogenic agent 3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone (methylone) which collectively gained international popularity following aggressive online marketing as well as availability in various retail outlets. Case reports made clear the health risks associated with these agents and, in 2012, the Drug Enforcement Agency of the United States placed a series of synthetic cathinones on Schedule I under emergency order. Mechanistically, cathinone and synthetic derivatives work by augmenting monoamine transmission through release facilitation and/or presynaptic transport inhibition. Animal studies confirm the rewarding and reinforcing properties of synthetic cathinones by utilizing self-administration, place conditioning, and intracranial self-stimulation assays and additionally show persistent neuropathological features which demonstrate a clear need to better understand this class of drugs. This Review will thus detail (i) historical context of cathinone use and the rise of "dark" synthetic derivatives, (ii) structural features and mechanisms of synthetic cathinones, (iii) behavioral effects observed clinically and in animals under controlled laboratory conditions, and (iv) neurotransmitters and circuits that may be targeted to manage synthetic cathinone abuse in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven J. Simmons
- Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | | | - Chicora F. Oliver
- Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Callum Hicks
- Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - John W. Muschamp
- Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - Scott M. Rawls
- Center for Substance Abuse Research (CSAR), Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, United States
| | - M. Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kamińska K, Noworyta-Sokołowska K, Górska A, Rzemieniec J, Wnuk A, Wojtas A, Kreiner G, Kajta M, Gołembiowska K. The Effects of Exposure to Mephedrone During Adolescence on Brain Neurotransmission and Neurotoxicity in Adult Rats. Neurotox Res 2018; 34:525-537. [PMID: 29713996 PMCID: PMC6154178 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9908-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
According to the European Drug Report (2016), the use of synthetic cathinones, such as mephedrone, among young people has rapidly increased in the last years. Studies in humans indicate that psychostimulant drug use in adolescence increases risk of drug abuse in adulthood. Mephedrone by its interaction with transporters for dopamine (DAT) and serotonin (SERT) stimulates their release to the synaptic cleft. In animal studies, high repeated doses of mephedrone given to adolescent but not adult mice or rats induced toxic changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) neurons. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of mephedrone given in adolescence on brain neurotransmission and possible neuronal injury in adult rats. Adolescent male rats were given mephedrone (5 mg/kg) for 8 days. In vivo microdialysis in adult rats showed an increase in dopamine (DA), 5-HT, and glutamate release in the nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex but not in the striatum in response to challenge dose in animals pretreated with mephedrone in adolescence. The 5-HT and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid contents decreased in the striatum and nucleus accumbens while DA turnover rates were decreased in the striatum and nucleus accumbens. The oxidative damage of DNA assessed with the alkaline comet assay was found in the cortex of adult rats. Therefore, the administration of repeated low doses of mephedrone during adolescence does not seem to induce injury to 5-HT and DA neurons. The oxidative stress seems to be responsible for possible damage of cortical cell bodies which causes maladaptive changes in serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kamińska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Noworyta-Sokołowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Górska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Joanna Rzemieniec
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wnuk
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Adam Wojtas
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Kreiner
- Department of Brain Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kajta
- Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Pantano F, Tittarelli R, Mannocchi G, Pacifici R, di Luca A, Busardò FP, Marinelli E. Neurotoxicity Induced by Mephedrone: An up-to-date Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 15:738-749. [PMID: 27908258 PMCID: PMC5771050 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666161130130718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone is a β-ketoamphetamine belonging to the family of synthetic cathinones, an emerging class of designer drugs known for their hallucinogenic and psychostimulant properties as well as for their abuse potential. The aim of this review was to examine the emerging scientific literature on the possible mephedrone-induced neurotoxicity, yet not well defined due to the limited number of experimental studies, mainly carried on animal models. Relevant scientific articles were identified from international literature databases (Medline, Scopus, etc.) using the keywords: “Mephedrone”, “4-MMC,” “neurotoxicity,” “neuropharmacology”, “patents”, “monoamine transporters” and “neurochemical effects”. Of the 498 sources initially found, only 36 papers were suitable for the review. Neurotoxic effect of mephedrone on 5-HT and DA systems remains controversial. Although some studies in animal models reported no damage to DA nerve endings in the striatum and no significant changes in brain monoamine levels, some others suggested a rapid reduction in 5-HT and DA transporter function. Persistent serotonergic deficits were observed after binge like treatment in a warm environment and in both serotonergic and dopaminergic nerve endings at high ambient temperature. Oxidative stress cytotoxicity and an increase in frontal cortex lipid peroxidation were also reported. In vitro cytotoxic properties were also observed, suggesting that mephedrone may act as a reductant agent and can also determine changes in mitochondrial respiration. However, due to the differences in the design of the experiments, including temperature and animal model used, the results are difficult to compare. Further studies on toxicology and pharmacology of mephedrone are therefore necessary to establish an appropriate treatment for substance abuse and eventual consequences for public health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Pantano
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Roberta Tittarelli
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Giulio Mannocchi
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| | - Roberta Pacifici
- Drug Abuse and Doping Unit, Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome. Italy
| | - Alessandro di Luca
- Drug Abuse and Doping Unit, Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome. Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00161 Rome, Italy. Italy
| | - Enrico Marinelli
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology (UoFT), Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome. Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Anneken JH, Angoa-Perez M, Sati GC, Crich D, Kuhn DM. Assessing the role of dopamine in the differential neurotoxicity patterns of methamphetamine, mephedrone, methcathinone and 4-methylmethamphetamine. Neuropharmacology 2017; 134:46-56. [PMID: 28851615 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/25/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Methamphetamine and mephedrone are designer drugs with high abuse liability and they share extensive similarities in their chemical structures and neuropharmacological effects. However, these drugs differ in one significant regard: methamphetamine elicits dopamine neurotoxicity and mephedrone does not. From a structural perspective, mephedrone has a β-keto group and a 4-methyl ring addition, both of which are lacking in methamphetamine. Our previous studies found that methcathinone, which contains only the β-keto substituent, is neurotoxic, while 4-methylmethamphetamine, which contains only the 4-methyl ring substituent, elicits minimal neurotoxicity. In the present study, it was hypothesized that the varying neurotoxic potential associated with these compounds is mediated by the drug-releasable pool of dopamine, which may be accessed by methamphetamine more readily than mephedrone, methcathinone, and 4-methylmethamphetamine. To test this hypothesis, l-DOPA and pargyline, compounds known to increase both the releasable pool of dopamine and methamphetamine neurotoxicity, were combined with mephedrone, 4-methylmethamphetamine and methcathinone. Methamphetamine was also tested because of its ability to increase releasable dopamine. All three regimens significantly enhanced striatal neurotoxicity and glial reactivity for 4-methylmethamphetamine. Methcathinone neurotoxicity and glial reactivity were enhanced only by l-DOPA. Mephedrone remained non-neurotoxic when combined with either l-DOPA or pargyline. Body temperature effects of each designer drug were not altered by the combined treatments. These results support the conclusion that the neurotoxicity of 4-methylmethamphetamine, methcathinone and methamphetamine may be differentially regulated by the drug-releasable pool of dopamine due to β-keto and 4-methyl substituents, but that mephedrone remains non-neurotoxic despite large increases in this pool of dopamine. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Designer Drugs and Legal Highs.'
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John H Anneken
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mariana Angoa-Perez
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Girish C Sati
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - David Crich
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
White CM. Mephedrone and 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV): Synthetic Cathinones With Serious Health Implications. J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 56:1319-1325. [PMID: 27029951 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2016] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
This article presents information on the predominant synthetic cathinones used in the Western world, mephedrone and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Synthetic cathinones are commonly used drugs of abuse in the United States and Europe, with numerous cases of patient harm and death. Patients exhibit many neurological, cardiovascular, and muscular adverse events and frequently require therapy to control psychotic or agitated states and acute kidney injury resulting from myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. There are potential genetic polymorphisms and drug interactions that might accentuate risk, but there are no studies evaluating to what extent this occurs or if it is clinically relevant. Clinicians should be aware of the known pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, and reports of effects to detect potential issues and treat patients presenting with these adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Michael White
- University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy & Hartford Hospital Department of Pharmacy, Storrs, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Abstract
The present review briefly explores the neurotoxic properties of methcathinone, mephedrone, methylone, and methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), four synthetic cathinones most commonly found in "bath salts." Cathinones are β-keto analogs of the commonly abused amphetamines and display pharmacological effects resembling cocaine and amphetamines, but despite their commonalities in chemical structures, synthetic cathinones possess distinct neuropharmacological profiles and produce unique effects. Among the similarities of synthetic cathinones with their non-keto analogs are their targeting of monoamine systems, the release of neurotransmitters, and their stimulant properties. Most of the literature on synthetic cathinones has focused on describing their properties as psychostimulants, their behavioral effects on locomotion, memory, and potential for abuse, whereas descriptions of their neurotoxic properties are not abundant. The biochemical gauges of neurotoxicity induced by non-keto analogs are well studied in humans and experimental animals and include their ability to induce neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, temperature alterations as well as dysregulation of neurotransmitter systems and induce changes in monoamine transporters and receptors. These neurotoxicity gauges will serve as parameters to discuss the effects of the four previously mentioned synthetic cathinones alone or in combination with either another cathinone or with some of their non-keto analogs. Bath salts are not a defined combination of drugs and may consist of one synthetic cathinone compound or combinations of more cathinones. Furthermore, this review also presents some of the mechanisms that are thought to underlie this toxicity. A better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in the synthetic cathinones-induced neurotoxicity should contribute to generate modern therapeutic approaches to prevent or attenuate the adverse consequences of use of these drugs in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
| | - John H Anneken
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Grifell M, Ventura M, Carbón X, Quintana P, Galindo L, Palma Á, Fornis I, Gil C, Farre M, Torrens M. Patterns of use and toxicity of new para-halogenated substituted cathinones: 4-CMC (clephedrone), 4-CEC (4-chloroethcatinone) and 4-BMC (brephedrone). Hum Psychopharmacol 2017; 32. [PMID: 28657185 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This paper aims to present results of the analysis of clephedrone (4-CMC), 4-chloroethcathinone (4-CEC), and brephedrone (4-BMC) on recreational drug markets and a systematic review of all the available information concerning these substances. MATERIAL AND METHODS Samples collected by the drug checking service of the Spanish harm reduction NGO-Energy Control were analyzed and systematic research was conducted. Between June 2014 and October 2016, 1,471 samples with at least one NPS were analyzed, 397 of which contained cathinones. RESULTS Clephedrone was found in 29 samples, brephedrone in 8, and both were present in 2 samples. 4-Chloroethcathinone was detected in 5 samples. Eleven out of the 47 purchased samples (23.4%) were tested to contain the substance the user expected. Samples received were mainly sold as 3-MMC, MDMA, ketamine, and other cathinones. No literature on the effects or toxicity of these substances was found; the only information available was on internet fora. On many posts, users exhibit concerns about potential toxicity and side effects of using these substances. CONCLUSION Since the emergence of these substances could prove to be the next step to the cat-and-mouse game existing between drug producers and legislation, further clinical and epidemiological research should be carried out in order to build evidence to support policy for public health issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc Grifell
- Energy Control, Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Hospital del Mar-IMIM, Barcelona, Spain.,Unitat de Recerca en Neurociencia Cognitiva, Departament de Psiquiatria i Medicina Legal, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallés, Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Mireia Ventura
- Energy Control, Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xoán Carbón
- Energy Control, Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pol Quintana
- Energy Control, Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo, Barcelona, Spain.,IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Liliana Galindo
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Álvaro Palma
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Hospital del Mar-IMIM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ivan Fornis
- Energy Control, Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cristina Gil
- Energy Control, Asociación Bienestar y Desarrollo, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magi Farre
- Pharmacology, Consorci Mar Parc de salut de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Departament de Farmacologia Terapèutica i Toxicologia, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona Ringgold Standard Institution, Bellaterra, Catalunya, Spain.,Servei de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol Ringgold Standard Institution, Badalona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain.,Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Addiccions, Hospital del Mar-IMIM, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Plaça Cívica, s/n, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Budzynska B, Michalak A, Frankowska M, Kaszubska K, Biała G. Acute behavioral effects of co-administration of mephedrone and MDMA in mice. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 69:199-205. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2016.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
32
|
Zhang M, Lv D, Zhou W, Ji L, Zhou B, Chen H, Gu Y, Zhao J, He J. The levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in methamphetamine dependence. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e6631. [PMID: 28422859 PMCID: PMC5406075 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000006631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels have been reported altered in the traditional drug-dependence (such as marijuana and heroin). However, studies assessing the relationships among serum TC, TG, and methamphetamine (MA)-dependence have not been described well. In this study, our aim is to explore the serum TG and TC levels in large sample of MA-dependent patients. A retrospective study was conducted in 938 MA-dependent patients who were recruited between February 2, 2008 and March 11, 2013, with social characteristics and drug-dependence history (duration of MA use, routes of drug administration, and daily dose were collected). Then, the serum levels of TC, TG, glucose (GLU), body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure were measured among the participants. Meanwhile, 985 age- and gender-matched healthy people in the physical examination center were selected as control group. Compared with the control group, significant decreases of TC, TG, GLU, and BMI were observed in MA-dependent patients (P < 0.05). Besides, we found that the daily dose of MA use was associated with TC (β = -0.079, P = 0.015) and the duration of MA use was independently related to BMI (β = -0.071, P = 0.031). This study demonstrated that the levels of TC, TG, GLU, and BMI factors altered in the MA-dependent patients. In addition, there is a negative association between MA dependence and TC and BMI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dezhao Lv
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wu Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory
| | - Lili Ji
- Department of Clinical Laboratory
| | | | - Han Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory
| | - Yingying Gu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiyun Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jincai He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Papaseit E, Moltó J, Muga R, Torrens M, de la Torre R, Farré M. Clinical Pharmacology of the Synthetic Cathinone Mephedrone. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2017; 32:313-331. [PMID: 28012094 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2016_61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
4-Methyl-N-methylcathinone (mephedrone) is a popular new psychoactive substance (NPS) that is structurally related to the parent compound cathinone, the β-keto analogue of amphetamine. Mephedrone appeared on the street drug market as a substitute for 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) and was subsequently banned due to the potential health risks associated with its use. Nevertheless, mephedrone continues to be widely consumed among specific populations, with unique patterns of misuse. To date, most information about the biological effects of mephedrone comes from user experiences, epidemiological data, clinical cases, toxicological findings, and animal studies, whilst there are very few data regarding its human pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics. This chapter reviews the available published data on patterns of mephedrone use, its acute and chronic effects, and its pharmacokinetic properties. More human research is needed to elucidate the safety, toxicity, and addiction potential of mephedrone and related NPS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Papaseit
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - José Moltó
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Fundació Lluita contra la Sida, Badalona, Spain
| | - Robert Muga
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
| | - Marta Torrens
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain
- IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut de Neuropsiquiatria i Adiccions, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- IMIM-Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magí Farré
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, Spain.
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Cerdanyola del Vallés, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Anneken JH, Angoa-Pérez M, Sati GC, Crich D, Kuhn DM. Dissecting the Influence of Two Structural Substituents on the Differential Neurotoxic Effects of Acute Methamphetamine and Mephedrone Treatment on Dopamine Nerve Endings with the Use of 4-Methylmethamphetamine and Methcathinone. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2016; 360:417-423. [PMID: 28039330 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.116.237768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mephedrone (MEPH) is a β-ketoamphetamine stimulant drug of abuse that is often a constituent of illicit bath salts formulations. Although MEPH bears remarkable similarities to methamphetamine (METH) in terms of chemical structure, as well as its neurochemical and behavioral effects, it has been shown to have a reduced neurotoxic profile compared with METH. The addition of a β-keto moiety and a 4-methyl ring substituent to METH yields MEPH, and a loss of direct neurotoxic potential. In the present study, two analogs of METH, methcathinone (MeCa) and 4-methylmethamphetamine (4MM), were assessed for their effects on mouse dopamine (DA) nerve endings to determine the relative contribution of each individual moiety to the loss of direct neurotoxicity in MEPH. Both MeCa and 4MM caused significant alterations in core body temperature as well as locomotor activity and stereotypy, but 4MM was found to elicit minimal dopaminergic toxicity only at the highest dose. By contrast, MeCa caused significant reductions in all markers of DA nerve-ending damage over a range of doses. These results lead to the conclusion that ring substitution at the 4-position profoundly reduces the neurotoxicity of METH, whereas the β-keto group has much less influence on this property. Although the mechanism(s) by which the 4-methyl substituent reduces METH-induced neurotoxicity remains unclear, it is speculated that this effect is mediated by a loss of DA-releasing action in MEPH and 4MM at the synaptic vesicle monoamine transporter, an effect that is thought to be critical for METH-induced neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John H Anneken
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (G.C.S., D.C.)
| | - Mariana Angoa-Pérez
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (G.C.S., D.C.)
| | - Girish C Sati
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (G.C.S., D.C.)
| | - David Crich
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (G.C.S., D.C.)
| | - Donald M Kuhn
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan (J.H.A., M.A.-P., D.M.K.); Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan (G.C.S., D.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Jones L, Reed P, Parrott A. Mephedrone and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine: Comparative psychobiological effects as reported by recreational polydrug users. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:1313-1320. [PMID: 27371497 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116653106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of mephedrone and 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), as reported by young recreational polydrug users. METHODS 152 MDMA users and 81 mephedrone users were recruited through snowballing on social network sites. They completed a standard online questionnaire for either mephedrone or MDMA. The questions covered the average amount taken per session, the longest duration of usage in the last 12-months, subjective effects while on-drug, and recovery effects in the days afterwards. RESULTS Mephedrone users reported a significantly longer maximum session of use than MDMA users. Mephedrone users also reported a significantly greater average amount used per session. The majority of on-drug subjective ratings did not differ between drugs, with similar increases in entactogenic effects. Although mephedrone users did report significantly more frequent issues with sleeping, anger and anxiety. In relation to recovery, mephedrone users reported more frequent craving, nasal irritation, paranoia, and relationship difficulties. Mephedrone users also rated general recovery effects as more severe over the seven-day period following use, taking more days to feel normal. CONCLUSIONS The acute effects of MDMA and mephedrone were broadly similar. However, the recovery period for mephedrone was more enduring, possibly due to the longer duration of acute session usage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lewis Jones
- Psychology Department, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | - Phil Reed
- Psychology Department, Swansea University, Swansea, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Gołembiowska K, Jurczak A, Kamińska K, Noworyta-Sokołowska K, Górska A. Effect of Some Psychoactive Drugs Used as 'Legal Highs' on Brain Neurotransmitters. Neurotox Res 2016; 29:394-407. [PMID: 26501352 PMCID: PMC4786600 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-015-9569-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
New psychoactive "designer drugs" are synthetic compounds developed to provide similar effects to illicit drugs of abuse, but not subjected to legal control. The rapidly changing legal status of novel psychoactive drugs triggers the development of new compounds, analogs of well-known amphetamine or mescaline. New designer drugs used as substitutes in ecstasy pills are the least investigated and can cause life-threatening effects on users. The aim of our research was to examine the effects of acute administration of 4-methoxyamphetamine (PMA, 5 and 10 mg/kg), 4-methoxy-N-methylamphetamine (PMMA, 5 and 10 mg/kg), and mephedrone (MEPH, 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg) on extracellular and tissue level of dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and their metabolites in rat brain, by microdialysis method in freely moving animals and HPLC. Similarly to 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 5 and 10 mg/kg) PMA, PMMA and MEPH enhanced the release of DA and 5-HT in rat striatum, nucleus accumbens, and frontal cortex. DA tissue content was increased by MEPH and PMMA in striatum, by MEPH, PMA, and PMMA in nucleus accumbens, and by PMA in frontal cortex. Instead, cortical DA level was decreased by MEPH and PMMA. MEPH did not influence 5-HT tissue level in striatum and nucleus accumbens, but decreased its level in frontal cortex. PMMA increased 5-HT content in striatum, while PMA enhanced it in nucleus accumbens and frontal cortex. Observed changes in brain monoamines and their metabolites by new psychoactive drugs suggest that these drugs may be capable of development of dependence. Further experiments are needed to fully investigate the neurotoxic and abuse potential of those drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Gołembiowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Alexandra Jurczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kamińska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Karolina Noworyta-Sokołowska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Górska
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna, 31-343, Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Karch SB. Cathinone neurotoxicity ("The "3Ms"). Curr Neuropharmacol 2016; 13:21-5. [PMID: 26074741 PMCID: PMC4462040 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x13666141210225009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2014] [Revised: 06/21/2014] [Accepted: 10/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones are designer drugs of the phenethylamine class, structurally and pharmacologically similar to amphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), cathinone and other related substances. New analogues, legal at least, until formally banned (a time consuming process), are introduced almost daily The United Nations estimates nearly 250 new drug analogues are produced per year. Various combinations of these drugs are sold under the name of “bath salts”. They can be ingested by any route and some appear capable of causing great harm, mostly behavioral. One drug in particular, MDVP, appears to frequently cause symptoms indistinguishable from the classic findings in Excited Delirium Syndrome (ExDS). Little is known about the pathology or clinical toxicology of these drugs but their molecular mechanism of action seems to be identical with that of cocaine. This mini-review examines what little is known on the subject and explains the suspected
mechanisms of excited delirium syndrome.
Collapse
|
38
|
Moratalla R, Khairnar A, Simola N, Granado N, García-Montes JR, Porceddu PF, Tizabi Y, Costa G, Morelli M. Amphetamine-related drugs neurotoxicity in humans and in experimental animals: Main mechanisms. Prog Neurobiol 2015; 155:149-170. [PMID: 26455459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Amphetamine-related drugs, such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and methamphetamine (METH), are popular recreational psychostimulants. Several preclinical studies have demonstrated that, besides having the potential for abuse, amphetamine-related drugs may also elicit neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects. The neurotoxic potentials of MDMA and METH to dopaminergic and serotonergic neurons have been clearly demonstrated in both rodents and non-human primates. This review summarizes the species-specific cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in MDMA and METH-mediated neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects, along with the most important behavioral changes elicited by these substances in experimental animals and humans. Emphasis is placed on the neuropsychological and neurological consequences associated with the neuronal damage. Moreover, we point out the gap in our knowledge and the need for developing appropriate therapeutic strategies to manage the neurological problems associated with amphetamine-related drug abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Moratalla
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Amit Khairnar
- Applied Neuroscience Research Group, CEITEC - Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nicola Simola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Noelia Granado
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Ruben García-Montes
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, CSIC, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pier Francesca Porceddu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuropsychopharmacology, University of Cagliari, Via Ospedale 72, 09124 Cagliari, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Neurobiology of Dependence, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; National Research Council (CNR), Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Korpi ER, den Hollander B, Farooq U, Vashchinkina E, Rajkumar R, Nutt DJ, Hyytiä P, Dawe GS. Mechanisms of Action and Persistent Neuroplasticity by Drugs of Abuse. Pharmacol Rev 2015; 67:872-1004. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.010967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
|
40
|
Vandewater SA, Creehan KM, Taffe MA. Intravenous self-administration of entactogen-class stimulants in male rats. Neuropharmacology 2015; 99:538-45. [PMID: 26302654 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 08/17/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The intravenous self-administration (IVSA) of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is inconsistent in rats, with up to half of subjects failing to acquire reliable drug intake. It is unknown if this changes under long-access conditions (6 h sessions) under which the IVSA of cocaine and methamphetamine escalates. The entactogen class cathinone stimulants which exhibit MDMA-like monoamine effects in the nucleus accumbens, mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) and methylone (3,4-methylenedioxymethcathinone), may support more reliable IVSA but results have been mixed. This study was designed to directly compare the IVSA of these three compounds. Groups of male Wistar rats were trained to self-administer mephedrone, methylone or MDMA (0.5 mg/kg/inf) under a Fixed-Ratio (FR) 1 schedule of reinforcement for 14 sessions. Following the acquisition interval, animals were evaluated in FR (0.0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5 mg/kg/inf) and Progressive Ratio (PR; 0.125, 1.0 mg/kg/inf) dose-substitution procedures. Long access conditions escalated MDMA intake over the 6 h session but not in the first 2 h. In short access, drug intake was significantly higher in mephedrone-trained rats compared with either the methylone-trained or MDMA-trained groups during acquisition. Mephedrone resulted in the highest intakes during FR and PR dose-substitution in MDMA- and mephedrone-trained groups. Overall it was found that mephedrone is a more effective reinforcer than methylone or MDMA and represents a higher risk for compulsive use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophia A Vandewater
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Kevin M Creehan
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Taffe
- Committee on the Neurobiology of Addictive Disorders, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Budzynska B, Boguszewska-Czubara A, Kruk-Slomka M, Kurzepa J, Biala G. Mephedrone and nicotine: oxidative stress and behavioral interactions in animal models. Neurochem Res 2015; 40:1083-93. [PMID: 25862193 PMCID: PMC4422847 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-015-1566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of our experiment was to examine the influence of co-administration of nicotine and mephedrone on anxiety-like behaviors, cognitive processes and the nicotine-induced behavioral sensitization as well as processes connected with induction of oxidative stress in the brain of male Swiss mice. The results revealed that co-administration of subthreshold doses of mephedrone and nicotine (0.05 mg/kg each) exerted marked anxiogenic profile in the elevated plus maze and displayed pro-cognitive action in the passive avoidance paradigm (nicotine 0.05 mg/kg and mephedrone 2.5 mg/kg). Furthermore, one of the main findings of the present study was that mephedrone, administered alone at the dose not affecting locomotor activity of mice (1 mg/kg), enhanced the expression of nicotine-induced locomotor sensitization. Moreover, mephedrone administered with nicotine decreased general antioxidant status and catalase activity as well as antioxidant enzymes activity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and increased concentration of malondialdehyde, an indicator of lipid peroxidation processes. Considering the likelihood that mephedrone is taken as a part of polydrug combination with nicotine, the effects of this combination on mammalian organisms have been confirmed in our study. Understanding the consequences of co-administration of psychoactive substances on the central nervous system and oxidative processes in the brain provide the important toxicological significance, and may be useful in polydrug intoxication treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Budzynska
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacodynamics, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland,
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
Anneken JH, Angoa-Pérez M, Kuhn DM. 3,4-Methylenedioxypyrovalerone prevents while methylone enhances methamphetamine-induced damage to dopamine nerve endings: β-ketoamphetamine modulation of neurotoxicity by the dopamine transporter. J Neurochem 2015; 133:211-22. [PMID: 25626880 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Methylone, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV), and mephedrone are psychoactive ingredients of 'bath salts' and their abuse represents a growing public health care concern. These drugs are cathinone derivatives and are classified chemically as β-ketoamphetamines. Because of their close structural similarity to the amphetamines, methylone, MDPV, and mephedrone share most of their pharmacological, neurochemical, and behavioral properties. One point of divergence in their actions is the ability to cause damage to the CNS. Unlike methamphetamine, the β-ketoamphetamines do not damage dopamine (DA) nerve endings. However, mephedrone has been shown to significantly accentuate methamphetamine neurotoxicity. Bath salt formulations contain numerous different psychoactive ingredients, and individuals who abuse bath salts also coabuse other illicit drugs. Therefore, we have evaluated the effects of methylone, MDPV, mephedrone, and methamphetamine on DA nerve endings. The β-ketoamphetamines alone or in all possible two-drug combinations do not result in damage to DA nerve endings but do cause hyperthermia. MDPV completely protects against the neurotoxic effects of methamphetamine while methylone accentuates it. Neither MDPV nor methylone attenuates the hyperthermic effects of methamphetamine. The potent neuroprotective effects of MDPV extend to amphetamine-, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-, and MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. These results indicate that β-ketoamphetamine drugs that are non-substrate blockers of the DA transporter (i.e., MDPV) protect against methamphetamine neurotoxicity, whereas those that are substrates for uptake by the DA transporter and which cause DA release (i.e., methylone, mephedrone) accentuate neurotoxicity. METH (a) enters DA nerve endings via the DAT, causes leakage of DA into the cytoplasm and then into the synapse via DAT-mediated reverse transport. Methylone (METHY) and mephedrone (MEPH; b), like METH, are substrates for the DAT but release DA from cytoplasmic pools selectively. When METH is combined with METHY or MEPH (c), DA efflux and neurotoxicity are enhanced. MDPV (d), which is a non-substrate blocker of the DAT, prevents METH uptake and efflux of DA. Therefore, bath salts that are substrates for the DAT and release DA (METHY, MEPH) accentuate METH neurotoxicity, whereas those that are non-substrate blockers of the DAT (MDPV) are neuroprotective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John H Anneken
- Research & Development Service, John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
den Hollander B, Dudek M, Ojanperä I, Kankuri E, Hyytiä P, Korpi ER. Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging reveals differential long-term neuroadaptation after methamphetamine and the substituted cathinone 4-methylmethcathinone (mephedrone). Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 18:pyu106. [PMID: 25522432 PMCID: PMC4438547 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyu106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years there has been a large increase in the use of substituted cathinones such as mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC), a psychostimulant drug that shows a strong resemblance to methamphetamine (METH). Unlike METH, which can produce clear long-term effects, the effects of 4-MMC have so far remained elusive. We employ manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI), a highly sensitive method for detecting changes in neuronal activation, to investigate the effects of METH and 4-MMC on the brain. METHODS In Wistar rats we performed a MEMRI scan two weeks after binge treatments (twice daily for 4 consecutive days) of METH (5 mg/kg) or 4-MMC (30 mg/kg). Furthermore, locomotor activity measurements and novel object recognition tests were performed. RESULTS METH produced a widespread pattern of decreased bilateral activity in several regions, including the nucleus accumbens, caudate putamen, globus pallidus, thalamus, and hippocampus, as well as several other cortical and subcortical areas. Conversely, 4-MMC produced increased bilateral activity, anatomically limited to the hypothalamus and hippocampus. Drug treatments did not affect the development of locomotor sensitization or novel object recognition performance. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of decreased brain activity seen after METH corresponds closely to regions known to be affected by this drug and confirms the validity of MEMRI for detecting neuroadaptation two weeks after amphetamine binge treatment. 4-MMC, unlike METH, produced increased activity in a limited number of different brain regions. This highlights an important difference in the long-term effects of these drugs on neural function and shows precisely the anatomical localization of 4-MMC-induced neuroadaptation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bjørnar den Hollander
- Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland (Drs den Hollander, Dudek, Kankuri, Hyytiä, and Korpi); Hjelt Institute, Department of Forensic Medicine, Kytösuontie 11, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland (Dr Ojanperä); Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Health System, Neurobiology and Ageing Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, and SINAPSE, Singapore Institute for Neurotechnology, Singapore (Dr Korpi).
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Green AR, King MV, Shortall SE, Fone KCF. The preclinical pharmacology of mephedrone; not just MDMA by another name. Br J Pharmacol 2014; 171:2251-68. [PMID: 24654568 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The substituted β-keto amphetamine mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) was banned in the UK in April 2010 but continues to be used recreationally in the UK and elsewhere. Users have compared its psychoactive effects to those of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy'). This review critically examines the preclinical data on mephedrone that have appeared over the last 2-3 years and, where relevant, compares the pharmacological effects of mephedrone in experimental animals with those obtained following MDMA administration. Both mephedrone and MDMA enhance locomotor activity and change rectal temperature in rodents. However, both of these responses are of short duration following mephedrone compared with MDMA probably because mephedrone has a short plasma half-life and rapid metabolism. Mephedrone appears to have no pharmacologically active metabolites, unlike MDMA. There is also little evidence that mephedrone induces a neurotoxic decrease in monoamine concentration in rat or mouse brain, again in contrast to MDMA. Mephedrone and MDMA both induce release of dopamine and 5-HT in the brain as shown by in vivo and in vitro studies. The effect on 5-HT release in vivo is more marked with mephedrone even though both drugs have similar affinity for the dopamine and 5-HT transporters in vitro. The profile of action of mephedrone on monoamine receptors and transporters suggests it could have a high abuse liability and several studies have found that mephedrone supports self-administration at a higher rate than MDMA. Overall, current data suggest that mephedrone not only differs from MDMA in its pharmacological profile, behavioural and neurotoxic effects, but also differs from other cathinones.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A R Green
- School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
den Hollander B, Sundström M, Pelander A, Ojanperä I, Mervaala E, Korpi ER, Kankuri E. Keto amphetamine toxicity-focus on the redox reactivity of the cathinone designer drug mephedrone. Toxicol Sci 2014; 141:120-31. [PMID: 24913801 PMCID: PMC4833100 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The β-keto amphetamine (cathinone, β-KA) designer drugs such as mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC) show a large degree of structural similarity to amphetamines like methamphetamine (METH). However, little is currently known about whether these substances also share the potential neurotoxic properties of their non-keto amphetamine counterparts, or what mechanisms could be involved. Here, we evaluate the cytotoxicity of β-KAs in SH-SY5Y cells using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, assess the redox potential of a range of β-KAs and non-keto amphetamines using the sensitive redox indicator 2-(4-Iodophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (WST-1), and explore the effect of 4-MMC on the formation of protein adducts using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography/high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HR-TOFMS) and on the mitochondrial respiratory chain using high-resolution respirometry. We show that treatment with β-KAs increases LDH release. Further, we demonstrate that even under physiological pH, β-KAs are effective and selective-as compared with their non-keto analogues-reductants in the presence of electron acceptors. Increased pH (range 7.6-8.0) greatly enhanced the reactivity up to sixfold. We found no evidence of protein adduct formation, suggesting the reactivity is due to direct electron transfer by the β-KAs. Finally, we show that 4-MMC and METH produce dissimilar effects on the respiratory chain. Our results indicate that β-KAs such as 4-MMC possess cytotoxic properties in vitro. Furthermore, in the presence of an electron-accepting redox partner, the ketone moiety of β-KAs is vital for pH-dependent redox reactivity. Further work is needed to establish the importance of β-KA redox properties and its potential toxicological importance in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bjørnar den Hollander
- Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mira Sundström
- Hjelt Institute, Department of Forensic Medicine, Kytösuontie 11, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Pelander
- Hjelt Institute, Department of Forensic Medicine, Kytösuontie 11, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilkka Ojanperä
- Hjelt Institute, Department of Forensic Medicine, Kytösuontie 11, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eero Mervaala
- Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esa Risto Korpi
- Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esko Kankuri
- Institute of Biomedicine, Pharmacology, Biomedicum Helsinki, Haartmaninkatu 8, FI-00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Green AR, Nutt DJ. Pharmacology should be at the centre of all preclinical and clinical studies on new psychoactive substances (recreational drugs). J Psychopharmacol 2014; 28:711-8. [PMID: 24674814 DOI: 10.1177/0269881114528593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Despite the publication of a substantial body of preclinical and clinical information on recent recreational drugs such as 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') and cathinone compounds such as mephedrone there remains a disturbing lack of consensus as to how dangerous these compounds are to the health of the individual and to society in general. This perspective proposes that use of good pharmacological practice should be mandatory in all preclinical and clinical studies. Its use will assist both translation and reverse translation of information produced in animals and clinical subjects. We propose several basic rules to be followed in all future studies. Preclinical studies should employ pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic integration thereby exposing animals to known or calculable drug concentrations. This will provide results relevant to pharmacology rather than toxicology and, crucially, data relevant to human drug use. Full experimental detail should be routinely provided, to allow comparison with other similar work. In clinical studies evidence should be provided that the drug under investigation has been ingested by the subjects being examined, and details given of all other drugs being ingested. Drug-drug interactions are an unavoidable confound but studies of a size that allows reliable statistical evaluation and preferably allows sub-group analysis, particularly by using meta-analysis, should help with this problem. This may require greater collaboration between investigative groups, as routinely occurs during pharmaceutical clinical trials. Other proposals include greater integration of preclinical and clinical scientists in both preclinical and clinical studies and changes in the law regarding Good Manufacturing Process (GMP) sourcing of drug for human studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Richard Green
- School of Life Sciences, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - David J Nutt
- Division of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW New designer drugs are constantly emerging in the illicit drug market and represent a significant health problem. A very popular class comprises synthetic cathinones, β-keto amphetamine analogues, endowed with psychostimulant properties. The aim of this review is to discuss the recent progress in our understanding of how cathinones act and the health consequences of their use. RECENT FINDINGS Despite being banned, synthetic cathinones are still used, especially by certain sub-populations. The recently observed trend to supplement psychostimulatory drugs of abuse with mephedrone must be considered highly dangerous to the public health. At the molecular level, the drugs act as blockers or substrates for monoamine transporter proteins. In animal studies, cathinones were found to evoke abuse-related behaviors and to have a negative impact on cognitive processes. The increased popularity of mephedrone among men who have sex with men with alarming sexual health consequences warrants the implementation of new treatments and education/training programs. SUMMARY Synthetic cathinones exert similar, but not identical, effects to psychostimulatory drugs of abuse. The use of cathinones may lead to serious psychotic, neurological, cardiovascular, and sexual health consequences. Exposure to these drugs may result in multiorgan failure and death.
Collapse
|
48
|
Karlsson L, Andersson M, Kronstrand R, Kugelberg FC. Mephedrone, methylone and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) induce conditioned place preference in mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2014; 115:411-6. [PMID: 24739011 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
During the last decade, there has been a worldwide increase in popularity and abuse of synthetic cathinones. Common ingredients of the so-called bath salts include mephedrone, methylone and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). Relatively little information about the pharmacology and addiction potential of these drugs is available. We used the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm to explore the reinforcing effects of three different synthetic cathinones. The primary aim of this study was to investigate whether mephedrone, methylone and MDPV induce CPP in mice. The secondary aims were to investigate a possible dose-response CPP and whether the synthetic cathinones induce higher CPP than amphetamine at equal dose. C57BL/6 mice were conditioned to mephedrone, methylone, MDPV and amphetamine at doses of 0.5, 2, 5, 10 or 20 mg/kg (i.p.). During the conditioning, the mice received two training sessions per day for 4 days. All four tested drugs showed a significant place preference compared with controls. Mice conditioned with MDPV (5 and 10 mg/kg) displayed a greater preference score compared to mice conditioned with amphetamine (5 and 10 mg/kg). Our findings show that mephedrone, methylone and MDPV produce CPP equal or higher than amphetamine strongly suggesting addictive properties. Given the public health concern of abuse, future pharmacological studies are necessary to fully understand the effects of these drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Karlsson
- Division of Drug Research, Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Cadet JL, Bisagno V, Milroy CM. Neuropathology of substance use disorders. Acta Neuropathol 2014; 127:91-107. [PMID: 24292887 PMCID: PMC7453825 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-013-1221-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Addictions to licit and illicit drugs are chronic relapsing brain disorders that affect circuits that regulate reward, motivation, memory, and decision-making. Drug-induced pathological changes in these brain regions are associated with characteristic enduring behaviors that continue despite adverse biopsychosocial consequences. Repeated exposure to these substances leads to egocentric behaviors that focus on obtaining the drug by any means and on taking the drug under adverse psychosocial and medical conditions. Addiction also includes craving for the substances and, in some cases, involvement in risky behaviors that can cause death. These patterns of behaviors are associated with specific cognitive disturbances and neuroimaging evidence for brain dysfunctions in a diverse population of drug addicts. Postmortem studies have also revealed significant biochemical and/or structural abnormalities in some addicted individuals. The present review provides a summary of the evidence that has accumulated over the past few years to implicate brain dysfunctions in the varied manifestations of drug addiction. We thus review data on cerebrovascular alterations, brain structural abnormalities, and postmortem studies of patients who abuse cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, and "bath salts". We also discuss potential molecular, biochemical, and cellular bases for the varied clinical presentations of these patients. Elucidation of the biological bases of addiction will help to develop better therapeutic approaches to these patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean Lud Cadet
- NIDA Intramural Research Program, Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA/NIH/DHHS, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Kwack SJ, Yoon KS, Lim SK, Gwak HM, Kim JY, Um YM, Lee JD, Hyeon JH, Kim YJ, Kim HS, Lee BM. A one-generation reproductive toxicity study of 3,4-methylenedioxy-n-methamphetamine (MDMA, Ecstasy), an amphetamine derivative, in C57BL/6 mice. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:1431-1442. [PMID: 25343292 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.951759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-methamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) is an amphetamine derivative and is a popular type of drug that is abused due to its effects on the central nervous system (CNS), including alertness and euphoria. However, life-threatening (brain edema, heart failure, and coma) and fatal hyperthermia sometimes occur in some individuals taking MDMA. In a one-generation reproductive toxicity study, the potential toxicity of chronic exposure of MDMA was investigated on the reproductive capabilities of parental mice (F0), as well as the survival/development of their subsequent offspring (F1). Male and female C57BL/6 mice were administered orally MDMA at 0, 1.25, 5 or 20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) throughout the study, beginning at the premating period, through mating, gestation, and lactation periods. MDMA did not produce any apparent clinical signs in F0 or F1 mice, and produced no significant changes in body weight, feed/water intake, or organ weights. In contrast, administration of MDMA produced external abnormalities in fetuses, stillbirth and labored delivery, and diminished viability and weaning indices in offspring, but these data were not significant. In addition, physical development of F1 mice was not markedly influenced by MDMA treatment. Nonetheless, serum biochemistry markers showed that levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were markedly elevated in a dose-dependent manner from 5 mg and higher MDMA/kg b.w., whereas levels of triglycerides (TG), potassium (K), and uric acid (UA) were reduced. Data suggest that MDMA may exert a weak reproductive and developmental toxicity, and the no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of MDMA is estimated to be 1.25 mg/kg b.w./d.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Jun Kwack
- a Department of Biochemistry and Health Science , College of Natural Sciences, Changwon National University , Changwon , Gyeongnam , South Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|