Displaying publications 1 - 20 of 34 in total

Abstract:
Sort:
  1. A Novel Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry Technique using Multi-Period-Multi-Experiment of MRM-EPI-MRM3 with Library Matching for Simultaneous Determination of Amphetamine Type Stimulants Related Drugs in Whole Blood, Urine and Dried Blood Stain (DBS)-Application to Forensic Toxicology Cases in Malaysia
    Zubaidi FA, Choo YM, Tan GH, Hamid HA, Choy YK
    J Anal Toxicol, 2019 Aug 23;43(7):528-535.
    PMID: 31141150 DOI: 10.1093/jat/bkz017
    A novel mass spectrometry detection technique based on a multi-period and multi- experiment (MRM-EPI-MRM3) with library matching in a single run for fast and rapid screening and identification of amphetamine type stimulants (ATS) related drugs in whole blood, urine and dried blood stain was developed and validated. The ATS-related drugs analyzed in this study include ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine), MDA (3,4-Methylenedioxyamphetamine), MDEA (3,4-Methylenedioxy-N-ethylamphetamine) and phentermine. The relative standard deviation for inter and intraday was less than 15% while recoveries ranged from 80% to 120% for all three matrices, i.e., whole blood, urine and dried blood stain. All compounds gave library matching percentage of more than 85% based on the purity. This method was proven to be simple and robust, and provide high confident results complemented with library matching confirmation.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine
  2. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of aripiprazole for the treatment of methamphetamine dependence and associated psychosis
    Sulaiman AH, Gill JS, Said MA, Zainal NZ, Hussein HM, Guan NC
    Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract, 2013 Jun;17(2):131-8.
    PMID: 22486597 DOI: 10.3109/13651501.2012.667116
    The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy and safety of aripiprazole for treatment of psychosis, retention and abstinence in patients with methamphetamine dependence.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine/adverse effects*
  3. Fulltext Amphetamine type stimulant (ATS) induced psychosis: A rising problems in Malaysia
    Ahmad, H.S.
    Malaysian Journal of Psychiatry, 2008;17(2):1-4.
    MyJurnal
    The past decade has seen a marked increase in the popularity of ATS use, particularly methamphetamine, within East Asia,and the Pacific region. In Malaysia, the National Anti Drug Agency has identified 8,870 addicts (from January till August 2008) out of which 1,126 was ATS dependence. During the same period, the police have arrested 46,388 people under the Dangerous Drug Act 1952. They also has seize 283kg of syabu, 545kg of ecstacy powder, 66194 tablets of esctacy pills and 222,376 tablets of yaba pills from Jan till August this year. The occurrence of psychosis arising from the use of ATS was first reported in the late 1930's. With growing ATS use, particularly methamphetamine, ATS-induced psychosis has become a major impact on public health.Symptoms of ATS-induced psychosis: Methamphetamine use produces a variety of effects, ranging from irritability, to physical aggression, hyperawareness, hypervigilance, and psychomotor agitation. Repeated or high-dose use of the stimulant can cause drug-induced psychosis resembling paranoid schizophrenia, characterized by hallucinations, delusions and thought disorders. When used in long term, methamphetamine may lead to development of psychiatric symptoms due to dopamine depletion in the striatum. The most common lifetime psychotic symptoms among methamphetamine psychotic patients - as reported in a cross-country study involving Australia, Japan, the Philippines and Thailand - are persecutory delusion, auditory hallucinations, strange or unusual beliefs and thought reading. Those patients were also reported to suffer from impaired speech, psychomotor retardation, depression and anxiety. An ATS psychosis can be distinguished from primary psychotic disorders by time. In ATS-induced psychosis symptoms usually resolve after the drug is discontinued. If symptoms do not resolve within 2 weeks after cessation of stimulant use, a primary psychiatric disorder should be suspected. When compared with other stimulants, such as cocaine, psychosis is induced more commonly by ATS, possibly due to the longer duration of action produced by amphetamines.For example, while smoking cocaine produces a high that lasts for 20-30 minutes, smoking methamphetamine produces a high that lasts 8-24 hours. Other symptoms of ATS-induced psychosis reported include affective blunting,(6) violent behavior, and self-mutilation and self-injurious behavior.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine
  4. Association of a functional FAAH polymorphism with methamphetamine-induced symptoms and dependence in a Malaysian population
    Sim MS, Hatim A, Reynolds GP, Mohamed Z
    Pharmacogenomics, 2013 Apr;14(5):505-14.
    PMID: 23556448 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.13.25
    FAAH is a membrane enzyme that terminates the activity of a large class of endogenous signaling lipids. Recent studies suggest that the FAAH Pro129Thr polymorphism is a common mutation in the FAAH gene that is significantly associated with drug-addictive traits. This study investigated the association of the Pro129Thr polymorphism of the FAAH gene with methamphetamine dependence, methamphetamine-induced psychosis, manic episodes and panic disorder in a Malaysian population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine/administration & dosage; Methamphetamine/adverse effects*
  5. Association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Val66Met) genetic polymorphism with methamphetamine dependence in a Malaysian population
    Sim MS, Mohamed Z, Hatim A, Rajagopal VL, Habil MH
    Brain Res, 2010 Oct 21;1357:91-6.
    PMID: 20736000 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.08.053
    Methamphetamine is a highly addictive psychostimulant that has surged in popularity worldwide in the last decade. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophic factor family, is widely expressed in the adult mammalian brain and plays an important role in the long-term survival, differentiation, and outgrowth of neurons. Previous studies suggested that the BDNF gene may be involved in the mechanisms underlying substance dependence. This study investigated the association of the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism with methamphetamine dependence and with psychosis in a Malaysian population with different ethnicities. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was genotyped by PCR-RFLP in 186 male methamphetamine-dependent subjects and in 154 male controls of four different ethnicities, namely, Malay, Chinese, Kadazan-Dusun, and Bajau. Our results showed that the distribution of the BDNF Val66Met genotype in Chinese subjects with methamphetamine dependence (OR=2.6, p=0.015) and methamphetamine psychosis (OR=0.2, p = 0.034) were significant compared with controls. The frequency of the 66Val allele in methamphetamine-dependent subjects was higher than that in the control group, suggesting that the 66Val carriers are more susceptible to methamphetamine dependence. However, 66Val allele frequency in other ethnicities was not significantly different from the controls. The results of the study also showed that in the Chinese methamphetamine-dependent subjects, there was a difference in allele frequency when comparing those who developed psychosis and those who did not. Our findings suggest that the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism may contribute to methamphetamine dependence and psychosis in the Chinese population but not in other Malaysian ethnicities.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine*
  6. BDNF rs6265 polymorphism and drug addiction: a systematic review and meta-analysis
    Haerian BS
    Pharmacogenomics, 2013 Dec;14(16):2055-65.
    PMID: 24279859 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.13.217
    A majority of studies have shown a link between the common functional rs6265 polymorphism of the BDNF gene and susceptibility to drug dependence. However, the pattern of results is inconsistent. To precisely evaluate this association, a systematic review and meta-analysis of previous case-control reports was conducted. Data from 20 studies containing 9419 participants (4665 cases and 4754 controls) conducted between 2004 and 2013 restricted to alcohol, nicotine, heroin, substance and methamphetamine dependency were meta-analyzed. Following quality control of the results, a significant association between C allele and methamphetamine dependence remained in south Asian subjects (p = 0.004). Similar results were detected in south Asian subjects for methamphetamine dependence and in Chinese subjects for heroin dependence under an autosomal codominant genotype model (TT vs CC, p = 0.005 and p = 0.0004, respectively). In conclusion, the rs6265 polymorphism may be a risk factor for methamphetamine dependence in south Asian subjects or for heroin dependence in Chinese subjects.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine/toxicity
  7. Caffeic acid protects tissue antioxidants and DNA content in methamphetamine induced tissue toxicity in Sprague Dawley rats
    Koriem KM, Abdelhamid AZ, Younes HF
    Toxicol. Mech. Methods, 2013 Feb;23(2):134-43.
    PMID: 22992185 DOI: 10.3109/15376516.2012.730561
    Caffeic acid (CA) (3,4-dihydroxycinnamic acid) is among the major hydroxycinnamic acids. Hydroxycinnamic acid is the major subgroup of phenolic compounds. Methamphetamine (METH) is a potent addictive psychostimulant. Chronic use and acute METH intoxication can cause substantial medical consequences, including spleen, kidney, liver and heart. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity of CA to protect against oxidative stress and DNA damage to various organs in METH toxicity. Thirty-two male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four equal groups: group 1 was injected (i.p) with saline (1 mL/kg) while groups 2,3 and 4 were injected (i.p) with METH (10 mg/kg) twice a day over five days period. Where 100 & 200 mg/kg of CA were injected (i.p) into groups 3 and 4, respectively one day before exposure to METH injections. Tissue antioxidants and DNA content were evaluated in different tissues. METH decreased glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels while increased malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT) and protein carbonyl levels in brain (hypothalamus), liver, and kidney tissues of rats. METH increased hyperdiploidy in these tissues and DNA damage results. Prior treatment of CA to animals exposed to METH restores the above parameters to the normal levels and preserves the DNA content of these tissues. These results were supported by histopathological investigations. In conclusion, METH induced oxidative stress and DNA damage and pretreatment of CA before METH injections prevented tissue oxidative stress and DNA damage in METH-treated animals.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine/toxicity*
  8. Fulltext Crystal structure of 4-meth-oxy-N-[(pyrrolidin-1-yl)carbo-thio-yl]benzamide
    Suhud K, Heng LY, Hasbullah SA, Ahmad M, Kassim MB
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2015 Apr 1;71(Pt 4):o225-6.
    PMID: 26029426 DOI: 10.1107/S2056989015003813
    In the title compound, C13H16N2O2S, the pyrrolidine ring has a twisted conformation on the central -CH2-CH2- bond. Its mean plane is inclined to the 4-meth-oxy-benzoyl ring by 72.79 (15)°. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds to the same O-atom acceptor, forming chains along [001]. The chains are linked via slipped parallel π-π inter-actions [inter-centroid distance = 3.7578 (13) Å], forming undulating slabs parallel to (100).
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine
  9. Fulltext Crystal structure of benzyl (E)-2-(3,4-di-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)hydrazine-1-carbodi-thio-ate
    Tan YF, Break MK, Tahir MI, Khoo TJ
    Acta Crystallogr E Crystallogr Commun, 2015 Feb 1;71(Pt 2):238-40.
    PMID: 25878829 DOI: 10.1107/S205698901500095X
    The title compound, C17H18N2O2S2, synthesized via a condensation reaction between S-benzyl di-thio-carbazate and 3,4-di-meth-oxy-benzaldehyde, crystallized with two independent mol-ecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. Both mol-ecules have an L-shape but differ in the orientation of the benzyl ring with respect to the 3,4-di-meth-oxy-benzyl-idine ring, this dihedral angle is 65.59 (8)° in mol-ecule A and 73.10 (8)° in mol-ecule B. In the crystal, the A and B mol-ecules are linked via pairs of N-H⋯S hydrogen bonds, forming dimers with an R 2 (2)(8) ring motif. The dimers are linked via pairs of C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, giving inversion dimers of dimers. These units are linked by C-H⋯π inter-actions, forming ribbons propagating in the [100] direction.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine
  10. Death by 'ice': fatal methamphetamine intoxication of a body packer case detected by postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) and validated by autopsy
    Bin Abdul Rashid SN, Rahim AS, Thali MJ, Flach PM
    Forensic Sci Med Pathol, 2013 Mar;9(1):82-7.
    PMID: 23404531 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-012-9395-1
    Fatal acute methamphetamine (MA) poisoning in cases of internal drug trafficking is rarely described in the literature. This case study reports an MA 'body packer' who died from fatal methamphetamine intoxication due to leaking drug packages in the alimentary tract. The deceased was examined by postmortem computed tomography (PMCT), and the results were correlated to subsequent autopsy and toxicological findings. The deceased was arrested by the police when he was found disoriented in the city of Kuala Lumpur. He was transferred to the emergency department on suspicion of drug abuse. The initial drug screening was reactive for amphetamines. Shortly after admission to the hospital, he died despite rigorous resuscitation attempts. The postmortem plain chest and abdominal radiographs revealed multiple suspicious opacities in the gastrointestinal tract attributable to body packages. An unenhanced whole body PMCT revealed twenty-five drug packages, twenty-four in the stomach and one in the transverse colon. At least two were disintegrating, and therefore leaking. The autopsy findings were consistent with the PMCT results. Toxicology confirmed the diagnosis of fatal methamphetamine intoxication.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine/blood; Methamphetamine/poisoning*
  11. Development and evaluation of electromembrane extraction across a hollow polymer inclusion membrane
    Mamat NA, See HH
    J Chromatogr A, 2015 Aug 7;1406:34-9.
    PMID: 26141273 DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2015.06.020
    In this work, a new variation of the electromembrane extraction (EME) approach employing a hollow polymer inclusion membrane (HPIM) was developed. In this method, a HPIM was prepared by casting a solution of the desired proportions of cellulose acetate (CTA), tris(2-ethylhexyl)phosphate (TEHP) and di-(2-ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (D2EHPA) in dichloromethane on glass capillary tubing. Three basic drugs namely amphetamine, methamphetamine, and 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine (MDMA) were selected as model analytes to evaluate the extraction performance of this new approach. The drugs were extracted from human plasma samples, through a 20μm thickness HPIM, to an aqueous acceptor solution inside the lumen of the hollow membrane. Parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were investigated in detail. Under the optimized conditions, enrichment factors in the range of 97-103-fold were obtained from 3mL of sample solution with a 10min extraction time and an applied voltage of 300V across the HPIM. The detection limits of the method for the three drugs were in the range of 1.0-2.5ng/mL (at a signal/noise ratio of three), with relative standard deviations of between 6.4% and 7.9%. When the method was applied to spiked plasma samples, the relative recoveries ranged from 99.2% to 100.8%. Enrichment factors of 103, 99 and 97 were obtained for amphetamine, methamphetamine, and MDMA, respectively. A comparison was also made between the newly developed approach and EME using supported liquid membranes (SLM) as well as standard sample preparation methods (liquid-liquid extraction) used by the Toxicology Unit, Department of Chemistry, Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine/analysis; Methamphetamine/blood
  12. Development of a simultaneous liquid-liquid extraction and chiral derivatization method for stereospecific GC-MS analysis of amphetamine-type stimulants in human urine using fractional factorial design
    Aasim WR, Gan SH, Tan SC
    Biomed Chromatogr, 2008 Sep;22(9):1035-42.
    PMID: 18655218 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.1073
    A stereospecific gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis method for amphetamine-type stimulants in human urine was recently developed. For maximum efficiency, liquid-liquid extraction and chiral derivatization of the analytes using (R)-(-)-alpha-methoxy-alpha-(trifluoromethyl)phenylacetyl chloride were performed simultaneously. The effects of (1) use of saturated sodium chloride in 2.0 M sodium hydroxide, (2) extraction solvent volume, (3) percentage of triethylamine, (4) derivatization reagent volume, (5) sample mixing time, (6) incubation temperature and (7) incubation time on method sensitivity and variability were assessed using a two-level, eight-run Plackett-Burman design followed by a fold-over design. The use of saturated sodium chloride solution and the derivatization reagent volume were significant factors (ANOVA, p<0.01). The saturated sodium chloride solution decreased sensitivity whereas an increased volume of derivatization reagent increased sensitivity. Calibration curves for all analytes were linear between 5 and 500 microg/L, with correlation coefficients of >0.99. Detection limits were
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine/analogs & derivatives; Methamphetamine/urine
  13. Fulltext Erectile dysfunction and methadone maintenance therapy
    Fitri Fareez, R., Ahmad Nazrun, S., Isa, N.M., Rashidi, M.P.M.
    Medicine & Health, 2020;15(1):5-17.
    MyJurnal
    Gangguan fungsi ereksi adalah salah satu kesan sampingan metadon yang paling lazim. Gangguan ini menjejaskan lebih daripada separuh populasi pesakit metadon dari segi fungsi seksual mereka. Masalah ini dikaitkan dengan penurunan kualiti hidup yang ketara. Gangguan fungsi ereksi boleh menyebabkan masalah yang lebih besar jika tidak dirawat kerana pesakit mungkin memilih untuk menggunakan rawatan sendiri yang berbahaya seperti menyalahgunakan methamphetamine. Penggunaan dadah untuk mengatasi kesan sampingan metadon boleh menyebabkan gangguan penggunaan dadah ganda yang dapat mengganggu rawatan ketagihan dadah. Untuk mengatasi masalah ini, pengamal dan pesakit memainkan peranan yang penting dalam pengurusan gangguan fungsi ereksi. Kesedaran pesakit mengenai gangguan fungsi ereksi dan impaknya serta intervensi aktif oleh doktor untuk mengesan gangguan fungsi ereksi, adalah penting untuk meningkatkan tingkat pengesanan dan pengurusan gangguan fungsi ereksi. Saringan gangguan fungsi ereksi yang kerap dan faktor risikonya akan membantu mengenalpasti pesakit yang menderita gangguan fungsi ereksi. Pelbagai pilihan rawatan seperti rawatan bupropion, trazodone dan banyak lagi tersedia untuk merawat gangguan fungsi ereksi yang akan diterokai lebih lanjut dalam kajian ini.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine
  14. Genetic polymorphism in DTNBP1 gene is associated with methamphetamine-induced panic disorder
    Sim MS, Hatim A, Diong SH, Mohamed Z
    J Addict Med, 2014 Nov-Dec;8(6):431-7.
    PMID: 25303981 DOI: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000075
    The dysbindin-1 (dystrobrevin-binding protein-1 [DTNBP-1]) gene has repeatedly been shown to be associated with psychotic disorder across diverse populations. In this study, we attempted to investigate the association of the rs3213207 (P1635) genetic polymorphism of the DTNBP1 gene with methamphetamine dependence and with methamphetamine-induced psychosis, manic episodes, and panic disorder in a male Malaysian population.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine/adverse effects*
  15. Fulltext High prevalence of non-fatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Malaysia: Correlates of overdose and implications for overdose prevention from a cross-sectional study
    Bazazi AR, Zelenev A, Fu JJ, Yee I, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL
    Int J Drug Policy, 2015 Jul;26(7):675-81.
    PMID: 25532449 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.11.010
    Overdose is the leading cause of death among opioid users, but no data are available on overdose among people who inject drugs in Malaysia. We present the first estimates of the prevalence and correlates of recent non-fatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Malaysia.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine/administration & dosage; Methamphetamine/adverse effects
  16. Histopathological studies of cardiac lesions after long term administration of methamphetamine in high dosage--Part II
    Islam MN, Jesmine K, Kong Sn Molh A, Hasnan J
    Leg Med (Tokyo), 2009 Apr;11 Suppl 1:S147-50.
    PMID: 19345131 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2009.02.035
    A small amount of Methamphetamine (MA) can produce behavioural changes such as euphoria, increased alertness, paranoia, decreased appetite and increased physical activity. In cardiovascular system, it can produce chest pain and hypertension which can result in cardiovascular collapse. In addition, MA causes accelerated heartbeat, elevated blood pressure. It can also cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain. A number of sympathomimetic amines are capable of causing myocardial damage, but the cardio-toxic action of MA has been of particular interest since standardized dosage consistently produces myocardial lesions. As this drug is a choice of many teenagers and young adults, the damage to their health, as well as their future aspects could be greatly affected, therefore more evidence must be sought to convince them the negative root and show them the optimism of recovery and salvation. To clarify the effect of Methamphetamine (MA) on myocardium, 56 male Wister rats aged four weeks were divided equally into MA, Methamphetamine withdrawal (MW), Placebo (P) and Control (C) group were examined following daily intra-peritoneal administration of MA at a dose of 5 mg/kg body weight for 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Normal saline was similarly injected in P group. Light microscopic changes was seen in the myocardium of MA treated group including eosinophilic degeneration, atrophy, hypertrophy, disarray, edema, cellular infiltration, myolysis, granulation tissue, fibrosis and vacuolization. On the other hand, the withdrawal group showed evidence of gradual recovery of those myocardial changes. Optimism is therefore generated about possibility of returning towards normal by withdrawing of this drug by the addicts.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine/toxicity*
  17. Immigrant Health Study. 8. Screening for abused drugs among immigrant workers. [Abstract]
    Mustafa AM, Yap CG
    JUMMEC, 1998;3:63-64.
    Screening for drugs of abused were conducted by using Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GCMS) fitted with capillary column. Urine samples supplied by Centre of Inmigrant Studies, University of Malaya were processed upon arrival and screened for the following drugs. Amphetamines, methamphetamines, aphedrine, hydroxy-amphetamines, ecstasy, benzamphetamines, codeine, morphine, heroine, cocaine and diazepam. The analysis was done using Shimadzu QP5000 Gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer by selected ion monitoring with BPX35 column, 15 m length, 0.32 ID, helium gas as carrier and quadropole mass detector at 1.60 kV electron gain. Analysis were performed using selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode and quantitations were based on area under the curve of individual standards at various concentrations. The method is sensitive to nanogram levels and are able to detect the presence of these drugs in both urine and plasma. From this study (n-100), none of the urine were found positive for the drugs screened. The major problem encountered were adulterated with water based on the clearness and the colour of the urine. Based on this suspicion we would like to suggest that the testing be done on blood samples as this would be more confirmative and quantitative.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine
  18. Fulltext Issues And challenges in the management Of methamphetamine dependence in pregnancy
    Farid Yusof, Suzaily Wahab
    Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2015;11(1):89-92.
    MyJurnal
    Data from the Malaysian National Drugs Agency December 2013 Report, showed that among 7864 drug users, 632 were abusing Amphetamine Type Stimulant. Rates of admission due to Methamphetamine abuse in pregnancy are higher compared with men and non- pregnant lady in the United States.1 A number of issues may complicate the management of pregnant women who abused methamphetamine such as the low motivation for them to come forward voluntarily for treatment, the high rates of fetal and maternal complications due to methamphetamine abuse,2,3 and the inavailabiliy of effective treatment for methamphetamine dependence.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine
  19. Leave methamphetamine to be alive--Part II
    Islam MN, Khan J, Jaafar H
    Leg Med (Tokyo), 2009 Apr;11 Suppl 1:S143-6.
    PMID: 19345604 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2009.02.045
    Series of experiments have been completed with Methamphetamine (MA). Some were with the higher, medium or lower duration of MA administration and some were with acute or chronic doses. Whatever may be the dose or duration the ultimate result came out with the further establishment of cardio-toxic effect of this drug. Cardiovascular symptoms related to MA toxicity include chest pain, palpitations, dyspnoea, hypertension, tachycardia, atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, and myocardial ischemia. MA abusers often go through a repeated pattern of frequent drug administrations followed by a period of abstinence. Previous studies have focused largely upon the chronic effect of MA intake to major organs, such as the brains and the heart, by using animal experiments. However, there is a lack of research into the effects of acute dose of MA, especially pertaining to the heart. To clarify the effect of MA on myocardium, 22 male Wister rats aged six weeks were divided into MA, Placebo (P) and Control (C) group were examined following single intraperitoneal administration of MA at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. Normal saline was similarly injected in P group. Light microscopic changes was seen in the myocardium of MA treated group including cellular infiltration, with clusters of macrophage-like cells having large nuclei and little cytoplasm evident in the sub-endocardium region. There were presence of few macrophages, leucocytes, and spindle-like fibroblasts. Bringing in to account of cardiac changes by a single dose of MA, slogan should be voiced out to leave methamphetamine.
    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine/toxicity*
  20. Fulltext Methadone Maintenance Treatment for Opioid Dependents: a Retrospective Study
    Khalid K, Ooi YT, Abdul Rashid Q, Mohammad Yusoff MZA, Jamaluddin R
    East Asian Arch Psychiatry, 2022 Sep;32(3):47-50.
    PMID: 36172721 DOI: 10.12809/eaap2214
    OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of continued illicit drug use among people enrolled in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), the association between hepatitis C status and methadone dosage, and the predictors for illicit drug abstinence during MMT.

    METHODS: Clinical records of active opioid dependents who underwent MMT between 1 January 2007 and 31 March 2021 in Hospital Tuanku Fauziah, Perlis, Malaysia were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included baseline demographics, history of illicit drug use, temporal trend in methadone dosage modulation, and co-use of illicit drugs during the MMT.

    RESULTS: A total of 87 patients (mean age, 43.9 ± 8.33 years) were included. Their mean duration of involvement in MMT was 7.8 ± 3.69 years. The most commonly used drug was heroin (88.5%), followed by kratom (51.7%). Between 2019 and 2021, 61 (70.1%) patients had ceased abusing opioid, but 51 (58.6%) patients continued using any of the illicit drugs. Methamphetamine and amphetamine co-use was most common (n = 12, 37.5%). Hepatitis C status was not associated with the current methadone dose (U = 539.5, p = 0.186) or the highest dose required (t = -0.291, df = 74, p = 0.772). No predictor for illicit drug abstinence during MMT was identified. Methadone dose positively correlated with frequency of defaulting treatments (r = 0.22, p = 0.042).

    CONCLUSION: Among our patients, MMT for opioid dependents cannot sufficiently curb illicit drug use, and there is a shift toward stimulants abuse.

    Matched MeSH terms: Methamphetamine*
Related Terms
Filters
Contact Us

Please provide feedback to Administrator (afdal@afpm.org.my)

External Links