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Methamphetamine (Meth) abuse presents a worldwide problem and commonly occurs with stress and/or alcohol use disorders. Regardless, the biological causes and consequences of these co-morbidities are unclear. Whereas the mechanisms of Meth, stress and alcohol abuse have been examined individually and well-characterized, these processes overlap significantly and can impact the neural and peripheral consequences of Meth. This review focuses on the deleterious cardio- and cerebrovascular effects of Meth, stress, alcohol abuse and their comorbid effects on the brain and periphery. Points of emphasis are on the composition of the blood brain barrier and their effects on the heart and vasculature. The autonomic nervous system, inflammation, and oxidative stress are specifically highlighted as common mediators of the toxic consequences to vascular and perivascular health. Given that a significant portion of the Meth abusing population also presents with stress and alcohol use disorders prompts a need to understand the mechanisms underlying their comorbidities. Little is known about their possible convergent effects and therefore, the purpose of this critical review is to identify shared mechanisms of Meth, chronic stress and alcohol abuse that contribute to the dysfunction of vascular health and underscore the need for studies that directly address their interactions.
Kynurenines increase MRS metabolites in basal ganglia and decrease resting-state connectivity in frontostriatal reward circuitry in depression
