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Montanari E, Madeo G, Pichini S, Busardò FP, Carlier J. Acute Intoxications and Fatalities Associated With Benzimidazole Opioid (Nitazene Analog) Use: A Systematic Review. Ther Drug Monit 2022; 44:494-510. [PMID: 35149665 DOI: 10.1097/ftd.0000000000000970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Synthetic benzimidazole opioids (BOs) are highly potent µ-opioid receptor agonists with heroin-like effects. Isotonitazene was first available in 2019 in the drug market, although new analogs have multiplied recently. The authors aimed to identify BO use trends and gather toxicological data from BO-related cases to assist in clinical and forensic investigations. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed and Scopus databases were accessed in October 2021 to identify scientific reports of BO-related intoxication and fatalities. Publication dates, case descriptions, symptoms, autopsy findings, and concentrations of BOs and metabolites in biological matrices were compiled. RESULTS Data from 8 case reports with 93 fatalities involving isotonitazene ( n = 65), metonitazene ( n = 20), etonitazepyne ( N -pyrrolidino etonitazene) ( n = 8), flunitazene ( n = 4), and/or butonitazene ( n = 1), and 1 acute intoxication involving etonitazepyne were collected. Autopsy findings included pulmonary congestion/high lung weight (66%), cardiomegaly/high cardiac weight (39%), cerebral edema (22%), gastric contents in the airways (22%), and organ congestion (22%). Median peripheral blood concentrations were 1.7 ng/mL for isotonitazene (0.4-9.5 ng/mL, n = 13), 5.4 ng/mL for metonitazene (0.52-33 ng/mL, n = 17), 5.4 ng/mL for etonitazepyne (2.4-8.3 ng/mL, n = 2), 1.3 ng/mL for flunitazene (0.58-2.1 ng/mL, n = 2), and 3.2 ng/mL for butonitazene ( n = 1). Central nervous system depressants were almost always coadministered. CONCLUSIONS Isotonitazene was predominant in cases from 2019 to mid-2020 and was replaced by metonitazene after scheduling in the United States. Typical findings on opioid overdoses have been reported. Peripheral blood concentrations were consistent with a potency similar to that of fentanyl. These results must be interpreted carefully, considering the scarcity of reports on BO-related cases and drug co-exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Montanari
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Graziella Madeo
- Brain&Care, Neuromodulation and Clinical Research Unit, Rimini, Italy
| | - Simona Pichini
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, National Centre on Addiction and Doping, Rome, Italy; and
| | - Francesco Paolo Busardò
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | - Jeremy Carlier
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Excellence of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
- Unit of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal Medicine, Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic, and Orthopedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Waters K. Pharmacologic Similarities and Differences Among Hallucinogens. J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 61 Suppl 2:S100-S113. [PMID: 34396556 DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hallucinogens constitute a unique class of substances that cause changes in the user's thoughts, perceptions, and mood through various mechanisms of action. Although the serotonergic hallucinogens such as lysergic acid diethylamide, psilocybin, and N,N-dimethyltryptamine have been termed the classical hallucinogens, many hallucinogens elicit their actions through other mechanisms such as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonism, opioid receptor agonism, or inhibition of the reuptake of monoamines including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The aim of this article is to compare the pharmacologic similarities and differences among substances within the hallucinogen class and their impact on physical and psychiatric effects. Potential toxicities, including life-threatening and long-term effects, will be reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Waters
- School of Pharmacy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Dolgova OB, Grekhov IA. [Prognostic criteria for the forensic diagnosis of acute drug poisoning at the stage of study of corpse]. Sud Med Ekspert 2020; 63:22-26. [PMID: 32686386 DOI: 10.17116/sudmed20206304122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
We studied the morphological criteria that allow us to assess the need to send biological material to a forensic chemical study based on the results of a forensic medical study of a corpse in cases of suspected acute drug poisoning. According to a statistical analysis, it was determined that under the condition of death with a fast agonal period, the most characteristic prognostic signs of acute drug poisoning are young age, the presence of traces of injections and/or «wells», lung mass more than 1050 g, the sum of the size of the spleen exceeding 25. The use of a combination of the three indicated characteristic signs encountered in acute drug poisoning can increase the likelihood of detecting acute poisoning with psychoactive substances. Taking into account the tendency of recent years to increase the age of drug users, the possibility of using exclusively morphological characters has been objectively proven while maintaining the specificity of the diagnosis of acute drug poisoning.
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Affiliation(s)
- O B Dolgova
- Ural State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - I A Grekhov
- Ural State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of Russia, Yekaterinburg, Russia
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Kafle P, Shrestha B, Mandal A, Sharma D, Bhandari M, Amgai B, Khalid M, Sidhu JS, Solaimanzadeh I, Gayam V, Surana R, Dufresne A. Ecstasy induced acute systolic heart failure and Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy in a young female: a rare case report and literature review. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2019; 9:336-339. [PMID: 31528284 PMCID: PMC6735291 DOI: 10.1080/20009666.2019.1650593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecstasy or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an illicit recreational drug. Effects include euphoria, increased sensory awareness, and central stimulation. Although various arrhythmias, as well as dilated cardiomyopathy, have been previously noted to occur with chronic use, cardiac toxicities are seldom reported in an acute setting. Herein, we present a 28-year-old female patient with no prior medical condition that presented to the Emergency Department with chest pain following intake of MDMA. Electrocardiographic findings, as well as laboratories, were suggestive of possible Acute Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction. Upon admission, cardiac catheterization revealed patent coronary arteries. Stark regional wall motion abnormalities were observed along with reduced ejection fraction. Acute systolic heart failure was treated with standard medical management. Subsequent reassessment of ventricular function with Echocardiography revealed marked improvement. This article describes a case of MDMA induced heart failure, including details of evaluation, management, and monitoring of patient progress. It brings further attention to potential acute harmful effects of MDMA on cardiac function and viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paritosh Kafle
- Department of Internal Medicine, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Binav Shrestha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Amrendra Mandal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Dikshya Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Manjul Bhandari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Birendra Amgai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Mazin Khalid
- Department of Internal Medicine, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Jasdeep S Sidhu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Isaac Solaimanzadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Vijay Gayam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Rahul Surana
- Department of Internal Medicine, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Alix Dufresne
- Department of Cardiology, Interfaith Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
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Bonsignore A, Barranco R, Morando A, Fraternali Orcioni G, Ventura F. MDMA Induced Cardio-toxicity and Pathological Myocardial Effects: A Systematic Review of Experimental Data and Autopsy Findings. Cardiovasc Toxicol 2019; 19:493-499. [DOI: 10.1007/s12012-019-09526-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Morentin B, Callado LF, García-Hernández S, Bodegas A, Lucena J. The role of toxic substances in sudden cardiac death. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.remle.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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MDMA induces cardiac contractile dysfunction through autophagy upregulation and lysosome destabilization in rats. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2014; 1842:691-700. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2014.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 12/26/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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Fulceri F, Ferrucci M, Lenzi P, Soldani P, Bartalucci A, Paparelli A, Gesi M. MDMA (ecstasy) enhances loud noise-induced morphofunctional alterations in heart and adrenal gland. Microsc Res Tech 2011; 74:874-87. [PMID: 23939676 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.20971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2010] [Accepted: 10/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Noise is an environmental stressor increasingly more present in modern life and, in particular, in a variety of recreational contexts. The aim of this work is to show the effects of noise on the myocardium and adrenal gland, through a careful review of the literature dealing with the peripheral effects of noise exposure in experimental and clinical studies. Noise induces adverse effects in human health, principally involving the cardiovascular and autonomic nervous systems, and the endocrine apparatus. Several factors in recreational environments potentially worsen the effects induced by loud noise. Among these, the intake of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is frequently associated with noise exposure in recreational situations, because of its high compliance within social and relaxation settings. For this reason, MDMA is defined as a club drug--as its intake by young people often occurs in association with other factors, such as aggregation, high temperatures, and noise. It is known that self-administration of MDMA by humans causes severe toxicity. In particular, the myocardium is affected early after MDMA intake--resulting in tachycardia, hypertension, and arrhythmia. Furthermore, MDMA alters the activity of the adrenal glands by elevating catecholamines and corticosterone levels. This review shows that combining MDMA and loud noise exposure potentiates the effects that are produced by each single stimulant alone as seen in experimental animal models. The convergence of the effects of prolonged loud noise exposure and the consumption of MDMA on the same system might explain the sudden fatal events that happen in recreational situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Fulceri
- Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Tiangco DA, Halcomb S, Lattanzio FA, Hargrave BY. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine alters left ventricular function and activates nuclear factor-Kappa B (NF-κB) in a time and dose dependent manner. Int J Mol Sci 2010; 11:4843-63. [PMID: 21614177 PMCID: PMC3100831 DOI: 10.3390/ijms11124743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2010] [Revised: 11/04/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is an illicit psychoactive drug with cardiovascular effects that have not been fully described. In the current study, we observed the effects of acute MDMA on rabbit left ventricular function. We also observed the effects of MDMA on nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity in cultured rat ventricular myocytes (H9c2). In the rabbit, MDMA (2 mg/kg) alone caused a significant increase in heart rate and a significant decrease in the duration of the cardiac cycle. Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) by pretreatment with L-NAME (10 mg/kg) alone caused significant dysfunction in heart rate, systolic pressure, diastolic pressure, duration of relaxation, duration of cardiac cycle, and mean left ventricular pressure. Pretreatment with L-NAME followed by treatment with MDMA caused significant dysfunction in additional parameters that were not abnormal upon exposure to either compound in isolation: duration of contraction, inotropy, and pulse pressure. Exposure to 1.0 mM MDMA for 6 h or 2.0 μM MDMA for 12 h caused increased nuclear localization of NF-κB in cultured H9c2 cells. The current results suggest that MDMA is acutely detrimental to heart function and that an intact cardiovascular NOS system is important to help mitigate early sequelae in some functional parameters. The delayed timing of NF-κB activation suggests that this factor may be relevant to MDMA induced cardiomyopathy of later onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Tiangco
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Sapna Halcomb
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
| | - Frank A. Lattanzio
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, 23510, USA
| | - Barbara Y. Hargrave
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23529, USA
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Kaye S, Darke S, Duflou J. Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-related fatalities in Australia: demographics, circumstances, toxicology and major organ pathology. Drug Alcohol Depend 2009; 104:254-61. [PMID: 19604654 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2008] [Revised: 05/12/2009] [Accepted: 05/13/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine the demographic characteristics, circumstances, toxicology and major organ pathology of MDMA-related deaths in Australia. METHODS Retrospective review of cases in which MDMA was a cause of death, as identified from the National Coronial Information System. RESULTS 82 cases over a 5-year period were identified. The majority of decedents were male (83%), with a median age of 26 years. Deaths were predominantly due to drug toxicity (82%), with MDMA the sole drug causing death in 23% of cases, and combined drug toxicity in 59% of cases. The remaining deaths (18%) were primarily due to pathological events/disease or injury, with MDMA a significant contributing condition. Cardiovascular pathology, typically atherosclerosis, was detected in 58% of decedents, with moderate-severe atherosclerosis in 23% of cases. The prevalence of such pathology is higher than that expected among similarly aged members of the general population. Cerebrovascular pathology, primarily cerebral haemorrhage and hypoxic damage, was present in 12% of cases. CONCLUSIONS MDMA has contributed to a clinically significant number of deaths in Australia. The prevalence of cardiovascular pathology was similar to that among methamphetamine and cocaine fatalities. Whilst cardiovascular pathology may reflect the use of other stimulants, the cardiotoxic properties of MDMA have been well-documented. Future studies examining MDMA-related morbidity and mortality in the context of other risk factors are recommended. Overall, the current study highlights the need to educate users about the potential harms of MDMA use, particularly that in conjunction with other stimulants, opioids and alcohol, which are known to increase overall toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharlene Kaye
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, NSW, Australia.
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12
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Diercks DB, Fonarow GC, Kirk JD, Jois-Bilowich P, Hollander JE, Weber JE, Wynne J, Mills RM, Yancy C, Peacock WF. Illicit stimulant use in a United States heart failure population presenting to the emergency department (from the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry Emergency Module). Am J Cardiol 2008; 102:1216-9. [PMID: 18940295 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjcard.2008.06.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2008] [Revised: 06/17/2008] [Accepted: 06/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Illicit stimulant drug use may have a profound clinical impact in acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). The chronic use of cocaine and methamphetamine may lead to overt cardiomyopathy and ADHF. The Acute Decompensated Heart Failure National Registry Emergency Module (ADHERE-EM) collected data on patients presenting to emergency departments with ADHF at 83 geographically dispersed hospitals in the United States. This registry was queried to determine the rate of self-reported illicit drug use in emergency department patients presenting with ADHF and compare these patients with those without illicit drug use. The registry enrolled 11,258 patients with ADHF with drug use data from January 2004 to March 2006. Of these patients, 594 (5.3%) self-reported current or past stimulant drug use. Compared with nonusers, these patients were more likely to be younger (median age 49.7 vs 76.1 years), to be African American (odds ratio 11.9, 95% confidence interval 9.8 to 14.4), and to have left ventricular ejection fractions <40% (odds ratio 3.4, 95% confidence interval 2.8 to 4.2). Admitted users had no difference in mortality (adjusted odds ratio 0.83, 95% confidence interval 0.25 to 2.72) compared with nonusers. In conclusion, data from ADHERE-EM suggest that a clinically important percentage of patients with ADHF report the use of illicit stimulant drugs. Although these patients are younger with a greater degree of LV dysfunction, they did not have greater risk-adjusted mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah B Diercks
- University of California, Davis, Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA.
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Physiological and subjective responses to controlled oral 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine administration. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2008; 28:432-40. [PMID: 18626271 PMCID: PMC2587205 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0b013e31817ef470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
A randomized, within-subject, double-blind, inpatient study of the physiological and subjective effects of oral 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) was conducted in human volunteers with previous MDMA experience. Placebo, low (1.0 mg/kg), and high (1.6 mg/kg) doses of oral MDMA were administered in a controlled inpatient setting at least 7 days apart to 6 African American (4 male, 2 female) and 2 white (both male) volunteers (mean [SE] age, 21.1 [0.8] years; weight, 77.2 [7.7] kg). 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine doses were 46 to 150 mg, in the range of typical recreational doses. Participants completed all sessions without clinically significant adverse events. 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine produced significant dose-dependent increases in heart rate (highest, 132 bpm), systolic (highest, 171 mm Hg) and diastolic (highest, 102 mm Hg) blood pressure, and subjective responses for energy level, closeness to others, mind racing, heightened senses, and high (evaluated by visual analog scales). Peak effects occurred 1 to 2 hours after dose, with no secondary peak. There were no significant effects on body temperature (measured at tympanic membrane), respiratory rate, or blood oxygen saturation (by pulse oximetry). Although most physiological and subjective parameters were significantly correlated with MDMA plasma concentrations, correlation coefficients were low and clinically insignificant, eliminating the ability to predict effects from single plasma concentrations. These findings suggest that oral MDMA in typical recreational doses produces short-term effects on cardiovascular function and subjective state but that temperature effects may result from interaction with environmental and subject factors.
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Shenouda SK, Lord KC, McIlwain E, Lucchesi PA, Varner KJ. Ecstasy produces left ventricular dysfunction and oxidative stress in rats. Cardiovasc Res 2008; 79:662-70. [PMID: 18495670 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvn129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Our aim was to determine whether the repeated, binge administration of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy; MDMA) produces structural and/or functional changes in the myocardium that are associated with oxidative stress. METHODS AND RESULTS Echocardiography and pressure-volume conductance catheters were used to assess left ventricular (LV) structure and function in rats subjected to four ecstasy binges (9 mg/kg i.v. for 4 days, separated by a 10 day drug-free period). Hearts from treated and control rats were used for either biochemical and proteomic analysis or the isolation of adult LV myocytes. After the fourth binge, treated hearts showed eccentric LV dilation and diastolic dysfunction. Systolic function was not altered in vivo; however, the magnitude of the contractile responses to electrical stimulation was significantly smaller in myocytes from rats treated in vivo with ecstasy compared with myocytes from control rats. The magnitude of the peak increase in intracellular calcium (measured by Fura-2) was also significantly smaller in myocytes from ecstasy-treated vs. control rats. The relaxation kinetics of the intracellular calcium transients were significantly longer in myocytes from ecstasy-treated rats. Ecstasy significantly increased nitrotyrosine content in the left ventricle. Proteomic analysis revealed increased nitration of contractile proteins (troponin-T, tropomyosin alpha-1 chain, myosin light polypeptide, and myosin regulatory light chain), mitochondrial proteins (Ub-cytochrome-c reductase and ATP synthase), and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase. CONCLUSION The repeated binge administration of ecstasy produces eccentric LV dilation and dysfunction that is accompanied by oxidative stress. These functional responses may result from the redox modification of proteins involved in excitation-contraction coupling and/or mitochondrial energy production. Together, these results indicate that ecstasy has the potential to produce serious cardiac toxicity and ventricular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia K Shenouda
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, The Cardiovascular Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1901 Perdido Street P7-1, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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Montagnana M, Lippi G, Franchini M, Targher G, Cesare Guidi G. Sudden cardiac death: prevalence, pathogenesis, and prevention. Ann Med 2008; 40:360-75. [PMID: 18484348 DOI: 10.1080/07853890801964930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sudden cardiac death (SCD), also known as sudden arrest, is a major health problem worldwide. It is usually defined as an unexpected death from a cardiac cause occurring within a short time in a person with or without preexisting heart disease. The pathogenesis of SCD is complex and multifaceted. A dynamic triggering factor usually interacts with an underlying heart disease, either genetically determined or acquired, and the final outcome is the development of lethal tachyarrhythmias or, less frequently, bradycardia. It has increasingly been highlighted that a reliable clinical and diagnostic approach might be effective to unmask the most important genetic and environmental factors, allowing the construction of a rational personalized medicine framework that can be applied in both the preclinical and clinical settings of SCD. The aim of the present article is to provide a concise overview of prevalence, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approach to this challenging disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Montagnana
- Sezione di Chimica e Microscopia Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze Morfologico-Biomediche, Universita degli Studi di Verona, Italy.
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Ishikawa T, Zhu BL, Miyaishi S, Ishizu H, Maeda H. Increase in clusterin-containing follicles in the adenohypophysis of drug abusers. Int J Legal Med 2006; 121:395-402. [PMID: 17115171 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-006-0138-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2006] [Accepted: 09/26/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) system in drug abusers may be affected due to disorders of the hypothalamic dopaminergic system. The present study investigated alterations in the adenohypophysis of middle-aged drug abusers (40-60 years of age), using clusterin-containing mixed cell-follicles as the indicator, in which clusterin (apolipoprotein J) is a multifunctional glycoprotein related to neurodegeneration. The paraffin-embedded adenohypophyses of methamphetamine and psychotropic drug abusers (n = 76) were compared with those of non-abusers (n = 82). The number of follicles was larger in drug abusers independent of the immediate cause of death, although the size was not significantly different. When cell types forming the follicles were immunohistochemically examined, drug abusers showed an increase of prolactin (PRL) cells and gonadotroph cells and a reciprocal decrease of growth hormone cells, suggesting hypofunction of dopaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus, while there was no change in the adrenocorticotropic hormone and thyroid-stimulating hormone cells. These increases of the clusterin-containing follicles and PRL cells in the follicles may be related to the dysfunction of dopaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus of chronic drug abusers and may be useful for investigating drug abuse in forensic casework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takaki Ishikawa
- Department of Legal Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Asahi-machi 1-4-3, Abeno, Osaka, 545-8585, Japan.
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In this issue. Resuscitation 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2005.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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