NPS-EQA PART I: Four years' experience in external quality assessment program in Italy for classical and new psychoactive substances analysis in oral fluid

In 2019, Italian National Institute of Health established an external quality assessment program (EQA) to evaluate the performance of oral fluid testing for classical and new psychoactive substances by laboratories participating in the National Early Warning System collaborative centres. This report presents the results of four rounds between 2019 and 2023. Eleven oral fluid specimens, including 3 blank samples, were prepared by adding different classes of and new psychoactive drugs at known concentrations to pre-screened drug-free oral fluid. False-negative and false-positive results were calculated for the qualitative data evaluation. The quantitative evaluation measured the imprecision and accuracy of the results, in terms of coefficient of variation (CV%) and percent error (ERR%), respectively, with respect to a mean value obtained by reference laboratories. Z-score values were then calculated. Over the years, there has been a significant improvement in false-negative results (from 42.7% in the first year to 19.4% in the last year), but not in false-positive results (from 33.3% in the first year to 22.2% in the last one). In addition to the classic drugs of abuse (e.g. cocaine, amphetamine, methadone), the substances found in false positive samples belonged to the class of synthetic cannabinoids (e.g 5-fluoro CUMYL-PINACA and 5-fluoro-EDMB-PICA), synthetic opioids (e.g butyrylfentanyl) and tryptamines (e.g. 5-methoxy-N-methyl-N-isopropyltryptamine). The four rounds yielded a mean ERR% of approximately 22.1% and a mean CV% of around 41.5%. The participating laboratories demonstrated variable performances in relation to the class of analysed psychoactive substances, as evidenced by the calculated Z-scores. Between 25% and 60% of the reported results in all rounds should be considered satisfactory. EQA is a crucial element of laboratory quality management systems. It promotes continuous improvement and maintains high standards in the field of forensic and clinical drug testing.

Genetic and Phenotypic Profiling of Triptan Users in a Swedish Cluster Headache Cohort

Up to 25% of individuals who live with cluster headache (CH), an extremely painful primary headache disorder, do not adequately respond to the first-line treatment, triptans. Studies have indicated that genetic variants can play a role in treatment response. Likewise, differences in clinical characteristics can give clues to mechanisms underlying triptan non-response. Our aim was to investigate five genetic variants previously implicated in triptan response and their relation to triptan usage in our Swedish CH cohort and to investigate potential distinctions in clinical characteristics. 545 CH patients were screened for the genetic variants rs1024905, rs6724624, rs4795541, rs5443, and rs2651899 with a case control design based on triptan usage. Analysis of clinical characteristics was based on self-reported questionnaire data from 893 patients. One genetic variant, rs1024905, was significantly associated with triptan non-usage in CH (Pc = 0.010). In addition, multi-allele effector analysis showed that individuals with a higher number of effector variants were less likely to use triptans (P = 0.007). Analysis of clinical characteristics showed that triptan users were more likely to have alcohol as a trigger (57.4% vs 43.4%, P = 0.002), have autonomic symptoms (95.1% vs 88.1%, P = 0.002), and be current smokers (27.0% vs 21.9%, P = 0.033) compared to non-users. These results support the hypothesis that genetic variants can play a role in triptan usage in CH and that patients with a typical CH phenotype are more likely to use triptans.

Biotransformation of 5-methoxy-N-isopropyl-N-methyltryptamine by zebrafish and human liver microsome with high-resolution mass spectrometry

To explore the metabolites of 5-Methoxy-N-isopropyl-N-methyltryptamine (5-MeO-MiPT) and unveil its toxicological effects, we examined its metabolic profiles using zebrafish and human liver microsome models. Employing ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography Q Exactive hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap high-resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC-QE-HRMS), we analyzed samples from intoxicated zebrafish and human liver microsomes. In the zebrafish model, we identified a total of six metabolites. Primary phase I metabolic pathways involved N-Demethylation and Indole-hydroxylation reactions, while phase II metabolism included Glucoside conjugation directly, Glucoside conjugation after Indole-hydroxylation, and Sulfonation following Indole-hydroxylation. In the human liver microsome model, nine metabolites were generated. Major phase I metabolic pathways encompassed N-Demethylation, 5-O-Demethylation, and N-Depropylation, N-Oxidation, Indole-hydroxylation, N-Demethylation combined with Indole-hydroxylation, and 5-O-Methylation-carboxylation. Phase II metabolism involved Glucoside conjugation after Indole-hydroxylation, as well as Glucoside conjugation after 5-O-Demethylation. Proposed phase I metabolites, such as 5-MeO-MiPT-N-Demethylation (5-MeO-NiPT) and 5-MeO-MiPT-Indole-hydroxylation, alongside the phase II metabolite OH&Glucoside conjugation-5-MeO-MiPT, were identified as effective markers for screening 5-MeO-MiPT intake. This study systematically delineates the phase I and II metabolites of 5-MeO-MiPT, confirming their pathways through in vivo and in vitro extrapolation. Additionally, inclusion of the parent drug itself and OH&Glucoside conjugation-5-MeO-MiPT could serve as valuable confirmation tools.

Highly selective and sensitive histamine and tryptamine analysis using SiO2@AuNPs@PDA molecularly imprinted polymer coupled with SALDI-TOF MS

A combination of SiO2@AuNPs@PDA molecularly imprinted and surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (SALDI-TOF MS) was devised as a method for highly specific and ultrasensitive detection of two biogenic amines-histamine (HIS) and tryptamine (TRP)-in real samples. In this strategy, AuNPs modified amino-abundant silica nanospheres (SiO2@AuNPs). The prepared SiO2@AuNPs were used as a substrate to synthesize a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) through in situ dopamine self-polymerization with HIS and TRP as the template molecules (SiO2@AuNP@PDA-MIP). The as-prepared MIP structure, properties, and target-analyte identification conditions were characterized and optimized and it was used as the matrix for MS. Compared to the case of nonimprinted materials, the imprinting function endowed the matrix with a higher selectivity for capturing the target molecules. The enriched analytes were directly and rapidly identified using SALDI-TOF MS without elution. Meanwhile, the proposed method has low background interference, good reproducibility and stability, high salt tolerance, and satisfactory linearity (R2 > 0.99), and it enables ultrasensitive detection of HIS and TRP (limits of detection for HIS and TRP were 0.2 and 0.1 ng mL-1, respectively). Moreover, the proposed method was applied to analyze samples of real beer, sausage, and chicken, and the results agreed with those obtained via liquid chromatography-MS, suggesting that the method has excellent practical applications in the field of food safety.

Rizatriptan benzoate-loaded dissolving microneedle patch for management of acute migraine therapy

In this study, dissolving microneedles (MNs) using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and poly (1-vinylpyrrolidone-co-vinyl acetate) (P(VP-co-VA)) as matrix materials were developed for transdermal delivery of rizatriptan benzoate (RB) for acute migraine treatment. In-vitro permeation studies were conducted to assess the feasibility of the as-fabricated dissolving MNs to release RB. Drug skin penetration were tested by Franz diffusion cells, showing an increase of the transdermal flux compared to passive diffusion due to the as-fabricated dissolving MNs having a sufficient mechanical strength to penetrate the skin and form microchannels. The pharmacological study in vivo showed that RB-loaded dissolving MNs significantly alleviated migraine-related response by up-regulating the level of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and down-regulating the levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP). In conclusion, the RB-loaded dissolving MNs have advantages of safety, convenience, and high efficacy over conventional administrations, laying a foundation for the transdermal drug delivery system treatment for acute migraine.

An improved medium for in vitro studies of female reproduction and oviposition in Schistosoma japonicum

BACKGROUND

Schistosomiasis is a disease primarily caused by eggs laid by pathogens called schistosomes. Among the schistosome species infecting humans, Schistosoma japonicum possesses the largest fecundity; each adult female produces an average of 3500 eggs per day. The lack of proper culture conditions supporting continuous oviposition in vitro has precluded detailed investigation of mechanisms regulating sexual maturation and egg production in Schistosoma japonicum.

METHODS

We optimized in vitro culture conditions by replacing reagents that are part of the classical ABC169 medium. Fast Blue BB staining and 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) labeling were applied to observe the sexual development status of the females. In vitro RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to validate the capability of the modified medium. The detection of male β-alanyl-tryptamine (BATT) was conducted using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

RESULTS

Both m-AB169 (1640) and AB169 (1640) media are capable of facilitating the sexual development of paired virgin female S. japonicum, as well as sustaining the mature reproductive organs and egg production of adult S. japonicum for at least 22 days in vitro. M-AB169 (1640) provided a more stable condition for supporting the sexual maturity of female S. japonicum, as evidenced by the consistent initiation of egg production compared with AB169 (1640). Through a comparative analysis of S. japonicum and S. mansoni in diverse media, we demonstrated that these closely related species display distinct demands for their sexual development and egg production, suggesting a potential influence of nutritional factors on the observed variations in host ranges among different schistosome species. Importantly, we successfully identified the presence of the pheromone β-alanyl-tryptamine (BATT) in S. japonicum, previously identified in S. mansoni, highlighting its conserved role in schistosome reproductive development. Through the employment of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) treatment to silence two genes that are involved in either the male (gli1, glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1) or female (vf1, vitellogenic factor 1) side in male-induced female reproductive development of S. mansoni, we confirmed that the combination of m-AB169 (1640) and RNAi technology has the capacity to facilitate in vitro studies of S. japonicum's reproductive and oviposition processes.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a novel medium, m-AB169 (1640), that not only maintains the mature reproductive organs and continuous oviposition of adult female Schistosoma japonicum for up to 22 days but also supports the reproductive development and subsequent egg-laying of virgin females after pairing with male worms. This study provides a valuable in vitro platform for functional studies of the mechanisms underlying the fascinating biology of the female sexual development and egg production of S. japonicum, which may accelerate the development of new strategies targeting schistosome egg production.

Buspirone and Zolmitriptan Combination for Dyskinesia: A Randomized, Controlled, Crossover Study

BACKGROUND

Preclinical evidence suggests that co-administration of the 5-HT1A agonist buspirone and the 5-HT1B/1D agonist zolmitriptan act synergistically to reduce dyskinesia to a greater extent than that achieved by either drug alone.

OBJECTIVES

Assess the therapeutic potential of a fixed-dose buspirone and zolmitriptan combination in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with levodopa-induced dyskinesia.

METHODS

Single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled, two-way crossover study (NCT02439203) of a fixed-dose buspirone/zolmitriptan regimen (10/1.25 mg three times a day) in 30 patients with PD experiencing at least moderately disabling peak-effect dyskinesia.

RESULTS

Seven days of treatment with buspirone/zolmitriptan added to levodopa significantly reduced dyskinesia as assessed by Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale scores versus placebo (mean treatment effect vs. placebo: -4.2 [-6.1, -2.3]) without significantly worsening Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) Part III (ON) scores (mean treatment effect vs. placebo: 0.6 [-0.1, 1.3]). No serious adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

In this proof-of-concept study, addition of buspirone/zolmitriptan to the patients' PD medication regimen significantly reduced dyskinesia severity without worsening motor function. © 2024 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

Integrated Safety Analysis of Ritlecitinib, an Oral JAK3/TEC Family Kinase Inhibitor, for the Treatment of Alopecia Areata from the ALLEGRO Clinical Trial Program

BACKGROUND

The ALLEGRO phase 2a and 2b/3 studies demonstrated that ritlecitinib, an oral JAK3/TEC family kinase inhibitor, is efficacious at doses of ≥ 30 mg in patients aged ≥ 12 years with alopecia areata (AA).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the safety of ritlecitinib in an integrated analysis of four studies in AA.

METHODS

Two cohorts were analyzed: a placebo-controlled and an all-exposure cohort. Proportions and study size-adjusted incidence rates (IRs) of adverse events (AEs) of interest and laboratory abnormalities are reported.

RESULTS

In the placebo-controlled cohort (n = 881; median exposure: 169 days), the proportion of ritlecitinib-treated patients with AEs was 70.2-75.4% across doses versus 69.5% in the placebo group; serious AEs occurred in 0-3.2% versus 1.9% for the placebo. A total of 19 patients permanently discontinued due to AEs (5 while receiving the placebo). In the all-exposure cohort (n = 1294), median ritlecitinib exposure was 624 days [2091.7 total patient-years (PY)]. AEs were reported in 1094 patients (84.5%) and serious AEs in 57 (4.4%); 78 (6.0%) permanently discontinued due to AEs. The most common AEs were headache (17.7%; 11.9/100 PY), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) positive test (15.5%; 9.8/100 PY), and nasopharyngitis (12.4%; 8.2/100 PY). There were two deaths (breast cancer and acute respiratory failure/cardiorespiratory arrest). Proportions (IRs) were < 0.1% (0.05/100 PY) for opportunistic infections, 1.5% (0.9/100 PY) for herpes zoster, 0.5% (0.3/100 PY) for malignancies (excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer), and 0.2% (0.1/100 PY) for major adverse cardiovascular events.

CONCLUSIONS

Ritlecitinib is well tolerated with an acceptable safety profile up to 24 months in patients aged ≥ 12 years with AA (video abstract and graphical plain language summary available).

TRIAL REGISTRIES

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02974868 (date of registration: 11/29/2016), NCT04517864 (08/18/2020), NCT03732807 (11/07/2018), and NCT04006457 (07/05/2019).

Proxy-approach in understanding the bisubstrate activity of strictosidine synthases

Besides tryptamine (1) and secologanin (2), non-cognate substrates also undergo a Pictet-Spengler reaction (PSR) catalyzed by strictosidine synthases (STR) with differing catalytic properties. We characterized the bisubstrate binding aspect of catalysis - order, affinity, and cooperativity - with STR orthologs from Rauvolfia serpentina (RsSTR) and Ophiorrhiza pumila (OpSTR) by an isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) based 'proxy approach' that employed a non-reactive tryptamine analog (m1) to capture its inert ternary complexes with STRs and (2). ITC studies with OpSTR and (2) revealed 'tryptamine-first' cooperative binding with (1) and a simultaneous cooperative binding with (m1). Binding cooperativity among (m1) and (2) towards OpSTR was higher than RsSTR. Crystallographic study of RsSTR-(m1) complex helped to understand the unreactive binding of (m1) in terms of orientation and interactions in the RsSTR pocket. PSR with (m1) was revealed to be energetically unfeasible by the density functional theory (DFT) scans of the first hydrogen abstraction by RsSTR. The effect of pH on the bisubstrate binding to OpSTR was deciphered by molecular dynamics simulations (MDS), which also provided a molecular basis for the stability of complex of OpSTR with (m1) and (2). Therefore, we investigated STRs from a substrate binding perspective to inform drug-design and rational enzyme engineering efforts.

Causal association between systemic lupus erythematosus and the risk of migraine: A Mendelian randomization study

BACKGROUND

Numerous studies have found that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often have comorbid headache, especially migraine. However, the causal relationship between genetically determined SLE and migraine risk remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a Mendelian randomization (MR) study to explore this causal association.

METHODS

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provided the instrumental variables. We selected summary data from GWAS of SLE as exposure (5201 SLE patients and 9066 controls). Both outcome GWAS data were from the Finnish Gene GWAS, including migraine with aura, migraine with aura and triptan purchases, and migraine without aura. The main MR approach was inverse-variance weighted. Pleiotropy and heterogeneity were detected using the MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, MR-Egger intercept test, leave-one-out analysis, and Cochran's Q test.

RESULTS

There was a significant association between genetically predicted SLE susceptibility and increased risk of migraine with aura [odds ratio (OR) = 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.02-1.08, p = .001]. The result was consistent when the outcome was migraine with aura and triptan purchases [OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.02-1.08, p = .001]. However, we found no association between SLE and migraine without aura. Our MR study showed no pleiotropy or heterogeneity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study indicates that genetic susceptibility to SLE increases the incidence of migraine with aura but not migraine without aura. It is necessary for the routine evaluation and early recognition of migraine in patients with SLE in clinical settings.

Hypothetical biosynthetic pathways of pharmaceutically potential hallucinogenic metabolites in Myristicaceae, mechanistic convergence and co-evolutionary trends in plants and humans

The family Myristicaceae harbour mind-altering phenylpropanoids like myristicin, elemicin, safrole, tryptamine derivatives such as N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and 5-methoxy N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) and β-carbolines such as 1-methyl-6-methoxy-dihydro-β-carboline and 2-methyl-6-methoxy-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-β-carboline. This study aimed to systematically review and propose the hypothetical biosynthetic pathways of hallucinogenic metabolites of Myristicaceae which have the potential to be used pharmaceutically. Relevant publications were retrieved from online databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed Central, Science Direct and the distribution of the hallucinogens among the family was compiled. The review revealed that the biosynthesis of serotonin in plants was catalysed by tryptamine 5-hydroxylase (T5H) and tryptophan 5-hydroxylase (TPH), whereas in invertebrates and vertebrates only by tryptophan 5-hydroxylase (TPH). Indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase catalyses the biosynthesis of DMT in plants and the brains of humans and other mammals. Caffeic acid 3-O-methyltransferase catalyses the biosynthesis of both phenylpropanoids and tryptamines in plants. All the hallucinogenic markers exhibited neuropsychiatric effects in humans as mechanistic convergence. The review noted that DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and β-carbolines were natural protectants against both plant stress and neurodegenerative human ailments. The protein sequence data of tryptophan 5-hydroxylase and tryptamine 5-hydroxylase retrieved from NCBI showed a co-evolutionary relationship in between animals and plants on the phylogenetic framework of a Maximum Parsimony tree. The review also demonstrates that the biosynthesis of serotonin, DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, 5-hydroxy dimethyltryptamine, and β-carbolines in plants, as well as endogenous secretion of these compounds in the brain and blood of humans and rodents, reflects co-evolutionary mutualism in plants and humans.

Comparison of 2 Immunosuppression Minimization Strategies in Kidney Transplantation: The ALLEGRO Trial

BACKGROUND

Evidence on the optimal maintenance of immunosuppressive regimen in kidney transplantation recipients is limited.

METHODS

The Amsterdam, LEiden, GROningen trial is a randomized, multicenter, investigator-driven, noninferiority, open-label trial in de novo kidney transplant recipients, in which 2 immunosuppression minimization strategies were compared with standard immunosuppression with basiliximab, corticosteroids, tacrolimus, and mycophenolic acid. In the minimization groups, either steroids were withdrawn from day 3, or tacrolimus exposure was reduced from 6 mo after transplantation. The primary endpoint was kidney transplant function at 24 mo.

RESULTS

A total of 295 participants were included in the intention-to-treat analysis. Noninferiority was shown for the primary endpoint; estimated glomerular filtration rate at 24 mo was 45.3 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in the early steroid withdrawal group, 49.0 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in the standard immunosuppression group, and 44.7 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in the tacrolimus minimization group. Participants in the early steroid withdrawal group were significantly more often treated for rejection ( P = 0.04). However, in this group, the number of participants with diabetes mellitus during follow-up and total cholesterol at 24 mo were significantly lower.

CONCLUSIONS

Tacrolimus minimization can be considered in kidney transplant recipients who do not have an increased immunological risk. Before withdrawing steroids the risk of rejection should be weighed against the potential metabolic advantages.

The effect of casing and gypsum on the yield and psychoactive tryptamine content of Psilocybe cubensis (Earle) Singer

Psychedelic fungi have experienced a surge in interest in recent years. Most notably, the fungal secondary metabolite psilocybin has shown tremendous promise in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. The mushroom species that produce this molecule are poorly understood. Here we sought to examine for the first time, the response of a psilocybin-producing species Psilocybe cubensis to casing (peat moss and vermiculite) and supplementation with gypsum (calcium sulfate dihydrate), two common practices in commercial mushroom cultivation. Mycelial samples of genetically authenticated P. cubensis were used to inoculate popcorn grain bags. The fully colonized bags of popcorn grain (0.15 kg) were transferred to bins of 0.85 kg pasteurized horse manure, with or without 1 cm thick layer of casing and/or 5 % gypsum. Our results indicate that the use of a casing layer significantly increases the biological efficiency (161.5 %), by approximately four fold, in comparison to control (40.5 %), albeit with a slight delay (∼2 days) for obtaining fruiting bodies and a somewhat reduced total tryptamine content (0.85 %) as gauged by High Performance Liquid Chromatography measurements. Supplementation with both casing and gypsum, however, appears to promote maximal yields (896.6 g/kg of dried substrate), with a biological efficiency of 89.6 %, while also maintaining high total tryptamine expressions (0.95 %). These findings, revealing methods for maximizing yield of harvest and expressions of psychoactive tryptamines, may prove useful for both home growers and commercial cultivators of this species, and ultimately support the growth of a robust industry with high quality natural products.

Variations in the oral microbiome and metabolome of methamphetamine users

Drug addiction can seriously damage human physical and mental health, while detoxification is a long and difficult process. Although studies have reported changes in the oral microbiome of methamphetamine (METH) users, the role that the microbiome plays in the process of drug addiction is still unknown. This study aims to explore the function of the microbiome based on analysis of the variations in the oral microbiome and metabolome of METH users. We performed the 16S rRNA sequencing analysis based on the oral saliva samples collected from 278 METH users and 105 healthy controls (CTL). In addition, the untargeted metabolomic profiling was conducted based on 220 samples. Compared to the CTL group, alpha diversity was reduced in the group of METH users and the relative abundances of Peptostreptococcus and Gemella were significantly increased, while the relative abundances of Campylobacter and Aggregatibacter were significantly decreased. Variations were also detected in oral metabolic pathways, including enhanced tryptophan metabolism, lysine biosynthesis, purine metabolism, and steroid biosynthesis. Conversely, the metabolic pathways of porphyrin metabolism, glutathione metabolism, and pentose phosphate were significantly reduced. It was speculated that four key microbial taxa, i.e., Peptostreptococcus, Gemella, Campylobacter, and Aggregatibacter, could be involved in the toxicity and addiction mechanisms of METH by affecting the above metabolic pathways. It was found that with the increase of drug use years, the content of tryptamine associated with neuropsychiatric disorders was gradually increased. Our study provides novel insights into exploring the toxic damage and addiction mechanisms underlying the METH addiction.IMPORTANCEIt was found that with the increase of drug use years, the content of tryptamine associated with neuropsychiatric disorders gradually increased. The prediction models based on oral microbiome and metabolome could effectively predict the methamphetamine (METH) smoking. Our study provides novel insights into the exploration of the molecular mechanisms regulating the toxic damage and addiction of METH as well as new ideas for early prevention and treatment strategies of METH addiction.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists in pregnancy: a disproportionality analysis in VigiBase®

BACKGROUND

Current evidence on the safety of calcitonin gene-related peptide antagonists (CGRP-A) in pregnancy for the treatment of both episodic and chronic migraine is scarce and does not yet provide definitive information. By querying VigiBase®, the World Health Organization global pharmacovigilance database, this study aimed to detect differences in the reporting frequency between CGRP-A and triptans in relation to pregnancy.

METHODS

Disproportionality analyses on de-duplicated safety reports collected in VigiBase® as of 31.05.2023 reporting exposure to CGRP-A in pregnancy with or without pregnancy outcomes. A Reporting Odds Ratio (ROR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as a measure of disproportionality and the threshold for the detection of a signal of disproportionate reporting was set with a 95% CI lower limit > 1.

FINDINGS

Four hundred sixty-seven safety reports reported exposure to CGRP-A in pregnancy, mostly originating from the United States of America (360/467, 77%), more frequently reported by patients (225/467, 48%), who were mainly females (431/467, 92%), and more frequently reported exposure to CGRP-A during pregnancy (400/467, 86%). Compared to triptans, no signals of disproportionate reporting were detected with CGRP-A either for the overall reporting of pregnancy-related safety reports (ROR 0.91, 95% CI 0.78-1.06), for the reporting of pregnancy outcomes (maternal and/or foetal/neonatal, ROR 0.54, 95% CI 0.45-0.66), or for the reporting of foetal/neonatal outcomes (ROR 0.53, 95% CI 0.41-0.68).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that, to date, there are no signals of increased reporting with CGRP-A compared to triptans in relation to pregnancy in VigiBase®. Future pharmacovigilance studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Melatonin as an anti-stress signal: effects on an acute stress model and direct actions on interrenal tissue in goldfish

Background

Melatonin is a key hormone in regulation of circadian rhythms, and involved in many rhythmic functions, such as feeding and locomotor activity. Melatonin reportedly counteracts stress responses in many vertebrates, including fish. However, targets for this action of melatonin and underlying mechanisms remain unknown.

Results

This study reports potential anti-stress properties of melatonin in goldfish (Carassius auratus), with a focus on its effect on plasma cortisol, food intake, and locomotor activity, all of them involved in the responses to stress exposure. Indeed, acute injection of melatonin counteracted stress-induced hypercortisolinemia and reduced food intake. The reduced locomotor activity following melatonin treatment suggests a possible sedative role in fish. To assess whether this anti-stress effects of melatonin involve direct actions on interrenal tissue, in vitro cultures of head kidney (containing the interrenal cortisol-producing tissue) were carried out in presence of ACTH, melatonin, and luzindole, an antagonist of melatonin receptors. Melatonin in vitro reduced ACTH-stimulated cortisol release, an effect attenuated by luzindole; this suggests the presence of specific melatonin receptors in interrenal tissue.

Conclusions

Our data support a role for melatonin as an anti-stress signal in goldfish, and suggest that the interrenal tissue of teleosts may be a plausible target for melatonin action decreasing cortisol production.

Fe3O4-carboxyl modified AuNPs-chitosan@AgNPs as a robust surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrate for rapid analysis of tryptamine and ofloxacin in aquatic products

Rapid and accurate quantification of trace targets in complex samples is an extremely challenging issue in fast analysis field. Herein, we developed Fe3O4-carboxyl modified AuNPs-chitosan@AgNPs composite (Fe3O4-AuNCs-Cs@AgNPs) as a robust surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrate for rapid analysis of tryptamine (TPA) and ofloxacin (OFX). The substrate possessed abundant surficial active sites of -NH2, -OH and -COOH groups. The substrate exhibited good SERS activity for several different model molecules with enhancement factors (EFs) of 1.2 × 108 for 4-mercaptobenzoic acid. The substrate presented good stability for detection of TPA at pH 6.0 and OFX at pH 8.0, and relative standard deviations less than 5.0% for intra-batch and 6.0% for inter-batch. Also, the substrate possessed good time-stability within 50 days. The substrate integrated advantages of efficient enrichment, fast magnetic separation, and strong localized surface plasmon resonance properties of AgNPs. With versatile merits, TPA and OFX can be enriched and separated within 10 min. SERS methods for analysis of TPA and OFX were developed with detection limits of 35.5 μg/L and 15.8 μg/L, respectively. TPA and OFX were actually found in aquatic product, and recoveries during sample analysis were 89.3%-110% for TPA and 89.3%-96.8% for OFX. The analytical process completed within 30 min via enrichment-separation-detection all-in-one, exhibiting great potential for rapid analysis of toxic biogenic monoamines and antibiotic residues in food.

Patients with episodic migraine without aura have an increased rate of delayed discounting

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore decision-making impulsivity and its neural mechanisms in patients with episodic migraine without aura (EMoA).

BACKGROUND

Previous evidence indicates increased impulsivity and altered reward processing in patients with chronic migraine and medication overuse; however, whether the same holds true for those with EMoA is unclear.

METHODS

Patients newly diagnosed with EMoA (n = 51) and healthy controls (HC, n = 45) were recruited. All participants completed delay discounting task, cognitive assessments, a questionnaire for headache profile, and resting-state function magnetic resonance imaging scans. Resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) between the regions of interest and the entire brain was explored.

RESULTS

Patients with EMoA showed a steeper subjective discount rate than HCs (F = 4.74, p = .032), which was positively related to a history of migraines (r = .742, p < .001). RSFC among the ventral striatum (vSTR), ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and occipital cortex was lower in patients with EMoA than in control groups, which was correlated with history (r' = .294, p = .036) and subjective discount rate (r' = .380, p = .006). Additionally, discounting rates and RSFC between the vSTR and occipital regions were significantly abnormal in the triptan group than the non-triptan group. Mediating effect analysis indicated a significant mediating effect in the change in RSFC between the vSTR and occipital status, history of triptan use, and subjective discount rate.

CONCLUSION

This study further elucidated that an increase in delayed discounting rate exists in patients with EMoA and is related to the abnormality of the value processing network.

Trajectories of sentiment in 11,816 psychoactive narratives

OBJECTIVE

Can machine learning (ML) enable data-driven discovery of how changes in sentiment correlate with different psychoactive experiences? We investigate by training models directly on text testimonials from a diverse 52-drug pharmacopeia.

METHODS

Using large language models (i.e. BERT) and 11,816 publicly-available testimonials, we predicted 28-dimensions of sentiment across each narrative, and then validated these predictions with adjudication by a clinical psychiatrist. BERT was then fine-tuned to predict biochemical and demographic information from these narratives. Lastly, canonical correlation analysis linked the drugs' receptor affinities with word usage, revealing 11 statistically-significant latent receptor-experience factors, each mapped to a 3D cortical Atlas.

RESULTS

These methods elucidate a neurobiologically-informed, sequence-sensitive portrait of drug-induced subjective experiences. The models' results converged, revealing a pervasive distinction between the universal psychedelic heights of feeling in contrast to the grim, mundane, and personal experiences of addiction and mental illness. Notably, MDMA was linked to "Love", DMT and 5-MeO-DMT to "Mystical Experiences" and "Entities and Beings", and other tryptamines to "Surprise", "Curiosity" and "Realization".

CONCLUSIONS

ML methods can create unified and robust quantifications of subjective experiences with many different psychoactive substances and timescales. The representations learned are evocative and mutually confirmatory, indicating great potential for ML in characterizing psychoactivity.

Beneficial effect of 5-HT1b/1d agonist on Parkinson's disease by modulating glutamate and reducing deposition of α-synuclein

The given investigation examined the neuroprotection role of 5-HT1b/1d agonist in reserpine induced Parkinson's disease (PD) in male Wistar rats. PD was induced in rats by reserpine at 5 mg/kg ip for 3 days and thereafter the rats were provided with the following treatments for 4 days, zolmitriptan (ZLM) group (30 mg/kg ip); STD group (levodopa + carbidopa, 200 + 5 mg/kg ip); ZLM + GA group (zolmitriptan, 30 mg/kg ip and glutamic acid, 1.5 mg/kg); ZLM + DX group (zolmitriptan, 30 mg/kg ip and dextromethorphan, 20 mg/kg ip). All the groups were then assessed for cognitive and motor functions at the end of the protocol. Moreover, oxidative stress parameters and histopathological changes were observed in rats of all treatment groups. Deposition of α-synuclein in the brain tissue was observed by silver staining. Data of this investigation revealed that motor and cognitive functions were improved in the ZLM-treated group compared with the negative control group, which was observed to be reversed in ZLM + GA group. Treatment with ZLM ameliorated oxidative stress and histopathological changes in the brain tissue of PD rats. Further, ZLM reduced the deposition of α-synuclein in PD rats, which reversed in ZLM + GA-treated group. This study concludes by stating that 5-HT1b/1d agonist can prevent neurodegeneration and reduce oxidative stress in PD rats. The probable underlying mechanism of such an effect of 5-HT1b/1d agonist could be by regulating the deposition of α-synuclein and reducing the expression of NMDA receptor.

Modulation of Melatonin Receptors Regulates Reproductive Physiology: The Impact of Agomelatine on the Estrus Cycle, Gestation, Offspring, and Uterine Contractions in Rats

Agomelatine is a pharmaceutical compound that functions as an agonist for melatonin receptors, with a particular affinity for the MT1 and MT2 receptor subtypes. Its mode of action is integral to the regulation of diverse physiological processes, encompassing the orchestration of circadian rhythms, sleep-wake cycles, and mood modulation. In the present study, we delve into the intricate interplay between agomelatine and the modulation of estrus cycles, gestation periods, offspring numbers, and uterine contractions, shedding light on their collective impact on reproductive physiology. Both in vivo and in vitro experiments were performed. Wistar Albino rats, divided into four groups: two non-pregnant groups (D1 and D2) and two pregnant groups (G1 and G2). The D1 and G1 groups served as control groups, while the D2 and G2 groups received chronic agomelatine administration (10 mg/kg). Uterine contractions were assessed in vitro using myometrial strips. Luzindole, a melatonin receptor antagonist, was employed to investigate the pathway mediating agomelatine's effects on uterine contractions. In in vivo studies, chronic agomelatine administration extended the diestrus phase (p<0.05) in non-pregnant rats, prolonged the gestational period (p<0.01), and increased the fetal count (p<0.01) in pregnant rats. Additionally, agomelatine reduced plasma oxytocin and prostoglandin-E levels (p<0.01) during pregnancy. In vitro experiments showed that agomelatine dose-dependently inhibited spontaneous and oxytocin-induced myometrial contractions. Luzindole (2 µM) reverse the agomelatine-induced inhibition of myometrial contractions. These findings suggest that agomelatine holds the potential to modulate diverse reproductive parameters during the gestational period, influencing estrus cycling, gestational progression, offspring development, and the orchestration of uterine contractions.

Brain targeting of zolmitriptan via transdermal terpesomes: statistical optimization and in vivo biodistribution study by 99mTc radiolabeling technique

Zolmitriptan (ZT) is a potent second generation triptan, commonly administered to alleviate migraine attacks. ZT suffers various limitations; massive hepatic first pass metabolism, P-gp efflux transporters susceptibility, and limited (≈40%) oral bioavailability. Transdermal route of administration could be explored to enhance its bioavailability. A 23.31 full factorial design was constructed to developed twenty-four ZT loaded terpesomes via thin film hydration technique. The influence of drug: phosphatidylcholine ratio, terpene type, terpene concentration and sodium deoxycholate concentration on the characterization of the developed ZT-loaded terpesomes was assessed. Particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP), ZT entrapment efficiency (EE%), drug loading (DL%) and drug released percentages after 6 h (Q6h) were the selected dependent variables. Further morphological, crystallinity, and in-vivo histopathological studies were conducted for the optimum terpesomes (T6). 99mTc-ZT and 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel were radio-formulated for in-vivo biodistribution studies in mice following transdermal application of 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel, relative to 99mTc-ZT oral solution. T6 terpesomes [comprising ZT and phosphatidylcholine (1:15), cineole (1% w/v) and sodium deoxycholate (0.1% w/v)] were optimum with respect to spherical PS (290.2 nm), ZP (-48.9 mV), EE% (83%), DL% (3.9%) and Q6h (92.2%) with desirability value of 0.85. The safety of the developed T6 terpesomes was verified by the in-vivo histopathological studies. 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel showed maximum brain concentration (5 ± 0.1%ID/ g) with highest brain to blood ratio of 1.92 ± 0.1 at 4 h post transdermal application. Significant improvement of ZT brain relative bioavailability (529%) and high brain targeting efficiency (315%) were revealed with 99mTc-ZT-T6 gel, which confirmed successful ZT delivery to the brain. Terpesomes could be safe, successful systems capable of improving ZT bioavailability with high brain targeting efficiency.

Ability of Latilactobacillus curvatus FAM25164 to produce tryptamine: Identification of a novel tryptophan decarboxylase

Screenings of cheese isolates revealed that the Latilactobacillus curvatus strain FAM25164 formed tryptamine and tyramine. In the present study, it was studied whether a tryptophan decarboxylase, which has rarely been described in bacteria, could be involved in the production of tryptamine. The genome of strain FAM25164 was sequenced and two amino acid decarboxylase genes of interest were identified by sequence comparisons and gene context analyses. One of the two genes, named tdc1, showed 99% identity to the tdcA gene that has recently been demonstrated by knockout studies to play a role in tyramine formation in L. curvatus. The second gene, named tdc2, was predicted to have an amino acid decarboxylase function, but could not be assigned to a metabolic function. Its protein sequence has 51% identity with Tdc1 and the tdc2 gene is part of a gene cluster not often found in publicly available genome sequences of L. curvatus. Among others, the gene cluster includes a tryptophan-tRNA ligase, indicating that tdc2 plays a role in tryptophan metabolism. To study decarboxylase activity, tdc1 and tdc2 were cloned and expressed as His6-tagged proteins in Escherichia coli. The recombinant E. coli expressing tdc1 produced tyramine, whereas E. coli expressing tdc2 produced tryptamine. The purified recombinant Tdc1 protein decarboxylated tyrosine and 2,3-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine (l-DOPA), but not tryptophan and phenylalanine. In contrast, the purified Tdc2 was capable of decarboxylating tryptophan but not l-DOPA, tyrosine, or phenylalanine. This study describes a novel bacterial tryptophan decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.105) that may be responsible for tryptamine formation in cheese.

[Determination of amanita peptide and tryptamine toxins in wild mushrooms by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry]

The discovery and identification of mushroom toxins has long been an important area in the fields of toxicology and food safety. Mushrooms are widely favored for their culinary and medicinal value; however, the presence of potentially lethal toxins in some species poses a substantial challenge in ensuring their safe consumption. Therefore, the development of a robust and sensitive analytical method is necessary for accurately identifying the risks associated with mushroom consumption. The study of mushroom toxins, which are characterized by their diversity and substantial variations in chemical structures, present a considerable challenge for achieving precise and high-throughput analysis. To address this issue, the present study employed a robust approach combining a solid-phase extraction (SPE) purification technique with high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) to establish an analytical method for the detection and quantification of five amatoxins and two tryptamines (psilocybin and bufotenine) present in some mushrooms. Several optimization procedures were undertaken, including optimizing the chromatographic conditions, mass spectrometric parameters, and sample extraction and purification. The procedure involved the extraction of dry mushroom powder with methanol containing 0.3% formic acid, followed by purification using a strong cation exchange cartridge (SCX). The analytes were separated on a T3 chromatographic column (100 mm×2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) using mobile phases of acetonitrile and 5 mmol/L ammonium acetate solution containing 0.1% formic acid. The multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode was employed for data acquisition. Amatoxins were quantified using matrix-matched standard calibration curves, whereas isotopic internal standards were used to quantify tryptamine. The results showed that all seven toxins exhibited good linearities (r2>0.99) within the optimized concentration range. The limits of detection (LODs) for bufotenine, psilocybin, and amatoxins were determined as 2.0, 5.0, and 10 μg/kg, respectively, while the limits of quantification (LOQs) were determined as 5.0, 10, and 20 μg/kg, respectively. The LOD and LOQ values further underscore the ability of the method to detect minute quantities of toxins, making it particularly well suited for screening food samples for potential contamination. Using dried shiitake mushroom powder as the matrix, the recoveries of the two tryptamines ranged from 80.6% to 117%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) ranging from 1.73% to 5.98%, while the recoveries of amatoxins ranged from 71.8% to 115%, with RSDs varying from 2.14% to 9.92% at the three concentration levels. The consistent and satisfactory recoveries of amatoxins and tryptamines demonstrated the ability of this method to accurately quantify the target analytes even in a complex matrix. Comparison with the results of supplementary test method recognized by State Administration for Market Regulation for food (BJS 202008) demonstrated comparable results, indicating no significant differences (p>0.05) in amatoxin contents. The newly developed method is rapid, accurate, precise, meets the required standards, and is suitable for the detection of seven toxins in wild mushrooms. As part of the application of this method, a comprehensive investigation of the distribution of toxins in wild mushrooms from Fujian Province was undertaken. In this study, 59 wild mushroom samples from nine cities were collected in the Fujian province. Species identification was conducted using rDNA-internal transcribed space (rDNA-ITS) molecular barcode technology, which revealed the presence of toxins in the two samples. Notably, one specimen named Amanita fuligineoides contained α-amanitin, β-amanitin, and phalloidin in quantities of 607, 377, and 69.0 mg/kg, respectively. Additionally, another sample, identified as Tricholomataceae, had a psilocybin concentration of 12.6 mg/kg.

QuEChERS-assisted ion pair chromatography/fluorescence detection method for determination of antimigraine combination therapy in rabbit plasma samples: Application to a pharmacokinetic study

Antimigraine combination therapy has shown significant effectiveness in relieving pain, as well as reducing the frequency, duration, and severity of migraine attacks if compared to a single migraine medication. This work represents the first analytical investigation for emphasizing the synergistic effect of combining ophthalmic beta blockers with triptans in migraine treatment. The presented study was conducted to investigate the pharmacokinetic profile of almotriptan (ALM), a serotonin (5-HT1B/1D) receptor agonist used to treat migraine, when coadministered with timolol (TIM) or verapamil (VER) which are considered as an adjuvant therapy in migraine prevention. Ion pair chromatography (IPC) with online fluorescence detection was applied to simultaneously detect and quantify the binary mixtures of ALM/TIM and ALM/VER in rabbit plasma samples. The separation was achieved using a Platinum C18 analytical column with a mobile phase composed of methanol: 35 mmol L-1 phosphate buffer solution containing 10 mmol L-1 SDS at pH = 6.8 (60:40 v/v). Several parameters were evaluated during the optimization of separation conditions including mobile phase composition, buffer concentration, buffer pH and concentration of ion pair reagent. A thorough investigation of the retention mechanism was performed, and the results showed that Coulomb forces were the main contributors to the overall retention mechanism, which may be hydrophobically assisted. QuEChERS extraction technique was utilized to extract the investigated drugs from plasma samples and a detailed study was carried out to optimize partition/extraction solvents, pH, extraction salts, sample volume and clean-up step. The method had a limit of detection and quantitation of 5.6 and 16.9 ng mL-1 for ALM in ALM/TIM mixture and 2.5 and 7.6 ng mL-1 for ALM in ALM/VER mixture, with an overall recovery not less than 95.22%. This newly proposed method offers a faster alternative to existing chromatographic methods for extraction and determination of ALM in binary mixtures with TIM or VER in rabbit plasma and provides a platform for studying pharmacokinetic parameters. The coadministration of either TIM or VER with ALM resulted in a notable rise in Cmax (maximum plasma concentration) and AUC (area under the plasma concentration-time curve) of ALM, implying possible alterations in the absorption and overall exposure of ALM.

A mechanistic insight for the biosynthesis of N,N-dimethyltryptamine: An ONIOM theoretical approach

Psychoactive natural products are potent serotonergic agonists capable of modulating brain functions such as memory and cognition. These substances have shown therapeutic potential for treating various mental disorders. The fact that N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) is produced endogenously in several plants and animals, including humans, makes it particularly attractive. As an amino acid-derived alkaloid, the DMT biosynthetic pathway is part of the L-tryptophan biochemical cascade and can be divided into the decarboxylation by an aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) for tryptamine formation and the subsequent double-methylation by the indolethylamine-N-methyltransferase (INMT) through the cofactor S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM), a methyl donor. Unlike the decarboxylation mechanism of L-tryptophan, the molecular details of the double methylation of tryptamine have not been elucidated. Therefore, we propose an in silico model using molecular dynamics (MD), non-covalent interaction index (NCI) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the ONIOM QM:MM B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p):MM/UFF level of theory. Based on the obtained energetic data, the potential energy surface (PES) indicates an SN2 mechanism profile, with the second methylation energy barrier being the rate-limiting step with δG‡=60kJ∙mol-1 larger than the previous methylation, following the NCI analysis showing more repulsive interactions for the second transition state. In addition, the hybridization information of each reaction step provides geometric details about the double-methylation.

Non-CGRP Antagonist/Non-Triptan Options for Migraine Disease Treatment: Clinical Considerations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Although the association between CGRP and migraine disease is well-known and studied, therapies can target other pathways to minimize migraine symptoms. It is important to understand the role of these medications as options for migraine treatment and the varied mechanisms by which symptoms can be addressed. In the present investigation, the role of non-CGRP antagonist/non-triptan options for migraine disease therapy is reviewed, including NSAIDs, ß-blockers, calcium channel blockers, antidepressants, and antiepileptics. Pharmacologic therapies for both acute symptoms and prophylaxis are evaluated, and their adverse effects are compared.

RECENT FINDINGS

At present, the Food and Drug Association has approved the beta-blockers propranolol and timolol and the anti-epileptic drugs topiramate and divalproex sodium for migraine prevention. Clinicians have other options for evidence-based treatment of episodic migraine attacks. Treatment decisions should consider contraindications, the effectiveness of alternatives, and potential side effects. NSAIDs are effective for the acute treatment of migraine exacerbations with caution for adverse effects such as gastrointestinal upset and renal symptoms. Beta-blockers are effective for migraine attack prophylaxis but are associated with dizziness and fatigue and are contraindicated in patients with certain co-morbidities, including asthma, congestive heart failure, and abnormal cardiac rhythms. Calcium channel blockers do not show enough evidence to be recommended as migraine attack prophylactic therapy. The anti-epileptic drugs topiramate and divalproex sodium and antidepressants venlafaxine and amitriptyline are effective for migraine exacerbation prophylaxis but have associated side effects. The decision for pharmacologic management should ultimately be made following consideration of risk vs. benefit and discussion between patient and physician.

Biosynthesis of kratom opioids

Mitragynine, an analgesic alkaloid from the plant Mitragyna speciosa (kratom), offers a safer alternative to clinical opioids such as morphine, owing to its more favorable side effect profile. Although kratom has been traditionally used for stimulation and pain management in Southeast Asia, the mitragynine biosynthesis pathway has remained elusive. We embarked on a search for mitragynine biosynthetic genes from the transcriptomes of kratom and other members of the Rubiaceae family. We studied their functions in vitro and in vivo. Our investigations led to the identification of several reductases and an enol methyltransferase that forms a new clade within the SABATH methyltransferase family. Furthermore, we discovered a methyltransferase from Hamelia patens (firebush), which catalyzes the final step. With the tryptamine 4-hydroxylase from the psychedelic mushroom Psilocybe cubensis, we accomplished the four-step biosynthesis for mitragynine and its stereoisomer, speciogynine in both yeast and Escherichia coli when supplied with tryptamine and secologanin. Although we have yet to pinpoint the authentic hydroxylase and methyltransferase in kratom, our discovery completes the mitragynine biosynthesis. Through these breakthroughs, we achieved the microbial biosynthesis of kratom opioids for the first time. The remarkable enzyme promiscuity suggests the possibility of generating derivatives and analogs of kratom opioids in heterologous systems.

ATR-FTIR combined with machine learning for the fast non-targeted screening of new psychoactive substances

Due to the diversity and fast evolution of new psychoactive substances (NPS), both public health and safety are threatened around the world. Attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), which serves as a simple and rapid technique for targeted NPS screening, is challenging with the rapid structural modifications of NPS. To achieve the fast non-targeted screening of NPS, six machine learning (ML) models were constructed to classify eight categories of NPS, including synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones, phenethylamines, fentanyl analogues, tryptamines, phencyclidine types, benzodiazepines, and "other substances" based on the 1099 IR spectra data items of 362 types of NPS collected by one desktop ATR-FTIR and two portable FTIR spectrometers. All these six ML classification models, including k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), extra trees (ET), voting, and artificial neural networks (ANNs) were trained through cross validation, and f1-scores of 0.87-1.00 were achieved. In addition, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was performed on 100 synthetic cannabinoids with the most complex structural variation to investigate the structure-spectral property relationship, which leads to a summary of eight synthetic cannabinoid sub-categories with different "linked groups". ML models were also constructed to classify eight synthetic cannabinoid sub-categories. For the first time, this study developed six ML models, which were suitable for both desktop and portable spectrometers, to classify eight categories of NPS and eight synthetic cannabinoids sub-categories. These models can be applied for the fast, accurate, cost-effective, and on-site non-targeted screening of newly emerging NPS with no reference data available.

Pharmacological interventions for acute attacks of vestibular migraine

BACKGROUND

Vestibular migraine is a form of migraine where one of the main features is recurrent attacks of vertigo. These episodes are often associated with other features of migraine, including headache and sensitivity to light or sound. The unpredictable and severe attacks of vertigo can lead to a considerable reduction in quality of life. The condition is estimated to affect just under 1% of the population, although many people remain undiagnosed. A number of pharmacological interventions have been used, or proposed to be used, at the time of a vestibular migraine attack to help reduce the severity or resolve the symptoms. These are predominantly based on treatments that are in use for headache migraine, with the belief that the underlying pathophysiology of these conditions is similar.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of pharmacological interventions used to relieve acute attacks of vestibular migraine.

SEARCH METHODS

The Cochrane ENT Information Specialist searched the Cochrane ENT Register; Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); Ovid MEDLINE; Ovid Embase; Web of Science; ClinicalTrials.gov; ICTRP and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the search was 23 September 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs in adults with definite or probable vestibular migraine comparing triptans, ergot alkaloids, dopamine antagonists, antihistamines, 5-HT3 receptor antagonists, gepants (CGRP receptor antagonists), magnesium, paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with either placebo or no treatment.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were: 1) improvement in vertigo (assessed as a dichotomous outcome - improved or not improved), 2) change in vertigo (assessed as a continuous outcome, with a score on a numerical scale) and 3) serious adverse events. Our secondary outcomes were: 4) disease-specific health-related quality of life, 5) improvement in headache, 6) improvement in other migrainous symptoms and 7) other adverse effects. We considered outcomes reported at three time points: < 2 hours, 2 to 12 hours, > 12 to 72 hours. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence for each outcome.  MAIN RESULTS: We included two RCTs with a total of 133 participants, both of which compared the use of triptans to placebo for an acute attack of vestibular migraine. One study was a parallel-group RCT (of 114 participants, 75% female). This compared the use of 10 mg rizatriptan to placebo. The second study was a smaller, cross-over RCT (of 19 participants, 70% female). This compared the use of 2.5 mg zolmitriptan to placebo.  Triptans may result in little or no difference in the proportion of people whose vertigo improves at up to two hours after taking the medication. However, the evidence was very uncertain (risk ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.66 to 1.07; 2 studies; based on 262 attacks of vestibular migraine treated in 124 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We did not identify any evidence on the change in vertigo using a continuous scale. Only one of the studies assessed serious adverse events. No events were noted in either group, but as the sample size was small we cannot be sure if there are risks associated with taking triptans for this condition (0/75 receiving triptans, 0/39 receiving placebo; 1 study; 114 participants; very low-certainty evidence).  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for interventions used to treat acute attacks of vestibular migraine is very sparse. We identified only two studies, both of which assessed the use of triptans. We rated all the evidence as very low-certainty, meaning that we have little confidence in the effect estimates and cannot be sure if triptans have any effect on the symptoms of vestibular migraine. Although we identified sparse information on potential harms of treatment in this review, the use of triptans for other conditions (such as headache migraine) is known to be associated with some adverse effects.  We did not identify any placebo-controlled randomised trials for other interventions that may be used for this condition. Further research is needed to identify whether any interventions help to improve the symptoms of vestibular migraine attacks and to determine if there are side effects associated with their use.

Binding order and apparent binding affinity in the bisubstrate activity of strictosidine synthase

The Rauvolfia serpentina strictosidine synthase (RsSTR) enzyme with a bisubstrate activity is central to monoterpenoid indole alkaloid (MIA) biosynthesis pathways, as it stereoselectively condenses the terpenoid and indole metabolites, secologanin and tryptamine, respectively, into strictosidine. Here, cooperativity was aimed to be deciphered by proxy with help of a non-substrate tryptamine analog (decoy compound) to allow a bisubstrate binding without reaction, facilitating an isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC)-based analysis of the effect of the presence of one substrate on the binding of the other. Tryptamine and tryptamine analog bound to RsSTR with similar binding affinities (Kd). On the contrary, ITC revealed an exothermic titration of secologanin to RsSTR but could not fully quantify it because of weak binding. Interestingly, secologanin bound to RsSTR with an apparent binding affinity (Kd,app) of 212.1 μM in the presence of the decoy compound, as opposed to a lack of binding to RsSTR alone, strongly suggesting a "tryptamine-first" mode of binding. Conversely, binding of tryptamine analog in the presence of secologanin was enhanced >3-fold. Further, molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) analyses revealed the conformational flexibility needed for such cooperativity. Our binding studies complemented with the computational analyses suggested cooperativity in the ordered bisubstrate binding to RsSTR. Therefore, understanding thermodynamics and cooperativity in the binding of substrates or ligands would help to unravel the mechanism of enzyme catalysis and ligand-receptor interactions, and would guide the redesign of enzymes for enhanced properties and the design of inhibitors against enzymes and receptors.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

The pathway of melatonin biosynthesis in common wheat (Triticum aestivum)

Melatonin (Mel) is a multifunctional biomolecule found in both animals and plants. In plants, the biosynthesis of Mel from tryptophan (Trp) has been delineated to comprise of four consecutive reactions. However, while the genes encoding these enzymes in rice are well characterized no systematic evaluation of the overall pathway has, as yet, been published for wheat. In the current study, the relative contents of six Mel-pathway-intermediates including Trp, tryptamine (Trm), serotonin (Ser), 5-methoxy tryptamine (5M-Trm), N-acetyl serotonin (NAS) and Mel, were determined in 24 independent tissues spanning the lifetime of wheat. These studies indicated that Trp was the most abundant among the six metabolites, followed by Trm and Ser. Next, the candidate genes expressing key enzymes involved in the Mel pathway were explored by means of metabolite-based genome-wide association study (mGWAS), wherein two TDC genes, a T5H gene and one SNAT gene were identified as being important for the accumulation of Mel pathway metabolites. Moreover, a 463-bp insertion within the T5H gene was discovered that may be responsible for variation in Ser content. Finally, a ASMT gene was found via sequence alignment against its rice homolog. Validations of these candidate genes were performed by in vitro enzymatic reactions using proteins purified following recombinant expression in Escherichia coli, transient gene expression in tobacco, and transgenic approaches in wheat. Our results thus provide the first comprehensive investigation into the Mel pathway metabolites, and a swift candidate gene identification via forward-genetics strategies, in common wheat.

Extensive Collection of Psychotropic Mushrooms with Determination of Their Tryptamine Alkaloids

Since not only psilocybin (PSB) but also PSB-containing mushrooms are used for psychedelic therapy and microdosing, it is necessary to know their concentration variability in wild-grown mushrooms. This article aimed to determine the PSB, psilocin (PS), baeocystin (BA), norbaeocystin (NB), and aeruginascin (AE) concentrations in a large sample set of mushrooms belonging to genera previously reported to contain psychotropic tryptamines. Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry was used to quantify tryptamine alkaloids in the mushroom samples. Most mushroom collections were documented by fungarium specimens and/or ITS rDNA/LSU/EF1-α sequencing. Concentrations of five tryptamine alkaloids were determined in a large sample set of 226 fruiting bodies of 82 individual collections from seven mushroom genera. For many mushroom species, concentrations of BA, NB, and AE are reported for the first time. The highest PSB/PS concentrations were found in Psilocybe species, but no tryptamines were detected in the P. fuscofulva and P. fimetaria collections. The tryptamine concentrations in mushrooms are extremely variable, representing a problem for mushroom consumers due to the apparent risk of overdose. The varied cocktail of tryptamines in wild mushrooms could influence the medicinal effect compared to therapy with chemically pure PSB, posing a serious problem for data interpretation.

Seven New Alkaloids Isolated from Marine Flavobacterium Tenacibaculum discolor sv11

Marine flavobacterium Tenacibaculum discolor sv11 has been proven to be a promising producer of bioactive nitrogen-containing heterocycles. A chemical investigation of T. discolor sv11 revealed seven new heterocycles, including the six new imidazolium-containing alkaloids discolins C-H (1−6) and one pyridinium-containing alkaloid dispyridine A (7). The molecular structure of each compound was elucidated by analysis of NMR and HR-ESI-MS data. Furthermore, enzymatic decarboxylation of tryptophan and tyrosine to tryptamine and tyramine catalyzed by the decarboxylase DisA was investigated using in vivo and in vitro experiments. The antimicrobial activity of the isolated compounds (1−7) was evaluated. Discolin C and E (1 and 3) exhibited moderate activity against Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis DSM10, Mycobacterium smegmatis ATCC607, Listeria monocytogenes DSM20600 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC25923, with MIC values ranging from 4 μg/mL to 32 μg/mL.

A clinical study to observe the efficacy and safety of Besunyen Detox Tea for constipation

INTRODUCTION

Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional gastrointestinal disease and is one of the most common outpatient diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the traditional Chinese medicine Besunyen Detox Tea (BDT) for FC and to compare the effect of BDT between constipation patients with and non-dryness-heat syndrome.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This multicenter, prospective, observational registry study included 1000 participants diagnosed with FC. This study will collaborate with 3 comprehensive hospitals and 15 community hospitals and recruit patients into the registry between July 2022 and July 2023. After enrollment, we will collect the individual characteristics of each patient, anthropometric data and general condition, bowel movement, patient assessment of constipation symptoms, patient assessment of constipation quality of life, TCM syndrome scale, and time to take the laxative product again after treatment. We will also record adverse events and economic indicators at each visit.

DISCUSSION

This is the first registry-based study to collect real-world data of participants diagnosed with FC receiving BDT treatment. The results of this registry may also reflect these characteristics and provide direct clinical evidence to verify the importance of syndrome differentiation and treatment for the use of TCM health care products.

A molecularly-imprinted SERS sensor based on a TiO2@Ag substrate for the selective capture and sensitive detection of tryptamine in foods

Herein, a molecularly imprinted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensor was developed for the selective capture and sensitive detection of tryptamine in foods. The SERS sensor exploited silver nanoparticle-decorated TiO₂ (TiO₂@Ag) substrates for Raman signal enhancement via synergistic effect of electromagnetic enhancement and photoinduced charge-transfer, whilst surface functionalization with the molecularly imprinted polymer ensured selective tryptamine capture. The SERS spectrum of tryptamine on the sensor closely matched that predicted by density functional simulations. The SERS intensity for tryptamine on the developed TiO₂@Ag@MIP sensor increased linearly with the logarithm of the tryptamine concentration over the range of 10^-6-10^-2 mol L^-1, with a LOD of 4.85 × 10^-7 mol L^-1. Tryptamine was detected in a spiked white vinegar sample, and its recoveries were in the range of 92.00%-111.40%. The SERS sensor could be used for the detection of tryptamine in actual samples.

Preliminary Investigation of Biogenic Amines in Type I Sourdoughs Produced at Home and Bakery Level

During a survey for isolating sourdough lactic acid bacteria (LAB), 20 dough samples produced at the bakery level (BL) or home-made (HM) were collected. An enzyme-based colorimetric method revealed a total biogenic amines (BAs) concentration in the range 41.4–251.8 ppm for six (three BL and three HM) sourdoughs characterised by unpleasant odours. Eight BAs generally investigated in foods were identified and quantified from these six samples by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). Only one HM sample contained almost all analysed BAs. Tryptamine was exclusively detected in HM sourdoughs (0.71–24.1 ppm). Putrescine, tryptamine, spermidine, and spermine were the only BAs detected in BL sourdoughs. MiSeq Illumina analysis was applied to study the total bacterial community of sourdoughs. LAB accounted from 67.89 to 92.17% of total bacterial diversity, and Levilactobacillus brevis was identified in all six sourdoughs. Leuconostoc, Pediococcus, and Weissella were also dominant. Plate counts detected neither the presence of Pseudomonas nor members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, and LAB levels were, on average, barely 5.89 Log CFU/g for BL, and 7.33 Log CFU/g for HM sourdoughs. Data suggested that the microorganisms mainly imputable of BAs formation in sourdough are members of the LAB community.

A new 5-bromoindolehydrazone anchored diiodosalicylaldehyde derivative as efficient fluoro and chromophore for selective and sensitive detection of tryptamine and F- ions: Applications in live cell imaging

A novel indole hydrazone tagged moiety, 2-((5-bromo-1H-indol-2-yl) methylene) hydrazono) methyl)-4, 6-diiodophenol (BHDL) has been developed for the selective and sensitive detection of biogenic tryptamine and F^- ions. The binding dexterity of probe BHDL towards F^-/tryptamine (TryptA) has been investigated by UV-visible/fluorescence spectroscopy. In the presence of TryptA, probe exhibits strong enhancement in the emission band at 433 nm and the band at 555 nm underwent a blue shift accompanied by a decrease in intensity by the inhibition of Excited State Intramolecular Proton Transfer (ESIPT) on BHDL. Excitingly, complexation with F^- ions as well triggers an enhancement in a fluorescence band at 430 nm with the concomitant disappearance of the emission band at 555 nm due to the inhibition of ESIPT and deprotonation process initiated by the hydrogen bonding complex formation. Further, Density Functional Theoretical (DFT) calculations have been performed to support the mechanism functioned on the probe BHDL in the presence of TryptA/F^-.

PREVALENCE AND PREDICTORS OF FATIGUE IN PATIENTS WITH EPISODIC MIGRAINE

OBJECTIVE

The aim: We studied prevalence, intensity and predictors of fatigue in patient with episodic migraine (EM).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Materials and methods: We enrolled in the study 85 patients with EM and 88 healthy subjects. Fatigue was identified according to Fatigue Severity Scale. We recorded socio-demographic factors: gender, age, marital status, formal education level, employment status, smoking. Anxiety and depression symptoms were assessed by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, daytime sleepiness was measured by Epworth scale. The co-morbidities included history of low back pain during last year, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and abdominal obesity. It was analyzed usage of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, combined analgesics, triptans for abortive migraine treatment.

RESULTS

Results: Fatigue prevalence in patients with EM was 41,2%, which was significantly higher than in healthy controls (11,4%). Fatigue intensity in episodic migraineurs was 5,7 (4,9-6,8) and did not differ significantly from fatigue intensity in healthy individuals - 4,9 (4,5-5,8). In multivariate logistic regression analysis independent predictors of fatigue were only migraine-related factors (number of migraine headache days per month, headache severity and migraine prodrome presence). There was weak direct correlation between the number of headache migraine days per month and fatigue intensity.

CONCLUSION

Conclusions: 1. Fatigue prevalence in patients with EM is significantly higher than in healthy controls. 2. In patients with EM fatigue has migraine-related predictors.

[ALLeGRO, a constructive partnership around gerontechnologies]

The ageing of the French population is a challenge for the years to come. Gerontechnology represents an asset in the face of this challenge. Surprisingly, the hospital environment is not very well equipped. This is why the university hospital center of Angers has created the ALLEGRO living lab in order to promote the development of gerontechnology in the health sector with the active participation of users.

Arylalkalamine N-acetyltransferase-1 functions on cuticle pigmentation in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti

Arylalkylamine N-acetyltransferase (aaNAT) catalyzes the acetylation of dopamine, 5-hydroxy-tryptamine, tryptamine, octopamine, norepinephrine and other arylalkylamines to form respective N-acetyl-arylalkylamines. Depending on the products formed, aaNATs are involved in a variety of physiological functions. In the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti, a number of aaNATs and aaNAT-like proteins have been reported. However, the primary function of each individual aaNAT is yet to be identified. In this study we investigated the function of Ae. aegypti aaNAT1 (Ae-aaNAT1) in cuticle pigmentation and development of morphology. Ae-aaNAT1 transcripts were detected at all stages of development with highest expressions after pupation and right before adult eclosion. Ae-aaNAT1 mutant mosquitoes generated using clustered regularly interspaced palindromic repeats (CRISPR) - CRISPR-associated protein 9 had no obvious effect on larval and pupal development. However, the mutant mosquitoes exhibited a roughened exoskeletal surface, darker cuticles, and color pattern changes suggesting that Ae-aaNAT1 plays a role in development of the morphology and pigmentation of Ae. aegypti adult cuticles. The mutant also showed less blood feeding efficiency and lower fecundity when compared with the wild-type. The mutation of Ae-aaNAT1 influenced expression of genes involved in cuticle formation. In summary, Ae-aaNAT1 mainly functions on cuticular pigmentation and also affects blood feeding efficiency and fecundity.

Comprehensive population-based survey of migraine in Japan: results of the ObserVational Survey of the Epidemiology, tReatment, and Care Of MigrainE (OVERCOME [Japan]) study

OBJECTIVE

The ObserVational survey of the Epidemiology, tReatment, and Care Of MigrainE study in Japan (OVERCOME [Japan]) aimed to provide an up-to-date assessment of migraine epidemiology in Japan.

METHODS

OVERCOME (Japan) was a cross-sectional, population-based web survey of Japanese adults recruited from consumer panels. People with active migraine (met modified International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition [ICHD-3] criteria or had a self-reported physician diagnosis of migraine) answered questions about headache features, physician consultation patterns, and migraine medication use. The burden and impact of migraine were assessed using Migraine Disability Assessment (MIDAS) and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment scales.

RESULTS

In total, 231,747 respondents accessed the screener, provided consent, and were eligible for the survey. The migraine group included 17,071 respondents (mean ± SD age 40.7 ± 13.0 years; 66.5% female). ICHD-3 migraine criteria were met by 14,033 (82.2%) respondents; 9667 (56.6%) self-reported a physician diagnosis of migraine. The mean number of monthly headache days was 4.5 ± 5.7 and pain severity (0-10 scale) was 5.1 ± 2.2. In the migraine group, 20.7% experienced moderate to severe migraine-related disability (MIDAS score ≥ 11). Work productivity loss was 36.2% of work time missed, including 34.3% presenteeism. Only 57.4% of respondents had ever sought medical care for migraine/severe headache. Most respondents (75.2%) were currently using over-the-counter medications for migraine; 36.7% were using prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and only 14.8% were using triptans. Very few (9.2%) used preventive medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Unmet needs for migraine health care among people with migraine in Japan include low rates of seeking care and suboptimal treatment.

[Determination of Three Types of New Psychoactive Tryptamines in Blood by QuEChERS Combined with UPLC-MS/MS]

Objective To establish a method combining QuEChERS and ultra-high liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry （UPLC-MS/MS） for rapid screening and testing of three types of new psychoactive tryptamines in human blood： 5-MeO-DALT, 5-MeO-MiPT and 5-MeO-DiPT. Methods The effects of the type of extractant, the type and dosage of salting-out agent, and the dosage of adsorbent on the test results of the three tryptamines were investigated. Blood samples were processed by QuEChERS method and then determined by UPLC-MS/MS. Results The linear relationships of 5-MeO-DALT, 5-MeO-MiPT and 5-MeO-DiPT in human blood were good in the range of 0.5-100, 0.5-100 and 0.2-100 ng/mL, respectively, with their coefficients higher than 0.99. The limits of detection （LODs） were 0.1-0.2 ng/mg. The recoveries ranged from 84.86% to 94.57%. Intra-day and inter-day precisions were good. Conclusion The method is simple, rapid, easy to operate and has a high recovery. It is suitable for the qualitative and quantitative study of tryptamines in blood and can provide the reference for public security organs to deal with related cases.

The case of tryptamine and serotonin in plants: a mysterious precursor for an illustrious metabolite

Indolamines are tryptophan-derived specialized metabolites belonging to the huge and ubiquitous indole alkaloids group. Serotonin and melatonin are the best-characterized members of this family, given their many hormonal and physiological roles in animals. Following their discovery in plants, the study of plant indolamines has flourished and their involvement in important processes, including stress responses, growth and development, and reproduction, has been proposed, leading to their classification as a new category of phytohormones. However, the complex indolamine puzzle is far from resolved, particularly the biological roles of tryptamine, the early serotonin precursor representing the central hub of many downstream indole alkaloids. Tryptophan decarboxylase, which catalyzes the synthesis of tryptamine, strictly regulates the flux of carbon and nitrogen from the tryptophan pool into the indolamine pathway. Furthermore, tryptamine accumulates to high levels in the reproductive organs of many plant species and therefore cannot be classed as a mere intermediate but rather as an end product with potentially important functions in fruits and seeds. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of tryptamine and its close relative serotonin, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of the functions of, and mutual relations between, these indolamines and their biosynthesis pathways in plants.

Thermoplastic electrodes as a new electrochemical platform coupled to microfluidic devices for tryptamine determination

This study reports a new electrochemical method for tryptamine determination using a paper-based microfluidic device and a thermoplastic electrode (TPE) as an amperometric detector. Tryptamine (Tryp) is a biogenic amine present in drinks and foods. Even though this compound has some beneficial effects on human health, the ingestion of foods with high concentrations of Tryp may be detrimental, which justifies the need for monitoring the Tryp levels. The TPEs were made from 50% carbon black and 50% polycaprolactone and characterized by cyclic voltammetry, demonstrating enhancement in the analytical response compared to other carbon composites. TPEs also showed a better antifouling effect for Tryp compared to conventional glassy carbon electrodes. Once characterized, the electrodes were incorporated into the microfluidic device to determine Tryp in water and cheese samples using amperometry. A linear range was achieved from 10 to 75 μmol L^-1 with limits of detection and quantification of 3.2 and 10.5 μmol L^-1, respectively. Therefore, this work shows promising findings of the electrochemical determination of Tryp, bringing valuable results regarding the electrochemical properties of thermoplastic composites.

Lasmiditan mechanism of action - review of a selective 5-HT1F agonist

Migraine is a leading cause of disability worldwide, but it is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. Research on the pathophysiology of this neurological disease led to the discovery that calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a key neuropeptide involved in pain signaling during a migraine attack. CGRP-mediated neuronal sensitization and glutamate-based second- and third-order neuronal signaling may be an important component involved in migraine pain. The activation of several serotonergic receptor subtypes can block the release of CGRP, other neuropeptides, and neurotransmitters, and can relieve the symptoms of migraine. Triptans were the first therapeutics developed for the treatment of migraine, working through serotonin 5-HT1B/1D receptors. The discovery that the serotonin 1F (5-HT1F) receptor was expressed in the human trigeminal ganglion suggested that this receptor subtype may have a role in the treatment of migraine. The 5-HT1F receptor is found on terminals and cell bodies of trigeminal ganglion neurons and can modulate the release of CGRP from these nerves. Unlike 5-HT1B receptors, the activation of 5-HT1F receptors does not cause vasoconstriction.The potency of different serotonergic agonists towards 5-HT1F was correlated in an animal model of migraine (dural plasma protein extravasation model) leading to the development of lasmiditan. Lasmiditan is a newly approved acute treatment for migraine in the United States and is a lipophilic, highly selective 5-HT1F agonist that can cross the blood-brain barrier and act at peripheral nervous system (PNS) and central nervous system (CNS) sites.Lasmiditan activation of CNS-located 5-HT1F receptors (e.g., in the trigeminal nucleus caudalis) could potentially block the release of CGRP and the neurotransmitter glutamate, thus preventing and possibly reversing the development of central sensitization. Activation of 5-HT1F receptors in the thalamus can block secondary central sensitization of this region, which is associated with progression of migraine and extracephalic cutaneous allodynia. The 5-HT1F receptors are also elements of descending pain modulation, presenting another site where lasmiditan may alleviate migraine. There is emerging evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction might be implicated in the pathophysiology of migraine, and that 5-HT1F receptors can promote mitochondrial biogenesis. While the exact mechanism is unknown, evidence suggests that lasmiditan can alleviate migraine through 5-HT1F agonist activity that leads to inhibition of neuropeptide and neurotransmitter release and inhibition of PNS trigeminovascular and CNS pain signaling pathways.

Alkaloid and iridoid glucosides from Palicourea luxurians (Rubiaceae: Palicoureeae) indicate tryptamine- and tryptophan-iridoid alkaloid formation apart the strictosidine pathway

The first phytochemical examination of extracts from leaves and stem bark of Palicourea luxurians (Rusby) Borhidi yielded two undescribed and one known alstrostine derivative together with the oxindole alkaloid javaniside as well as with 5α-carboxystrictosidine. Additionally, five iridoids and four secologanin derived isolation artifacts have been isolated. Lack of strictosidine and its follow-up metabolization products suggested that the Pictet-Spenglerase in P. luxurians does barely or not catalyze the formation of strictosidine. Against this background the biosynthesis of javaniside and 5α-carboxystrictosidine is discussed with regard to possible reaction mechanisms. Similarly, P. luxurians used an independent biosynthetic pathway to produce alstrostine type structures from secologanin and tryptamine in a 2:1 ratio. The structure of isoalstrostine A, which was isolated for the first time, allowed the refinement of a previously reported pathway to the alstrostine type carbon skeleton as well as to some follow-up metabolization products. In spite of various biosynthetic pathways incorporating secologanin to gain different types of tryptophan- and tryptamine-iridoid alkaloids, P. luxurians accumulates this compound as well a couple of further metabolized iridoids deriving from loganin and secologanin.

Observations on the Psychotogenic Effect of N-N Diethyltryptamine, a New Tryptamine Derivative

Since Evarts, Fabing and Marrazzi reported on bufotenine and Szára on N-N dimethyltryptamine (DMT) the tryptamine derivatives have been arousing increased interest. A team of the above Institute was the first to test DMT and N-N diethyltryptamine (DET) in man. These compounds were synthesized by Szára, by the method of Speeter and Anthony. DET was then synthesized again and analysed pharmacologically by Borsi and Lénárt.