Marcello Serra

Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.

2 papers in the library · 32 citations · publishing 2023-2024

Papers

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

Neural Regeneration Research February 22, 2024 Marcello Serra, Nicola Simola, Alexia E Pollack et al. 19 citations

Recreational and therapeutic use of psychostimulants such as amphetamine, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, methylphenidate, caffeine, and nicotine can cause brain dysfunction and neurotoxic effects. This review of research from 2018 to 2023 examines evidence from both experimental models and humans, highlighting that central toxicity from these substances poses serious health risks, especially as their use rises among young people and adults. Understanding the factors and mechanisms behind these noxious brain effects is crucial for grasping the acute and lasting harm that may occur in users.

DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390971 Full text 3

Withania somnifera influences MDMA-induced hyperthermic, cognitive, neurotoxic and neuroinflammatory effects in mice.

Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie May 1, 2023 Giulia Costa, Marcello Serra, Riccardo Maccioni et al. 13 citations

A standardized extract of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha), when given acutely alongside MDMA (ecstasy), protects mice from the drug's harmful effects on the brain, body temperature, and memory. MDMA alone caused degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons, inflammation (gliosis), a rise in body temperature, and impaired performance on a novel object recognition task. These effects were not prevented by pretreating mice with the extract for three days before MDMA. However, when the extract was given together with MDMA, it counteracted the loss of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra, reduced gliosis in the striatum, normalized body temperature, and restored memory performance to levels similar to those of saline-treated controls.

DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114475 Full text Ecstasy Ashwagandha Body temperature Gliosis +2