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. 2024 Sep 1;19(9):1908-1918.
doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.390971. Epub 2023 Dec 15.

Brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity induced by psychostimulants in experimental models and humans: an overview of recent findings

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Brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity induced by psychostimulants in experimental models and humans: an overview of recent findings

Marcello Serra et al. Neural Regen Res. .

Abstract

Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that psychostimulants, in addition to having abuse potential, may elicit brain dysfunctions and/or neurotoxic effects. Central toxicity induced by psychostimulants may pose serious health risks since the recreational use of these substances is on the rise among young people and adults. The present review provides an overview of recent research, conducted between 2018 and 2023, focusing on brain dysfunctions and neurotoxic effects elicited in experimental models and humans by amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, methylphenidate, caffeine, and nicotine. Detailed elucidation of factors and mechanisms that underlie psychostimulant-induced brain dysfunction and neurotoxicity is crucial for understanding the acute and enduring noxious brain effects that may occur in individuals who use psychostimulants for recreational and/or therapeutic purposes.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Scheme of the proposed mechanisms contributing to psychostimulant-induced brain dysfunctions and neurotoxicity. Created with BioRender.com. AMPH: Amphetamine; MDMA: 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine; METH: methamphetamine; RNS: reactive nitrogen species; ROS: reactive oxygen species.

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