Abstract
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) is a worldwide illegally used amphetamine-derived designer drug known to be hepatotoxic to humans. Jaundice, hepatomegaly, centrilobular necrosis, hepatitis and fibrosis represent some of the adverse effects caused by MDMA in the liver. Although there is irrefutable evidence of MDMA-induced hepatocellular damage, the mechanisms responsible for that toxicity remain to be thoroughly clarified. One well thought-of mechanism imply MDMA metabolism in the liver into reactive metabolites as responsible for the MDMA-elicited hepatotoxicity. However, other factors, including MDMA-induced hyperthermia, the increase in neurotransmitters efflux, the oxidation of biogenic amines, polydrug abuse pattern, and environmental features accompanying illicit MDMA use, may increase the risk for liver complications. Liver damage patterns of MDMA in animals and humans and current research on the mechanisms underlying the hepatotoxic effects of MDMA will be highlighted in this review.
Keywords: Ecstasy, MDMA, hepatotoxicity, liver damage, mechanisms
Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Title: Mechanisms Underlying the Hepatotoxic Effects of Ecstasy
Volume: 11 Issue: 5
Author(s): Marcia Carvalho, Helena Pontes, Fernando Remiao, Maria L. Bastos and Felix Carvalho
Affiliation:
Keywords: Ecstasy, MDMA, hepatotoxicity, liver damage, mechanisms
Abstract: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) is a worldwide illegally used amphetamine-derived designer drug known to be hepatotoxic to humans. Jaundice, hepatomegaly, centrilobular necrosis, hepatitis and fibrosis represent some of the adverse effects caused by MDMA in the liver. Although there is irrefutable evidence of MDMA-induced hepatocellular damage, the mechanisms responsible for that toxicity remain to be thoroughly clarified. One well thought-of mechanism imply MDMA metabolism in the liver into reactive metabolites as responsible for the MDMA-elicited hepatotoxicity. However, other factors, including MDMA-induced hyperthermia, the increase in neurotransmitters efflux, the oxidation of biogenic amines, polydrug abuse pattern, and environmental features accompanying illicit MDMA use, may increase the risk for liver complications. Liver damage patterns of MDMA in animals and humans and current research on the mechanisms underlying the hepatotoxic effects of MDMA will be highlighted in this review.
Export Options
About this article
Cite this article as:
Carvalho Marcia, Pontes Helena, Remiao Fernando, L. Bastos Maria and Carvalho Felix, Mechanisms Underlying the Hepatotoxic Effects of Ecstasy, Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2010; 11 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920110791591535
DOI https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920110791591535 |
Print ISSN 1389-2010 |
Publisher Name Bentham Science Publisher |
Online ISSN 1873-4316 |
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Artificial Intelligence in Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that analyzes and explores biological data. This field combines biology and information system. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has attracted great attention as it tries to replicate human intelligence. It has become common technology for analyzing and solving complex data and problems and encompasses sub-fields of machine ...read more
Latest Advancements in Biotherapeutics
The scope of this thematic issue is to comprehensively explore the rapidly evolving landscape of biotherapeutics, emphasizing breakthroughs in precision medicine. Encompassing diverse therapeutic modalities, the issue will delve into the latest developments in monoclonal antibodies, CRISPR/Cas gene editing, CAR-T cell therapies, and innovative drug delivery systems, such as nanoparticle-based ...read more
- Author Guidelines
- Graphical Abstracts
- Fabricating and Stating False Information
- Research Misconduct
- Post Publication Discussions and Corrections
- Publishing Ethics and Rectitude
- Increase Visibility of Your Article
- Archiving Policies
- Peer Review Workflow
- Order Your Article Before Print
- Promote Your Article
- Manuscript Transfer Facility
- Editorial Policies
- Allegations from Whistleblowers
Related Articles
-
Nutraceuticals and their Novel Drug Delivery System: A Boon to Human Health
Current Nutrition & Food Science Radial vs Femoral Approach in Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Meta- Analysis of Randomized Trials
Current Vascular Pharmacology Metal Toxicity and Speciation: A Review
Current Medicinal Chemistry Functional and Molecular Ultrasound Imaging: Concepts and Contrast Agents
Current Medicinal Chemistry Does Pharmacological Therapy Still Play a Role in Preventing Sudden Death in Surgically Treated Tetralogy of Fallot?
Mini-Reviews in Medicinal Chemistry Plasma Substitutes Therapy in Pediatrics
Current Drug Targets Current and Emerging Therapies in Neuroendocrine Tumors: Impact of Genetic Targets on Clinical Outcomes
Clinical Cancer Drugs CD44 and its Role in Inflammation and Inflammatory Diseases
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Discontinued) Editorial from Editor-in-Chief (Thrombolytic and Catheter-Directed Therapy for Pulmonary Embolism: The Paradox of Clinical Outcomes and Theory)
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews The Guanylyl Cyclase Inhibition by MB as Vasoplegic Circulatory Shock Therapeutical Target
Current Drug Targets Heterocyclic N-Oxides - An Emerging Class of Therapeutic Agents
Current Medicinal Chemistry Goal Directed Fluid Therapy
Current Pharmaceutical Design Generation of a Chimeric Plasmin-resistant VEGF165/VEGF183 (132-158) Protein and its Comparative Activity
Protein & Peptide Letters The No-Reflow Phenomenon in the Coronary Circulation
Cardiovascular & Hematological Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Chalcones as Versatile Synthons for the Synthesis of 5- and 6-membered Nitrogen Heterocycles
Current Organic Chemistry From the Stretcher to the Pharmacys Shelf: Drug Leads from Medically Important Brazilian Venomous Arachnid Species
Inflammation & Allergy - Drug Targets (Discontinued) Does Fluid Administration Based on Fluid Responsiveness Tests such as Passive Leg Raising Improve Outcomes in Sepsis?
Current Cardiology Reviews Cancer-Targeting Multifunctionalized Gold Nanoparticles in Imaging and Therapy
Current Medicinal Chemistry Immunosuppression in Liver Transplantation
Current Drug Targets Cyclopentenyl Cytosine (CPEC): An Overview of its in vitro and in vivo Activity
Current Cancer Drug Targets