3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) Abuse may Cause Oxidative Stress and Potential Free Radical Damage
Jun Zhou, Peng Chen, Ye Zhou, Liang Zhang, Huai H. Chen
Free Radical Research 2003 DOI: 10.1080/1071576031000076286 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Randomized controlled trial Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 240 |
| Population | MDMA abusers and healthy volunteers |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Oxidative stress Superoxide dismutase Catalase Vitamin e Vitamin c Endocrinology Pharmacology |
| Citations | 45 |
| Key findings | MDMA abuse is associated with increased oxidative stress, indicated by elevated lipoperoxide and reduced levels of antioxidants and antioxidant enzymes. |
Abstract
Objective: To investigate whether 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine abuse (MDMA abuse) may cause oxidative stress and potential free radical damage in the bodies of MDMA abusers (MA), and to explore the mechanisms by which MDMA abuse may be causing oxidative stress.
Methods: One hundred and twenty MA and 120 healthy volunteers (HV) were enrolled in a random control study design, in which the level of lipoperoxide (LPO) in erythrocytes, and the levels of Vitamin C (VC), Vitamin E (VE) and beta-carotene (beta-CAR) in plasma as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in erythrocytes were determined by spectrophotometric methods.
Results: Compared with the average values of the above biochemical parameters in the HV group, the average value of LPO in erythrocytes in the MA group was significantly increased (P < 0.0001), while the average values of VC, VE and beta-CAR in plasma as well as those of SOD and CAT in erythrocytes in the MA group were significantly decreased (P < 0.0001). The analysis of bivariate correlations suggested that with the increase of the MDMA abuse dose and the MDMA abuse duration, the level of LPO in erythrocytes in the MA was increased (P < 0.0001), while the levels of VC, VE and beta-CAR in plasma as well as the activities of SOD and CAT in erythrocytes in the MA were decreased (P < 0.0001).
Conclusion: The findings in this study suggest that MDMA abuse may cause oxidative stress and potential free radical damage to MA.
Comparable studies
Other randomized controlled trials on MDMA, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 14
- Human psychobiology of MDMA or ‘Ecstasy’: an overview of 25 years of empirical research Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental July 1, 2013
- MDMA in humans: factors which affect the neuropsychobiological profiles of recreational ecstasy users, the integrative role of bioenergetic stress Journal of Psychopharmacology March 1, 2006
- Dance Clubbing on MDMA and during Abstinence from Ecstasy/MDMA: Prospective Neuroendocrine and Psychobiological Changes Neuropsychobiology 2008
- Mechanisms of MDMA (Ecstasy)-Induced Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, and Organ Damage Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology June 27, 2010
- Cortisol and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine: Neurohormonal Aspects of Bioenergetic Stress in Ecstasy Users Neuropsychobiology 2009
and 9 more in the library
Cites 9
- A study of the neurotoxic effect of MDMA (‘ecstasy’) on 5‐HT neurones in the brains of mothers and neonates following administration of the drug during pregnancy British Journal of Pharmacology June 1, 1997
- In vivo evidence for free radical involvement in the degeneration of rat brain 5‐HT following administration of MDMA (‘ecstasy’) and p‐chloroamphetamine but not the degeneration following fenfluramine British Journal of Pharmacology July 1, 1997
- Ascorbic acid prevents 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-induced hydroxyl radical formation and the behavioral and neurochemical consequences of the depletion of brain 5-HT Synapse 2001
- α-Lipoic acid prevents 3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA)-induced neurotoxicity Neuroreport November 1, 1999
- Studies on the role of dopamine in the degeneration of 5‐HT nerve endings in the brain of Dark Agouti rats following 3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘ecstasy’) administration British Journal of Pharmacology February 1, 1999
and 4 more in the library