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Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior Sep 2022Accumulating evidence from several studies has shown association between substance use, dysregulation of the microbiome and psychiatric disorders such as depression,... (Review)
Review
Accumulating evidence from several studies has shown association between substance use, dysregulation of the microbiome and psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis. Many of the abused substances such as cocaine and alcohol have been shown to alter immune signaling pathways and cause inflammation in both the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, these substances of abuse also alter the composition and function of the gut microbiome which is known to play important roles such as the synthesis of neurotransmitters and metabolites, that affect the CNS homeostasis and consequent behavioral outcomes. The emerging interactions between substance use, microbiome and CNS neurochemical alterations could contribute to the development of psychiatric disorders. This review provides an overview of the associative effects of substance use such as alcohol, cocaine, methamphetamine, nicotine and opioids on the gut microbiome and psychiatric disorders involving anxiety, depression and psychosis. Understanding the relationship between substance use, microbiome and psychiatric disorders will provide insights for potential therapeutic targets, aimed at mitigating these adverse outcomes.
Topics: Cocaine; Ethanol; Gastrointestinal Microbiome; Humans; Mental Disorders; Microbiota; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 35905802
DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173432 -
The American Journal of Psychiatry Feb 2022
Topics: Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Comorbidity; Humans; Psychopharmacology; Psychotherapy; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 35105160
DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21121218 -
The Medical Clinics of North America Jul 2019The use of psychotropic drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding remains a controversial topic. There are several reasons for the controversy, ranging from the... (Review)
Review
The use of psychotropic drugs during pregnancy and breastfeeding remains a controversial topic. There are several reasons for the controversy, ranging from the misperception that pregnancy is protective against mental illness, to the notion that women should be "pure" during pregnancy and avoid all extraneous substance use, and finally, to the stigma and misunderstanding of psychiatric illness and underestimation of how serious it can be. Fortunately, the currently available data are reassuring for most psychiatric medications-properly controlled studies indicate little to no risk for most (but not all) psychiatric medications.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Infant Behavior; Infant, Newborn; Mental Disorders; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Psychopharmacology; Psychotropic Drugs; Puerperal Disorders; United States
PubMed: 31078197
DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2019.02.009 -
Current Opinion in Pharmacology Apr 2021The focus here was on the pharmacological and clinical pharmacological issues pertaining to the vast range of drugs (e.g. synthetic cannabimimetics, synthetic opioids,... (Review)
Review
The focus here was on the pharmacological and clinical pharmacological issues pertaining to the vast range of drugs (e.g. synthetic cannabimimetics, synthetic opioids, novel stimulants, novel psychedelics, PCP/ketamine-like compounds, prescribed medicinal compounds and popular psychotropic herbs/plants) discussed by Internet-based enthusiasts of new/novel psychoactive substances (NPS), 'e-psychonauts'. Currently ongoing related in silico studies, followed by further in vitro and in vivo/preclinical studies, will hopefully provide important findings in terms of which molecules within each given NPS class may present with higher levels of receptor affinities, and hence clinical potency. Understanding the pharmacological characteristics/potency of those novel recreational molecules will hopefully help in predicting related NPS diffusion, morbidity and possible lethality data.
Topics: Analgesics, Opioid; Humans; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Psychopharmacology; Psychotropic Drugs
PubMed: 33774473
DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.02.008 -
Skin Pharmacology and Physiology 2023Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound present in turmeric (Curcuma longa). Curcumin, turmeric powder, and extracts are widely used in traditional Indian medicine and are... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Curcumin is a polyphenolic compound present in turmeric (Curcuma longa). Curcumin, turmeric powder, and extracts are widely used in traditional Indian medicine and are active ingredients of dietary supplements and cosmeceutical products. The pharmacological properties of curcumin/turmeric as well as the studies performed in vitro, in animal models, and in volunteers have been the objects of a vast literature. Most of the clinical studies report on the effects of curcumin/turmeric administered orally, while only a few describe its topical applications.
SUMMARY
This review focuses on clinical studies in which curcumin/turmeric was applied topically to treat various skin conditions based on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.
KEY MESSAGES
The clinical studies employing curcumin/turmeric as the only active ingredient allow us to appreciate its therapeutic potential without confounding contributions coming from additional pharmacologically active substances present in the same formulation. Curcumin/turmeric was regarded as an attractive alternative to conventional drugs, such as corticosteroids and antibiotics, thanks to its characteristics of a safe and well-tolerated natural substance.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Curcumin; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antioxidants; Skin Diseases
PubMed: 38008088
DOI: 10.1159/000535100 -
Pharmaceutical Research Jan 2020Significant efforts are made to characterize molecular liabilities and degradation of the drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP) during various product life-cycle... (Review)
Review
Significant efforts are made to characterize molecular liabilities and degradation of the drug substance (DS) and drug product (DP) during various product life-cycle stages. The in vivo fate of a therapeutic protein is usually only considered in terms of pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics (PDs). However, the environment in the human body differs substantially from that of the matrix (formulation) of the DP and may impact on the stability of an injected therapeutic protein. Stabilizing excipients used in protein formulations are expected to undergo more rapid distribution and dissociation in vivo, compared to a protein as a highly charged macromolecule. Thus, in vivo stability may significantly differ from shelf-life stability. In vivo degradation of the therapeutic protein may alter efficacy and/or safety characteristics such as immunogenicity. Studying the stability of a therapeutic protein in the intended body compartment can de-risk drug development in early stages of development by improving the selection of better clinical lead molecules. This review assesses the considerations when aiming to evaluate the in vivo fate of a therapeutic protein by comparing the physiology of relevant human body compartments and assessing their potential implications on the stability of a therapeutic protein. Moreover, we discuss the limitations of current experimental approaches mimicking physiologic conditions, depending on the desired route of administration, such as intravenous (IV), subcutaneous (SC), intravitreal (IVT), or intrathecal (IT) administration(s). New models more closely mimicking the relevant physiologic environment and updated analytical methods are required to understand the in vivo fate of therapeutic proteins.
Topics: Animals; Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Drug Stability; Excipients; Humans; Pharmaceutical Preparations; Proteins
PubMed: 31900680
DOI: 10.1007/s11095-019-2689-1 -
Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Aug 2021Hallucinogens constitute a unique class of substances that cause changes in the user's thoughts, perceptions, and mood through various mechanisms of action. Although the...
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.
Topics: Biogenic Monoamines; Hallucinogens; Humans; Lysergic Acid Diethylamide; Psilocybin; Receptors, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate; Receptors, Opioid; Substance-Related Disorders; Tryptamines
PubMed: 34396556
DOI: 10.1002/jcph.1917 -
The American Journal on Addictions Jul 2022
Topics: Behavior, Addictive; Humans; Psychopharmacology; Substance-Related Disorders
PubMed: 35843897
DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13317 -
Chembiochem : a European Journal of... Oct 2021The European Federation for Medicinal chemistry and Chemical biology (EFMC) is a federation of learned societies. It groups organizations of European scientists working...
The European Federation for Medicinal chemistry and Chemical biology (EFMC) is a federation of learned societies. It groups organizations of European scientists working in a dynamic field spanning chemical biology and medicinal chemistry. New ideas, tools, and technologies emerging from a wide array of scientific disciplines continuously energize this rapidly evolving area. Medicinal chemistry is the design, synthesis, and optimization of biologically active molecules aimed at discovering new drug candidates - a mission that in many ways overlaps with the scope of chemical biology. Chemical biology is by now a mature field of science for which a more precise definition of what it encompasses, in the frame of EFMC, is timely. This article discusses chemical biology as currently understood by EFMC, including all activities dealing with the design and synthesis of biologically active chemical tools and their use to probe, characterize, or influence biological systems.
Topics: Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; Europe; Humans; Pharmaceutical Preparations
PubMed: 34347337
DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202100319 -
Journal of Analytical Toxicology Aug 2022Flualprazolam is a novel psychoactive substance in the benzodiazepine class that is increasing in prevalence in the USA. This study describes 19 cases of drivers stopped...
Flualprazolam is a novel psychoactive substance in the benzodiazepine class that is increasing in prevalence in the USA. This study describes 19 cases of drivers stopped for impaired driving where flualprazolam was detected. This represents ∼9% of the total cases submitted to the Sedgwick County Regional Forensic Science Center toxicology laboratory between July 2019 and May 2020. Blood concentrations of flualprazolam ranged from 4 to 69 ng/mL, with mean and median concentrations of 20.9 ng/mL and 15 ng/mL, respectively. The increased prevalence in which laboratories are detecting flualprazolam along with the low concentrations necessary for pharmacological effects illustrates the importance of laboratories to remain vigilant in testing for novel psychoactive substances.
Topics: Automobile Driving; Benzodiazepines; Forensic Toxicology; Prevalence; Substance Abuse Detection
PubMed: 35404449
DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkac019