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Journal of Substance Use and Addiction... Jun 2024Families affected by another's substance use, including methamphetamine, experience harms to their mental and physical health. Yet, research has paid little attention to...
INTRODUCTION
Families affected by another's substance use, including methamphetamine, experience harms to their mental and physical health. Yet, research has paid little attention to support and service needs of this population. This pilot study examines the feasibility and outcomes of SMART Family and Friends, a video-conference-delivered mutual-support group targeting families affected by another's methamphetamine use.
METHODS
Recruitment for this study occurred between March-October 2021 via the SMART Recovery Australia website. Participants were English-speaking Australian residents, ≥18 years, affected by another's methamphetamine use, interested in participating in a manualised eight-module group delivered via video-conferencing. Feasibility was evaluated by attendance rates, participant satisfaction, fidelity ratings, and semi-structured interviews. Measures of distress, quality of life, and family functioning assessed outcomes at baseline and one-month post-treatment conclusion.
RESULTS
Forty-three participants commenced SMART Family and Friends groups. 84 % (n = 36) completed ≥4 modules, 67 % (n = 29) completed ≥6, and 42 % (n = 18) completed all 8 modules. Participant satisfaction (M = 4.32, SD = 0.66, out of 5) and facilitator fidelity (>94 % for all modules) were high. A within-group analysis, without comparison condition demonstrated significant improvements in psychological distress (d = 0.38), family impact (d = 0.64), family strain symptoms (d = 0.48), and total family burden (d = 0.69) post-treatment. Qualitative findings illustrated the benefits and challenges of the video-conference-delivered group, as well as recommendations for improvement.
CONCLUSIONS
Results provide initial support for the feasibility and positive outcomes of the SMART Family and Friends program. These findings demonstrate the successful provision of a mutual-support group for affected families delivered via video-conferencing, and merit further sufficiently powered randomised-control-trials to evaluate efficacy.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; Feasibility Studies; Adult; Family; Pilot Projects; Friends; Methamphetamine; Amphetamine-Related Disorders; Videoconferencing; Australia; Middle Aged; Quality of Life
PubMed: 38548059
DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2024.209355 -
The International Journal of... May 2024The proliferation of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the drug market raises concerns about uncertainty on their pharmacological profile and the health hazard...
BACKGROUND
The proliferation of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) in the drug market raises concerns about uncertainty on their pharmacological profile and the health hazard linked to their use. Within the category of synthetic stimulant NPS, the phenethylamine 2-Cl-4,5-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (2-Cl-4,5-MDMA) has been linked to severe intoxication requiring hospitalization. Thereby, the characterization of its pharmacological profile is urgently warranted.
METHODS
By in vivo brain microdialysis in adolescent and adult male rats we investigated the effects of 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA on dopamine (DA) and serotonin (5-HT) neurotransmission in two brain areas critical for the motivational and rewarding properties of drugs, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Moreover, we evaluated the locomotor and stereotyped activity induced by 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA and the emission of 50-kHz ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to characterize its affective properties.
RESULTS
2-Cl-4,5-MDMA increased dialysate DA and 5-HT in a dose-, brain area-, and age-dependent manner. Notably, 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA more markedly increased dialysate DA in the NAc shell and mPFC of adult than adolescent rats, while the opposite was observed on dialysate 5-HT in the NAc shell, with adolescent rats being more responsive. Furthermore, 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA stimulated locomotion and stereotyped activity in both adolescent and adult rats, although to a greater extent in adolescents. Finally, 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA did not stimulate the emission of 50-kHz USVs.
CONCLUSIONS
This is the first pharmacological characterization of 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA demonstrating that its neurochemical and behavioral effects may differ between adolescence and adulthood. These preclinical data could help understanding the central effects of 2-Cl-4,5-MDMA by increasing awareness on possible health damage in users.
Topics: Animals; Male; Nucleus Accumbens; Dopamine; Serotonin; Prefrontal Cortex; Rats; Locomotion; Microdialysis; Age Factors; Behavior, Animal; Stereotyped Behavior; Vocalization, Animal; N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; Rats, Wistar; Hallucinogens
PubMed: 38546531
DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyae016 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2024()-Homobenzylic amines are key structural motifs present in ()-selegiline, a drug indicated for the treatment of early-stage Parkinson's disease. Herein, we report a new...
()-Homobenzylic amines are key structural motifs present in ()-selegiline, a drug indicated for the treatment of early-stage Parkinson's disease. Herein, we report a new short chemoenzymatic approach (in 2 steps) towards the synthesis of ()-selegiline via stereoselective biocatalytic reductive amination as the key step. The imine reductase IR36-M5 mutant showed high conversion (97%) and stereoselectivity (97%) toward the phenylacetone and propargyl amine substrates, offering valuable biocatalysts for synthesizing alkylated homobenzylic amines.
Topics: Oxidoreductases; Selegiline; Imines; Stereoisomerism; Amines; Amination; Biocatalysis
PubMed: 38542964
DOI: 10.3390/molecules29061328 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) Mar 2024Synthetic cathinones are a group of novel psychoactive substances used as an alternative to classical recreational drugs. As a result of legal prohibitions on older... (Review)
Review
Synthetic cathinones are a group of novel psychoactive substances used as an alternative to classical recreational drugs. As a result of legal prohibitions on older generations of these compounds, new formulations appeared on the drug market. One of them is metaphedrone (3-methylmethcathinone, 3-MMC), a structural isomer of 4-methylmethcathinone and a psychostimulant drug. Metaphedrone became popular in a large number of countries in a short period of time. The collection, analysis, and review of relevant research on the subject of metaphedrone in order to present information about the pharmacological, clinical, and toxicological profile of this compound. An assessment of the significance and role of metaphedrone in consumption patterns of novel psychoactive substances among recreational drug users. By using search engines like Google Scholar and PubMed, the relevant literature on metaphedrone was looked for and analyzed. The search was not limited to a specific period of time. All information regarding the compound of interest was analyzed and presented. All novel psychoactive substances are abused due to their pronounced stimulatory, hallucinogenic, dissociative, and euphoric and/or relaxing characteristics. Users of 3-methylmethcathinone usually opt for this substance for recreational purposes and/or sexual stimulation. Metaphedrone has the potential to cause a psychological dependence to the users. It was determined in relevant studies that most users are from 17 to 50 years of age. Older users usually administer metaphedrone intravenously, while younger ones usually choose snorting and oral ingestion of the drug. In Serbia, metaphedrone is a legally controlled substance. The pharmacodynamic properties make metaphedrone similar to classical recreational drugs. The method of administration, mainly repeated administration in a single session, could be explained using the pharmacokinetic profile of the drug. The most reported symptoms of intoxication were those of a sympathomimetic nature, such as tachycardia, chest pain, hypertension, diaphoresis, and agitation. Most intoxications and fatal outcomes occurred to users who combined several psychoactive substances. The correlation between measured blood concentrations of the drug and outcomes of intoxication was not found. The mechanisms of metaphedrone's toxicity are not fully understood. There is an increasing trend of abuse of metaphedrone among recreational drugs users. Future studies should focus on pharmacological and toxicological effects of metaphedrone on animals and humans.
Topics: Humans; Animals; Illicit Drugs; Hypertension; Serbia; Methamphetamine
PubMed: 38541192
DOI: 10.3390/medicina60030466 -
Genes Feb 2024Gambling Disorder (GD) is characterised by a harmful, enduring, and recurrent involvement in betting-related behaviours. Therefore, GD shares similar biological...
The Influence of Genetic Polymorphic Variability of the Catechol-O-methyltransferase Gene in a Group of Patients with a Diagnosis of Behavioural Addiction, including Personality Traits.
Gambling Disorder (GD) is characterised by a harmful, enduring, and recurrent involvement in betting-related behaviours. Therefore, GD shares similar biological mechanisms and symptoms to substance use disorders (SUD). Therefore, in this study, we chose the behavioural addictions group. During the examination and recruitment to the study, it turned out that all the people undergoing treatment for gambling addiction were also addicted to amphetamines, which is consistent with the biological mechanism related to cerebral neurotransmission. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the gene polymorphism with behavioral addiction. The study group consisted of 307 participants: 107 men with gambling disorder and amphetamine dependency (mean age = 27.51, SD = 5.25) and 200 non-addicted, nor dependent, free from neuro-psychiatric disorders control group men (mean age = 20.20, SD = 4.51). Both groups were subjected to psychometric evaluation using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood following standard protocols. Determination of the rs4680 polymorphism in the gene was performed using the real-time PCR technique. Statistically significant differences in the frequency of rs4680 genotypes were found in the tested sample of subjects compared with the control group ( = 0.03543). Subjects with gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder compared to the control group obtained higher scores in the assessment of the STAI trait scale ( = 0.0019), state scale ( < 0.0000), and NEO-FFI Neuroticism scale ( < 0.0000). Significantly lower results were obtained for the NEO-FFI Agreeability scale ( < 0.0000). Additionally, a significant statistical impact of gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder, and the rs4680 genotype was demonstrated for the score of the STAI trait ( = 0.0351) and state ( = 0.0343) and the NEO-FFI Conscientiousness scale ( = 0.0018). We conclude that and its polymorphic variant influence the development of addiction. Still, considering its multifactorial and polygenic nature, it should be combined with other factors such as personality.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Young Adult; Amphetamine; Behavior, Addictive; Catechol O-Methyltransferase; Personality; Polymorphism, Genetic; Substance-Related Disorders; Female
PubMed: 38540358
DOI: 10.3390/genes15030299 -
Brain Sciences Mar 2024Structural modifications to synthetic psychoactive cathinones (SPCs), a class of drugs that contain a β-keto modification of the phenethylamine pharmacophore of...
Structural modifications to synthetic psychoactive cathinones (SPCs), a class of drugs that contain a β-keto modification of the phenethylamine pharmacophore of amphetamine, induce differences in dopamine transporter (DAT) activity. Here, in vivo retrodialysis was utilized to deliver the SPCs 3,4-methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV, a DAT inhibitor) or methylone (a DAT substrate) into the caudate putamen of male Sprague-Dawley rats. Dialysate samples were collected prior to and post drug administration, and temporal changes in dopamine concentration were quantified using HPLC-EC methods. Methylone elicited a 200% increase and MDPV a 470% increase in dopamine levels at the 10 min time point. The findings demonstrate that in vivo retrodialysis can be used to evaluate the effects of SPCs on neurotransmission in the brain.
PubMed: 38539653
DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14030265 -
Journal of the American Heart... Apr 2024Methamphetamine use has emerged as a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate a...
BACKGROUND
Methamphetamine use has emerged as a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease in young adults. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association of methamphetamine use with cardioembolic stroke.
METHODS AND RESULTS
We performed a retrospective study of patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted at our medical center between 2019 and 2022. All patients were screened for methamphetamine use and cardiomyopathy, defined as left ventricular ejection fraction ≤45%. Among 938 consecutive patients, 46 (4.9%) were identified as using methamphetamine. Compared with the nonmethamphetamine group (n=892), the methamphetamine group was significantly younger (52.8±9.6 versus 69.7±15.2 years; <0.001), included more men (78.3% versus 52.8%; <0.001), and had a significantly higher rate of cardiomyopathy (30.4% versus 14.0%; <0.01). They were also less likely to have a history of atrial fibrillation (8.7% versus 33.4%; <0.01) or hyperlipidemia (28.3% versus 51.7%; <0.01). Compared with patients with cardiomyopathy without methamphetamine use, the patients with cardiomyopathy with methamphetamine use had significantly lower left ventricular ejection fraction (26.0±9.59% versus 32.47±9.52%; <0.01) but better functional outcome at 3 months, likely attributable to significantly younger age and fewer comorbidities. In the logistic regression model of clinical variables, methamphetamine-associated cardiomyopathy was found to be significantly associated with cardioembolic stroke (odds ratio, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.04-3.06]; <0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
We demonstrate that methamphetamine use is significantly associated with cardiomyopathy and cardioembolic stroke in young adults.
Topics: Male; Young Adult; Humans; Methamphetamine; Ischemic Stroke; Stroke Volume; Embolic Stroke; Stroke; Retrospective Studies; Ventricular Function, Left; Cardiomyopathies; Atrial Fibrillation; Risk Factors
PubMed: 38533970
DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.033667 -
Drugs associated with a risk of supraventricular tachycardia: analysis using the OpenVigil database.The Journal of International Medical... Mar 2024The OpenVigil database can be used to assess medications that may cause supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and to produce a reference for their safe use in clinical...
OBJECTIVE
The OpenVigil database can be used to assess medications that may cause supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) and to produce a reference for their safe use in clinical settings.
METHODS
We analyzed first-quarter data from 2004 to 2023, obtained by searching the OpenVigil database using the keyword "supraventricular tachycardia." Trade names and generic names were obtained by querying the RxNav database, and the proportions were summarized. The proportionate reporting ratio (PRR), reporting odds ratio, and chi-square values were also summarized. We created Asahi diagrams and set the screening criteria to drug events ≥30, PRR >2, and chi-square >4. Outcomes were evaluated using the Side Effect Resource database, several scientific literature databases, and the Hangzhou Yiyao Rational Medication System.
RESULTS
A total of 2435 distinct medications were found to induce SVT between the first quarter of 2004 and 2023, leading to 22,375 documented adverse events related to SVT. Further investigation revealed that salbutamol, paroxetine, formoterol, paclitaxel, venlafaxine, and theophylline were most likely to cause SVT.
CONCLUSION
We conducted signal mining of adverse drug events using the OpenVigil database and evaluated the six drugs most likely to cause SVT. The results of this research can serve as a drug safety reference in the clinic.
Topics: Humans; Tachycardia, Supraventricular; Albuterol; Databases, Factual; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Formoterol Fumarate
PubMed: 38530149
DOI: 10.1177/03000605241238077 -
Drug Design, Development and Therapy 2024Anti-obesity medications (AOMs), along with lifestyle interventions, are effective means of inducing and maintaining weight loss in patients with obesity. Although the...
PURPOSE
Anti-obesity medications (AOMs), along with lifestyle interventions, are effective means of inducing and maintaining weight loss in patients with obesity. Although the efficacy of AOMs has been reported, there have been no direct comparisons of these drugs. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to compare the efficacy of all the AOMs available in Korea in a real-world setting.
PATIENTS AND METHODS
The body weight and composition of 205 adults treated with phentermine, phentermine/topiramate, liraglutide, naltrexone/bupropion, lorcaserin, or orlistat for at least 6 months were analyzed at 2 month intervals. The prevalence of the achievement of a ≥5% weight loss and the changes in body composition were compared between participants using each AOM at each visit.
RESULTS
A total of 132 (64.4%) participants achieved ≥5% weight loss within 6 months (prevalence of ≥5% weight loss after 6 months: phentermine, 87.2%; phentermine/topiramate, 67.7%; liraglutide, 58.1%; naltrexone/bupropion, 35.3%; lorcaserin, 75%; orlistat, 50%). At each visit, after adjustment for age, sex, and baseline body weight, phentermine use was associated with a significantly higher prevalence of ≥5% weight loss than the use of the other AOMs, except for liraglutide. There were significant differences in the body weight, body mass index and body fat mass among the AOM groups by visit (P for interaction <0.05), but not in their waist circumference, skeletal muscle mass, percentage body fat, or visceral fat area.
CONCLUSION
All the AOMs were effective at inducing and maintaining weight loss, in the absence of significant changes in muscle mass, over a 6 month period, and the short-term use of phentermine and the long-term use of phentermine/topiramate or liraglutide would be practical choices for the treatment of obesity. However, further, large-scale studies are necessary to confirm these findings.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Orlistat; Topiramate; Liraglutide; Naltrexone; Bupropion; Fructose; Anti-Obesity Agents; Obesity; Body Weight; Phentermine; Weight Loss
PubMed: 38524878
DOI: 10.2147/DDDT.S445415 -
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology... Mar 2024The prevalence of obesity with various complications is increasing rapidly in Korea. Although lifestyle modification is fundamental in obesity treatment, more effective... (Review)
Review
The prevalence of obesity with various complications is increasing rapidly in Korea. Although lifestyle modification is fundamental in obesity treatment, more effective treatment tools are required. Many advances in obesity treatment have been reported recently, including lifestyle modifications and pharmacological, endoscopic, and surgical treatments. Drugs with proven long-term efficacy and safety are preferred because management for obesity treatment is a long-term process. Currently, four medications are available for long-term use in Korea: Orlistat, Naltrexone/bupuropion NR, Phentermine/topiramate capsule, and Liraglutide. Recently, semaglutide and tirzepatide have been attracting attention because of their effectiveness and convenience, but they are not yet available in Korea. In addition, there are limitations such as the yo-yo effect when discontinuing the drug, long-term safety, and cost. Patients and medical staff must be aware of the advantages and side effects of each medication to ensure the successful treatment of obesity.
Topics: Humans; Anti-Obesity Agents; Phentermine; Obesity; Orlistat; Liraglutide
PubMed: 38522852
DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2024.016