Influence of Prenatal Methamphetamine Abuse on the Brain

Abstract

Methamphetamine (MA), a psychostimulant, has become a serious problem in recent years. It is one of the most widely abused psychostimulants in the world. In the Czech Republic, ecstasy is the most commonly used non-cannabis drug, followed by hallucinogenic fungi, LSD, MA, cocaine, and finally heroin. The prevalence of the usage of all addictive substances is highest in the age category of 15–34. Approximately 17.2% of registered drug addicts, both male and female, in the Czech Republic use MA as their first-choice drug. This group consists mostly of women who are unemployed and addicted to MA (85%). Almost half of the addicted women switched to MA from other drugs in the course of pregnancy. Psychostimulants such as amphetamine and its synthetic derivate MA induce feelings of calm and happiness by suppressing anxiety and depression. When MA is abused for longer periods, it mimics symptoms of mania and can lead to the development of psychosis. MA is often abused for its anorectic effect, its simple preparation, and compared to heroin and cocaine, its low price. There are significant differences in the susceptibility of users to the stimulant, with reactions to MA fluctuating from person to person. Molecular mechanisms related to the variable response among users might represent an explanation for increased addiction-associated bipolar disorder and psychosis. Currently, there is limited information regarding genetic mechanisms linked to these disorders and the transmission of drug addiction. As such, animal models of drug addiction represent significant sources of information and assets in the research of these issues. The aim of this review is to summarize the mechanism of action of methamphetamine and its effect on pregnant addicted women and their children, including a detailed description of the anatomical structures involved.

Prenatal and postnatal methamphetamine exposure alters prefrontal cortical gene expression and behavior in mice

“…Methamphetamine exposure during pre- and post-natal periods can impact the development of the brain, potentially through altered gene expression ( Itzhak et al, 2015 ; Tomášková et al, 2020 ). In our study, we utilized gene ontology biological processes that implicated several synaptic-related processes that are potentially altered in the MM group compared with the SS group ( Figure 4 ).…”

Methamphetamine spasm in the large caliber arteries—the severity is likely underestimated

“…Among the resultant chronic problems, congestive heart failure, cognitive decline, and Parkinson syndrome are common. 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 It is useful to know that as a medication, amphetamine and its derivatives or analogs are commonly used in the treatment of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, narcolepsy, and other psychiatric diseases. These medications are also used as an appetite suppressor.…”

“…Patients can experience headache, abdominal pain, arterial dissection, hemorrhagic and ischemic stroke, Raynaud syndrome, finger and/or toe gangrene, chest tightness, angina, arrhythmia, and myocardial infarction, all of which can represent peripheral artery-related side effects. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 Disturbing side effects can also develop in the central nervous system, such as insomnia, anorexia, and irritability. Sympathomimetic drugs are highly addictive, and, once started, the patient could be reluctant to stop taking them.…”

“…Severe arterial vasospasm is documented in the smaller, peripheral arteries in several studies. 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 Involvement of the large diameter aorta and iliac arteries and the severity are much less documented and reported. We present two cases of severe large arterial vasospasm that developed after methamphetamine ingestion to alert vascular surgeons to the unique and potentially drastic presentation.…”