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Ramalingam V. NLRP3 inhibitors: Unleashing their therapeutic potential against inflammatory diseases. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 218:115915. [PMID: 37949323 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been linked to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and is essential for innate defence against infection and danger signals. These secreted cytokines improve the inflammatory response caused by tissue damage and associated inflammation. Consequently, the development of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors are viable option for the treatment of diverse inflammatory disorders. The significant anti-inflammatory effects of the NLRP3 inhibitors have severe side effects. Hence, the application of NLRP3 inhibitors against inflammatory disease has not yet been understood and most of the developed inhibitors are unsuccessful in clinical trials. The processes behind the NLRP3 complex, priming, and activation are the main emphasis of this review, which also covers therapeutical inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome and potential therapeutic strategies for directing the NLRP3 inflammasome towards clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaikundamoorthy Ramalingam
- Department of Natural Products and Medicinal Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Hyderabad 500007, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
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2
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Shopan N, Scolnik D, Hassoun E, Firsow A, Volkov I, Glatstein M. Acute intoxication caused by three common synthetic cannabinoids: The experience of a large, urban, tertiary care hospital. Am J Emerg Med 2023; 73:7-10. [PMID: 37572408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajem.2023.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic cannabinoids (SC) are chemical substances, which activate cannabinoid receptors in a similar fashion to tetrahydrocannabinol, but with increased efficacy, and are used as illicit recreational drugs. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to characterize the clinical manifestations and management of three specific, common SC exposures in a cohort of patients presenting to the emergency department of our institution. METHODS Retrospective case series of patients admitted to an urban tertiary care center between August 1, 2018 and December 31, 2021, with confirmed SC use and positive urinary immunoassay testing for AB-FUBINACA, 4F-MDMB-BUTINACA and ACHMINACA. RESULTS 58 patients met inclusion criteria during the 3-year study period; median age was 35 years, 60% were male, 31% patients were exposed to >1 substance, and 31% needed hospital addition. The most common physical signs were cardiovascular (54%) and neuropsychiatric (45%). Severe outcomes included coma and seizures, necessitating intubation in 4 patients, and acute renal injury in 7 patients. CONCLUSION SC are potentially harmful drugs of abuse which can lead to life-threatening complications. Acute care personnel should be aware of the broad range of signs and symptoms of SC use. Testing with short turn around times is available to assess SC use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noah Shopan
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tel Aviv Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Dennis Scolnik
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eyal Hassoun
- Clinical Biochemistry and Genetic Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Anastasia Firsow
- Clinical Biochemistry and Genetic Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv University, Israel
| | - Ilan Volkov
- General Psychiatry & Addiction Medicine, Dr. Tal Center for Psychiatry and Mental Health Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Miguel Glatstein
- Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine Dana-Dwek Children's Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Israel; Division of Clinical Toxicology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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3
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Jelicic I, Kovacic V, Luketin M, Mikacic M, Skaro DB. Atypical HUS with multiple complement system mutations triggered by synthetic psychoactive drug abuse: a case report. J Nephrol 2023; 36:2371-2373. [PMID: 37145269 PMCID: PMC10161151 DOI: 10.1007/s40620-023-01646-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare disorder with an estimated annual incidence of about two cases per million in the adult population. It is caused by the overactivation of the alternative pathway of the complement system. The disease can be triggered by many factors, including pregnancy, viral diseases, and sepsis; approximately 30% of atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome cases are caused by unknown processes. We present a case of a patient with C3-complement system mutations and aHUS triggered by the use of a new synthetic psychoactive drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Jelicic
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Haemodialysis Division, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Split, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Vedran Kovacic
- Internal Medicine Department, Division of Emergency and Intensive Medicine with Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Split, University of Split, Spinciceva 1, 21000, Split, Croatia.
| | - Mirko Luketin
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Haemodialysis Division, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Split, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Marijana Mikacic
- Internal Medicine Department, Division of Emergency and Intensive Medicine with Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Split, University of Split, Spinciceva 1, 21000, Split, Croatia
| | - Dijana Boric Skaro
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Haemodialysis Division, School of Medicine, University Hospital of Split, University of Split, 21000, Split, Croatia
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Khamjan NA, Beigh S, Algaissi A, Megha K, Lohani M, Darraj M, Kamli N, Madkhali F, Dar SA. Natural and synthetic drugs and formulations for intravaginal HPV clearance. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1471-1480. [PMID: 37535995 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Except for a few preventative Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, there is currently no cure for HPV infection. There are a number of cutting-edge strategies and potent medications or herbal formulations that can be applied topically for early clearance of HPV infection before HPV DNA gets integrated into host cell genome. This is facilitated due to cervical cancer having distinct and well-recognized long precancerous stages. OBJECTIVES This review aims to outline every possible medication and formulation, both natural and synthetic, that can be applied topically as intravaginal application to help remove HPV infection at an early precancerous stage. RESULTS Several anti-HPV/HPV clearance compounds and formulations for high-grade lesions are undergoing clinical trials. However, the majority of compounds are still in the early stages of development and require additional research to become viable HPV clearance candidates. Synthetic drugs may be more promising because they may have a more targeted effect; however, they may also have significant adverse effects. On the other hand, natural medications are safer to use. They are less specific, but have minimal to no adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS This article may serve as a valuable resource of information for managing and preventing precancerous carcinogenic HPV infections. Research could be directed toward developing candidate drugs to make evidence-based decisions about advancing them to clinical trials and, eventually, to the market for potential use in the prevention and control of cervical cancer, which is almost always preventable or even curable if detected early.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nizar A Khamjan
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Saba Beigh
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Albaha University, Albaha 65431, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Algaissi
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; Emerging and Epidemic Infectious Disease Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Kanu Megha
- School of Life Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai 355050, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohtashim Lohani
- Department of Emergency Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Majid Darraj
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nader Kamli
- Department of Medical Microbiology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Madkhali
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sajad Ahmad Dar
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia.
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Gan J, Guo L, Zhang X, Yu Q, Yang Q, Zhang Y, Zeng W, Jiang X, Guo M. Anti-inflammatory therapy of atherosclerosis: focusing on IKKβ. J Inflamm (Lond) 2023; 20:8. [PMID: 36823573 PMCID: PMC9951513 DOI: 10.1186/s12950-023-00330-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic low-grade inflammation has been identified as a major contributor in the development of atherosclerosis. Nuclear Factor-κappa B (NF-κB) is a critical transcription factors family of the inflammatory pathway. As a major catalytic subunit of the IKK complex, IκB kinase β (IKKβ) drives canonical activation of NF-κB and is implicated in the link between inflammation and atherosclerosis, making it a promising therapeutic target. Various natural product derivatives, extracts, and synthetic, show anti-atherogenic potential by inhibiting IKKβ-mediated inflammation. This review focuses on the latest knowledge and current research landscape surrounding anti-atherosclerotic drugs that inhibit IKKβ. There will be more opportunities to fully understand the complex functions of IKKβ in atherogenesis and develop new effective therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiali Gan
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lin Guo
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qun Yu
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiuyue Yang
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yilin Zhang
- grid.410648.f0000 0001 1816 6218School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenyun Zeng
- grid.459559.10000 0004 9344 2915Oncology department, Ganzhou People’s Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi China
| | - Xijuan Jiang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Maojuan Guo
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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Wei Y, Gong Y, Wei S, Chen Y, Cui J, Lin X, Yu Y, Yan H, Qin H, Yi L. Protection of the hematopoietic system against radiation-induced damage: drugs, mechanisms, and developments. Arch Pharm Res 2022. [PMID: 35951164 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-022-01400-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Sometimes, people can be exposed to moderate or high doses of radiation accidentally or through the environment. Radiation can cause great harm to several systems within organisms, especially the hematopoietic system. Several types of drugs protect the hematopoietic system against radiation damage in different ways. They can be classified as "synthetic drugs" and "natural compounds." Their cellular mechanisms to protect organisms from radiation damage include free radical-scavenging, anti-oxidation, reducing genotoxicity and apoptosis, and alleviating suppression of the bone marrow. These topics have been reviewed to provide new ideas for the development and research of drugs alleviating radiation-induced damage to the hematopoietic system.
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Rao SJA, Shetty NP. Structure-based screening of natural product libraries in search of potential antiviral drug-leads as first-line treatment to COVID-19 infection. Microb Pathog 2022; 165:105497. [PMID: 35337962 PMCID: PMC8938336 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2022.105497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The study focuses on identifying and screening natural products (NPs) based on their structural similarities with chemical drugs followed by their possible use in first-line treatment to COVID-19 infection. In the present study, the in-house natural product libraries, consisting of 26,311 structures, were screened against potential targets of SARS-CoV-2 based on their structural similarities with the prescribed chemical drugs. The comparison was based on molecular properties, 2 and 3-dimensional structural similarities, activity cliffs, and core fragments of NPs with chemical drugs. The screened NPs were evaluated for their therapeutic effects based on their predicted in-silico pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties, binding interactions with the appropriate targets, and structural stability of the bound complex using molecular dynamics simulations. The study yielded NPs with significant structural similarities to synthetic drugs currently used to treat COVID-19 infections. The study proposes the probable biological action of the selected NPs as Anti-retroviral protease inhibitors, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitors, and viral entry inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J Aditya Rao
- Plant Cell Biotechnology Department, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, Karnataka, India.
| | - Nandini P Shetty
- Plant Cell Biotechnology Department, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, 570020, Karnataka, India
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8
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He Y, Huang W, Zhang C, Chen L, Xu R, Li N, Wang F, Han L, Yang M, Zhang D. Energy metabolism disorders and potential therapeutic drugs in heart failure. Acta Pharm Sin B 2021; 11:1098-1116. [PMID: 34094822 PMCID: PMC8144890 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Heart failure (HF) is a global public health problem with high morbidity and mortality. A large number of studies have shown that HF is caused by severe energy metabolism disorders, which result in an insufficient heart energy supply. This deficiency causes cardiac pump dysfunction and systemic energy metabolism failure, which determine the development of HF and recovery of heart. Current HF therapy acts by reducing heart rate and cardiac preload and afterload, treating the HF symptomatically or delaying development of the disease. Drugs aimed at cardiac energy metabolism have not yet been developed. In this review, we outline the main characteristics of cardiac energy metabolism in healthy hearts, changes in metabolism during HF, and related pathways and targets of energy metabolism. Finally, we discuss drugs that improve cardiac function via energy metabolism to provide new research ideas for the development and application of drugs for treating HF.
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Kranenburg RF, Lukken CK, Schoenmakers PJ, van Asten AC. Spotting isomer mixtures in forensic illicit drug casework with GC-VUV using automated coelution detection and spectral deconvolution. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2021; 1173:122675. [PMID: 33848800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2021.122675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Analysis of isomeric mixtures is a significant analytical challenge. In the forensic field, for example, over 1000 new psychoactive substances (NPSs), comprising of many closely related and often isomeric varieties, entered the drugs-of-abuse market within the last decade. Unambiguous identification of the isomeric form requires advanced spectroscopic techniques, such as GC-Vacuum Ultraviolet Spectroscopy (GC-VUV). The continuous development of NPSs makes the appearance of a novel compound in case samples a realistic scenario. While several analytical solutions have been presented recently to confidently distinguish NPS isomers, the presence of multiple isomers in a single drug sample is typically not considered. Due to their structural similarities it is possible that a novel NPS coelutes with a known isomer and thus remains undetected. This study investigates the capabilities of VUV spectral deconvolution for peak detection and identification in incompletely resolved drug mixtures. To mimic worst case scenarios, severe coelution was deliberately induced at elevated GC temperatures. The deconvolution software was nevertheless able to correctly detect both substances, even in case of near-identical VUV spectra at almost full coelution. As a next step, spectra were subsequently removed from the reference library to simulate the scenario in which a novel substance was encountered for the first time in forensic case work. However, also in this situation the deconvolution software still detected the coelution. This work shows that a VUV library match score below 0.998 may serve as a warning that a novel substance may be present in a street sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben F Kranenburg
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, the Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands.
| | - Chris K Lukken
- Dutch National Police, Unit Amsterdam, Forensic Laboratory, Kabelweg 25, Amsterdam 1014 BA, the Netherlands; Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands
| | - Peter J Schoenmakers
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands
| | - Arian C van Asten
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands; Co van Ledden Hulsebosch Center (CLHC), Amsterdam Center for Forensic Science and Medicine, PO Box 94157, Amsterdam 1090 GD, the Netherlands
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Yazdi-Feyzabadi V, Mehrolhassani MH, Zolala F, Haghdoost A, Oroomiei N. Determinants of risky sexual practice, drug abuse and alcohol consumption in adolescents in Iran: a systematic literature review. Reprod Health 2019; 16:115. [PMID: 31340817 PMCID: PMC6657032 DOI: 10.1186/s12978-019-0779-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence shows that the prevalence of risky sexual practice, drug abuse, and alcohol consumption behaviors in low and middle income countries such as Iran is not in a favorable condition. Preventive programs against these behaviors in Iran are very rare, and the results are unclear, which may be due to the lack of deeply and systematically understanding of the determinants of these behaviors. Evidence suggests that these behaviors are coincidence. So all of these behaviors were examined together. The present study was conducted aiming at determining the reasons for the occurrence of these behaviors among 15–19-year-old adolescents in Iran. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed to review published and unpublished studies in Iran. The databases used were Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The query terms were “Synthetic Drug” OR “Designer Drug”, AND Adolescents OR Teenagers OR Juvenile, AND Iran. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist was employed for critical appraisal. The quantitative studies using the regression model to analyze the factors affecting these behaviors were studied as the form of the theme. For analyzing the data, narrative synthesis and thematic analysis were used. Results Twelve studies were meticulously reviewed. The findings were classified into five main themes (including individual, family, friends, school, and community) and 26 sub-themes. The most frequent main theme and sub-themes were respectively Family, Higher age, Male gender, Weak religious beliefs, Low self-esteem, Anti-social behaviors in family, Mother’s employment, Parenting style, Poor intimacy of parents, Absence of parents, Peer pressure, and Lack of appropriate recreation. No primary study has referred to the political, economic, or policy factors affecting such behaviors. Conclusions The most identified sub-themes belong to family factors. Iran is a country with ideology of Islam; however, being Muslim does not guarantee adherence to all Islamic guidelines. So being Muslim is not a good reason to prevent these behaviors. Iran needs precise policy making in this area through considering family structure. It is also suggested that primary studies referring to the political, economic, or policy factors affecting such behaviors should be carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Yazdi-Feyzabadi
- PhD in Health Policy, Health Services Management Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Mehrolhassani
- PhD in Health Services Management, Medical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Zolala
- Ph.D. in Epidemiology, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - AliAkbar Haghdoost
- PhD in Epidemiology, Health Modeling Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Nadia Oroomiei
- PhD Candidate in Health Policy, Faculty of Management and Medical Informatics, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Medical University Campus, Haft-Bagh Highway, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran.
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Abstract
Since 2008 there has been an onslaught of new drugs in the illicit marketplace. Often referred to as "research chemicals," "designer drugs," or "novel psychoactive substances" (NPS), these substances are used for their pharmacological effects which are often similar to more widely known drugs such as ecstasy or heroin. In some cases users specifically seek out these new chemicals, in other cases they are simply purchasing what they believe to be their normal drug of choice from a dealer, but the product is not what it is purported to be. Implementation of national and international systems to monitor the appearance of new compounds enables laboratories to be prepared with validated tests to detect them in biological specimens. The most common classes of NPS are synthetic cannabinoids, novel opioids, novel benzodiazepines, stimulants, and hallucinogens. Within these groups the compounds may be drugs that were originally synthesized for research purposes during the pursuit of new therapeutic agents such as the synthetic cannabinoid JWH-018 and the designer opioid U47700. Others like etizolam are compounds used in other countries but not commonly seen in the USA. Some are drugs synthesized specifically to circumvent legal controls. In all cases, these compounds present a unique challenge to forensic toxicology laboratories which must quickly develop and validate analytical methods for the identification and quantification in biological matrices.This chapter is a condensed and updated version of an article originally published in Clinical and Forensic Toxicology News.
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Javadi-Paydar M, Harvey EL, Grant Y, Vandewater SA, Creehan KM, Nguyen JD, Dickerson TJ, Taffe MA. Binge-like acquisition of α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) self-administration in female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:2447-2457. [PMID: 29909425 PMCID: PMC6295352 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4943-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The synthetic cathinone α-pyrrolidinopentiophenone (α-PVP) has been associated with bizarre public behavior in users. Association of such behavior with extended binges of drug use motivates additional investigation, particularly since a prior study found that half of male rats experience a binge of exceptionally high intake, followed by sustained lower levels of self-administration during the acquisition of intravenous self-administration (IVSA) of a related drug, 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone. OBJECTIVES The binge-like acquisition pattern is novel for rat IVSA; thus, the present study sought to determine if this effect generalizes to IVSA of α-PVP in female rats. METHODS Female Wistar rats were trained in IVSA of α-PVP (0.05 mg/kg/inf) in experimental chambers containing an activity wheel. Groups were trained with the wheels fixed (No-Wheel group), fixed for the initial 5 days of acquisition or free to move throughout acquisition (Wheel group). The groups were next subjected to a wheel access switch and then all animals to dose-substitution (0.0125-0.3 mg/kg/inf) with the wheels alternately fixed and free to move. RESULTS Approximately half of the rats initiated their IVSA pattern with a binge day of exceptionally high levels of drug intake, independent of wheel access condition. Wheel activity was much lower in the No-Wheel group in the wheel switch post-acquisition. Dose-effect curves were similar for wheel access training groups, for binge/no binge phenotypic subgroups and were not altered with wheel access during the dose-substitution. CONCLUSION This confirms the high reinforcer effectiveness of α-PVP in female rats and the accompanying devaluation of wheel activity as a naturalistic reward.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric L. Harvey
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yanabel Grant
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Kevin M. Creehan
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jacques D. Nguyen
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Tobin J. Dickerson
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Michael A. Taffe
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Warren KE, Tay S, Wen LS. The Role of Public Health in Combatting Synthetic Cannabinoid Use in Adolescents. J Adolesc Health 2017; 60:483-486. [PMID: 28433118 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2017.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 02/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
As the country struggles to address an epidemic of alcohol and drug overdose, a wide-ranging category of chemical substances known as synthetic drugs have provoked a new sense of public urgency over the past decade. Synthetic cannabinoids, a heterogeneous and evolving set of synthetic compounds that act on endogenous cannabinoid receptors, have become particularly popular among adolescents due to their relative ease of access and reputation as a "legal high." The Baltimore City Health Department has worked to combat the recent surge in synthetic drug use through a major public awareness campaign, legislative reform, and retailer engagement and compliance initiative. In doing so, the city has built a coalition of clinicians, advocates, retailers, educators, legislators, and community members to fight synthetic cannabinoid use in Baltimore City. In this commentary piece, we offer strategies from our work and from that of our colleagues across the country for clinicians and communities fighting to stem the tide of recreational synthetic cannabinoid use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shirli Tay
- Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Leana S Wen
- Baltimore City Health Department, Baltimore, Maryland.
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Stratton CF, Newman DJ, Tan DS. Cheminformatic comparison of approved drugs from natural product versus synthetic origins. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:4802-4807. [PMID: 26254944 PMCID: PMC4607632 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite the recent decline of natural product discovery programs in the pharmaceutical industry, approximately half of all new drug approvals still trace their structural origins to a natural product. Herein, we use principal component analysis to compare the structural and physicochemical features of drugs from natural product-based versus completely synthetic origins that were approved between 1981 and 2010. Drugs based on natural product structures display greater chemical diversity and occupy larger regions of chemical space than drugs from completely synthetic origins. Notably, synthetic drugs based on natural product pharmacophores also exhibit lower hydrophobicity and greater stereochemical content than drugs from completely synthetic origins. These results illustrate that structural features found in natural products can be successfully incorporated into synthetic drugs, thereby increasing the chemical diversity available for small-molecule drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher F Stratton
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, Box 422, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - David J Newman
- Natural Products Branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, PO Box B, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Derek S Tan
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, Box 422, New York, NY 10065, USA; Chemical Biology Program and Tri-Institutional Research Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Ave, Box 422, New York, NY 10065, USA
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15
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Nirmal SA, Gangurde SS, Dumbre PS, Pal SC, Mandal SC. Challenges and opportunities in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. World J Pharmacol 2015; 4:219-226. [DOI: 10.5497/wjp.v4.i2.219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory destructive disease of the large intestine occurred usually in the rectum and lower part of the colon as well as the entire colon. Drug therapy is not the only choice for UC treatment and medical management should be as a comprehensive whole. Many synthetic drugs are available for the treatment of UC like 5-aminosalicylic acid, oral or systemic corticosteroids, immunomodulator, etc. but these drugs are associated with many serious side effects after long term use or have certain disadvantage or not suitable for the use in some patients. In short synthetic drugs have many disadvantages and for this reason effective and safe alternative drug treatment for the UC is the challenge. Herbal drugs are found to be very promising results of the treatment of UC and enzymatic level. Researchers explored many herbal drugs for the treatment and even many more may found effective in the treatment of UC. At this point we feel herbal medicine is the better alternative for the treatment of UC.
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Karimi A, Majlesi M, Rafieian-Kopaei M. Herbal versus synthetic drugs; beliefs and facts. J Nephropharmacol 2015; 4:27-30. [PMID: 28197471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Herbal therapy is a holistic therapy, integrating emotional, mental and spiritual levels. Life style, emotional, mental and spiritual considerations are part of any naturopathic approach. The use of herbs does not generally involve "drug" actions or adverse effects. Although medicinal plants are widely used and assumed to be safe, however, they can potentially be toxic. Where poisoning from medicinal plants has been reported, it usually has been due to misidentification of the plants in the form, in which they are sold, or incorrectly preparation and administration by inadequately trained personnel. There are some "drug like" plants remedies that their actions approach that of pharmaceuticals. Herbalists use these plants in treatment strategies and in countries such as Britain their vast availability is restricted by law. Digitalis is one of these examples and the number of these plants is not a lot. The mechanisms by which the herbs generally act are not established, however, most of medicinal plants possess antioxidant activities. The plants have been shown to effective by this property is various conditions including cancer, memory deficit and Alzheimer, atherosclerosis, diabetes and other cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidant activities of herbal medicines are also effective in reducing the toxicities of toxic agents or other drugs.
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Wagner KD, Armenta RF, Roth AM, Maxwell JC, Cuevas-Mota J, Garfein RS. Use of synthetic cathinones and cannabimimetics among injection drug users in San Diego, California. Drug Alcohol Depend 2014; 141:99-106. [PMID: 24916748 PMCID: PMC4114932 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Revised: 04/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of synthetic cathinones (SC) and cannabimimetics (i.e., "THC homologues" [TH]) is associated with adverse health effects. We investigated the epidemiology of synthetic drug use among a cohort of injection drug users (IDUs) in San Diego, California. METHODS We used logistic regression analysis to identify correlates of SC and TH use among 485 IDUs enrolled from June 2012 to September 2013. RESULTS Seven percent of participants reported ever using SC and 30% reported ever using TH. In multivariate logistic regression, age and recent hospitalization were significantly associated with odds of SC use (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 0.93, 95% Confidence Interval [C.I.] 0.90, 0.97; and AOR 2.34 95% C.I. 1.00, 5.49, respectively) and TH use (AOR 0.96, 95% C.I. 0.94, 0.98; and AOR 2.62, 95% C.I. 1.47, 4.68, respectively). Use of methamphetamine (AOR 9.35, 95% C.I. 1.20, 72.79) and club drugs in the past six months (AOR 3.38, 95% C.I. 1.17, 9.76) were significantly associated with SC use. Being on probation/parole (AOR 2.42, 95% C.I. 1.44, 4.07), initiating injection drug use with stimulants (AOR 1.89 95% C.I. 1.13, 3.16), and past six-month marijuana (AOR 9.22, 95% C.I. 4.49, 18.96) and prescription drug use (AOR 1.98, 95% C.I. 1.20, 3.27) were significantly associated with TH use. CONCLUSIONS A considerable proportion of IDU use synthetic drugs and may experience harms associated with their use. Findings have implications for criminal justice system management. Prevention efforts should emphasize the risks associated with rapidly changing synthetic formulations, and the potential harms associated with polydrug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla D Wagner
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0849, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States.
| | - Richard F Armenta
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0849, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Alexis M Roth
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0849, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Jane C Maxwell
- The Center for Social Work Research, School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station D3510, Austin, TX 78712, United States
| | - Jazmine Cuevas-Mota
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0849, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
| | - Richard S Garfein
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0849, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States
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18
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Feng Y, Lei D, Hu C. Rapid identification of illegal synthetic adulterants in herbal anti-diabetic medicines using near infrared spectroscopy. Spectrochim Acta A Mol Biomol Spectrosc 2014; 125:363-374. [PMID: 24566115 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2014.01.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We created a rapid detection procedure for identifying herbal medicines illegally adulterated with synthetic drugs using near infrared spectroscopy. This procedure includes a reverse correlation coefficient method (RCCM) and comparison of characteristic peaks. Moreover, we made improvements to the RCCM based on new strategies for threshold settings. Any tested herbal medicine must meet two criteria to be identified with our procedure as adulterated. First, the correlation coefficient between the tested sample and the reference must be greater than the RCCM threshold. Next, the NIR spectrum of the tested sample must contain the same characteristic peaks as the reference. In this study, four pure synthetic anti-diabetic drugs (i.e., metformin, gliclazide, glibenclamide and glimepiride), 174 batches of laboratory samples and 127 batches of herbal anti-diabetic medicines were used to construct and validate the procedure. The accuracy of this procedure was greater than 80%. Our data suggest that this protocol is a rapid screening tool to identify synthetic drug adulterants in herbal medicines on the market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchun Feng
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Deqing Lei
- Shaoyang Institute for Drug Control of Hunan, Shaoyang 422000, China
| | - Changqin Hu
- National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing 100050, China.
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Abstract
Poison prevention remains essential to prevent the most vulnerable population from becoming exposed to potentially lethal toxins. The evaluation of a child presumed to have been exposed to a toxic substance should include a precise history of the exposure, a physical examination, and knowledge of current ingestions and recreational practices. New treatments and research guiding therapy continue to evolve. Poison centers and medical toxicologists can be consulted to assist with the diagnosis of medicinal/drug overdoses, for advice about the pitfalls inherent in stabilizing children who have been exposed to toxic compounds, and for treatment recommendations based on the latest research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fermin Barrueto
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Upper Chesapeake Health Systems, Bel Air, MD, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Over the past decade, non-medical use of novel drugs has proliferated worldwide. In most cases these are synthetic drugs first synthesized in academic or pharmaceutical laboratories for research or drug development purposes, but also include naturally occurring substances that do not fit the typical pharmacological or behavioral profile of traditional illicit substances. Perhaps most unique to this generation of new drugs is that they are being sold over the counter and on the Internet as "legal highs" or substitutes for traditional illicit drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, and LSD. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of novel drugs in current use, including the epidemiology of use and toxicologic and pharmacological properties, and to offer some guidelines to clinicians who see patients experiencing adverse effects from these drugs. METHOD We review the known scientific literature on recently introduced synthetic drug types, synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic cathinones, and the hallucinogen Salvia divinorum. RESULTS These substances comprise part of a rapidly evolving and controversial drug market that has challenged definitions of what is legal and illegal, has benefitted from open commercial sales without regulatory oversight, and is noteworthy for the pace at which new substances are introduced. CONCLUSIONS This emerging trend in substance use presents significant and unique public health and criminal justice challenges. At this time, these substances are not detected in routine drug screens and substance-specific treatment for cases of use-related toxicity are not available. Clinicians are encouraged to learn characteristic signs associated with misuse of novel drugs to recognize cases in their practice, and are recommended to use a symptom-specific approach for treatment in each case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Vandrey
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthew W Johnson
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick S Johnson
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Miral A Khalil
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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