Among amphetamine like stimulants (ATS), the 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is often detected in sewage and surface waters, representing a potential threat for organisms because of its peculiar mechanism of action (i.e., stimulatory and hallucinogenic). The present study aimed at investigating biochemical (i.e., oxidative stress and energetic biomarkers) and behavioral (i.e., swimming activity) effects induced by a 21-days exposure to two concentrations (50 ng/L and 500 ng/L) of MDMA towards Daphnia magna. The amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the activity of antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GPx) and detoxifying (GST) enzymes and lipid peroxidation were measured as oxidative stress-related endpoints. Total energy content was estimated from the measurement of protein, carbohydrate and lipid content to assess energy reserves. The modulation of swimming activity was assessed as behavioral endpoint. Slight effects of MDMA exposure on oxidative stress responses and energy reserves were observed, while no alterations of the swimming behavior was noted.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.etap.2023.104163 | DOI Listing |
Nat Ment Health
October 2024
Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
Over the past decade there has been a surge in interest in placebo-controlled trials using non-classical 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and classical psychedelics such as psilocybin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) and ,-dimethyltryptamine (DMT) to treat neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the success and reliability of these trials depend on the design of the trials, the choice of control conditions, and the ability to blind both participants and researchers. When appropriate control conditions are lacking, it becomes difficult to disentangle placebo and expectation effects from medication effects.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Psychoactive Drugs
January 2025
Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service for Diagnosis and Treatment, San Luigi Gonzaga Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Orbassano, Italy.
This study explores the psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) associated with recreational ketamine use among young adults. Ketamine, initially introduced as an anesthetic, is now widely used recreationally for its dissociative effects, raising concerns about its impact on mental health. Ten participants aged 18-24, who used ketamine recreationally multiple times a week, were assessed using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE-42).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJAMA Psychiatry
January 2025
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco.
Importance: There is unprecedented clinician, industry, and patient interest in the therapeutic development of psychedelic drugs. This is due to a combination of promising clinical trial results, positive media coverage, and the lack of novel pharmacologic treatments for psychiatric disorders in recent decades. However, the field faces a key methodological challenge: masking participants to treatment conditions in psychedelic clinical trials has been largely unsuccessful.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPharmaceuticals (Basel)
December 2024
Laboratory of Forensic Toxicology, Section of Legal Medicine, Social Security and Forensic Toxicology, Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy.
Drugged driving is associated with an increased risk of road accidents worldwide. In Italy, driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol and drugs is a reason for driving disqualification or revocation of the driving license. Drivers charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs must attend a Local Medical Commission (LMC) to undergo mandatory examinations to regain the suspended license.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBMJ Case Rep
January 2025
Emergency Medicine, NorthShore University Health System, Manhasset, New York, USA.
The guidelines from the European and American Societies for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy discourage endoscopic retrieval of drug bags in body stuffers. However, recent evidence challenges this stance, demonstrating successful bag retrieval without fatal outcomes. We present two distinct cases illustrating varying outcomes of intervention.
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