Irene Riezzo

University of Foggia

2 papers in the library · 90 citations · publishing 2009-2010

Papers

Enzymatic–nonenzymatic cellular antioxidant defense systems response and immunohistochemical detection of MDMA, VMAT2, HSP70, and apoptosis as biomarkers for MDMA (Ecstasy) neurotoxicity

Journal of Neuroscience Research October 1, 2009 Irene Riezzo, Daniela Cerretani, Carmela Fiore et al. 47 citations

A single dose of MDMA (20 mg/kg) in rats rapidly disrupts the brain's antioxidant defenses within hours. Reduced and oxidized glutathione ratios decreased, and antioxidant enzyme activities fell significantly after 3 and 6 hours in the frontal cortex. Ascorbic acid levels rose sharply in the striatum, hippocampus, and frontal cortex after 3 and 6 hours. Malonaldehyde, a marker of oxidative damage, increased in the striatum after 3 and 6 hours and in the hippocampus and frontal cortex after 6 hours. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong antivesicular monoamine transporter 2 positivity in frontal sections, basal ganglia, and thalamus, and heat shock protein 70 appeared in the superficial cortical layer after 24 hours, indicating early neurotoxic changes.

DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22245 MDMA Ecstasy Neurotoxicity Striatum +7

MDMA Toxicity and Pathological Consequences: A Review About Experimental Data and Autopsy Findings

Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology June 27, 2010 Emanuela Turillazzi, Irene Riezzo, Margherita Neri et al. 43 citations

MDMA (ecstasy) can cause four main types of serious toxicity: liver, heart, brain, and overheating. The exact molecular causes are not fully understood, but oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, and mitochondrial dysfunction appear to be key events leading to damage. Animal studies show that MDMA triggers cardiovascular responses similar to amphetamine, involving both catecholaminergic and non-catecholaminergic mechanisms. While evidence of cardiac and liver toxicity is clear, the mechanisms remain unclear; liver damage may involve MDMA metabolism, neurotransmitter release, oxidation of biogenic amines, and hyperthermia. Overwhelming evidence shows MDMA produces acute and long-lasting toxic effects on brain cells in both animals and humans.

DOI: 10.2174/138920110791591481 MDMA Ecstasy Serotonergic Serotonin +13