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Norman C, Schwelm HM, Semenova O, Reid R, Marland V, Nic Daéid N. Detection of the synthetic cathinone N,N-dimethylpentylone in seized samples from prisons. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 361:112145. [PMID: 38991327 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.112145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Drug use is prevalent in prisons with drugs associated with depressant effects found to be more prevalent than stimulants. Synthetic cathinones (SCats; often sold as "bath salts", "ecstasy", "molly", and "monkey dust") are the second largest category of new psychoactive substances (NPS) currently monitored by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) and are commonly used as substitutes for regulated stimulants, such as amphetamine, cocaine, and MDMA. N,N-dimethylpentylone (also known as dimethylpentylone, dipentylone, and bk-DMBDP) was detected for the first time in the Scottish prisons in seven powder samples seized between January and July 2023. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QToF-MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR). Dimethylpentylone was detected alongside other drugs in four samples, including the novel benzodiazepine desalkylgidazepam (bromonordiazepam) and the synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists (SCRAs) MDMB-INACA and MDMB-4en-PINACA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlyn Norman
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Division of Clinical Chemistry and Pharmacology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Hannes Max Schwelm
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Forensic Toxicology, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olga Semenova
- Drug Discovery Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Robert Reid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Victoria Marland
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Niamh Nic Daéid
- Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science, School of Science and Engineering, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Jain L, Meeks TW, Blazes CK. Reconsidering the usefulness of long-term high-dose buprenorphine. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1401676. [PMID: 39114740 PMCID: PMC11303732 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1401676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Buprenorphine has been successfully used for decades in the treatment of opioid use disorder, yet there are complexities to its use that warrant attention to maximize its utility. While the package insert of the combination product buprenorphine\naloxone continues to recommend a maximum dose of 16 mg daily for maintenance, the emergence of fentanyl and synthetic analogs in the current drug supply may be limiting the effectiveness of this standard dose. Many practitioners have embraced and appropriately implemented novel practices to mitigate the sequelae of our current crisis. It has become common clinical practice to stabilize patients with 24 - 32 mg of buprenorphine daily at treatment initiation. Many of these patients, however, are maintained on these high doses (>16 mg/d) indefinitely, even after prolonged stability. Although this may be a necessary strategy in the short term, there is little evidence to support its safety and efficacy, and these high doses may be exposing patients to more complications and side effects than standard doses. Commonly known side effects of buprenorphine that are likely dose-related include hyperhidrosis, sedation, decreased libido, constipation, and hypogonadism. There are also complications related to the active metabolite of buprenorphine (norbuprenorphine) which is a full agonist at the mu opioid receptor and does not have a ceiling on respiratory suppression. Such side effects can lead to medical morbidity as well as decreased medication adherence, and we, therefore, recommend that after a period of stabilization, practitioners consider a trial of decreasing the dose of buprenorphine toward standard dose recommendations. Some patients' path of recovery may never reach this stabilization phase (i.e., several months of adherence to medications, opioid abstinence, and other clinical indicators of stability). Side effects of buprenorphine may not have much salience when patients are struggling for survival and safety, but for those who are fortunate enough to advance in their recovery, the side effects become more problematic and can limit quality of life and adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshit Jain
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT, United States
| | - Thomas W. Meeks
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Christopher K. Blazes
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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Gil-Martins E, Cagide-Fagín F, Martins D, Borer A, Barbosa DJ, Fernandes C, Chavarria D, Remião F, Borges F, Silva R. Mechanistic Insights into the Neurotoxicity of 2,5-Dimethoxyphenethylamines (2C) and Corresponding N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (NBOMe) Drugs. J Xenobiot 2024; 14:772-797. [PMID: 38921653 PMCID: PMC11204507 DOI: 10.3390/jox14020044] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Substituted phenethylamines including 2C (2,5-dimethoxyphenethylamines) and NBOMe (N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamines) drugs are potent psychoactive substances with little to no knowledge available on their toxicity. In the present in vitro study, we explored the mechanisms underlying the neurotoxicity of six substituted phenethylamines: 2C-T-2, 2C-T-4, 2C-T-7 and their corresponding NBOMes. These drugs were synthesized and chemically characterized, and their cytotoxicity (0-1000 μM) was evaluated in differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and primary rat cortical cultures, by the NR uptake and MTT reduction assays. In differentiated SH-SY5Y cells, mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular ATP and calcium levels, reactive oxygen species production, and intracellular total glutathione levels were also evaluated. All the tested drugs exhibited concentration-dependent cytotoxic effects towards differentiated SH-SY5Y cells and primary rat cortical cultures. The NBOMe drugs presented higher cytotoxicity than their counterparts, which correlates with the drug's lipophilicity. These cytotoxic effects were associated with mitochondrial dysfunction, evident through mitochondrial membrane depolarization and lowered intracellular ATP levels. Intracellular calcium imbalance was observed for 2C-T-7 and 25T7-NBOMe, implying a disrupted calcium regulation. Although reactive species levels remained unchanged, a reduction in intracellular total GSH content was observed. Overall, these findings contribute to a deeper understanding of these drugs, shedding light on the mechanisms underpinning their neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Gil-Martins
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-M.); (A.B.); (F.R.)
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (D.M.); (C.F.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Fernando Cagide-Fagín
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (D.M.); (C.F.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Daniel Martins
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (D.M.); (C.F.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Ana Borer
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-M.); (A.B.); (F.R.)
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel José Barbosa
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, University Institute of Health Sciences-CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal;
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Translational Toxicology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Health Sciences (1H-TOXRUN, IUCS-CESPU), 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carlos Fernandes
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (D.M.); (C.F.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Daniel Chavarria
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (D.M.); (C.F.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Fernando Remião
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-M.); (A.B.); (F.R.)
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernanda Borges
- CIQUP-IMS/Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal; (D.M.); (C.F.); (D.C.); (F.B.)
| | - Renata Silva
- Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (E.G.-M.); (A.B.); (F.R.)
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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Green M, Veltri CA, Grundmann O. Nalmefene Hydrochloride: Potential Implications for Treating Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorder. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2024; 15:43-57. [PMID: 38585160 PMCID: PMC10999209 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s431270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Nalmefene hydrochloride was first discovered as an opioid antagonist derivative of naltrexone in 1975. It is among the most potent opioid antagonists currently on the market and is differentiated from naloxone and naltrexone by its partial agonist activity at the kappa-opioid receptor which may benefit in the treatment of alcohol use disorder. Oral nalmefene has been approved in the European Union for treatment of alcohol use disorder since 2013. As of 2023, nalmefene is available in the United States as an intranasal spray for reversal of opioid overdose but is not approved for alcohol or opioid use disorder as a maintenance treatment. The substantially longer half-life of nalmefene and 5-fold higher binding affinity to opioid receptors makes it a superior agent over naloxone in the reversal of high potency synthetic opioids like fentanyl and the emerging nitazenes. Nalmefene presents with a comparable side effect profile to other opioid antagonists and should be considered for further development as a maintenance treatment for opioid and other substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- MeShell Green
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - Charles A Veltri
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
| | - Oliver Grundmann
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Midwestern University, Glendale, AZ, USA
- College of Pharmacy, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Pepe M, Di Nicola M, Cocciolillo F, Chiappini S, Martinotti G, Calcagni ML, Sani G. 3-Methoxy-Phencyclidine Induced Psychotic Disorder: A Literature Review and an 18F-FDG PET/CT Case Report. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:452. [PMID: 38675413 PMCID: PMC11053433 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) are modifying the drug scenario worldwide and have become a public health concern because of their toxicological profiles and their harmful physical/psychological effects. 3-Methoxy-Phencyclidine (3-MeO-PCP), a non-competitive antagonist of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, belongs to the phencyclidine-like subfamily of arylcyclohexylamines and has gained attention for its toxic, sometimes fatal, effects. Despite several cases of intoxication and death reported in the literature, little is known about substance-induced psychotic disorders (SIP) and potential cognitive impairment following 3-MeO-PCP intake. This literature review aimed to summarize available evidence about 3-MeO-PCP mechanisms of action and physical and psychotropic effects and to spread preliminary findings about persistent psychotic symptoms and impaired cognitive functioning. Additionally, the case of an SIP is reported in a 29-year-old man with small oral intakes of 3-MeO-PCP over two weeks until a high dose ingestion. Psychometric and neuropsychological assessment and brain [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography integrated with computed tomography were used to support clinical description. Identifying and addressing the characteristic clinical features and neural substrates of NPS-induced psychoses might help clinicians with a more precise differentiation from other psychotic disorders. Although further studies are required, phenotyping the cognitive profile of NPS users might provide targets for tailored therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pepe
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Di Nicola
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Cocciolillo
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy and Hematology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Chiappini
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy
- School of Medical Sciences, UniCamillus International University of Medical Sciences, Via di S. Alessandro 8, 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66013 Chieti, Italy
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK
| | - Maria Lucia Calcagni
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Oncological Radiotherapy and Hematology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Nuclear Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, L.go F. Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, L.go A. Gemelli 8, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Bade R, Hall W. The use of wastewater based epidemiology to detect synthetic opioids in the community. BMJ 2024; 384:q5. [PMID: 38171576 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.q5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Bade
- Queensland Alliance for Environmental Health Sciences, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wayne Hall
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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Pelletier R, Bourdais A, Fabresse N, Ferron PJ, Morel I, Gicquel T, Le Daré B. In silico and in vitro metabolism studies of the new synthetic opiate AP-237 (bucinnazine) using bioinformatics tools. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:165-179. [PMID: 37839054 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03617-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
The recent emergence of new synthetic opioids (NSOs) compounds in the illicit market is increasingly related to fatal cases. Identification and medical care of NSO intoxication cases are challenging, particularly due to high frequency of new products and extensive metabolism. As the study of NSO metabolism is crucial for the identification of these drugs in cases of intoxication, we aimed to investigate the metabolism of the piperazine NSO AP-237 (= bucinnazine). Two complementary approaches (in silico and in vitro) were used to identify putative AP-237 metabolites which could be used as consumption markers. In silico metabolism studies were realized by combining four open access softwares (MetaTrans, SyGMa, Glory X, Biotransformer 3.0). In vitro experiments were performed by incubating AP-237 (20 µM) in differentiated HepaRG cells during 0 h, 8 h, 24 h or 48 h. Cell supernatant were extracted and analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry and data were reprocessed using three strategies (MetGem, GNPS or Compound Discoverer®). A total of 28 phase I and six phase II metabolites was predicted in silico. Molecular networking identified seven putative phase I metabolites (m/z 203.154, m/z 247.180, m/z 271.180, two m/z 289.191 isomers, m/z 305.186, m/z 329.222), including four previously unknown metabolites. Overall, this cross-disciplinary approach with molecular networking on data acquired in vitro and in silico prediction enabled to propose relevant candidate as AP-237 consumption markers that could be added to mass spectrometry libraries to help diagnose intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Pelletier
- NuMeCan Institute (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer), CHU Rennes, Univ Rennes, INSERM, INRAE, UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35033, Rennes, France.
- Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, 35033, Rennes, France.
| | - Alexis Bourdais
- NuMeCan Institute (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer), CHU Rennes, Univ Rennes, INSERM, INRAE, UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35033, Rennes, France
| | - Nicolas Fabresse
- Laboratory of Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology, La Timone University Hospital, 264 rue Saint Pierre, 13385, Marseille Cedex 5, France
- Aix Marseille University, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Economic and Social Sciences of Health and Medical Information Processing, Marseille, France
| | - Pierre-Jean Ferron
- NuMeCan Institute (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer), CHU Rennes, Univ Rennes, INSERM, INRAE, UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35033, Rennes, France
| | - Isabelle Morel
- NuMeCan Institute (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer), CHU Rennes, Univ Rennes, INSERM, INRAE, UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35033, Rennes, France
- Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, 35033, Rennes, France
| | - Thomas Gicquel
- NuMeCan Institute (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer), CHU Rennes, Univ Rennes, INSERM, INRAE, UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35033, Rennes, France
- Clinical and Forensic Toxicology Laboratory, Rennes University Hospital, 35033, Rennes, France
| | - Brendan Le Daré
- NuMeCan Institute (Nutrition, Metabolisms and Cancer), CHU Rennes, Univ Rennes, INSERM, INRAE, UMR_A 1341, UMR_S 1317, 35033, Rennes, France
- Pharmacy Department, Rennes University Hospital, 35033, Rennes, France
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8
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Di Trana A, Montana A, Lo Faro AF, Busardò FP, Pichini S. Molecular Insights of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) 2.0. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17492. [PMID: 38139320 PMCID: PMC10743891 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) phenomenon represents an ever-changing global issue, with a number of new molecules entering the illicit market every year in response to international banning laws [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Annagiulia Di Trana
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Angelo Montana
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (A.M.); (A.F.L.F.)
| | - Alfredo Fabrizio Lo Faro
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (A.M.); (A.F.L.F.)
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Department of Biomedical Science and Public Health, University Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy; (A.M.); (A.F.L.F.)
| | - Simona Pichini
- National Centre on Addiction and Doping, National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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Butler A, Croxford R, McLeod KE, Gomes T, Orkin AM, Bondy SJ, Kouyoumdjian FG. The impact of COVID-19 on opioid toxicity deaths for people who experience incarceration compared to the general population in Ontario: A whole population data linkage study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293251. [PMID: 37874825 PMCID: PMC10597506 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To inform preparedness and population health action, we need to understand the effects of COVID-19 on health inequities. In this study, we assess the impact of COVID-19 on opioid toxicity deaths among people who experience incarceration compared to others in the general population in Ontario, Canada. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study for the period of January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2020. We accessed and linked coronial data on all opioid toxicity deaths in Ontario with correctional data for people aged 18 years and older who were incarcerated in a provincial correctional facility. We used data from the Statistics Canada Census to calculate whole population rates. We used an interrupted time series design and segmented regression to assess for change in the level or rate of increase in deaths due to opioid toxicity coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. We compared the impact of COVID-19 on the opioid toxicity death rates for people exposed and not exposed to incarceration. RESULTS Rates of opioid toxicity death increased with a linear positive slope in both persons exposed to incarceration and those not exposed over the study period. The start of COVID-19 measures coincided with a marked upward shift in the trend lines with modification of the effect of COVID-19 by both sex and exposure to incarceration. For persons exposed to incarceration, the risk ratio (RR) was 1.50 (95%CI 1.35-1.69) for males and 1.21 (95%CI 1.06-1.42) for females, and for persons not exposed to incarceration, the RR was 1.25 (95%CI 1.13-1.38) for males and not significant for females. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 substantially exacerbated the risk of opioid toxicity death, impacting males and females who experienced incarceration more than those who had not, with an immediate stepwise increase in risk but no change in the rate of increase of risk over time. Public health work, including pandemic preparedness, should consider the specific needs and circumstances of people who experience incarceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Butler
- School of Criminology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | | | | | - Tara Gomes
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Ching Knowledge Institute, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aaron M. Orkin
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan J. Bondy
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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