scholarly journals Novel Psychoactive Phenethylamines: Impact on Genetic Material

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (24) ◽  
pp. 9616
Author(s):  
Veronica Cocchi ◽  
Sofia Gasperini ◽  
Patrizia Hrelia ◽  
Micaela Tirri ◽  
Matteo Marti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Material ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Genetic Damage ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Flow Cytometric ◽  
The Family ◽  
Tk6 Cells

Psychedelic and stimulating phenethylamines belong to the family of new psychoactive substances (NPS). The acute toxicity framework has begun to be investigated, while studies showing genotoxic potential are very limited or not available. Therefore, in order to fill this gap, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the genotoxicity by treating TK6 cells with 2C-H, 2C-I, 2C-B, 25B-NBOMe, and the popular 3,4-Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA). On the basis of cytotoxicity and cytostasis results, we selected the concentrations (6.25–35 µM) to be used in genotoxicity analysis. We used the micronucleus (MN) as indicator of genetic damage and analyzed the MNi frequency fold increase by an automated flow cytometric protocol. All substances, except MDMA, resulted genotoxic; therefore, we evaluated reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction as a possible mechanism at the basis of the demonstrated genotoxicity. The obtained results showed a statistically significant increase in ROS levels for all genotoxic phenethylamines confirming this hypothesis. Our results highlight the importance of genotoxicity evaluation for a complete assessment of the risk associated also with NPS exposure. Indeed, the subjects who do not have hazardous behaviors or require hospitalization by using active but still “safe” doses could run into genotoxicity and in the well-known long-term effects associated.

scholarly journals Sales and Advertising Channels of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Internet, Social Networks, and Smartphone Apps

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 123 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Miliano ◽  
Giulia Margiani ◽  
Liana Fattore ◽  
Maria De Luca
Keyword(s):  
Social Networks ◽  
Drugs Of Abuse ◽  
Drug Market ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Smartphone Apps ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Short And Long Term

In the last decade, the trend of drug consumption has completely changed, and several new psychoactive substances (NPS) have appeared on the drug market as legal alternatives to common drugs of abuse. Designed to reproduce the effects of illegal substances like cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, or ketamine, NPS are only in part controlled by UN conventions and represent an emerging threat to global public health. The effects of NPS greatly differ from drug to drug and relatively scarce information is available at present about their pharmacology and potential toxic effects. Yet, compared to more traditional drugs, more dangerous short- and long-term effects have been associated with their use, and hospitalizations and fatal intoxications have also been reported after NPS use. In the era of cyberculture, the Internet acts as an ideal platform to promote and market these compounds, leading to a global phenomenon. Hidden by several aliases, these substances are sold across the web, and information about consumption is shared by online communities through drug fora, YouTube channels, social networks, and smartphone applications (apps). This review intends to provide an overview and analysis of social media that contribute to the popularity of NPS especially among young people. The possibility of using the same channels responsible for their growing diffusion to make users aware of the risks associated with NPS use is proposed.

scholarly journals Genotoxic Properties of Synthetic Cannabinoids on TK6 Human Cells by Flow Cytometry

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 1150 ◽  
Author(s):  
Monia Lenzi ◽  
Veronica Cocchi ◽  
Luca Cavazza ◽  
Sabrine Bilel ◽  
Patrizia Hrelia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Synthetic Cannabinoids ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Mutagenic Effect ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
The Stability ◽  
Tk6 Cells ◽  
First Time

Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) include several classes of substances such as synthetic cannabinoids (SCBs), an emerging alternative to marijuana, easily purchasable on internet. SCBs are more dangerous than Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol as a consequence of their stronger affinities for the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which may result in longer duration of distinct effects, greater potency, and toxicity. The information on SCBs cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, and long-term effects is scarce. This fact suggests the urgent need to increase available data and to investigate if some SCBs have an impact on the stability of genetic material. Therefore, the aim of the present study was the evaluation of the mutagenic effect of different SCBs belonging to indole- and indazole-structures. The analyzes were conducted in vitro on human TK6 cells and mutagenicity were measured as micronucleus fold increase by flow cytometry. Our results have highlighted, for the first time, the mutagenic capacity of four SCBs, in particular in terms of chromosomal damage induction. We underline the serious potential toxicity of SCBs that suggests the need to proceed with the studies of other different synthetic compounds. Moreover, we identified a method that allows a rapid but effective screening of NPS placed on the market increasingly faster.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Cytotoxic and Mutagenic Effects of the Synthetic Cathinones Mexedrone, α-PVP and α-PHP

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (12) ◽  
pp. 6320
Author(s):  
Monia Lenzi ◽  
Veronica Cocchi ◽  
Sofia Gasperini ◽  
Raffaella Arfè ◽  
Matteo Marti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Reactive Oxygen Species ◽  
Metabolic Activation ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Synthetic Cathinones ◽  
The Other ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Genetic Damage ◽  
Mutagenic Potential ◽  
Tk6 Cells ◽  
Mutagenic Effects

Mexedrone, α-PVP and α-PHP are synthetic cathinones. They can be considered amphetamine-like substances with a stimulating effect. Actually, studies showing their impact on DNA are totally absent. Therefore, in order to fill this gap, aim of the present work was to evaluate their mutagenicity on TK6 cells. On the basis of cytotoxicity and cytostasis results, we selected the concentrations (35–100 µM) to be used in the further analysis. We used the micronucleus (MN) as indicator of genetic damage and analyzed the MNi frequency fold increase by flow cytometry. Mexedrone demonstrated its mutagenic potential contrary to the other two compounds; we then proceeded by repeating the analyzes in the presence of extrinsic metabolic activation in order to check if it was possible to totally exclude the mutagenic capacity for α-PVP and α-PHP. The results demonstrated instead the mutagenicity of their metabolites. We then evaluated reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction as a possible mechanism at the basis of the highlighted effects but the results did not show a statistically significant increase in ROS levels for any of the tested substances. Anyway, our outcomes emphasize the importance of mutagenicity evaluation for a complete assessment of the risk associated with synthetic cathinones exposure.

Gilles de la Tourette the Poet?

2018 ◽  
pp. 413-418
Author(s):  
Olivier Walusinski
Keyword(s):  
Mental State ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
The Family ◽  
Insight Into

This chapter focuses on Georges Gilles de la Tourette’s poetical pursuits. A man of many talents, these poems provide insight into yet another facet of Gilles de la Tourette’s personality. As well, they may provide some clue to his mental state as he suffered from the long-term effects of syphilis. It is difficult to know whether these poems should be taken as initial signs of Gilles de la Tourette’s disease or whether they are a simple manifestation of his imagination and the pleasure he took in writing. His poetry can be found at the family archive in Loundun.

Disorders relating to the use of volatile substances

2012 ◽  
pp. 502-506
Author(s):  
Richard Ives
Keyword(s):  
Substance Abuse ◽  
Volatile Substance ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Inhalant Abuse ◽  
Volatile Substances ◽  
Aerosol Spray ◽  
Volatile Substance Abuse ◽  
Empty Product

Volatile substance abuse (VSA)—also known as ‘solvent abuse’ and ‘inhalant abuse’—is the deliberate inhalation of any of a range of products (see Table 4.2.3.6.1), to achieve intoxication. Amyl (pentyl) and isobutyl nitrites (‘poppers’) have different patterns of misuse, and are not discussed here. VSA has dose-related effects similar to those of other hypnosedatives. Small doses rapidly lead to ‘drunken’ behaviour similar to the effects of alcohol, and may induce delusions and hallucinations. Some heavy misusers inhale large quantities; 6 l of adhesive weekly have been reported. Long-term effects include listlessness, anorexia, and moodiness. The hair, breath, and clothing may smell of the substance(s) used, and empty product containers (e.g. glue cans, cigarette lighter refills, and aerosol spray cans), and bags used to inhale from, may be found. Being readily available, volatile substances are, along with alcohol and tobacco, the first intoxicating substances some children try. However, most VSA is experimental and does not lead to the use of other psychoactive substances; problematic misusers have other difficulties in their lives.

Ecology, childhood experiences, and adult attachment styles of women in the kibbutz

2001 ◽  
Vol 25 (3) ◽  
pp. 214-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth Sharabany ◽  
Ofra Mayseless ◽  
Gilat Edri ◽  
Doron Lulav
Keyword(s):  
Attachment Styles ◽  
Significant Others ◽  
Child Rearing ◽  
School Age Children ◽  
Continuous Group ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Childhood Experiences ◽  
Adult Attachment Styles ◽  
The Family

The present study exploited a “natural experiment” which covered variations in child-rearing conditions within the communal setting of the Israeli kibbutz. The long-term effects of these variations and of childhood experiences on attachment styles of adults were examined. Three groups of mothers who were raised in the kibbutz participated: (1) a Communal group, mothers raised communally and now raising their child communally; (2) a Familial group, mothers raised in the family and now raising their child in the family, and (3) a Non-continuous group, mothers raised communally and now raising their child in the family. In keeping with studies with infants, we expected the familial group to show the most security, the communal group to show the least security, and the non-continuous to be in between. Participants were 152 women with school-age children. They reported on their attachment styles and availability of significant others during childhood. Additionally, they evaluated the child-rearing context of themselves and of their children. The three groups did not differ in their attachment security or in the reported availability of significant others in childhood. They differed in their evaluations of their own and their children’s child-rearing contexts. Specifically, they had negative evaluations regarding the communal sleeping arrangement. Security of attachment was related to reported availability of significant others in childhood. These results are discussed in view of the differentiation between contextual-distal variables and process-proximal variables.

Dementia in an Aging World

2019 ◽  
pp. 15-34
Author(s):  
Thomas Fritze ◽  
Anne Fink ◽  
Gabriele Doblhammer
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Old Age ◽  
Middle Ages ◽  
Caregiver Burden ◽  
Assistive Technologies ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
The Family ◽  
Aging World

Both developed and developing countries are facing economic and social challenges posed by an aging population. Dementia is one of the most common diseases in old age and has major consequences for society. In 2013, an estimated 44.4 million people worldwide suffered from dementia, and this number is expected to increase to 135.5 million by 2050. The current worldwide costs of dementia have been estimated at $604 billion, primarily due to the high demand for care. There is no known cure for dementia; however, positive developments with respect to lifestyle and recognizing risk factors in young and middle ages might have positive long-term effects on the risk of dementia in old age. Prevention and adequate medical treatment of these risk factors might help postpone dementia into higher ages. In addition, assistive technologies may help to mitigate the family and caregiver burden.

Synthetic Marijuana Not a “Medicinal Product”

2014 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 548-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joasia Luzak
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Product ◽  
Human Health ◽  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Consumer Safety ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Synthetic Marijuana ◽  
European Markets

Joined Cases C-358/13 and C-181/14, Markus D. and G.Substances which produce effects that merely modify physiological functions but which are not such as to have any beneficial effects, either immediately or in the long term, on human health, are consumed solely to induce a state of intoxication and are, as such, harmful to human health do not fall within the scope of the definition of a “medicinal product” in the Directive 2001/83 (official headnote).Consumer safety and medicines control legislation is not suitable to penalise the introduction of new psychoactive substances on European markets (author's headnote).Art 1(2)(b) Directive 2001/83

scholarly journals Evaluation of long‐term detection trends of new psychoactive substances in pooled urine from city street portable urinals (London, UK)

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (3) ◽  
pp. 517-527 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R.H. Archer ◽  
Fiona Mendes ◽  
Simon Hudson ◽  
Kerry Layne ◽  
Paul I. Dargan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
New Psychoactive Substances ◽  
Psychoactive Substances ◽  
City Street
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