Effects Of Methamphetamine Use Research Articles

Methamphetamine facilitates pulmonary and splenic tissue injury and reduces T cell infiltration in C57BL/6 mice after antigenic challenge

Methamphetamine (METH) is a strong addictive central nervous system stimulant. METH abuse can alter biological processes and immune functions necessary for host defense. The acquisition and transmission of HIV, hepatitis, and other communicable diseases are possible serious infectious consequences of METH use. METH also accumulates extensively in major organs. Despite METH being a major public health and safety problem globally, there are limited studies addressing the impact of this popular recreational psychostimulant on tissue adaptive immune responses after exposure to T cell dependent [ovalbumin (OVA)] and independent [lipopolysaccharide (LPS)] antigens. We hypothesized that METH administration causes pulmonary and splenic tissue alterations and reduces T cell responses to OVA and LPS in vivo, suggesting the increased susceptibility of users to infection. Using a murine model of METH administration, we showed that METH causes tissue injury, apoptosis, and alters helper and cytotoxic T cell recruitment in antigen challenged mice. METH also reduces the expression and distribution of CD3 and CD28 molecules on the surface of human Jurkat T cells. In addition, METH decreases the production of IL-2 in these T-like cells, suggesting a negative impact on T lymphocyte activation and proliferation. Our findings demonstrate the pleotropic effects of METH on cell-mediated immunity. These alterations have notable implications on tissue homeostasis and the capacity of the host to respond to infection.

Comparative impact of methamphetamine and other drug use on viral suppression among sexual minority men on antiretroviral therapy

BackgroundSubstance use decreases the likelihood of achieving undetectable HIV viremia; however, the comparative effects by drug have not been fully described. In this study, we compare the effects of methamphetamine use versus other drugs on viremia in sexual minority men on antiretroviral therapy (ART). MethodsHIV-positive participants currently on ART (N = 230) were selected from an ongoing cohort of diverse young sexual minority men (mSTUDY) enrolled from August 2014 to May 2018. Substance use and sociodemographic factors associated with viremia outcomes were assessed using ordinal regression analysis with generalized estimating equations. Viremia outcomes were grouped as undetectable (<20 copies/mL), low level suppressed (21–200 copies/mL), or not suppressed (>200 copies/mL). ResultsThe prevalence of drug use across 825 study visits was 73 %, with methamphetamine use most prevalent (50 %). After adjusting for unstable housing and ART adherence, methamphetamine use, either alone (adjusted OR = 1.87; 95 % CI 1.03−3.40) or with other drugs (adjusted OR = 1.82; 95 % CI 1.12−2.95), was associated with higher odds of increasing viremia compared to no drug use. Other drug use excluding methamphetamine did not show a similar association (adjusted OR = 1.29; 95 % CI 0.80−2.09). Among our study population, nearly half the instances of viremia could be reduced if methamphetamine was discontinued (attributable fraction = 46 %; 95 % CI 3–71 %). ConclusionsMethamphetamine use, either alone or in combination with other drugs, is associated with failure of viral suppression among sexual minority men on ART independent of adherence and sociodemographic factors. This accounts for nearly half of the observed instances of unsuppressed viremia in this study.

The methamphetamine epidemic among persons who inject heroin in Hai Phong, Vietnam

AimsTo describe the current methamphetamine (MA) use epidemic among persons who inject heroin (PWID) in Hai Phong, Vietnam, and consider possibilities for mitigating adverse effects of methamphetamine use. MethodsThis study conducted surveys of PWID in 2016, 2017, and 2018 (N = 1383, 1451, and 1445, respectively). Trained interviewers administered structured interviews covering drug use histories, current drug use, and related risk behaviors. The study used urinalysis to confirm current drug use, and conducted HIV and HCV testing. ResultsParticipants were predominantly male (95%), mean age of 40, and all reported injecting heroin. Respondents' reports of initiating MA use were rare up through early 2000s but increased exponentially through the mid-2010s. MA use was predominantly “smoking,” heating the drug and inhaling the vapor using a pipe; injecting MA was rare. Current (past 30 day) MA use appears to have plateaued in 2016–2018 with 53–58% of participants reporting no use in the last 30 days, 37–41% reporting low to moderate use (1 to 19 days in last 30 days), and 5–7% reporting very frequent use (20 or more days in last 30 days). This plateau reflects a rough balance between new users and individuals ceasing use. ConclusionsMA use has become a substantial public health problem among PWID in Hai Phong. Initiation into MA use rose exponentially from 2005 to about 2015. Use of MA will likely continue for a substantial number of PWID. Currently, no medication is approved for treating MA disorders in Vietnam. Current psychosocial treatment requires highly trained counselors and months of treatment, so that psychosocial treatment for all PWID with MA disorders is likely beyond the resources available in a middle-income country such as Vietnam. Harm reduction programs implemented by community-based organization staff may provide a way to rapidly address aspects of the current MA epidemic. Such programs could emphasize social support for reducing use where possible and for avoiding escalation of use among persons continuing to use.

ASSOCIATION OF METHAMPHETAMINE USE WITH PULMONARY HYPERTENSION: RESULTS FROM NATIONAL INPATIENT SAMPLE

SESSION TITLE: Pulmonary Vascular Disease Posters SESSION TYPE: Original Investigation Posters PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 PURPOSE: Meth-amphetamine use has significantly increased during the past 2 decades. Meth-amphetamines can have a number of toxic effects on cardiopulmonary system like acute lung injury, myocardial infarction and pulmonary hypertension. Using retrospective data, we sought to identify trends in meth-amphetamine associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (APAH) and compare the outcomes to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (iPAH) METHODS: We analyzed data from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS), Health Care and Utilization Project (HCUP) for the years 2010 to 2014. We identified discharges associated with Pulmonary Hypertension using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 416.0, 416.8 and 416.9. All possible known causes of secondary pulmonary hypertension were excluded using ICD-9-CM codes. Trend analysis was performed via linear-by-linear association test. Comparison of categorical variables was done via Chi-square test. All analysis was performed using sample weights to calculate nationwide estimates. RESULTS: A total of 731,053 discharges (age = 18 years) were identified, 65.1% of which were females. Among those, 2,208 (0.3%) patients had APAH and rest were identified as iPAH. Patients with APAH were younger (mean age 45.2 vs 67.8, p<0.001), most of them were Caucasians (66.9%) followed by Hispanics (16.9%), and were more likely to be females (52.4%, p<0.001). Patients with APAH were more likely to have Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and liver disease (p <0.001). Overall, patients with APAH had fewer comorbidities as compared to iPAH patients (Figure). Trend analysis showed an increase in the number of APAH cases from 2010 to 2014 (70% increase, p <0.001). On comparing inpatient mortality and hospital length of stay (LOS), APAH and iPAH patients had similar inpatient mortality rates (4.6% vs 4.2% p=0.430), however APAH patients had slightly longer LOS (mean days 7.01 vs 6.39 p<0.001) CONCLUSIONS: Our study from a national inpatient sample shows a rising trend of APAH in recent years with these patients having slightly increased LOS. It also shows APAH to be more likely in the younger female population with fewer comorbidities. Future studies are needed to explore the mechanisms of disease and potential therapeutic options. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our study highlights one of the many toxic effects of meth-amphetamine use. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Hammad Ali, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Sourbha Dani, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Amit Dey, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Devesh Rai, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Muhammad Waqas Tahir, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Abdul Wahab, source=Web Response

Methamphetamine administration increases hepatic CYP1A2 but not CYP3Aactivity in female guinea pigs.

Methamphetamine use has increased over the past decade and the first use of methamphetamine is most often when women are of reproductive age. Methamphetamine accumulates in the liver; however, little is known about the effect of methamphetamine use on hepatic drug metabolism. Methamphetamine was administered on 3 occassions to female Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs of reproductive age, mimicking recreational drug use. Low doses of test drugs caffeine and midazolam were administered after the third dose of methamphetamine to assess the functional activity of cytochrome P450 1A2 and 3A, respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the mRNA expression of factors involved in glucocorticoid signalling, inflammation, oxidative stress and drug transporters. This study showed that methamphetamine administration decreased hepatic CYP1A2 mRNA expression, but increased CYP1A2 enzyme activity. Methamphetamine had no effect on CYP3A enzyme activity. In addition, we found that methamphetamine may also result in changes in glucocorticoid bioavailability, as we found a decrease in 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 mRNA expression, which converts inactive cortisone into active cortisol. This study has shown that methamphetamine administration has the potential to alter drug metabolism via the CYP1A2 metabolic pathway in female guinea pigs. This may have clinical implications for drug dosing in female methamphetamine users of reproductive age.

The emergence of cardiac changes following the self-administration of methamphetamine

BackgroundClinical observations suggest an association between methamphetamine (METH) use and cardiovascular disease, but preclinical studies are lacking. The purpose of the current study was to explore changes in left ventricular function as a potential precursor to cardiovascular disease in a rodent model of METH use. MethodsMale rats were allowed to self-administer either METH or saline for 9 d. On the day following the 4th and 9th self-administration sessions, an echocardiogram was performed to assess left-ventricular parameters under basal conditions and following a low-dose of METH (1 mg/kg). ResultsA low challenge dose of METH resulted in subtle but statistically significant changes in cardiac function during the echocardiogram in both the METH and saline self-administering groups. Further, differences in left-ventricular parameters such as stroke volume and heart rate were observed between METH and saline groups following the 9th self-administration session. Finally, supervised machine learning correctly predicted the self-administration group assignment (saline or METH) using cardiac parameters following the 9th self-administration session. ConclusionsThe findings of the current study suggest the heart, specifically the left ventricle, is sensitive to METH. Overall, these findings and emerging clinical observations highlight the need for research to investigate the effects of METH use on the heart.

The Effects of Methamphetamine Use on the Sexual Lives of Gender and Sexually Diverse People in Dhaka, Bangladesh: A Qualitative Study.

Methamphetamine use has increased among gender and sexually diverse people in several countries, including Bangladesh. This study aimed to explore the effects of methamphetamine on the sexual lives of these people in Dhaka, Bangladesh. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted, comprising 30 in-depth interviews with gender and sexually diverse people including males having sex with males, male sex workers, and transgender women (hijra) under HIV intervention coverage. Ten key informant interviews were also conducted with individuals who have expertise in relevant disciplines such as drug use, harm reduction, and HIV and AIDS. Digitally recorded data were manually analyzed under the thematic analysis framework. Findings indicated that many participants reported that methamphetamine brought changes in their sexual lives such as increased sexual drive, engagement in group sex, the increased ability to perform serial sex, transactional sex, impulsive and coercive sex, initiation and switching of male-to-male sexual practices, and limited condom use. Key informants noted that there is a dearth of methamphetamine-related services in Bangladesh. Methamphetamine use was found to lead to diverse effects on the sexual lives of gender and sexually diverse people, thus making it a driving force for shaping sexual practices and, hence, sexual risks. Therefore, it is essential for policy-level stakeholders and program managers to consider the risks of methamphetamine use due to their negative ramifications on sexual health, including HIV risks.

Are women interested in Acupressure to increase spontaneous onset of labour?

Methamphetamine (METH) abuse by pregnant women is a commonly observed phenomenon. While the harmful effects of METH are well described for adults, there is only limited knowledge of the effects of METH use during pregnancy on the developing child. In the present study, we investigated how intraveneous (iv) METH self-administration throughout pregnancy affected rat dams and their offspring through weaning, compared to controls.Female rats (n = 16) were trained to self-administer METH iv; every drug infusion by a dam also resulted in a saline injection to a yoked control (n = 16). When stable levels of self-administration were reached, all females were mated. Daily, 2-h self-administration sessions continued until litters were born. General health and weight was assessed daily in dams and pups. In addition, pups were evaluated for achievement of age-appropriate developmental milestones (i.e., righting reflex, negative geotaxis, pinna detachment, fur appearance, incisor eruption and eye opening).Dams self-administered 2–3 mg/kg/day METH throughout gestation without consequence to dam health or weight gain during pregnancy. All females produced viable litters, and litter size and composition did not differ between saline and METH dams. Similarly, maternal pup-directed behavior was not affected by prior METH self-administration. However, despite a lack of weight difference in pups, METH-exposed pups were significantly delayed in reaching all assessed developmental milestones compared to controls.These results indicate that in utero exposure to moderate METH doses can profoundly and adversely affect offspring development, suggesting that even recreational METH use during pregnancy has potential for harm.

Methamphetamine Use in German Families: Parental Substance Use, Parent–Child Interaction and Risks for Children Involved

Background: With an immense increase in methamphetamine use in Germany in the past decade, large sections of the drug-using community have been identified as parents of young children. Objective: With the fast-emerging issue of psychosocial and familial consequences of methamphetamine use, this study focused on gaining an insight into substance use, parenthood, and parenting by German methamphetamine users, with special emphasis on the psychological outcomes for the children involved. Methods: We conducted 24 qualitative interviews with parents (16 mothers and eight fathers), who were in outpatient treatment for their Crystal Meth use and were currently abstinent from using drugs. Personal information on parenting, drug use, and effects on the children was supplemented by standardized parents’ reports on the children’s behavioral patterns. Results: Parenting was described as challenging and often emotionally neglectful, impulsive, and inconsistent. The interview results further indicated an inter-relatedness of substance use and the parental role. Overall, children of methamphetamine users appeared to be at an increased risk of pre-and postnatal substance exposure and great psychosocial distress, especially evident in externalizing behavior such as hyperactivity and behavioral problems. Conclusion: Results demonstrate the complex problems of methamphetamine-involved parents and suggest the need for a close cooperation between addiction treatment and child welfare services in providing appropriate psychological and educational support for parents and children.

Rodent Models of Methamphetamine Misuse: Mechanisms of Methamphetamine Action and Comparison of Different Rodent Paradigms.

Methamphetamine (METH) is among the most widely used illegal forms of amphetamine. Whether it is injected, snorted, or smoked, METH is a highly addictive substance that affects both peripheral and central nervous system actions. METH use ranges from episodes of binge to chronic use. To investigate METH effects, several animal models have been developed and described to model the various patterns of human METH use. In this work, we examine the molecular, cellular, and structural mechanisms of METH use. Then, we describe the different animal models of METH misuse. Next, we discuss, in details, the acute exposure model which assesses the immediate effects of METH on the brain and the chronic exposure model which best describes the more common long-term consequences of METH use observed in humans. Finally, we tackle the effects and consequences of each paradigm and focus on METH-induced neurotoxic effects and the behavioral changes attributed to each of the described paradigms.

Anthocyanin as neuroprotector for methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity

Methamphetamines are chemicals that might affect brain function and causes the development of addiction and other brain pathologies. It increased dopamine stimulation and would increase the formation of free radicals leading to dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Various therapeutic targets have been developed to prevent or minimize the negative effects of methamphetamine use. Increased level of oxidative stress has been considered as a potential trigger for neurotoxicity hence the expected ability for the administration of antioxidants to prevent damages caused by free radicals. The administration of antioxidants is expected to provide protective effects and prevent further damages created by methamphetamine exposure. Anthocyanin is a type of flavonoid is a potentially effective neuroprotector candidate for preventing neuronal cell death reduction, and this compound works with various mechanisms.

Possible Role of Cyclic AMP Response Element Binding/Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Signaling Pathway in Mediating the Pharmacological Effects of Duloxetine against Methamphetamine Use-Induced Cognitive Impairment and Withdrawal-Induced Anxiety and Depression in Rats.

Background:Duloxetine is used for treating depression and anxiety. The current study evaluated the effects of duloxetine against methamphetamine withdrawal-induced anxiety, depression, and motor disturbances and methamphetamine use-induced cognitive impairments.Materials and Methods:Ninety-six adult male rats were used for two independent experiments. Each experiment consisted of Groups 1 and 2 which received normal saline (0.2 ml/rat) and methamphetamine (10 mg/kg) respectively, Groups 3, 4, and 5 received both methamphetamine and duloxetine at doses of 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg, respectively. Groups 6, 7, and 8 received 5, 10, and 15 mg/kg of duloxetine, respectively. All administrations were performed for 21 days. In experiment 1, elevated plus maze (EPM), open-field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST), and tail suspension test (TST) were used to examine anxiety and depression in animals during withdrawal period. In experiment 2, Morris water maze (MWM) test was used to assess the effect of methamphetamine use followed by duloxetine treatment, on learning and memory. In the experiments, the expression of cyclic AMP response element binding (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) proteins were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results:In the first experiment, duloxetine at all doses attenuated methamphetamine withdrawal induced-depression, anxiety, and motor disturbances in FST, OFT, EPM, and TST. In the second experiment, duloxetine at all doses attenuated methamphetamine use-induced cognitive impairment in MWM. In both experiments, duloxetine activated cAMP, CREB, and BDNF proteins’ expression in methamphetamine-treated rats.Conclusions:Duloxetine can protect the brain against methamphetamine withdrawal-induced mood and motor disturbances and can also inhibit methamphetamine-induced cognitive impairment, possibly via cAMP/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway.

A Review of Risk Factors for Methamphetamine-Related Psychiatric Symptoms.

The illegal use of methamphetamine (MA) is a growing public health concern globally and results in a series of negative effects. The prominent detrimental effect of MA use is MA-related psychiatric symptoms (MAP) and is observed at a much higher incidence compared to the general population. MAP often includes multiple dimensions of cognitive impairment and induces adverse consequences such as, violence and suicide. However, the assessment methods for MAP are not standardized. Hence, it is necessary to investigate factors that affect the progression of psychiatric symptoms in individuals who use MA. A review of published studies was performed by searching the following databases: PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycINFO from inception to 31 May, 2018. The search strategy included methamphetamine, dependence, psychiatric symptoms, and risk factor terms. We reviewed the different features of MAP and the various types of assessment instruments and summarized MAP risk factors from MA use-related factors, socio-demographic characteristics, life events, and genetic factors. We found that MAP was consistently and causally associated with MA use, particularly as it relates to the frequency and amount of MA use. Other MAP-related risk factors like life events and genetics were relatively inconsistent in their association with MAP. Hence, causal and longitudinal studies that focus on multilateral comparisons are required. This review provides high quality evidence for MAP risk factors and would be helpful for developing early prevention and treatment strategies for MAP.

Methamphetamine (MA) Use Induces Specific Changes in LINE-1 Partial Methylation Patterns, Which Are Associated with MA-Induced Paranoia: a Multivariate and Neuronal Network Study.

The use of psychoactive substances, including methamphetamine (MA) may cause changes in DNA methylation. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of MA use on long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1) methylation patterns in association with MA-induced paranoia. This study recruited 123 normal controls and 974 MA users, 302 with and 672 without MA-induced paranoia. The Semi-Structured Assessment for Drug Dependence and Alcoholism was used to assess demographic and substance use variables. Patterns of LINE-1 methylation were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and a combined bisulfite restriction analysis (COBRA) was used to estimate overall LINE-1 methylation (mC) while COBRA classified LINE-alleles into four patterns based on the methylation status of two CpG dinucleotides on each strand from 5' to 3', namely two methylated (mCmC) and two unmethylated (uCuC) CpGs and two types of partially methylated loci (mCuC that is 5'm with 3'u and uCmC that is 5'u with 3'm CpGs). MA users showed higher % mCuC and % mCuC + uCmC levels than controls. Use of solvents and opioids, but not cannabis and alcohol dependence, significantly lowered % uCmC levels, while current smoking significantly increased % uCuC levels. MA-induced paranoia was strongly associated with changes in LINE-1 partial methylation patterns (lowered % uCmC), heavy MA use, lower age at onset of MA use, and alcohol dependence. Women who took contraceptives showed significantly lower LINE-1 % mC and % mCmC and higher % uCuC levels than women without contraceptive use and men. The results show that MA-induced changes in LINE-1 partial methylation patterns are associated with MA-induced paranoia and could explain in part the pathophysiology of this type of psychosis. It is argued that MA-induced neuro-oxidative pathways may have altered LINE-1 partial methylation patterns, which in turn may regulate neuro-oxidative and immune pathways, which may increase risk to develop MA-induced paranoia.

Predictors of Aggressive Behavior While under the Influence of Illicit Drugs among Young Adult Methamphetamine Users

ABSTRACTBackground: Prior research indicates that patterns of combined alcohol and methamphetamine use may be associated with experiencing subjective feelings of aggression or hostility during methamphetamine use episodes. Objectives: This study examines whether subjective effects of methamphetamine use (i.e., aggression or hostility and paranoia) are associated with aggressive behavior while under the influence of any illicit drugs, controlling for combined alcohol and methamphetamine use and a number of other potential predictors. Methods: Data from a population-based sample of Australian young adult methamphetamine users (n = 101) collected in 2010 was analyzed. A prediction model of aggressive behavior under the influence of illicit drugs was developed using penalized maximum likelihood logistic regression. Results: Over one-third (34.7%) of methamphetamine users had engaged in verbal and/or physical aggression under the influence of illicit drugs in the last 12 months. In the prediction model, recurrent feelings of aggression or hostility attributed to methamphetamine use (≥3 times in the last 12 months) were associated with aggressive behavior (adjusted odds ratio 4.95, 95% confidence interval 1.67, 14.69). This association was independent of methamphetamine-attributed paranoia, combined alcohol and methamphetamine use, methamphetamine, ecstasy, cocaine, and cannabis use patterns, heavy episodic drinking, gender, and age. No association was found for combined alcohol and methamphetamine use. Conclusions: These findings indicate a link between methamphetamine-related subjective feelings of aggression or hostility and self-reported aggressive behavior while under the influence of illicit drugs. This suggests that subjective feelings of aggression or hostility may distinguish those who are involved in aggression from other methamphetamine users.

Effect of methamphetamine exposure during pregnancy and lactation on polysialic acid-neural cell adhesion molecule expression in rat's offspring hippocampus.

Pregnant women constitute about half the users of methamphetamine (MA), in whom the consumption may continue during breastfeeding. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of MA use during pregnancy and lactation on the hippocampus of pups. 35 pregnant Wistar rats were divided into seven groups, including three experimental groups daily administered with 5mg/kg of MA (i.p.) during the prenatal and/or postnatal period (PND1-22). In addition, three sham control groups received normal saline at the same dose, and one normal control group received no interventions since early pregnancy until the end of lactation. After the interventions, two pups (aged one and 22days) were randomly selected from each mother and their brain tissue sections were prepared to determine the expression of PSA-NCAM molecules and sialic acids using immunohistochemical and lectinhistochemical techniques, respectively. In one-day infant rats with MA exposure during pregnancy, a significant decrease was observed in the number of PSA-NCAM positive cells in the CA1 (P=0.047), CA3 (P=0.05) and DG (P=0.006) hippocampus regions compared to control and expression intensity of these molecules in all the three regions (P≤0.05). Moreover, in 22-day pups with MA exposure during pregnancy and lactation, number of PSA-NCAM positive cells and expression intensity of these molecules significantly reduced in all the three regions of the hippocampus (P≤0.05). Findings regarding the intensity of sialic acid expression were aligned with PSA-NCAM expression. According to our results, MA administration during pregnancy and lactation may effect on polysialic acid-neural cell adhesion molecule expression in rat's offspring hippocampus.

Effects of early adolescent methamphetamine exposure on anxiety-like behavior and corticosterone levels in mice

Methamphetamine (MA) is an addictive psychomotor stimulant that affects the central nervous system and alters behavior. The effects of MA are modulated by age, and while much research has examined the effects of MA use in adults, relatively little research has examined the effects in adolescents. As the brain is developing during adolescence, it is important that we understand the effects of MA exposure in adolescence. This research examined the effects of acute MA exposure on locomotor and anxiety-like behavior in the open field test and plasma corticosterone levels in adolescent male C57BL/6J mice. Baseline locomotor and anxiety-like behaviors were assessed in the open field test. Immediately following baseline measurements, mice were exposed to saline or 4mg/kg MA and locomotor and anxiety-like behavior were measured. Serum was collected immediately after testing and plasma corticosterone levels measured. There were no group differences in baseline behavioral measurements. MA-exposed adolescent mice showed increased locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior in the open field compared with saline controls. There was no effect of MA on plasma corticosterone levels. These data suggest that acute MA exposure during adolescence increases locomotor activity and anxiety-like behavior, but does not alter plasma corticosterone levels.

A Qualitative Study on Methamphetamine-Related Sexual High-Risk Behaviors in an Iranian Context

Background: In the recent decade, Iran encountered the explosion of using methamphetamine and its consequences, including sexual high-risk behaviors. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of methamphetamine use on sexual highrisk in methamphetamine user males seeking treatment in public and private addiction treatment centers in Tehran, Iran, in 2013. Materials and Methods: A qualitative content analysis approach was conducted using semi-structured interviews strategy and focus group discussion. The main focus of the questions was “Can you explain sexual experiences related to methamphetamine dependency?” Then the narrative responses and the statements of 35 participants including methamphetamine users, their partners, and physicians, who focused on addiction treatment and research, were analyzed. Results: Three main categories emerged from the analysis of interviews; each of these categories possessed a number of subcategories. These categories included “different attitudes towards sexual behaviors”, “compulsive sexual behaviors and “health-related issues in sexual relationships.” Conclusions: The methamphetamine use can predispose Iranian addicts to sexual high-risk behaviors. The methamphetamine users have multiple sexual partners; most of them do not use a condom, have sex with methamphetamine users, and have compulsive sexual behaviors.

Methamphetamine Users Have Increased Dental Disease

Methamphetamine (MA) users are assumed to have a high burden of tooth decay. Less clear is how the distribution and severity of dental caries in MA users differ from the general population. Using a covariate-balancing propensity score strategy, we investigated the differential effects of MA use on dental caries by comparing the patterns of decayed, missing, and filled teeth in a community sample of 571 MA users with a subset of 2,755 demographically similar control individuals selected from a National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) cohort. Recruited over a 2-y period with a stratified sampling protocol, the MA users underwent comprehensive dental examinations by 3 trained and calibrated dentists using NHANES protocols. Propensity scores were estimated with logistic regression based on background characteristics, and a subset of closely matched subjects was stratified into quintiles for comparisons. MA users were twice as likely to have untreated caries (odds ratio [OR] = 2.08; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.55 to 2.78) and 4 times more likely to have caries experience (OR = 4.06; 95% CI: 2.24 to 7.34) than the control group of NHANES participants. Additionally, MA users were twice as likely to have 2 more decayed, missing, or filled teeth (OR = 2.08; 95% CI: 1.29 to 2.79) than the NHANES participants. The differential involvement of the teeth surfaces in MA users was quite distinctive, with carious surface involvement being highest for the maxillary central incisors, followed by maxillary posterior premolars and molars. Users injecting MA had significantly higher rates of tooth decay compared with noninjectors (P = 0.04). Although MA users experienced decayed and missing dental surfaces more frequently than NHANES participants, NHANES participants had more restored surfaces, especially on molars. The high rates and distinctive patterns of dental caries observed could be used 1) to alert dentists to covert MA use in their patients and 2) as the basis for comprehensive management strategies.

The Persian methamphetamine use in methadone treatment in Iran: implication for prevention and treatment in an upper-middle income country.

As the most populated Persian Gulf country in West Asia, methamphetamine use in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) is a new health concern in Iran. Methamphetamine use in MMT can originate in methadone misconceptions or the stimulant effects of methamphetamine use. Several research studies have highlighted the prevalence of methamphetamine use in Iran and conducting further studies on this issue is being developed. Opiate use is treated with MMT. But, there is no effective pharmacological treatment for methamphetamine use and cognitive-behavioral interventions have still remained the best practice. As a psychostimulant drug, methamphetamine use can lead to poor treatment outcomes or even treatment failure among patients in MMT. Therefore, the implementation of methamphetamine education and prevention programs in MMT is required. Prescribing adequate methadone dose and the treatment of comorbidities as well as, doing a series of activities outside treatment is underscored. Methamphetamine use has a chronic nature and methamphetamine treatment is a long-term procedure with a high rate of relapse. Therefore, the implementation of long-term motivational interviewing, teaching necessary skills to prevent relapse and case management is highlighted. A long-term collaboration between treatment teams, patients and their families is suggested to manage methamphetamine use in MMT.