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Alasmari A, Alhejaili A, Alharbi H, Alzahrani M, Zughaibi T. Challenges and insights: Methamphetamine analysis in post-mortem putrefied human tissues in a hot climate. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:101990. [PMID: 38384477 PMCID: PMC10879005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.101990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The production and distribution of methamphetamine (meth) is often associated with illegal and clandestine laboratories, posing significant challenges for law enforcement and public health efforts. Global concern is growing over meth-related fatalities, as its high potential for abuse and detrimental impact on health make it an important issue in the realm of substance abuse and addiction. This concern has notably increased in Saudi Arabia, where the hot climate adds complexity to the analysis due to challenges posed by putrefaction. There is still an urgent need to enhance the screening capabilities of many toxicology laboratories to determine the cause of death, whether it be due to drug use or natural causes. Aim This research aimed to investigate meth concentrations in post-mortem putrefied human solid tissues in a hot climate and comparing meth metabolite concentrations in cases where signs of putrefaction were observed versus those with no signs of putrefaction. The objective is to assist criminal investigations by analyzing meth and its metabolite concentrations. Methods This retrospective cohort study involved postmortem samples from human subjects during autopsies conducted between 2016 and 2022. It focused on analyzing meth and its metabolite concentrations using LC-MS/MS analysis. Data on demographics, medical history, age, location, putrefaction, and other drug use were retrieved from medical records. Results Out of the 27 reported samples of meth and its metabolite amphetamine in both putrefied and non-putrefied biological fluids and tissues, only 8 (30%) exhibited signs of putrefaction between 2016 and 2022. Despite decomposition, detectable concentrations of meth and amphetamine were sufficient to determine the cause of death and the source of amphetamines. Conclusion This study found no significant difference in concentrations between putrefied and non-putrefied cases, underscoring the importance of multiple sample testing during autopsy for accurate interpretation. Each case is unique and must be considered individually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Alasmari
- Special Toxicological Analysis Unit, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine DPLM, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, P.O. Box 3354, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amani Alhejaili
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hassan Alharbi
- Poison Control and Forensic Chemistry Center, Ministry of Health, Jeddah 21176, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Torki Zughaibi
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Kaviyani F, Khorrami M, Heydari H, Namvar M. Understanding the laps and relapse process: in-depth interviews with individual who use methamphetamine. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:41. [PMID: 37420278 PMCID: PMC10327377 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00548-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The high rate of treatment failure is a common problem in the treatment of methamphetamine use. Therefore, the aim of this research is to identify the most common causes of relapse in methamphetamine users. METHOD This is a qualitative study and of content analysis type. Information was collected using purposeful sampling and through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The statistical population consisted of all people with the methamphetamine-use disorder in 2022 who were in the abstinence phase and participated in the meetings of the Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Center of Bojnord. Theoretical sampling continued until data saturation. A total of 10 one-on-one interviews were conducted, each lasting between 45 to 80 min. Additionally, two focus group interviews were conducted with six members in each group, lasting between 95 to 110 min and data saturation was achieved through these interviews. Data analysis was done using the content analysis method (Sterling). Recoding and Holsti's method were used to measure reliability; validity was then calculated through content validity assessment. FINDINGS The results of the thematic analysis showed that laps and relapse factors were identified and categorized into 5 organizing themes, including negative emotional states, positive emotional states, negative physical states, interpersonal factors, and environmental factors, consisting of 39 basic themes. RESULT Identifying the risk factors leading to laps and relapse in methamphetamine users and increasing the knowledge in this field can lay the groundwork for preventive therapeutic interventions in this community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Kaviyani
- Addiction and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khorrami
- Addiction and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran.
| | - Hamid Heydari
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, Iran
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Methamphetamine-related forensic autopsy cases in a Japanese prefecture over a 7-year period: Characteristics of deaths and blood concentrations. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2023; 60:102181. [PMID: 36470025 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2022.102181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the actual conditions of methamphetamine (MA)-related death is important from the perspectives of criminal justice and public health. In this report, we review 104 cases of MA-related death handled by our departments between January 2014 and December 2020. Based on information from police and autopsy examinations, we classified the cases into the following categories: "accidental intoxication" ("MA only" and "multiple drugs or alcohol"), "fatal disease" ("definitively MA-related," "possibly MA-related," and "unlikely MA-related"), "accident," "suicide," "homicide," and "undetermined." The total number and annual trends for each category and their respective femoral blood concentrations were investigated. "Fatal disease" was the most common category (48 cases), followed by "suicide" (25 cases), "accidental intoxication" (14 cases), and "accident" (11 cases). "Definitively MA-related" in which MA may have played a role in their onset or exacerbation accounted for the majority of "fatal disease": 12 cases of heart disease, 4 cases of aortic dissection, 12 cases of cerebral hemorrhage, and 4 cases of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Cases classified as "definitively MA-related" died with lower femoral blood concentrations of MA compared with "MA only." Cases with "fatal disease" might have been misdiagnosed as "death by natural causes" if a proper autopsy and toxicology examinations were not performed. In death investigations, it is necessary to keep in mind that there are some MA-related deaths, and efforts should be made to increase awareness about the risk of death in using this drug.
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Daiwile AP, Jayanthi S, Cadet JL. Sex differences in methamphetamine use disorder perused from pre-clinical and clinical studies: Potential therapeutic impacts. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 137:104674. [PMID: 35452744 PMCID: PMC9119944 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) use, and misuse are associated with severe socioeconomic consequences. METH users develop tolerance, lose control over drug taking behaviors, and suffer frequent relapses even during treatment. The clinical course of METH use disorder is influenced by multifactorial METH-induced effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems. Although these METH-induced consequences are observed in humans of all ages, races, and sexes, sexual dimorphism in these outcomes have been observed in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. In this review, we have provided a detailed presentation of the sex differences reported in human and animal studies. We have therefore presented data that identified the influences of sex on METH pharmacokinetics, METH-induced changes in behaviors, cognitive processes, structural changes in the brain, and the effects of the drug on neurotransmitter systems and molecular mechanisms. Finally, we highlighted the potential significance of sex as a critical variable that should be considered when planning the development of new pharmacotherapeutic approaches against MEH use disorder in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul P Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Subramaniam Jayanthi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
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Daiwile AP, Sullivan P, Jayanthi S, Goldstein DS, Cadet JL. Sex-Specific Alterations in Dopamine Metabolism in the Brain after Methamphetamine Self-Administration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084353. [PMID: 35457170 PMCID: PMC9027322 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methamphetamine (METH) use disorder affects both sexes, with sex differences occurring in behavioral, structural, and biochemical consequences. The molecular mechanisms underlying these differences are unclear. Herein, we used a rat model to identify potential sex differences in the effects of METH on brain dopaminergic systems. Rats were trained to self-administer METH for 20 days, and a cue-induced drug-seeking test was performed on withdrawal days 3 and 30. Dopamine and its metabolites were measured in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), dorsal striatum (dSTR), and hippocampus (HIP). Irrespective of conditions, in comparison to females, male rats showed increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) in the PFC, dSTR, and HIP; increased cys-dopamine in NAc; and increased 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol (DOPET) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) in dSTR. Males also showed METH-associated decreases in DA levels in the HIP but increases in the NAc. Female rats showed METH-associated decreases in DA, DOPAL, and DOPAC levels in the PFC but increases in DOPET and DOPAC levels in the HIP. Both sexes showed METH-associated decreases in NAc DA metabolites. Together, these data document sex differences in METH SA-induced changes in DA metabolism. These observations provide further support for using sex as an essential variable when discussing therapeutic approaches against METH use disorder in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul P. Daiwile
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (A.P.D.); (S.J.)
| | - Patricia Sullivan
- Autonomic Medicine Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (P.S.); (D.S.G.)
| | - Subramaniam Jayanthi
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (A.P.D.); (S.J.)
| | - David S. Goldstein
- Autonomic Medicine Section, NINDS Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (P.S.); (D.S.G.)
| | - Jean Lud Cadet
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Research Branch, NIDA Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Baltimore, MD 21224, USA; (A.P.D.); (S.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-443-740-2656
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Allaeian Jahromi Z, Meshkibaf MH, Naghdi M, Vahdati A, Makoolati Z. Methamphetamine Downregulates the Sperm-Specific Calcium Channels Involved in Sperm Motility in Rats. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:5190-5196. [PMID: 35187334 PMCID: PMC8851642 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.1c06242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Calcium channels play essential roles in sperm motility. A family of sperm-specific cation channels including CatSper1-4 has been identified as voltage-dependent ion channels that act as sperm motility regulators. Methamphetamine is known to cause apoptosis in seminiferous tubules and affect sperm quality. This research was conducted to investigate the effects of methamphetamine on expression of the CatSper family and Mvh genes. Thirty-six adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups of nine rats each: the control and experimental groups 1, 2, and 3. The control group received no solvents or drugs, but experimental groups 1, 2, and 3 were daily given 0.2 mL of a solution by gavage that contained 0.5, 1, and 2 mg of methamphetamine, respectively, for 45 days. The rats were then anesthetized, and one testis removed from each rat was used in a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's posthoc test were used to analyze the data at the P < 0.05 significance level. Treatment with methamphetamine resulted in decreased testis and epididymis weights compared to the control rats. The results showed that the mRNA fold expression level of the CatSper family and Mvh genes decreased significantly in experimental groups compared to that in the control (P < 0.05). Methamphetamine decreased the expression levels of the CatSper and Mvh genes, and thus, it seemed that it can increase the probability of infertility through sperm motility reduction by lowering the expression levels of these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Allaeian Jahromi
- Department
of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Fars 11341-73631, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Meshkibaf
- Department
of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 74616-86688, Iran
| | - Majid Naghdi
- Department
of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 74616-86688, Iran
| | - Akbar Vahdati
- Department
of Biology, Shiraz Branch, Islamic Azad
University, Shiraz 71937-1135, Iran
| | - Zohreh Makoolati
- Department
of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa 74616-86688, Iran
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Tran MTN, Luong QH, Le Minh G, Dunne MP, Baker P. Psychosocial Interventions for Amphetamine Type Stimulant Use Disorder: An Overview of Systematic Reviews. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:512076. [PMID: 34220557 PMCID: PMC8245759 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.512076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) use is a global concern due to increased usage and the harm to physical, mental, and social well-being. The objective of this overview of systematic reviews is to summarise trial results of psychosocial interventions and describe their efficacy and safety. Methods: We searched seven bibliographic databases to November 2020 for systematic reviews examining ATS misuse treatment by psychosocial interventions. Given the apparent incompleteness of the included reviews, we undertook a supplemental meta-analysis of all eligible primary studies. Results: We included 11 systematic reviews of moderate to high quality and 39 primary studies which assessed the outcomes of psychosocial interventions on people who use ATS. The key findings include: (1) There were conflicting results about the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions among reviews, which may confuse decision-makers in selecting treatment. (2) In the supplemental meta-analysis, relative to usual care (only counselling or self-help materials), membership of a psychological intervention group was associated with an important reduction in drug usage [risk ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% CI: 0.75 to 0.85]. Patients in psychological interventions used injectables substantially less [odds ratio (OR) 0.35, 95% CI: 0.24 to 0.49]. The risk of unsafe sex in the psychosocial intervention group was lower than in the control group (RR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.34 to 0.71). The combination of therapies reduced 1.51 day using drugs in the preceding 30 days (95% CI: -2.36 to -0.67) compared to cognitive behavioural therapy intervention alone. (3) Compared to usual care, cognitive behavioural therapy was less likely to be retained at follow-up (RR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.97; high-quality evidence). However, the additional of contingency management strategy can make an important improvement upon retention (RR 1.42, 95%CI: 1.25 to 1.62). Authors' Conclusions: Integrated models are more effective than a single-treatment strategy. Comprehensive and sustained psychosocial interventions can help to reduce use of ATS and other drugs, risk behaviours and mental disorders, and significantly improve treatment adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Thi Ngoc Tran
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse-HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Nursing and Midwifery Faculty, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Quang Hung Luong
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Giang Le Minh
- Center for Training and Research on Substance Abuse-HIV, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Michael P. Dunne
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Faculty of Law, Australian Centre of Health Law Research, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Institute for Community Health Research, Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Hue University, Hue, Vietnam
| | - Philip Baker
- Faculty of Health, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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