Oxidative Stress and Drugs of Abuse: An Update

Is biological aging accelerated in drug addiction?

“…Addictive drugs slow cell growth and potentiate apoptosis [20]. Their use (cannabis [21], alcohol, amphetamine or its derivatives [22]; cocaine [23]; opiates [24]; inhalants, synthetic drugs [25]), or withdrawal from their acute effects, induce oxidative stress contributing to their cytotoxicity in brain, heart, liver, and kidney [26]. Cannabis increases the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation increasing the free radical flux from mitochondria [21].…”

“…Cannabis increases the uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation increasing the free radical flux from mitochondria [21]. Beyond oxidative metabolism of drugs, monoamine oxidation (by monoamine oxidases or by auto-oxidation), mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, microglial activation, inflammation, are present [26]. The interaction of multiple drugs can lead to further oxidative damage [26].…”

“…Beyond oxidative metabolism of drugs, monoamine oxidation (by monoamine oxidases or by auto-oxidation), mitochondrial dysfunction, excitotoxicity, microglial activation, inflammation, are present [26]. The interaction of multiple drugs can lead to further oxidative damage [26]. For example, the combination of cocaine and opioids (“speedball”) accentuates mitochondrial dysfunction [27], and co-abuse of cocaine and ethanol (produces an active metabolite, cocaethylene) resulted in increased ROS generation [28].…”

Role of Mitochondria on the Neurological Effects of Cocaine

“…Cocaine may induce an imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants due to an increase in reactive species associated with oxidative drug metabolism, monoamine oxidation, mitochondrial dysfunction, or excitotoxicity, or by impairment of cellular antioxidant systems (Cunha- Oliveira, Rego, & Oliveira, 2013b) (Table 21.2).…”

Desenvolvimento de sensores eletroquímicos e colorimétricos para aplicações em amostras de interesse forense

“…Uma breve busca na literatura [88][89][90] Adulterantes são substâncias que apresentam algum efeito farmacológico, podendo potencializar ou assemelhar-se a algum dos efeitos da cocaína. Já os diluentes, são usados apenas para diluir a droga, sendo inativos e sem efeito farmacológico.…”