Novel Psychoactive Phenethylamines: Impact on Genetic Material.
Veronica Cocchi, Sofia Gasperini, Patrizia Hrelia, Micaela Tirri, Matteo Marti, Monia Lenzi
International Journal of Molecular Sciences December 17, 2020 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249616 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | TK6 cells (a human lymphoblastoid cell line) |
| Interventions | 2C-H 2C-I 2C-B 25B-NBOMe MDMA |
| Dose | 6.25-35 µM |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | 25b-nbome 2c-b 2c-h 2c-i Ros Flow cytometry Genotoxicity Genetic damage Impact dna Common phenethylamine substances Acute harm Immediate severe effects |
| Citations | 32 |
| Key findings | 2C-H, 2C-I, 2C-B, and 25B-NBOMe, but not MDMA, induced genotoxicity in TK6 cells, likely through elevated reactive oxygen species. |
Abstract
Psychedelic and stimulating phenethylamines belong to the family of new psychoactive substances (NPS). The acute toxicity framework has begun to be investigated, while studies showing genotoxic potential are very limited or not available. Therefore, in order to fill this gap, the aim of the present work was to evaluate the genotoxicity by treating TK6 cells with 2C-H, 2C-I, 2C-B, 25B-NBOMe, and the popular 3,4-Methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA). On the basis of cytotoxicity and cytostasis results, we selected the concentrations (6.25-35 µM) to be used in genotoxicity analysis. We used the micronucleus (MN) as indicator of genetic damage and analyzed the MNi frequency fold increase by an automated flow cytometric protocol. All substances, except MDMA, resulted genotoxic; therefore, we evaluated reactive oxygen species (ROS) induction as a possible mechanism at the basis of the demonstrated genotoxicity. The obtained results showed a statistically significant increase in ROS levels for all genotoxic phenethylamines confirming this hypothesis. Our results highlight the importance of genotoxicity evaluation for a complete assessment of the risk associated also with NPS exposure. Indeed, the subjects who do not have hazardous behaviors or require hospitalization by using active but still "safe" doses could run into genotoxicity and in the well-known long-term effects associated.
Comparable studies
Other experimental studies on MDMA, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amphetamine-type central nervous system stimulants release norepinephrine more potently than they release dopamine and serotonin | 2000 | Experimental study | |
| Methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) and methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) cause selective ablation of serotonergic axon terminals in forebrain: immunocytochemical evidence for neurotoxicity Rat brain | 1988 | Experimental study | |
| The molecular mechanism of "ecstasy" [3,4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA)]: serotonin transporters are targets for MDMA-induced serotonin release. Human platelet plasma membrane vesicles and bovine adrenal chromaffin granule membrane... | 1992 | Laboratory study | |
| Oxytocin-dependent reopening of a social reward learning critical period with MDMA | 2019 | Experimental study | |
| Effects of certain hallucinogenic amphetamine analogs on the release of [3H]-serotonin from rat brain synaptosomes Rat whole brain synaptosomes | 1982 | Experimental study |
Citations in the library
Cited by 8
- Understanding the Mechanisms of Action and Effects of Drugs of Abuse. Molecules June 24, 2023
- Neurotoxicological profile of the hallucinogenic compound 25I-NBOMe. Scientific Reports February 21, 2022
- 25X-NBOMe compounds - chemistry, pharmacology and toxicology. A comprehensive review. Critical Reviews in Toxicology 2023
- Hallucinogenic activity, neurotransmitters release, anxiolytic and neurotoxic effects in Rat's brain following repeated administration of novel psychoactive compound 25B-NBOMe. Neuropharmacology December 1, 2023
- The role of mitochondrial dysfunction and calcium dysregulation in 2C-I and 25I-NBOMe-induced neurotoxicity. Chemico-Biological Interactions April 25, 2025
and 3 more in the library
Cites 30
- Clinical toxicology of newer recreational drugs Clinical Toxicology October 1, 2011
- Designer drugs: mechanism of action and adverse effects Archives of Toxicology April 1, 2020
- Receptor interaction profiles of novel N-2-methoxybenzyl (NBOMe) derivatives of 2,5-dimethoxy-substituted phenethylamines (2C drugs). Neuropharmacology December 1, 2015
- Neuropharmacology of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS): Focus on the Rewarding and Reinforcing Properties of Cannabimimetics and Amphetamine-Like Stimulants Frontiers in Neuroscience April 19, 2016
- Psychedelic Drugs in Biomedicine TIPS - Trends in Pharmacological Sciences September 22, 2017
and 25 more in the library