High sensitive electrochemical methamphetamine detection in serum and urine via atom transfer radical polymerization signal amplification.

Herein we designed a highly sensitive and selective biosensor for methamphetamine (METH) detection based on aptamer recognition probe and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) signal amplification strategy. In this experiment, METH aptamer and its complementary DNA strand were first attached to the electrode surface. In the presence of METH, the prioritized conjugation between METH and the aptamer will take one strand of DNA from the double-stranded DNA, so that the third segment of azide-modified DNA could be successfully modified onto the electrode surface.

Toxicological Analysis of Cases of Mixed Poisonings with Synthetic Cathinones and Other Drugs of Abuse.

Some of the most commonly used new psychoactive substances (NPSs) are synthetic cathinones (SCs). The literature increasingly indicates that SCs have a significant addictive potential and pose a high risk to human health and life. The vast majority of SC users take a number of substances simultaneously.

Short-Term Cumulative Exposure to Ambient Traffic-Related Black Carbon and Blood Pressure: MMDA Traffic Enforcers' Health Study.

Exposure to traffic-related air pollution is linked with acute alterations in blood pressure (BP). We examined the cumulative short-term effect of black carbon (BC) exposure on systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) BP and assessed effect modification by participant characteristics. SBP and DBP were repeatedly measured on 152 traffic enforcers.

Peri-adolescent exposure to (meth)amphetamine in animal models.

Experimentation with psychoactive drugs is often initiated in the peri-adolescent period, but knowledge of differences in the outcomes of peri-adolescent- vs adult-initiated exposure is incomplete. We consider the existing animal research in this area for (meth)amphetamines. Established for a number of phenotypes, is lower sensitivity of peri-adolescents than adults to acute effects of (meth)amphetamines, including neurotoxic effects of binge-level exposure.

Liujunzi Decoction ameliorated cisplatin-induced anorexia by inhibiting the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and coordinating anorexigenic and orexigenic neuropeptides in rats.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: As a traditional Chinese formula, Liujunzi Decoction (LJZD) originated from the Yi Xue Zheng Zhuan, and has a promising effect in treating chemotherapy-induced anorexia (CIA).

Aim Of The Study: The present study aims to investigate whether LJZD acts on interleukin-6 (IL-6)/leptin mediated janus kinase (JAK)-signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) signaling pathway that regulates hypothalamus anorexigenic and orexigenic peptides to ameliorate CIA, and also elucidates the potential mechanism by metabolomic analysis.

Materials And Methods: Network pharmacology analyses were conducted to screen out potential targets and pathways.

Protective effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced spatial learning and memory impairment.

3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) or "Ecstasy", which has been used for recreational purposes, is shown to impair memory and brain functions. Statins, beyond their efficient cholesterol-lowering impact through inhibition of HMG-COA reductase enzyme, possess multiple actions referred to as pleiotropic effects. In this regard, we aimed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of atorvastatin and rosuvastatin on MDMA-induced neurotoxicity.

Comparative Neuropharmacology and Pharmacokinetics of Methamphetamine and Its Thiophene Analog Methiopropamine in Rodents.

Methiopropamine is a novel psychoactive substance (NPS) that is associated with several cases of clinical toxicity, yet little information is available regarding its neuropharmacological properties. Here, we employed in vitro and in vivo methods to compare the pharmacokinetics and neurobiological effects of methiopropamine and its structural analog methamphetamine. Methiopropamine was rapidly distributed to the blood and brain after injection in C57BL/6 mice, with a pharmacokinetic profile similar to that of methamphetamine.

Hypoglycemia and presumptive rhabdomyolysis secondary to lisdexamfetamine toxicosis in 3 cats.

Objective: To describe the clinical course and novel biochemical changes in 3 cats with lisdexamfetamine (LDX) toxicosis.

Series Summary: Three cats presented with LDX exposure and initially displayed typical clinical signs of amphetamine toxicosis. However, over the course of hospitalization, hypoglycemia and markedly elevated creatine kinase levels consistent with rhabdomyolysis ensued.

Developmental exposure to MDMA (ecstasy) in zebrafish embryos reproduces the neurotoxicity adverse outcome 'lower motor activity' described in humans.

The recreational use of MDMA (ecstasy) by pregnant women is associated with impaired neuromotor function in infants, but the Adverse Outcome Pathway behind this effect is not clear yet. We present for the first time the evaluation of developmental neurotoxic (DNT) effects of MDMA in zebrafish embryos. The aim of the study was to determine whether the zebrafish model reproduces the adverse outcome occurring in humans.

CAMSAP3 depletion induces lung cancer cell senescence-associated phenotypes through extracellular signal-regulated kinase inactivation.

Background: Cellular senescence is an aging-related process found in cancer cells that contributes to irreversible growth arrest and tumor aggressiveness. Recently, calmodulin-regulated spectrin-associated protein 3 (CAMSAP3), a minus-end microtubule-stabilizing protein, has received increasing attention in cancer cell biology. However, the biological role of CAMSAP3 on senescence in human lung cancer remains incompletely understood.

Relation of substance use disorders to mortality, accident and emergency department attendances, and hospital admissions: A 13-year population-based cohort study in Hong Kong.

Background: The impact of substance use disorders (SUD) in an Asian population has not been fully explored. We aimed to assess the risk of mortality, accident and emergency (A&E) department attendances, and hospital admissions associated with SUD in a population-based cohort study.

Method: Patients diagnosed with SUD in public A&E departments from 2004 to 2016 (N = 8,423) were identified in the Clinical Database Analysis and Reporting System of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority and 1:1 matched to patients without SUD by propensity score (N = 6,074 in each group).

Lactoferrin Protects against Methamphetamine Toxicity by Modulating Autophagy and Mitochondrial Status.

Lactoferrin (LF) was used at first as a vehicle to deliver non-soluble active compounds to the body, including the central nervous system (CNS). Nonetheless, it soon became evident that, apart from acting as a vehicle, LF itself owns active effects in the CNS. In the present study, the effects of LF are assessed both in baseline conditions, as well as to counteract methamphetamine (METH)-induced neurodegeneration by assessing cell viability, cell phenotype, mitochondrial status, and specific autophagy steps.

4-Fluoromethamphetamine (4-FMA) induces in vitro hepatotoxicity mediated by CYP2E1, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 metabolism.

4-Fluoromethamphetamine (4-FMA) is an amphetamine-like psychoactive substance with recognized entactogenic and stimulant effects, but hitherto unclear toxicological mechanisms. Taking into consideration that the vast majority of 4-FMA users consume this substance through oral route, the liver is expected to be highly exposed. The aim of this work was to determine the hepatotoxic potential of 4-FMA using in vitro hepatocellular models: primary rat hepatocytes (PRH), human hepatoma cell lines HepaRG and HepG2, and resorting to concentrations ranging from 37 μM to 30 mM, during a 24-h exposure.

The neuroprotective role of melatonin against methamphetamine toxicity-induced neurotransmission dysregulation and cognitive deficits in rats.

Methamphetamine (MA) is a psychostimulant and addictive substance. Long-term uses and toxic high doses of MA can induce neurotoxicity. The present study aimed to investigate the protective role of melatonin against MA toxicity-induced dysregulation of the neurotransmission related to cognitive function in rats.

Diosgenin Prevents Microglial Activation and Protects Dopaminergic Neurons from Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neural Damage In Vitro and In Vivo.

Background: The prevention of age-related neurodegenerative disorders is an important issue in an aging society. Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation resulting in dopaminergic neuron loss may lead to the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin, induces neuroinflammatory microglial activation, contributing to dopaminergic neuron damage.

Possible repair mechanisms of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors, matrix metalloproteinase-9 inhibitors and protein hormones on methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central stimulant with extensive and strong neurotoxicity. The neurotoxicity of methamphetamine is closely related to the imbalance of dopamine levels and the destruction of the blood-brain barrier. An increase in dopamine may induce adverse effects such as behavioral sensitization and excessive locomotion.

In Vitro and In Vivo Sequestration of Methamphetamine by a Sulfated Acyclic CB[n]-Type Receptor.

We report the synthesis of two new acyclic sulfated acyclic CB[n]-type receptors (TriM0 and Me TetM0) and investigations of their binding properties toward a panel of drugs of abuse (1-13) by a combination of H NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry. TetM0 is the most potent receptor with K ≥10  M toward methamphetamine, fentanyl, MDMA and mephedrone. TetM0 is not cytotoxic toward HepG2 and HEK 293 cells below 100 μM according to MTS metabolic and adenylate kinase release assays and is well tolerated in vivo when dosed at 46 mg kg .

Inhibition of Methamphetamine-Induced Cytotoxicity in the U87-Cell Line by Atorvastatin-Conjugated Carbon Nanotubes.

In biological systems, carbon nanotubes can enhance the biological effects of drugs and reduce their side effects. Methamphetamine (METH) is a stimulant drug that induces cell death in various cell types, primarily neural cells. On the other hand, specific doses of atorvastatin (ATO) can stimulate cell growth and inhibit cell death in different cell lines.

Combined Cardiopulmonary Assessments Using Impedance and Digital Implants in Conscious Freely Moving Cynomolgus Monkeys, Beagle Dogs, and Göttingen Minipigs: Pharmacological Characterization and Social Housing Effects.

Respiratory monitoring, using impedance with implanted telemetry in socially housed animals, was not possible until the recent development of digital signal transmission. The objective of this study was to evaluate digital telemetry monitoring of cardiopulmonary parameters (respiratory rate, tidal volume, minute volume, electrocardiography (DII), systemic arterial blood pressure, physical activity, and body temperature) in conscious, single-housed, non-rodent species commonly used in toxicology studies following administration of positive/negative controls (saline, dexmedetomidine, morphine, amphetamine, and doxapram), and also, the effects of various social housing arrangements in untreated female and/or male cynomolgus monkeys, Beagle dogs, and Göttingen minipigs (n = 4 per species). Aggressions were observed in socially housed male minipigs, however, which prevented pair-housed assessments in this species.

Non-fatal stimulant overdose among homeless and unstably housed women in San Francisco, California.

Background: US rates of overdose deaths involving stimulants (e.g., cocaine or methamphetamine) have increased, but little is known about non-fatal stimulant overdoses, particularly among vulnerable populations.