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Bunaim MK, Damanhuri HA, Yow HY, Yaakob NS, Makmor-Bakry M, Azmi N. Understanding methiopropamine, a new psychoactive substance: an in-depth review on its chemistry, pharmacology and implications to human health. Int J Legal Med 2024; 138:1295-1306. [PMID: 38424369 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-024-03201-7] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Methiopropamine or 1-(thiophen-2-yl)-2-methylaminopropane (MPA) is a thiophene ring-based structural analogue of methamphetamine, first synthesized in 1942 but become popular when it started to be available for purchase on websites selling 'legal highs' since 2010. While it is legally controlled in many countries, it remains readily accessible and frequently encountered in recreational settings. The growing prevalence of MPA use results in new therapeutic challenges. Relatively few studies have focused on its pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics, making it important to better understand its potential risks and harmful effects in humans in terms of its toxicity. This review provides a comprehensive profiling of MPA toxicological properties, including its chemical properties, analytical methods, prevalence, patterns of use, and legal status. Additionally, it discusses the drug's effects on the central nervous system, its potential for addiction, and its adverse physical and mental health effects. Improving the understanding of safety aspects of MPA and how it imposes health threats for public health will guide the development of therapeutic approach of its intoxication and guide the authorities in deciding its legal status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Khairulanwar Bunaim
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), 88400, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
| | - Hanafi Ahmad Damanhuri
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 56000, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Hui-Yin Yow
- Department of Pharmaceutical Life Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Malaya, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Syafinaz Yaakob
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Makmor-Bakry
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Norazrina Azmi
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 50300, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Hubner EM, Schützinger S, Molnárová K, Schmid MG. Screening of Astec® CHIRALDEX™ G-PN and LIPODEX™ D gas chromatography columns for enantioseparation of amphetamine derivatives. Chirality 2024; 36:e23676. [PMID: 38736271 DOI: 10.1002/chir.23676] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Among different substance classes, New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) comprise chiral amphetamines for stimulant and empathic effects. There is little knowledge in terms of clinical studies about possibly different effects of the two enantiomers of novel amphetamine derivatives. For this reason, there is a big demand for enantioseparation method development of this new substance class. Regarding gas chromatography, cyclodextrins proved to be effective for enantioseparation of NPS. In our attempt, an Astec® Chiraldex™ G-PN column containing 2,6-di-O-pentyl-3-propionyl-γ-cyclodextrin and a Lipodex™ D column containing heptakis-(2,6-di-O-pentyl-O-acetyl)-β-cyclodextrin as chiral selector served as stationary phases in a Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 SE system. Because of the special coating, maximum temperature is limited to 200 °C isothermal or 220 °C in programmed mode. To ensure detection, trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) was used to increase sample volatility.1 As a result, 35 amphetamines were tested as their TFAA-derivatives. A screening method with a temperature gradient from 140 °C to 200 °C at a heating ramp of 1 °C per minute and final time of 5 min, showed baseline separation for seven and partial separations for 16 trifluoro acetylated amphetamines using the Chiraldex™ G-PN column. Six baseline and nine partial separations were observed with the Lipodex™ D column, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Hubner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sophie Schützinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Katarína Molnárová
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University of Prague, Praha 2, Czech Republic
| | - Martin G Schmid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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Castillo-Toledo C, Fraile-Martínez O, Donat-Vargas C, Lara-Abelenda FJ, Ortega MA, Garcia-Montero C, Mora F, Alvarez-Mon M, Quintero J, Alvarez-Mon MA. Insights from the Twittersphere: a cross-sectional study of public perceptions, usage patterns, and geographical differences of tweets discussing cocaine. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1282026. [PMID: 38566955 PMCID: PMC10986306 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1282026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cocaine abuse represents a major public health concern. The social perception of cocaine has been changing over the decades, a phenomenon closely tied to its patterns of use and abuse. Twitter is a valuable tool to understand the status of drug use and abuse globally. However, no specific studies discussing cocaine have been conducted on this platform. Methods 111,508 English and Spanish tweets containing "cocaine" from 2018 to 2022 were analyzed. 550 were manually studied, and the largest subset underwent automated classification. Then, tweets related to cocaine were analyzed to examine their content, types of Twitter users, usage patterns, health effects, and personal experiences. Geolocation data was also considered to understand regional differences. Results A total of 71,844 classifiable tweets were obtained. Among these, 15.95% of users discussed the harm of cocaine consumption to health. Media outlets had the highest number of tweets (35.11%) and the most frequent theme was social/political denunciation (67.88%). Regarding the experience related to consumption, there are more tweets with a negative sentiment. The 9.03% of tweets explicitly mention frequent use of the drug. The continent with the highest number of tweets was America (55.44% of the total). Discussion The findings underscore the significance of cocaine as a current social and political issue, with a predominant focus on political and social denunciation in the majority of tweets. Notably, the study reveals a concentration of tweets from the United States and South American countries, reflecting the high prevalence of cocaine-related disorders and overdose cases in these regions. Alarmingly, the study highlights the trivialization of cocaine consumption on Twitter, accompanied by a misleading promotion of its health benefits, emphasizing the urgent need for targeted interventions and antidrug content on social media platforms. Finally, the unexpected advocacy for cocaine by healthcare professionals raises concerns about potential drug abuse within this demographic, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Consuelo Castillo-Toledo
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Spain
| | - Oscar Fraile-Martínez
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Donat-Vargas
- Cardiovascular and Nutritional Epidemiology, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- IMDEA-Food Institute, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Madrid, Spain
| | - F. J. Lara-Abelenda
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Departamento Teoria de la Señal y Comunicaciones y Sistemas Telemáticos y Computación, Escuela Tecnica Superior de Ingenieria de Telecomunicación, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Fuenlabrada, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Ortega
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cielo Garcia-Montero
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Fernando Mora
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Legal Medicine and Psychiatry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Melchor Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
- Service of Internal Medicine and Immune System Diseases-Rheumatology, University Hospital Príncipe de Asturias, (CIBEREHD), Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - Javier Quintero
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Legal Medicine and Psychiatry, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Alvarez-Mon
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Medical Specialities, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Alcala, Alcala de Henares, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Sanitary Research (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
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Tataw D, Nolan J, Kim SH. Micro-level Factors Associated with Youth Drug Use Among an Urban at-Risk Youth Sample. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023:10.1007/s40615-023-01839-4. [PMID: 37884855 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01839-4] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Youth drug use has reached global epidemic proportions with unequal distribution among communities with low income, immigrants, or ethnic status. PURPOSE This study seeks to understand the association between micro-level factors and youth drug use behavior among 2693 low-income, ethnic, and immigrant youths in Pomona, CA, USA. The study uneath's unique evidence and intervention elements necessary to resolve youth drug use in Pomona. METHODS We used social cognitive theory as a conceptual framework, and performed correlation and multiple linear regression analysis in a cross-sectional design. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The results reveal that attitudes, perceptions, and behavior related to friends, participants, family, and adults in the participant's life and ease of access to drugs are associated with youth drug use. Variables related to friends and participants show a relatively stronger association with youth drug use in comparison to variables related to parents and adults in participants' lives. Equally, drug and non-drug antisocial behavior of friends and participants show a stronger association with youth drug use relative to prosocial behavior. Also, when a diverse set of predictor variables are combined together, their association to the outcome variable is stronger than that of a single variable. RECOMMENDATIONS Future interventions in Pomona should prioritize strategies which target participants and friends over activities targeting parents and adults. Interventions targeting antisocial behavior should be prioritized over prosocial behavior. Program implementers should also develop unique evidence and tools which will help parents influence the drug use behavior of youths in Pomona and similar communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Tataw
- School of Allied Health, College of Health and Human Services, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY, USA.
| | - Joseph Nolan
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY, USA
| | - Suk-Hee Kim
- School of Social Work, College of Health and Human Services, Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY, USA
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Rhee S, Jung W. "There must be something good": Fair balance and ad appeal of marijuana brands' website. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 119:104116. [PMID: 37451220 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104116] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Ever since medical and nonmedical marijuana became legal in parts of the United States in 2012, scholars have cited concerns regarding marijuana advertising's impact on adolescents. The current study aimed to explore how online marijuana websites are utilizing their advertising strategies amid the lack of centralized regulation by qualitatively analyzing 141 websites of marijuana brands in the United States. We found that the common themes they employed were high, professionalism, natural, and adventurous. There was no fair balance between benefit and risk information because most of the brands did not communicate the risk. The use of animated characters was found, along with other appeals that could potentially influence underage users. Areas of concern that need imminent attention from the regulatory body are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Rhee
- Department of Mass Communication, Towson University.
| | - Wan Jung
- Department of Professional Communications, Farmingdale State College
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Holborn T, Schifano F, Deluca P. No prescription? No problem: A qualitative study investigating self-medication with novel psychoactive substances (NPS). THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 118:104109. [PMID: 37422986 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proliferation of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) presents a challenge for global drug policy. The ease of online drug purchase and the emergence of the dark web have created new avenues for the growth of NPS. Despite the global nature of this issue, limited research has examined motivations of use. These include perceived safety or convenience, an interest in novel pharmacology and self-exploration. Recent evidence has suggested individuals may be self-medicating with NPS, however this phenomenon has yet to be thoroughly explored. This study aims to investigate the occurrence of NPS self-medication, identify the specific NPS involved, and understand the motivations behind their use. METHODS Discussions surrounding self-medication using NPS were collected between October 2022 and February 2023 via a content analysis of a Reddit community. Ninety-three threads, comprising 182,490 words and 5023 comments, were collected and cleaned. A frequency analysis was conducted to identify the NPS discussed, and data was analysed systematically through the process of iterative categorization (IC). RESULTS Our study revealed frequent discussions about the self-medication with several NPS, notably etizolam, clonazolam, diclazepam, flualprazolam, 2-FMA, 4F-MPH, 3-FPM and 3-MeO-PCP. Individuals were mainly self-treating ADHD, anxiety and depression. Motivations for choosing NPS included access, cost, legality and a dissatisfaction with conventional healthcare. Substances were often chosen based on a profile of "Functionality" and outcomes varied. The use of clonazolam was highlighted as particularly problematic. CONCLUSION The current study provides insight into the phenomenon of self-medication with NPS within an internet demographic, exploring the motivations behind why individuals choose NPS for a variety of disorders. The easy access to NPS and lack of scientific data pose a significant challenge for drug policy. Future policies should focus on improving healthcare providers knowledge of NPS use, removing barriers to adult ADHD diagnosis and rebuilding trust between individuals and addiction services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayler Holborn
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.
| | - Paolo Deluca
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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Pérez-Pereira A, Carvalho AR, Carrola JS, Tiritan ME, Ribeiro C. Integrated Approach for Synthetic Cathinone Drug Prioritization and Risk Assessment: In Silico Approach and Sub-Chronic Studies in Daphnia magna and Tetrahymena thermophila. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28072899. [PMID: 37049662 PMCID: PMC10096003 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28072899] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic cathinones (SC) are drugs of abuse that have been reported in wastewaters and rivers raising concern about potential hazards to non-target organisms. In this work, 44 SC were selected for in silico studies, and a group of five emerging SC was prioritized for further in vivo ecotoxicity studies: buphedrone (BPD), 3,4-dimethylmethcathinone (3,4-DMMC), butylone (BTL), 3-methylmethcathinone (3-MMC), and 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). In vivo short-term exposures were performed with the protozoan Tetrahymena thermophila (28 h growth inhibition assay) and the microcrustacean Daphnia magna by checking different indicators of toxicity across life stage (8 days sublethal assay at 10.00 µg L-1). The in silico approaches predicted a higher toxic potential of MDPV and lower toxicity of BTL to the model organisms (green algae, protozoan, daphnia, and fish), regarding the selected SC for the in vivo experiments. The in vivo assays showed protozoan growth inhibition with MDPV > BPD > 3,4-DMMC, whereas no effects were observed for BTL and stimulation of growth was observed for 3-MMC. For daphnia, the responses were dependent on the substance and life stage. Briefly, all five SC interfered with the morphophysiological parameters of juveniles and/or adults. Changes in swimming behavior were observed for BPD and 3,4-DMMC, and reproductive parameters were affected by MDPV. Oxidative stress and changes in enzymatic activities were noted except for 3-MMC. Overall, the in silico data agreed with the in vivo protozoan experiments except for 3-MMC, whereas daphnia in vivo experiments showed that at sublethal concentrations, all selected SC interfered with different endpoints. This study shows the importance to assess SC ecotoxicity as it can distress aquatic species and interfere with food web ecology and ecosystem balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariana Pérez-Pereira
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), CITAB, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Carvalho
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - João Soares Carrola
- Department of Biology and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), CITAB, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
- Inov4Agro-Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-Food Production, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Maria Elizabeth Tiritan
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
- Interdisciplinary Center of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR), University of Porto, Edifício do Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal
- Laboratory of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Department of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Ribeiro
- TOXRUN-Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, IUCS-CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
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Pintori N, Caria F, De Luca MA, Miliano C. THC and CBD: Villain versus Hero? Insights into Adolescent Exposure. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065251. [PMID: 36982327 PMCID: PMC10048857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis is the most used drug of abuse worldwide. It is well established that the most abundant phytocannabinoids in this plant are Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These two compounds have remarkably similar chemical structures yet vastly different effects in the brain. By binding to the same receptors, THC is psychoactive, while CBD has anxiolytic and antipsychotic properties. Lately, a variety of hemp-based products, including CBD and THC, have become widely available in the food and health industry, and medical and recreational use of cannabis has been legalized in many states/countries. As a result, people, including youths, are consuming CBD because it is considered “safe”. An extensive literature exists evaluating the harmful effects of THC in both adults and adolescents, but little is known about the long-term effects of CBD exposure, especially in adolescence. The aim of this review is to collect preclinical and clinical evidence about the effects of cannabidiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6758633
| | - Cristina Miliano
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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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.
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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
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Cai J, Yu L. Dual path mechanism of promoting classical furniture and customer responses: From the perspective of empathy. Front Psychol 2022; 13:999631. [PMID: 36237664 PMCID: PMC9551615 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.999631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The correlation between empathy and customer responses may be a key to solve the problem of classical furniture advertising design. To explore the relationship between empathy and consumer purchasing response, this study proposes a model of dual path mechanism of empathy influencing consumer purchase intentions in classical furniture through advertising design related to furniture brand Tanjuyuan. The results not only prove the hypotheses, but also indicate that: (1) cultural empathy and empathy fusion have a more significant impact on consumers’ purchase intention than practical empathy; (2) cultural empathy plays a dominant role in influencing consumers’ purchase intention; (3) empathy fusion is a key mediator between cultural empathy and practical empathy in influencing consumers’ purchase intention. These findings provide issues for subsequent research from various perspectives, such as enhancing the practical perceptions of consumers of classical furniture products, cultural value perceptions, and the interdisciplinary application of empathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Cai
- School of Art and Design, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lixia Yu
- School of Economics and Management, Nanchang Institute of Science and Technology, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Lixia Yu,
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11
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Effects of the Phenethylamine 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA and the Synthetic Cathinone 3,4-MDPHP in Adolescent Rats: Focus on Sex Differences. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102336. [PMID: 36289598 PMCID: PMC9598216 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The illicit drug market of novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) is expanding, becoming an alarming threat due to increasing intoxication cases and insufficient (if any) knowledge of their effects. Phenethylamine 2-chloro-4,5-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (2-Cl-4,5-MDMA) and synthetic cathinone 3,4-methylenedioxy-α-pyrrolidinohexanophenone (3,4-MDPHP) are new, emerging NPSs suggested to be particularly dangerous. This study verified whether these two new drugs (i) possess abuse liability, (ii) alter plasma corticosterone levels, and (iii) interfere with dopaminergic transmission; male and female adolescent rats were included to evaluate potential sex differences in the drug-induced effects. Findings show that the two NPSs are not able to sustain reliable self-administration behavior in rats, with cumulatively earned injections of drugs being not significantly different from cumulatively earned injections of saline in control groups. Yet, at the end of the self-administration training, females (but not males) exhibited higher plasma corticosterone levels after chronic exposure to low levels of 3,4-MDPHP (but not of 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA). Finally, electrophysiological patch-clamp recordings in the rostral ventral tegmental area (rVTA) showed that both drugs are able to increase the firing rate of rVTA dopaminergic neurons in males but not in females, confirming the sex dimorphic effects of these two NPSs. Altogether, this study demonstrates that 3,4-MDPHP and 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA are unlikely to induce dependence in occasional users but can induce other effects at both central and peripheral levels that may significantly differ between males and females.
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Hashim A, Mohammed NA, Othman A, Gab-Allah MAK, Al-Kahodary AHM, Gaber ER, Hassan AM, Aranda M, Hussien R, Mokhtar A, Islam MS, Lee KY, Asghar MS, Tahir MJ, Yousaf Z. Pattern of novel psychoactive substance use among patients presented to the poison control centre of Ain Shams University Hospitals, Egypt: A cross-sectional study. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10084. [PMID: 36039128 PMCID: PMC9418213 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10084] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Novel psychoactive substances (NPSs) are relatively new substances in the illicit drug market, not previously listed in the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC). Strox and Voodoo are considered some of the most popular blends of NPS in the Egyptian drug market. Objectives The current study was conducted to assess NPS's use pattern: Voodoo and Strox among acutely intoxicated patients presented to the poison control center of Ain Shams University Hospitals (PCC- ASUH). Methods A single center based cross-sectional study was carried out in the PCC-ASUH among acutely intoxicated patients presenting to the emergency department (ED) over four months (from January–April 2019. using a previously adopted and validated Fahmy and El-Sherbini socioeconomic scale (SES). Data were presented as mean, median and range as appropriate. Both smoking and crowding indexes were calculated and presented as previously reported. Results Fifty-one patients were presented to the ED of PCC-ASUH during the study period. A total of 96.1% (n = 49) were males. The mean age was 25 ± 7.5 years. The most common NPS used was Strox: 54.9% (n = 28), followed by Voodoo: 27.4% (n = 14). Neurological and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were the most frequent presentations. The most common motive behind NPS use was the desire to give a trial of new psychoactive substances. The mean SES score was 35.1 ± 13.17. Most patients have the preparatory as the highest education 36.0% (n = 18). Conclusions NPS use is common among young males in preparatory education from different social classes, starting it most commonly as a means to experiencing a new high. Neurological and GI manifestations are the most common presenting symptoms of NPS intoxication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Hashim
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nouran A Mohammed
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - AlFadl Othman
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohab A K Gab-Allah
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H M Al-Kahodary
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eslam R Gaber
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Hassan
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Aranda
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rania Hussien
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Amany Mokhtar
- Department of Community, Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Md Saiful Islam
- Department of Public Health and Informatics, Jahangirnagar University, Savar, Dhaka, 1342, Bangladesh.,Centre for Advanced Research, Excellence in Public Health, Savar, Dhaka-1342, Bangladesh
| | - Ka Yiu Lee
- Swedish Winter Sports Research Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
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The use patterns of novel psychedelics: experiential fingerprints of substituted phenethylamines, tryptamines and lysergamides. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1783-1796. [PMID: 35487983 PMCID: PMC9166850 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06142-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Novel psychedelics (NPs) are an expanding set of compounds, presenting new challenges for drug policy and opportunities for clinical research. Unlike their classical derivatives, little is known regarding their use profiles or their subjective effects. AIMS The purpose of this study was to compile usage patterns and adverse event rates for individual NPs belonging to each of three main psychedelic structural families. Targeting the most widely used representatives for each class, we expanded on their phenomenological distinctions. METHODS A two-part survey was employed. We investigated the prevalence of novel phenethylamines, tryptamine and lysergamides in NP users (N = 1180), contrasting the type and incidence of adverse events (AEs) using a set of logistic regressions. Honing in on 2-4-Bromo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)ethanamine (2C-B) (48.6%), 1-propionyl-lysergic acid diethylamide (1P-LSD) (34.2%) and 4-Acetoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DMT) (23.1%), we examined their phenomenological separability using a gradient boosting (XGBoost) supervised classifier. RESULTS Novel phenethylamines had the highest prevalence of use (61.5%) seconded by tryptamines (43.8%) and lysergamides (42.9%). Usage patterns were identified for 32 different compounds, demonstrating variable dosages, durations and a common oral route of administration. Compared to phenethylamines, the odds for tryptamines and lysergamides users were significantly less for overall physical AEs. No significant differences in overall psychological AEs were found. Overall model area under the curve (AUC) stood at 0.79 with sensitivity (50.0%) and specificity (60.0%) for 2C-B ranking lowest. CONCLUSION NP classes may hold distinct AE rates and phenomenology, the latter potentially clouded by the subjective nature of these experiences. Further targeted research is warranted.
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Predicting the Number of GHB-Related Toxicologic Admissions Using Google Trends Data. Int J Ment Health Addict 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00706-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
In the era of novel psychoactive substances (NPS), the internet became a relevant source of information and purchase for those who consume psychoactive drugs. Parallelly, a growing body of research aim to utilize web search metrics (most commonly by relying on Google Trends data) in the prediction of substance use-related trends, including epidemiological forecasting. The main goal of the current study was to assess the utility of web search queries in the prediction of Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB)-related toxicologic admissions in Hungary by performing additive decomposition of time series to identify trend and seasonal components. Monthly data identified GHB-related search volume representing nationwide web interest towards this substance was found to be a significant covariate of admission rates; the seasonal component showed two peaks in the admission rates: one in December/January and another one in May, whereas more admissions on the weekends were observed as compared to weekday data in Hungary. By taking into account the subtle effect sizes of this study, these results suggest that Google Trends data may be useful in forecasting toxicologic admissions on a monthly level, yet a number of limitations should be considered when interpreting these associations. Web search metrics can therefore be used for early warning purposes in the field of toxicology as well. An external validation approach is also suggested by the authors.
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Prevalence study of drugs and new psychoactive substances in hair of ketamine consumers using a methanolic direct extraction prior to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Forensic Sci Int 2021; 329:111080. [PMID: 34768198 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2021.111080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have reported the prevalence or incidence about the consumption of new psychoactive substances (NPS). The hair analysis can be useful for this purpose. At the present, ketamine is the most consumed arylcyclohexylamine associated to young consumers and polyconsumption profiles. For this reason, ketamine consumer cases become very interesting to provide information on NPS prevalence. In this work, ten former cases of the National Institute of Toxicology and Forensic Science (INTCF) of Madrid Department (INTCFM), all of them belonging to defendants accused of crimes against public health and who had been found positive to ketamine, were reassessed. At the first toxicological analysis of those hair samples, a positive consume in ketamine had been determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In this work, the same hair samples were reanalyzed by high-resolution mass spectrometry ( UHPLC-HRMS/MS) using an incubation methanolic extraction combined with a single, simpler, non-selective and direct sample pre-treatment. After corroborating the GC-MS results previously obtained for the same samples, the detection of additional NPS using this new methodology evidenced its benefits and opened the possibility to perform a NPS prevalence study. In brief, in those cases with a positive consumption in ketamine, a polyconsumption of other drugs and NPS was found, including different arylcyclohexylamines as deschloroketamine, 3-MeO-PCP and methoxetamine; and cathinones as methylmetcathinone and N-ethyl-pentylone.
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16
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Deen AA, Claridge H, Treble RD, Hamnett HJ, Copeland CS. Deaths from novel psychoactive substances in England, Wales and Northern Ireland: Evaluating the impact of the UK psychoactive substances act 2016. J Psychopharmacol 2021; 35:1315-1323. [PMID: 34182812 PMCID: PMC8600590 DOI: 10.1177/02698811211026645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 'Legal highs' began appearing in the UK in the mid-2000s. Whilst many of these substances were controlled under the 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act, novel compounds and new variants of controlled compounds were continuously being introduced to the recreational drug market. The Psychoactive Substances Act (PSA) was therefore implemented in 2016 as a blanket ban on all novel psychoactive substances (NPS). AIM To evaluate the impact of the PSA on deaths following NPS use in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. METHODS Cases reported to the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths where death had occurred 3 years pre- or post-implementation of the PSA were extracted. Cases with NPS detected at post-mortem were analysed and compared against cases non-NPS cases. RESULTS 293 deaths with NPS detected were identified; 91 occurring before the PSA and 202 afterwards, indicating an 222.0% post-PSA increase. Contrastingly, non-NPS drug-related death case reporting increased by only 8.0%. Synthetic cannabinoid, anxiolytic/sedative and stimulant NPS were detected in the largest proportions of deaths pre-PSA; post-PSA stimulant NPS detections reduced whilst synthetic cannabinoid and anxiolytic/sedative detections increased.Post-PSA, average decedent age increased significantly (mean age pre-PSA 34.4 ± 10.8 vs post-PSA 38.3 ± 9.4), and they were significantly more likely to have been living in deprived areas (pre-PSA 50.0% vs post-PSA 65.9%). CONCLUSIONS Reporting of deaths following NPS use has risen despite introduction of the PSA. Whilst deaths amongst younger individuals and those living in more affluent areas has reduced, additional approaches to prohibition are needed to curb their persistence in deprived demographics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian A Deen
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hugh Claridge
- Population Health Research Institute,
St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hilary J Hamnett
- School of Chemistry, University of
Lincoln, Lincoln, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline S Copeland
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences,
King’s College London, London, United Kingdom,Population Health Research Institute,
St George’s, University of London, London, United Kingdom,Caroline S Copeland, Institute of
Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Franklin Wilkins Building,
Stamford Street, London, SE1 9 NH, United Kingdom.
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17
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Pérez-Alcaraz A, Borrull F, Calull M, Aguilar C. Cathinones in urine samples: A review of recent advances for their determination by chromatographic and related techniques. Trends Analyt Chem 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2021.116347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
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18
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Marti M, Talani G, Miliano C, Bilel S, Biggio F, Bratzu J, Diana M, De Luca MA, Fattore L. New insights into methoxetamine mechanisms of action: Focus on serotonergic 5-HT 2 receptors in pharmacological and behavioral effects in the rat. Exp Neurol 2021; 345:113836. [PMID: 34384790 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Methoxetamine (MXE) is a dissociative substance of the arylcyclohexylamine class that has been present on the designer drug market as a ketamine-substitute since 2010. We have previously shown that MXE (i) possesses ketamine-like discriminative and positive rewarding effects in rats, (ii) affects brain processing involved in cognition and emotional responses, (iii) causes long-lasting behavioral abnormalities and neurotoxicity in rats and (iv) induces neurological, sensorimotor and cardiorespiratory alterations in mice. To shed light on the mechanisms through which MXE exerts its effects, we conducted a multidisciplinary study to evaluate the various neurotransmitter systems presumably involved in its actions on the brain. In vivo microdialysis study first showed that a single administration of MXE (0.25 and 0.5 mg/kg, i.v.) is able to significantly alter serotonin levels in the rat medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens. Then, we observed that blockade of the serotonin 5-HT2 receptors through two selective antagonists, ketanserin (0.1 mg/kg, i.p.) and MDL 100907 (0.03 mg/kg, i.p.), at doses not affecting animals behavior per se, attenuated the facilitatory motor effect and the inhibition on visual sensory responses induced by MXE (3 mg/kg, i.p.) and ketamine (3 mg/kg, i.p.), and prevented MXE-induced reduction of the prepulse inhibition in rats, pointing to the 5-HT2 receptors as a key target for the recently described MXE-induced sensorimotor effects. Finally, in-vitro electrophysiological studies revealed that the GABAergic and glutamatergic systems are also likely involved in the mechanisms through which MXE exerts its central effects since MXE inhibits, in a concentration-dependent manner, NMDA-mediated field postsynaptic potentials and GABA-mediated spontaneous currents. Conversely, MXE failed to alter both the AMPA component of field potentials and presynaptic glutamate release, and seems not to interfere with the endocannabinoid-mediated effects on mPFC GABAergic synapses. Altogether, our results support the notion of MXE as a NMDA receptor antagonist and shed further lights into the central mechanisms of action of this ketamine-substitute by pointing to serotonin 5-HT2 receptors as crucial players in the expression of its sensorimotor altering effects and to the NMDA and GABA receptors as potential further important targets of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Marti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Talani
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Italy
| | - Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Translational Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Francesca Biggio
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Jessica Bratzu
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Italy
| | - Marco Diana
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, Italy
| | | | - Liana Fattore
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Italy.
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19
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Najman JM. Co-using drugs-what do we need to know? Addiction 2021; 116:1634-1635. [PMID: 33559244 DOI: 10.1111/add.15419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jake M Najman
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Australia
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20
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Sogos V, Caria P, Porcedda C, Mostallino R, Piras F, Miliano C, De Luca MA, Castelli MP. Human Neuronal Cell Lines as An In Vitro Toxicological Tool for the Evaluation of Novel Psychoactive Substances. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136785. [PMID: 34202634 PMCID: PMC8268582 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are synthetic substances belonging to diverse groups, designed to mimic the effects of scheduled drugs, resulting in altered toxicity and potency. Up to now, information available on the pharmacology and toxicology of these new substances is very limited, posing a considerable challenge for prevention and treatment. The present in vitro study investigated the possible mechanisms of toxicity of two emerging NPS (i) 4′-methyl-alpha-pyrrolidinoexanophenone (3,4-MDPHP), a synthetic cathinone, and (ii) 2-chloro-4,5-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (2-Cl-4,5-MDMA), a phenethylamine. In addition, to apply our model to the class of synthetic opioids, we evaluated the toxicity of fentanyl, as a reference compound for this group of frequently abused substances. To this aim, the in vitro toxic effects of these three compounds were evaluated in dopaminergic-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Following 24 h of exposure, all compounds induced a loss of viability, and oxidative stress in a concentration-dependent manner. 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA activates apoptotic processes, while 3,4-MDPHP elicits cell death by necrosis. Fentanyl triggers cell death through both mechanisms. Increased expression levels of pro-apoptotic Bax and caspase 3 activity were observed following 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA and fentanyl, but not 3,4-MDPHP exposure, confirming the different modes of cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Sogos
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (V.S.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (M.A.D.L.)
| | - Paola Caria
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (V.S.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (M.A.D.L.)
| | - Clara Porcedda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (V.S.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (M.A.D.L.)
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (V.S.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (M.A.D.L.)
| | - Franca Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (V.S.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (M.A.D.L.)
| | - Cristina Miliano
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA;
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (V.S.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (M.A.D.L.)
| | - M. Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy; (V.S.); (P.C.); (C.P.); (R.M.); (F.P.); (M.A.D.L.)
- Guy Everett Laboratory, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
- Center of Excellence “Neurobiology of Addiction”, University of Cagliari, 09042 Monserrato, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-070-6754065
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21
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Motyka MA, Al-Imam A. Representations of Psychoactive Drugs' Use in Mass Culture and Their Impact on Audiences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18116000. [PMID: 34204970 PMCID: PMC8199904 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18116000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Drug use has been increasing worldwide over recent decades. Apart from the determinants of drug initiation established in numerous studies, the authors wish to draw attention to other equally important factors, which may contribute to augmenting this phenomenon. The article aims to draw attention to the content of mass culture, especially representations of drug use in mass media, which may influence the liberalization of attitudes towards drugs and their use. The role of mass culture and its impact on the audience is discussed. It presents an overview of drug representations in the content of mass culture, e.g., in film, music, literature, and the occurrence of drug references in everyday products, e.g., food, clothes, and cosmetics. Attention was drawn to liberal attitudes of celebrities and their admissions to drug use, particularly to the impact of the presented positions on the attitudes of the audience, especially young people for whom musicians, actors, and celebrities are regarded as authorities. Indications for further preventive actions were also presented. Attention was drawn to the need to take appropriate action due to the time of the COVID-19 pandemic when many people staying at home (due to lockdown or quarantine) have the possibility of much more frequent contact with mass culture content, which may distort the image of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek A. Motyka
- Institute of Sociological Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-310 Rzeszów, Poland;
| | - Ahmed Al-Imam
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10001, Iraq
- Alumni Ambassador, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +964-(0)-7714338199
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Molecular Mechanisms of Action of Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS). A New Threat for Young Drug Users with Forensic-Toxicological Implications. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11050440. [PMID: 34068903 PMCID: PMC8156937 DOI: 10.3390/life11050440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a severe health risk for drug users. Even though the phenomenon has been growing since the early 2000s, the mechanisms of action of NPS at the receptors and beyond them are still scarcely understood. The aim of the present study was to provide a systematic review of the updated knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of synthetic opioids, cannabinoids, cathinones, and stimulants. The study was conducted on the PubMed database. Study eligibility criteria included relevance to the topic, English language, and time of publication (2010–2020). A combined Mesh and free-text protocols search was performed. Study selection was performed on the title/abstract and, in doubtful cases, on the full texts of papers. Of the 580 records identified through PubMed searching and reference checking, 307 were excluded by title/abstract and 78 additional papers were excluded after full-text reading, leaving a total of 155 included papers. Molecular mechanisms of synthetic opioids, synthetic cannabinoids, stimulants, psychedelics, and hallucinogens were reviewed and mostly involved both a receptor-mediated and non-receptor mediated cellular modulation with multiple neurotransmitters interactions. The molecular mechanisms underlying the action of NPS are more complex than expected, with a wide range of overlap among activated receptors and neurotransmitter systems. The peculiar action profile of single compounds does not necessarily reflect that of the structural class to which they belong, accounting for possible unexpected toxic reactions.
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Folprechtová D, Kalíková K, Kadkhodaei K, Reiterer C, Armstrong DW, Tesařová E, Schmid MG. Enantioseparation performance of superficially porous particle vancomycin-based chiral stationary phases in supercritical fluid chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography; applicability for psychoactive substances. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1637:461846. [PMID: 33387915 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Novel psychoactive substances (NPS) are synthetic compounds that have been designed to produce the physiological and psychological effects of known recreational drugs, while circumventing current drug control laws and scheduling guidelines. Such "designer drugs" pose problems in detection and prevention of use, and they are no less dangerous than known controlled substances. Among the various classes of NPS, many are chiral. As they are synthetic products, most are racemates. Not unexpectedly, there is limited information about different the pharmacological and toxicological properties of their pure enantiomers. Hence, fast and reliable enantioselective methods are of great interest. In this work, superficially porous particle (SPP) vancomycin-based chiral stationary phases were used for development of fast enantioselective separation methods for various classes of NPS in supercritical fluid chromatography and liquid chromatography. The NPS tested included pyrovalerones, benzofurans, phenidines and phenidates. The effect of mobile phase composition on the retention and resolution of NPS in supercritical fluid chromatography was examined. The amount as well as the ratios of additives used is crucial for enantioseparation efficiency. Results showed the high enantioselective potential of vancomycin-based columns in both chromatographic techniques; 88% of NPS tested were enantioseparated in supercritical fluid chromatography and 69% of NPS tested were enantioseparated in liquid chromatography. Moreover, under optimized conditions, simultaneous enantioseparations of some NPS were achieved, which indicates great suitability of vancomycin-based columns for this purpose. The proposed methods can serve as guides for method development and for enantioseparation of further upcoming NPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Folprechtová
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Květa Kalíková
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Kian Kadkhodaei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Cornelia Reiterer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Daniel W Armstrong
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, United States
| | - Eva Tesařová
- Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin G Schmid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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24
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Al-Rawi A. The convergence of social media and other communication technologies in the promotion of illicit and controlled drugs. J Public Health (Oxf) 2020; 44:e153-e160. [PMID: 33367816 DOI: 10.1093/pubmed/fdaa210] [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: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Some social media platforms have strict regulations regarding the promotion of illicit and controlled drug on their sites. This study attempts to examine whether social media outlets like Twitter, Flickr and Tumblr have implemented practical measures to stop the active promotion of such drugs. We examined over 2.6 million social media posts taken from these three platforms. By focusing on keyword searches around mobile apps and communication means, we found evidence of ongoing opioid drug promotion, especially on Twitter followed by Flickr and Tumblr; we discuss our approach which effectively identifies posts related to the promotion of opioids and controlled drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Al-Rawi
- School of Communication, Simon Fraser University, Room # K8645, 8888 University Dr., Burnaby, B.C. V5A 1S6, Canada
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25
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Neurochemical and Behavioral Characterization after Acute and Repeated Exposure to Novel Synthetic Cannabinoid Agonist 5-MDMB-PICA. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10121011. [PMID: 33353194 PMCID: PMC7766979 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10121011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the early 2000s, herbal mixtures containing synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), broadly known as Spice/K2, have been marketed as a legal marijuana surrogate and have become very popular among adolescents. Adolescence is a critical period of development, which is associated with an increased vulnerability to the central effects of drugs. Despite growing concerns about the negative effects of the use of SCs, newly synthetized compounds are increasingly detected in drugs seized by the authorities, posing a serious threat to public health. 5F-MDMB-PICA has been recently detected and classified as a highly potent agonist of CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. Here, we first investigated the rewarding properties of 5F-MDMB-PICA in C57BL/6 adolescent and adult mice by in vivo brain microdialysis. Data showed that acute administration of a selected dose of 5F-MDMB-PICA (0.01 mg/kg i.p.) stimulates the release of dopamine in the nucleus accumbens shell of adolescent, but not of adult, mice. To further investigate the consequences of repeated exposure to this dose of 5F-MDMB-PICA, a separate group of adolescent mice was treated for 14 consecutive days and evaluated for behavioral abnormalities at adulthood, starting from 7 days after drug discontinuation. Data showed that this group of adult mice displayed an anxiety-like and compulsive-like state as revealed by an altered performance in the marble burying test. Our study suggests an alarming vulnerability of adolescent mice to the effects of 5F-MDMB-PICA. These findings provide a useful basis for understanding and evaluating both early and late detrimental effects that may derive from the use of SCs during adolescence.
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27
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Fattore L, Marti M, Mostallino R, Castelli MP. Sex and Gender Differences in the Effects of Novel Psychoactive Substances. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10090606. [PMID: 32899299 PMCID: PMC7564810 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10090606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex and gender deeply affect the subjective effects and pharmaco-toxicological responses to drugs. Men are more likely than women to use almost all types of illicit drugs and to present to emergency departments for serious or fatal intoxications. However, women are just as likely as men to develop substance use disorders, and may be more susceptible to craving and relapse. Clinical and preclinical studies have shown important differences between males and females after administration of “classic” drugs of abuse (e.g., Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), morphine, cocaine). This scenario has become enormously complicated in the last decade with the overbearing appearance of the new psychoactive substances (NPS) that have emerged as alternatives to regulated drugs. To date, more than 900 NPS have been identified, and can be catalogued in different pharmacological categories including synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic stimulants (cathinones and amphetamine-like), hallucinogenic phenethylamines, synthetic opioids (fentanyls and non-fentanyls), new benzodiazepines and dissociative anesthetics (i.e., methoxetamine and phencyclidine-derivatives). This work collects the little knowledge reached so far on the effects of NPS in male and female animal and human subjects, highlighting how much sex and gender differences in the effects of NPS has yet to be studied and understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council (CNR), Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 00187 Rome, Italy
| | - Rafaela Mostallino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (R.M.); (M.P.C.)
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cittadella Universitaria, 09042 Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy; (R.M.); (M.P.C.)
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
- Center of Excellence “Neurobiology of Addiction”, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
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28
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Schmid MG, Hägele JS. Separation of enantiomers and positional isomers of novel psychoactive substances in solid samples by chromatographic and electrophoretic techniques – A selective review. J Chromatogr A 2020; 1624:461256. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2020.461256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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29
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Hägele JS, Hubner E, Schmid MG. Determination of the chiral status of different novel psychoactive substance classes by capillary electrophoresis and β-cyclodextrin derivatives. Chirality 2020; 32:1191-1207. [PMID: 32671883 PMCID: PMC7496848 DOI: 10.1002/chir.23268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Besides the abuse of well‐known illicit drugs, consumers discovered new synthetic compounds with similar effects but minor alterations in their chemical structure. Originally, these so‐called novel psychoactive substances (NPS) have been created to circumvent law of prosecution because of illicit drug abuse. During the past decade, such compounds came up in generations, the most popular compound was a synthetic cathinone derivative named mephedrone. Cathinones are structurally related to amphetamines; to date, more than 120 completely new derivatives have been synthesized and are traded via the Internet. Cathinones possess a chiral center; however, only little is known about the pharmacology of their enantiomers. However, NPS comprise further chiral compound classes such as amphetamine derivatives, ketamines, 2‐(aminopropyl)benzofurans, and phenidines. In continuation of our project, a cheap and easy‐to‐perform chiral capillary zone electrophoresis method for enantioseparation of cathinones presented previously was extended to the aforementioned compound classes. Enantioresolution was achieved by simply adding native β‐cyclodextrin, acetyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, 2‐hydroxypropyl‐β‐cyclodextrin, or carboxymethyl‐β‐cyclodextrin as chiral selector additives to the background electrolyte. Fifty‐one chiral NPS served as analytes mainly purchased from online vendors via the Internet. Using 10 mM of the aforementioned β‐cyclodextrins in a 10 mM sodium phosphate buffer (pH 2.5), overall, 50 of 51 NPS were resolved. However, chiral separation ability of the selectors differed depending on the analyte. Additionally, simultaneous enantioseparations, the determination of enantiomeric migration orders of selected analytes, and a repeatability study were performed successfully. It was proven that all separated NPS were traded as racemic mixtures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes S. Hägele
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Eva‐Maria Hubner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Martin G. Schmid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of GrazGrazAustria
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30
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Yoon KS, Gu SM, Cha HJ, Kim YH, Yun J, Lee JM. 25I-NBOMe, a phenethylamine derivative, induces adverse cardiovascular effects in rodents: possible involvement of p21 (CDC42/RAC)-activated kinase 1. Drug Chem Toxicol 2020; 45:898-906. [PMID: 32597268 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2020.1784924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Abuse of new psychoactive substances is an emerging social problem. Several phenethylamines are internationally controlled substances as they are likely to be abused and have adverse effects. Phenethylamine analog 2-(4-iodo-2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)ethanamine (25I-NBOMe) has been reported as one of the most commonly abused psychoactive substance. However, the cardiotoxicity of this compound has not been extensively evaluated. Thus, in this study, we investigated the adverse cardiovascular effects of 25I-NBOMe, related to p21 (CDC42/RAC)-activated kinase 1 (PAK1). The cardiotoxicity of 25I-NBOMe was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, live/dead cytotoxicity assay, PAK1/CDC42 kinase assay, and in vivo electrocardiography (ECG). Also, we analyzed the expression level of PAK1, which is known to play key roles in the cardiovascular system. In the MTT assay, cell viability of 25I-NBOMe-treated H9c2 cells or primary cardiomyocytes of ICR mice decreased in a concentration-dependent manner. Results from the in vitro cytotoxicity assay in cardiomyocytes showed that 25I-NBOMe decreased the viability of H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes, and TC50 of 25I-NBOMe was found to be 70.4 μM. We also observed that 25I-NBOMe reduced PAK1 activity in vitro. Surface ECG measurement revealed that intravenous injection of 25I-NBOMe (doses of 1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg, corresponding to serum concentrations of 18.1 and 28.6 ng/mL, respectively) prolonged the QTc interval in SD rats. Furthermore, treatment with 25I-NBOMe downregulated the expression of PAK1 in the hearts of SD rats and H9c2 cells. In summary, our findings indicate that PAK1-related adverse effects of 25I-NBOMe can cause toxicity to cardiomyocytes and induce an abnormal ECG pattern in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung Sik Yoon
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Mi Gu
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jin Cha
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Hoon Kim
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaesuk Yun
- College of Pharmacy and Medical Research Center, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Moo Lee
- Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
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31
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Jones NS, Comparin JH. Interpol review of controlled substances 2016-2019. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2020; 2:608-669. [PMID: 33385148 PMCID: PMC7770462 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2020.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review paper covers the forensic-relevant literature in controlled substances from 2016 to 2019 as a part of the 19th Interpol International Forensic Science Managers Symposium. The review papers are also available at the Interpol website at: https://www.interpol.int/content/download/14458/file/Interpol%20Review%20Papers%202019.pdf.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole S. Jones
- RTI International, Applied Justice Research Division, Center for Forensic Sciences, 3040 E. Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 22709-2194, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Comparin
- United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Special Testing and Research Laboratory, USA
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32
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Abstract
Psychoactive substances with chemical structures or pharmacological profiles that are similar to traditional drugs of abuse continue to emerge on the recreational drug market. Internet vendors may at least temporarily sell these so-called designer drugs without adhering to legal statutes or facing legal consequences. Overall, the mechanism of action and adverse effects of designer drugs are similar to traditional drugs of abuse. Stimulants, such as amphetamines and cathinones, primarily interact with monoamine transporters and mostly induce sympathomimetic adverse effects. Agonism at μ-opioid receptors and γ-aminobutyric acid-A (GABAA) or GABAB receptors mediates the pharmacological effects of sedatives, which may induce cardiorespiratory depression. Dissociative designer drugs primarily act as N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists and pose similar health risks as the medically approved dissociative anesthetic ketamine. The cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor is thought to drive the psychoactive effects of synthetic cannabinoids, which are associated with a less desirable effect profile and more severe adverse effects compared with cannabis. Serotonergic 5-hydroxytryptamine-2A (5-HT2A) receptors mediate alterations of perception and cognition that are induced by serotonergic psychedelics. Because of their novelty, designer drugs may remain undetected by routine drug screening, thus hampering evaluations of adverse effects. Intoxication reports suggest that several designer drugs are used concurrently, posing a high risk for severe adverse effects and even death.
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33
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Hägele JS, Basrak M, Schmid MG. Enantioselective separation of Novel Psychoactive Substances using a Lux® AMP 3 μm column and HPLC-UV. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 179:112967. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2019.112967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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34
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Hägele JS, Seibert E, Schmid MG. A Simple HPLC–UV Approach for Rapid Enantioseparation of Cathinones, Pyrovalerones and Other Novel Psychoactive Substances on a 2.5-µm Cellulose Tris-(3,5-dimethylphenyl-carbamate) Column. Chromatographia 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10337-020-03860-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe misuse of so called novel psychoactive substances is still a challenging problem worldwide. A special attribute of a lot of these compounds is a chiral centre enabling two possible enantiomers probably related to different pharmacological and toxicological properties. The goal of the present study was to present a simple and isocratic HPLC–UV method for enantioseparation of mainly cathinone and pyrovalerone derivatives as well as selected representatives of amphetamines, ketamines, benzofuries, phenidines, phenidates, morpholines and thiophenes. A Waters Acquity UPC2® Trefoil™ CEL1 2.5 µm, 3.0 × 150 mm column served as chiral stationary phase by means of cellulose tris-(3,5-dimethylphenylcarbamate) as chiral selector. Mobile phases consisted either of n-hexane/n-butanol/diethylamine (100:0.3:0.2) or n-hexane/diethylamine (100:0.2). The method was found to be applicable for rapid simultaneous chiral separations of cathinone derivatives, to determine enantiomeric elution orders, to detect positional isomers and to identify real-life samples. Also, a repeatability study was performed successfully. 78 out of 95 compounds were separated in their enantiomers successfully, 51 of them within 6 min. It was shown that all NPS bought from online vendors or seized by police were traded as racemic mixtures.
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35
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Miliano C, Marti M, Pintori N, Castelli MP, Tirri M, Arfè R, De Luca MA. Neurochemical and Behavioral Profiling in Male and Female Rats of the Psychedelic Agent 25I-NBOMe. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1406. [PMID: 31915427 PMCID: PMC6921684 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
4-Iodo-2,5-dimethoxy-N-(2-methoxybenzyl)phenethylamine (25I-NBOMe), commonly called “N-Bomb,” is a synthetic phenethylamine with psychedelic and entactogenic effects; it was available on the Internet both as a legal alternative to lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and as a surrogate of 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA), but now it has been scheduled among controlled substances. 25I-NBOMe acts as full agonist on serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors. Users are often unaware of ingesting fake LSD, and several cases of intoxication and fatalities have been reported. In humans, overdoses of “N-Bomb” can cause tachycardia, hypertension, seizures, and agitation. Preclinical studies have not yet widely investigated the rewarding properties and behavioral effects of this compound in both sexes. Therefore, by in vivo microdialysis, we evaluated the effects of 25I-NBOMe on dopaminergic (DA) and serotonergic (5-HT) transmissions in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and core, and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of male and female rats. Moreover, we investigated the effect of 25I-NBOMe on sensorimotor modifications as well as body temperature, nociception, and startle/prepulse inhibition (PPI). We showed that administration of 25I-NBOMe affects DA transmission in the NAc shell in both sexes, although showing different patterns; moreover, this compound causes impaired visual responses in both sexes, whereas core temperature is heavily affected in females, and the highest dose tested exerts an analgesic effect prominent in male rats. Indeed, this drug is able to impair the startle amplitude with the same extent in both sexes and inhibits the PPI in male and female rats. Our study fills the gap of knowledge on the behavioral effects of 25I-NBOMe and the risks associated with its ingestion; it focuses the attention on sex differences that might be useful to understand the trend of consumption as well as to recognize and treat intoxication and overdose symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicholas Pintori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Paola Castelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and LTTA Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta De Luca
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,National Institute of Neuroscience (INN), Universirty of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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36
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Subeliani D, Otiashvili D, Kutelia L, Beselia A, Mgebrishvili T, Vardanashvili I, Kirtadze I. Patterns of use of new psychoactive substances and perceived benefits and negative effects: results of online survey in Georgia (country). JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2019.1692927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Subeliani
- School of Arts and Sciences, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - David Otiashvili
- Addiction Research Centre – Alternative Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Lika Kutelia
- Addiction Research Centre – Alternative Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Ada Beselia
- Addiction Research Centre – Alternative Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | | | | | - Irma Kirtadze
- School of Arts and Sciences, Ilia State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
- Addiction Research Centre – Alternative Georgia, Tbilisi, Georgia
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37
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Kadkhodaei K, Kadisch M, Schmid MG. Successful use of a novel lux® i-Amylose-1 chiral column for enantioseparation of "legal highs" by HPLC. Chirality 2019; 32:42-52. [PMID: 31688990 DOI: 10.1002/chir.23135] [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] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Bath salts, fumigations, cleaners and air fresheners, behind these terms substances are hidden, which count as "Legal Highs". These fancy names are used to pretend Legal Highs as harmless compounds, to circumvent legal regulations for marketing as well as to increase the sales. Besides classic illicit drugs of synthetic origin such as amphetamines, cocaine and MDMA, the trade of these compounds, also known as new psychoactive substances (NPS), is not uncommon today. In many countries, NPS are still not subject to drug control. Among them, there are stimulants such as new amphetamine derivatives or cathinones, which possess a chiral centre. Little is known about the fact that the two possible enantiomers may differ in their pharmacological effect. The aim of this study was to test a novel HPLC column for the enantioseparation of a set of 112 NPS coming from different chemical groups and collected by internet purchases during the years 2010-2018. The CSP, namely Lux® 5 μm i-Amylose-1, LC Column 250 x 4.6 mm, was run in normal phase mode under isocratic conditions, UV detection was performed at 245 nm and 230 nm, injection volume was 10 μl and flow rate was 1 ml/min. With a mobile phase consisting of n-hexane/isopropanol/diethylamine (90:10:0.1), herein, 79 NPS were resolved into their enantiomers successfully, for 37 of them baseline resolution was achieved. After increase of lipophily of the mobile phase to 99:1:0.1, another 27 compounds were baseline separated. It was found that all separated NPS are traded as racemic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kian Kadkhodaei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Austria
| | - Marlene Kadisch
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Austria
| | - Martin G Schmid
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Austria
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38
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Bilel S, Tirri M, Arfè R, Stopponi S, Soverchia L, Ciccocioppo R, Frisoni P, Strano-Rossi S, Miliano C, De-Giorgio F, Serpelloni G, Fantinati A, De Luca MA, Neri M, Marti M. Pharmacological and Behavioral Effects of the Synthetic Cannabinoid AKB48 in Rats. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:1163. [PMID: 31736697 PMCID: PMC6831561 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.01163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AKB48 is a designer drug belonging to the indazole synthetic cannabinoids class, illegally sold as herbal blend, incense, or research chemicals for their psychoactive cannabis-like effects. In the present study, we investigated the in vivo pharmacological and behavioral effects of AKB48 in male rats and measured the pharmacodynamic effects of AKB48 and simultaneously determined its plasma pharmacokinetic. AKB48 at low doses preferentially stimulated dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens shell (0.25 mg/kg) and impaired visual sensorimotor responses (0.3 mg/kg) without affecting acoustic and tactile reflexes, which are reduced only to the highest dose tested (3 mg/kg). Increasing doses (0.5 mg/kg) of AKB48 impaired place preference and induced hypolocomotion in rats. At the highest dose (3 mg/kg), AKB48 induced hypothermia, analgesia, and catalepsy; inhibited the startle/pre-pulse inhibition test; and caused cardiorespiratory changes characterized by bradycardia and mild bradipnea and SpO2 reduction. All behavioral and neurochemical effects were fully prevented by the selective CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM251. AKB48 plasma concentrations rose linearly with increasing dose and were correlated with changes in the somatosensory, hypothermic, analgesic, and cataleptic responses in rats. For the first time, this study shows the pharmacological and behavioral effects of AKB48 in rats, correlating them to the plasma levels of the synthetic cannabinoid. Chemical Compound Studied in This Article: AKB48 (PubChem CID: 57404063); AM251 (PubChem CID: 2125).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Section of Legal Medicine, Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Serena Stopponi
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Laura Soverchia
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Roberto Ciccocioppo
- Pharmacology Unit, School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Paolo Frisoni
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sabina Strano-Rossi
- Section of Legal Medicine, Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Miliano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabio De-Giorgio
- Section of Legal Medicine, Institute of Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine, Drug Policy Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Anna Fantinati
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine and Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA) Centre, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Ferrara, Italy
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Modeling drug exposure in rodents using e-cigarettes and other electronic nicotine delivery systems. J Neurosci Methods 2019; 330:108458. [PMID: 31614162 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Smoking tobacco products is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide. Coordinated efforts have successfully reduced tobacco cigarette smoking in the United States; however, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarette) and other electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) recently have replaced traditional cigarettes for many users. While the clinical risks associated with long-term ENDS use remain unclear, advancements in preclinical rodent models will enhance our understanding of their overall health effects. This review examines the peripheral and central effects of ENDS-mediated exposure to nicotine and other drugs of abuse in rodents and evaluates current techniques for implementing ENDS in preclinical research.
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Bilel S, Tirri M, Arfè R, Ossato A, Trapella C, Serpelloni G, Neri M, Fattore L, Marti M. Novel halogenated synthetic cannabinoids impair sensorimotor functions in mice. Neurotoxicology 2019; 76:17-32. [PMID: 31610187 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
JWH-018-Cl, JWH-018-Br and AM-2201 (JWH-018 halogenated-derivatives; JWH-018-R compounds) are synthetic cannabinoid agonists illegally marketed as "Spice", "K2", "herbal blend" and research chemicals for their cannabis-like psychoactive effects. In rodents, JWH-018 and its halogenated derivatives reproduce the typical effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC), i.e. hypothermia, analgesia, hypolocomotion and akinesia. Yet, the effects of JWH-018-R compounds on sensorimotor functions are still unknown. This study was designed to investigate the effect of an acute intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of JWH-018-R compounds (0.01-6 mg/kg) on sensorimotor functions in mice and to compare them to those caused by the reference compound JWH-018 and Δ9-THC. A well validated battery of behavioral tests was used to investigate the effects of these synthetic cannabinoids on the visual, auditory and tactile responses in mice, while the pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) test was used to investigate their effect on sensorimotor gating. The effect of the synthetic cannabinoids on spontaneous locomotion was also measured by a video tracking analysis to assess potential cannabinoid-induced motor impairment. Results showed that, similarly to JWH-018, systemic administration of JWH-018-R compounds inhibits sensorimotor and PPI responses at lower doses (0.01-0.1 mg/kg) and reduced spontaneous locomotion at intermediate/high doses (1-6 mg/kg). All effects were prevented by the administration of the selective cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM-251 thus confirming a CB1 receptor-mediated action. Finding that lower doses of JWH-018-R compounds selectively impair sensorimotor and PPI responses without affecting locomotion should be carefully considered to better understand the potential danger that halogenated-derivatives of JWH-018 may pose to public health, with particular reference to decreased performance in driving and hazardous works.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrine Bilel
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology (SVeB), University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micaela Tirri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Arfè
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Ossato
- Institute of Public Health, Section of Legal Medicine, Catholic University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Trapella
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Serpelloni
- Drug Policy Institute, Department of Psychiatry in the College of Medicine, University of Florida, USA
| | - Margherita Neri
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Liana Fattore
- Institute of Neuroscience-Cagliari, National Research Council, Italy.
| | - Matteo Marti
- Department of Morphology, Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Section of Legal Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; Center for Neuroscience and National Institute of Neuroscience, Italy; Collaborative Center for the Italian National Early Warning System, Department of Anti-Drug Policies, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, Italy
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Mensen VT, Vreeker A, Nordgren J, Atkinson A, de la Torre R, Farré M, Ramaekers JG, Brunt TM. Psychopathological symptoms associated with synthetic cannabinoid use: a comparison with natural cannabis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:2677-2685. [PMID: 30968175 PMCID: PMC6695363 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05238-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are a class of new psychoactive substances that have been rapidly evolving around the world throughout recent years. Many different synthetic cannabinoid analogues are on the consumer market and sold under misleading names, like "spice" or "incense." A limited number of studies have reported serious health effects associated with SC use. In this study, we compared clinical and subclinical psychopathological symptoms associated with SC use and natural cannabis (NC) use. METHODS A convenience sample of 367 NC and SC users was recruited online, including four validated psychometric questionnaires: The Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Altman Mania Scale (Altman), and Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI). The two groups were compared with analysis of variance (ANOVA) and covariance (ANCOVA), chi2 tests, and logistic regression when appropriate. RESULTS The SC user group did not differ in age from the NC user group (27.7 years), but contained less females (21% and 30%, respectively). SC users scored higher than NC users on all used psychometric measures, indicating a higher likelihood of drug abuse, sleep problems, (hypo)manic symptoms, and the nine dimensions comprising the BSI, somatization, obsessive-compulsive behavior, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. Odds ratios (95% CI) for the SC user group vs NC user group were, respectively, drug dependence 3.56 (1.77-7.16), (severe) insomnia 5.01 (2.10-11.92), (hypo-)mania 5.18 (2.04-13.14), and BSI psychopathology 5.21 (2.96-9.17). DISCUSSION This study shows that SC use is associated with increased mental health symptomatology compared to NC use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Annabel Vreeker
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Psychiatry, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Nordgren
- Department of Social Work, Malmö University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Amanda Atkinson
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Rafael de la Torre
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magi Farré
- Integrative Pharmacology and Systems Neurosciences, Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Johannes G Ramaekers
- Department of Neuropsychology and Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tibor M Brunt
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Developmental Psychopathology, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Schifano F. Recent Changes in Drug Abuse Scenarios: The New/Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) Phenomenon. Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8120221. [PMID: 30551554 PMCID: PMC6316773 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8120221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, University of Hertfordshire, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB, UK.
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Therapeutic Use of Synthetic Cannabinoids: Still an Open Issue? Clin Ther 2018; 40:1457-1466. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2018.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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