Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hanna Molla, Royce Lee, Sonja Lyubomirsky, Harriet de Wit
Summary: This study demonstrates that both MDMA and MA can increase feelings of connectedness with an unfamiliar partner during casual conversations. These findings extend our understanding of the social effects of these drugs and highlight a sensitive method for assessing pro-social effects during face-to-face interactions.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Diogo A. Fonseca, Daniel M. Ribeiro, Margarida Tapadas, Maria Dulce Cotrim
Summary: MDMA, a popular recreational drug with potential therapeutic effects, has various cardiovascular implications, including effects on both the cardiac and vascular levels. These effects may involve different mechanisms and require further investigation to fully understand the risk/benefit ratio of its therapeutic use.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Toxicology
Daniel Jose Barbosa, Joao Paulo Capela, Luisa Maria Ferreira, Paula Serio Branco, Eduarda Fernandes, Maria de Lourdes Bastos, Felix Carvalho
Summary: This study demonstrates the ability of MDMA metabolites, monoamine neurotransmitters, L-Dopa, and DOPAC to alter the Na+/K+ ATPase function, potentially representing a yet unknown mechanism of action of MDMA and its metabolites in the brain.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Marija Franka ZuljeviC, Marin Vidak, Jaksa Vukojevic, Darko Hren, Tina Poklepovic Pericic
Summary: This study aims to assess the effectiveness and safety of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy in treating adults with PTSD.
COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Annie Regan, Seth Margolis, Harriet de Wit, Sonja Lyubomirsky
Summary: This study conducted a multilevel meta-analysis on 27 studies with 592 participants to quantify the strength of MDMA's effects on self-reported social connection. The results revealed a moderate-to-large effect of MDMA on sociability-related outcomes, suggesting its potential implications for social contexts and clinical settings. The study also discussed potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between MDMA and sociability-related feelings.
Article
Neurosciences
Catharine Montgomery, Carl A. Roberts
Summary: MDMA, commonly known as 'ecstasy', is a stimulant that may have long-term neurotoxic effects on serotonin neurons. It is difficult to definitively prove serotonergic neurotoxicity in humans, and research is complicated by various factors.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
I-Hsun Li, Tsung-Ta Liu, Ying-Chen Chen, Sheng-Huang Hsiao, Hao-Yuan Hung, Li-Yun Fann, Jui-Hu Shih
Summary: It was found that methimazole (MMI) can alleviate MDMA-induced hyperthermia and neurotoxicity, as well as induce excited behavior in rats. However, further investigation is needed to provide more evidence for its clinical use.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Giulia Costa, Krystyna Golembiowska
Summary: Studies suggest that MDMA, commonly known as 'ecstasy', not only has abuse potential, but may also cause acute and persistent central level abnormalities with demonstrated neurotoxic effects in experimental animals. This could pose serious health risks since MDMA is frequently used recreationally by young and adult individuals.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Seyyed Majid Eslami, Laleh Khorshidi, Maryam Ghasemi, Amir Rashidian, Mahdi Mirghazanfari, Akram Nezhadi, Mohsen Chamanara, Ruhollah Mirjani
Summary: The study demonstrated that MDMA impairs spatial memory and increases oxidative stress and apoptotic activities in the hippocampus of rats. However, atorvastatin and rosuvastatin were found to improve memory performance and inhibit the harmful effects induced by MDMA. This suggests that these statins have protective effects against MDMA-induced cognitive impairment and neurotoxicity.
INFLAMMOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Akhil Sharma, Viktoriia Bazylianska, Anna Moszczynska
Summary: PKO rats display a certain resistance to METH neurotoxicity, possibly mediated by lowered DA levels and downregulated mitochondria.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Psychiatry
Raul Lopez-Arnau, Jordi Camarasa, Marcel Li Carbo, Nuria Nadal-Gratacos, Pol Puigseslloses, Maria Espinosa-Velasco, Edurne Urquizu, Elena Escubedo, David Pubill
Summary: The utility of classical drugs used to treat psychiatric disorders is often limited, and psychoactive substances have shown potential as alternative treatments for certain disorders. The use of new psychoactive substances has expanded the options for treating these disorders.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Alexandra M. Stafford, Bryan K. Yamamoto, Tamara J. Phillips
Summary: Through animal studies, it has been found that comorbid exposure to alcohol and methamphetamine can have additive or synergistic effects on behavior and physiology. This exposure impacts the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and glutamatergic systems, potentially leading to neurotoxic consequences.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zahra Allaeian Jahromi, Mohammad Hassan Meshkibaf, Majid Naghdi, Akbar Vahdati, Zohreh Makoolati
Summary: Methamphetamine decreases the expression levels of the CatSper family and Mvh genes, which in turn affects sperm motility and fertility.
Article
Neurosciences
C. Abuin-Martinez, R. Vidal, M. D. Gutierrez-Lopez, M. Perez-Hernandez, P. Gimenez-Gomez, N. Morales-Puerto, E. O'Shea, M. I. Colado
Summary: The study revealed that MDMA induces serotonergic neurotoxicity by activating the KYN pathway and AhR in rats. Modulation of these pathways could serve as potential therapeutic strategies to limit the negative effects of MDMA-induced brain damage.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Tanthai Polvat, Tanya Prasertporn, Piyada Na Nakorn, Supitcha Pannengpetch, Wilasinee Suwanjang, Jiraporn Panmanee, Sukhonthar Ngampramuan, Jennifer L. Cornish, Banthit Chetsawang
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the cognitive impairment caused by chronic methamphetamine addiction in mice and explore the potential mechanisms. It was found that methamphetamine administration led to poor cognitive performance in mice, which partially recovered after withdrawal. Treatment with melatonin during withdrawal enhanced the recovery by restoring neuronal impairments.
JOURNAL OF PROTEOME RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rita Roque-Bravo, Rafaela Sofia Silva, Rui F. Malheiro, Helena Carmo, Felix Carvalho, Diana Dias da Silva, Joao Pedro Silva
Summary: Synthetic cannabinoids, a chemically diverse group of new psychoactive substances that target the endocannabinoid system, have more intense effects than cannabis and are increasingly being used recreationally. However, the rise in intoxications and deaths associated with synthetic cannabinoids poses a major public health concern and challenge for policy makers.
ANNUAL REVIEW OF PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Ana Reis-Mendes, Felix Carvalho, Fernando Remiao, Emilia Sousa, Maria de Lourdes Bastos, Vera Marisa Costa
Summary: This study compares the cardiotoxicity of MTX and its metabolite NAPHT in an in vitro cardiac model and explores the role of metabolism in the cardiotoxic effects. The results show that MTX causes concentration-dependent cytotoxicity, affecting mitochondrial function and lysosome uptake, while NAPHT only exhibits concentration-dependent cytotoxicity. Inhibition or induction of metabolism has minimal impact on MTX-induced cytotoxicity, suggesting that metabolism is not a major contributor to MTX toxicity. However, autophagy is involved in MTX-induced cytotoxicity, potentially through the involvement of p62/LC3-II.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Toxicology
Adelaide Sousa, Ana T. Rufino, Rui Fernandes, Ana Malheiro, Felix Carvalho, Eduarda Fernandes, Marisa Freitas
Summary: Silver nanoparticles exert harmful effects on both monocytes and macrophages, through the establishment of a strong pro-inflammatory response that leads to cell death. Smaller polyvinylpyrrolidone-coated silver nanoparticles exhibit more pronounced cytotoxic effects. Human monocytes are more sensitive to silver nanoparticle exposure compared to human macrophages.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Rui Filipe Malheiro, Helena Carmo, Felix Carvalho, Joao Pedro Silva
Summary: Mitochondria play a critical role in multiple biological processes, and recent studies have shown that cannabinoids can modulate mitochondrial function and dynamics. Cannabinoids can target different mitochondrial processes through complex signaling pathways, affecting cell homeostasis and disease.
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Alexandra Martins, Diana Dias da Silva, Renata Silva, Felix Carvalho, Lucia Guilhermino
Summary: This study investigated the long-term toxicity of lithium (Li) and lithium microplastics (Li-MPs mixtures) under high light intensity and warmer water temperature. The results showed that both high light intensity and warmer temperature increased the toxicity of Li and Li-MPs mixtures, with higher concentrations leading to population extinction.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sandra I. Marques, Helena Carmo, Felix Carvalho, Susana I. Sa, Joao Pedro Silva
Summary: Immunohistochemical staining of brain samples provides valuable information on neurological mechanisms, but post-processing of DAB-stained photomicrographs is challenging. Traditionally, manual quantification of parameters in a large set of images is time-consuming and complex. This study presents an improved semi-automatic method using ImageJ's Skeletonize plugin and data processing software to quantify GFAP-labelled astrocytes in rat brain images, allowing faster and more efficient analysis of astrocyte size, number, branching, and activation indicators.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ines Costa, Daniel Jose Barbosa, Sofia Benfeito, Vera Silva, Daniel Chavarria, Fernanda Borges, Fernando Remiao, Renata Silva
Summary: Ferroptosis is a regulated cell death process involving the accumulation of iron and reactive oxygen species, as well as inhibition of system Xc-, glutathione depletion, and lipid peroxidation. It is implicated in various brain diseases and has potential therapeutic applications in cancer treatment. Understanding the mechanisms and role of ferroptosis is crucial for developing new treatment strategies and targets.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ines Costa, Daniel Jose Barbosa, Vera Silva, Sofia Benfeito, Fernanda Borges, Fernando Remiao, Renata Silva
Summary: Ferroptosis is regulated cell death caused by oxidative perturbations controlled by Glutathione Peroxidase 4 (GPX4). It involves the increased production of reactive oxygen species, intracellular iron accumulation, lipid peroxidation, inhibition of system Xc-, glutathione depletion, and decreased GPX4 activity. In vitro and in vivo models have been used to study the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases involving ferroptosis. These models can also aid in the development of potential ferroptosis inhibitors for disease-modifying therapies. This review discusses the main in vitro and in vivo models used to evaluate ferroptosis and explore new drug targets and candidates.
Article
Cell Biology
Ana Reis-Mendes, Mariana Ferreira, Ana Isabel Padrao, Jose Alberto Duarte, Margarida Duarte-Araujo, Fernando Remiao, Felix Carvalho, Emilia Sousa, Maria Lourdes Bastos, Vera Marisa Costa
Summary: This study assessed the short- and long-term cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX) in a mouse model and investigated the role of inflammation and antioxidant defenses in this cardiotoxicity. The results demonstrated that DOX induced adverse outcome pathways related to inflammation and oxidative stress, although activating different time-dependent response mechanisms.
Review
Microbiology
Ana Claudia-Ferreira, Daniel Jose Barbosa, Veroniek Saegeman, Amparo Fernandez-Rodriguez, Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira, Ana R. Freitas
Summary: This comprehensive review presents the current knowledge about the human postmortem microbiome, discusses its applications in forensic sciences, and identifies limitations and future research directions.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Vera Marisa Costa, Joao Paulo Capela, Maria Lourdes Bastos, Fernando Remiao, Kurt James Varner, Jose Alberto Duarte, Felix Carvalho
Summary: Prolonged overexposure to catecholamines causes toxicity due to continuous adrenoceptor stimulation, autoxidation, and reactive pro-oxidant species formation. This study investigated the contribution of oxidative stress in adrenaline-induced neurotoxicity using non-differentiated SH-SY5Y cells. Results showed that Adrenaline caused concentration- and time-dependent cytotoxicity in the cells, and N-acetyl-cysteine prevented the toxicity while the antioxidant Tiron was non-protective. Further analysis is needed to understand the involvement of these processes in catecholamine-induced peripheral neuropathy.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Sofia Reis Brandao, Ana Reis-Mendes, Maria Joao Neuparth, Felix Carvalho, Rita Ferreira, Vera Marisa Costa
Summary: The cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX) may manifest at the beginning/during treatment or years after, compromising patients' quality of life. This study reveals that the molecular mechanisms elicited by DOX are modulated at different extents over time, supporting the differences in clinical cardiotoxic manifestations with time.
Review
Toxicology
Ana Dias-Carvalho, Susana Isabel Sa, Felix Carvalho, Eduarda Fernandes, Vera Marisa Costa
Summary: As life expectancy increases, the burden of neurologic disorders in the elderly has become a major challenge. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the development of aging and neurologic disorders, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis. Understanding the role of inflammation is essential for developing effective treatments and interventions to alleviate the social and economic burden of these diseases.
ARCHIVES OF TOXICOLOGY
(2023)