Cytogenotoxicity effects in addicts with multidrug consumption

Abstract

Drug abuse is considered a global health problem with serious social impact. In recent decades, changes in drug consumption patterns have shown a clear rising trend in the use of multiple drugs. Although the buccal micronucleus cytome (BMCyt) assay has evaluated cytotoxicity in drug abuse, there has not been an approach that takes into account this pattern of multiple drug use. Therefore, in this study, we evaluate for the first time the cytogenotoxic effects in multidrug users, and its correlation with the amount consumed and years of abuse. This study was conducted on 166 individuals by the BMCyt assay. A total of 83 individuals with a history of multiple licit (alcohol and tobacco) and at least one illicit drug abuse (marijuana, methamphetamines, cocaine, and/or inhalants), and 83 healthy individuals, non‐drug abusers were analyzed. The results showed that drug abusers had higher frequencies of nuclear abnormalities nuclear buds, binucleated cells, pyknotic nuclei (PNs), karyorrhexis (KX), and abnormally condensed chromatin when compared with healthy controls. Moreover, results suggests that the use of licit and illicit drugs is related to cytogenotoxic damage, as was shown by an upward trend in the frequency of nuclear abnormalities identified in groups 1 (alcohol + tobacco + at least one illicit drug) and 2 (tobacco + at least one illicit drug). Furthermore, a positive correlation was found in the different groups, between the years and the amount of consumption of some drugs (alcohol, methamphetamine, and tobacco) with cytotoxicity markers such as KL, KX, and PNs.

Illicit Drugs in Surface Waters: How to Get Fish off the Addictive Hook

“…Although IDs’ direct teratogenic, genotoxic, and cytotoxic effects on human health are well-documented, emerging evidence suggests that these substances may also present significant risks to aquatic ecosystems, particularly fish populations. Research indicates that drug abusers exhibit elevated frequencies of nuclear abnormalities, including nuclear buds, binucleated cells, pyknotic nuclei, karyorrhexis, and abnormally condensed chromatin when compared to healthy controls [ 177 ]. These abnormalities may be associated with reactive oxygen species, which are produced by cytochrome P450, including P4503A and P4502B isozymes, during the metabolism of IDs.…”

“…While the effects of metaphedrone were observed at relatively high concentrations (up to 100 µg/L), the findings raise concerns about the potential long-term consequences of exposure to emerging synthetic drugs. Furthermore, research on multidrug users has revealed higher frequencies of nuclear abnormalities in individuals with a history of ID abuse, indicating a correlation between drug consumption and cytogenotoxic damage [ 177 ].…”