Sabrina Wong

Mood Disorder and Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, Canada; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada. Electronic address: sabrina.wong@mail.utoronto.ca.

28 papers in the library · 164 citations · publishing 2024-2026

Papers

Cardiac Consequences Associated with Psychedelic Use: A Systematic Review of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide, 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine, and 5-Hydroxytryptamine 2B-Mediated Valvular Heart Disease.

Pharmacopsychiatry February 5, 2026 Tianyi Xu, Sabrina Wong, Gia Han Le et al.

Lysergic acid diethylamide and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine activate the 5-hydroxytryptamine 2B receptor, a pathway known to cause drug-induced valvular heart disease. This systematic review of 17 studies found no research on psilocybin, dimethyltryptamine, or mescaline. Both lysergic acid diethylamide and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine show high or moderate affinity for this receptor and promote signaling linked to fibrotic changes in heart valve tissue. In vivo studies confirm serotonin-induced valvulopathy, and chronic 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine use has been associated with valve abnormalities in humans. No clinical cases of lysergic acid diethylamide-induced valvulopathy have been reported, but preclinical data suggest potential for fibrotic signaling under sustained exposure. Preliminary evidence supports the need for cardiac safety monitoring in psychedelic research.

DOI: 10.1055/a-2794-6487 Full text

Evaluating the potential risk of ketamine-induced hepatotoxicity in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders: A systematic review.

General hospital psychiatry January 1, 2026 Gabrielle F M Lovell, Shreya Vasudeva, Diana K Orsini et al.

Ketamine, an anesthetic also used for mood and anxiety disorders, may cause mild, temporary elevations in liver enzymes, but serious liver damage appears rare. A systematic review of 13 studies (5 randomized trials, 3 observational studies, and 5 case reports) involving 1,017 patients—mostly with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder—found 75 mild liver enzyme elevations across trials, with only a few cases of impaired liver function. No cases met Hy's Law criteria for severe drug-induced liver injury. Case reports described more severe liver issues that improved with dose reduction or stopping treatment. Routine liver monitoring during ketamine treatment remains advisable.

DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2026.04.005 Full text Esketamine Major depressive disorder Alanine aminotransferase Aspartate aminotransferase +2

A Systematic Review of the Effects of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antagonists on Pancreatic Islets

Neuroendocrinology October 30, 2025 Sabrina Wong, Gia Han Le, Jens Uhlig et al.

Blocking NMDA receptors improves the function and survival of pancreatic alpha and beta cells, which may help explain why certain NMDA antagonists like ketamine, esketamine, and dextromethorphan have antidepressant effects and could also address metabolic problems often seen in depression. The findings suggest a shared mechanism linking mood regulation and pancreatic hormone control. More research is needed on how low doses of these drugs affect pancreatic function and delta cells.

DOI: 10.1159/000549276 Full text Alpha cell Pancreatic islets Nmda receptor Antagonism +14