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
Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Medical Data Analysis and Human Information Analysis in Healthcare
The intersection of machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) with the pharmaceutical industry is revolutionizing traditional paradigms in drug discovery and development. These technologies have introduced innovative approaches to analyzing complex datasets and predicting chemical properties, leading to more efficient identification and optimization of drug candidates. By employing sophisticated ...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
-
Association of Viruses in the Development of Cardiovascular Diseases
Current Pharmaceutical Design Therapeutic Potential of Metabotropic GABA (GABAB) Receptors and their Effector Ion Channels
Central Nervous System Agents in Medicinal Chemistry Hypertension in Pregnancy: Pathophysiology & Management Strategies
Current Pharmaceutical Design Novel Etomidate Derivatives
Current Pharmaceutical Design Antioxidant Capacity of 2-(3,5-diaryl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)-4-phenylthiazoles
Letters in Drug Design & Discovery Sarcolemmal K<sub>ATP</sub> Channel Modulators and Cardiac Arrhythmias
Current Medicinal Chemistry Ethanol Metabolism and Effects: Nitric Oxide and its Interaction
Current Clinical Pharmacology Syntheses of Amido-, Carbamido- and Carbamatoalkylnaphthols
Current Organic Synthesis Backbone-Cyclized Peptides: A Critical Review
Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry Hantaviruses: Molecular Biology, Evolution and Pathogenesis
Current Molecular Medicine Diabetes Mellitus during the Pandemic Covid-19: Prevalence, Pathophysiology, Mechanism, and Management: An updated overview
Current Diabetes Reviews Disentangling the Intricacies of Migraine: A Review
CNS & Neurological Disorders - Drug Targets Noncardiac Surgery: Evaluating and Minimizing Cardiac Risk
Current Cardiology Reviews Pneumonia in the Burn Patient
Current Respiratory Medicine Reviews Editorial [Hot Topic:Applications of Angiotensin Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and of Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers in Pharmacology and Therapy: An Update (Executive Editor: Agostino Molteni)]
Current Pharmaceutical Design Functions of Third Extracellular Loop and Helix 8 of Family B GPCRs Complexed with RAMPs and Characteristics of their Receptor Trafficking
Current Protein & Peptide Science A Review Study about the Effect of Chitosan Nanocarrier on Improving the Efficacy of Amphotericin B in the Treatment of Leishmania from 2010 to 2020
Current Drug Delivery Management of the Low Cardiac Output Syndrome Following Surgery for Congenital Heart Disease
Current Cardiology Reviews A Novel Therapeutic Strategy Against Vascular Disorders with Chymase Inhibitor
Current Vascular Pharmacology Nitric Oxide Signaling and the Cross Talk with Prostanoids Pathways in Vascular System
Medicinal Chemistry