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Toxicology reports

ISSN 2214-7500

5 papers in the library · 43 citations · publishing 2021-2025

Papers

Zebrafish and Artemia salina in vivo evaluation of the recreational 25C-NBOMe drug demonstrates its high toxicity.

Toxicology reports January 1, 2021 Natalie Álvarez-alarcón, Jhon Jairo Osorio-Méndez, Adis Ayala-Fajardo et al. 26 citations

25C-NBOMe, a synthetic hallucinogen from the NBOMe family, is highly toxic in two animal models: brine shrimp (Artemia salina) and zebrafish embryos. Lethality tests showed high toxicity, and the substance altered swimming and motility patterns in brine shrimp. In zebrafish, it caused abnormal motor responses and developmental defects, suggesting teratogenic potential. These findings correlate with clinically reported side effects in human users, such as motor abnormalities and muscle deterioration. This is the first in vivo report on 25C-NBOMe's toxicological and developmental effects, advancing understanding of its impact on behavior and development.

Rising incidence of recreational ketamine use: Clinical cases and management in emergency settings.

Toxicology reports June 1, 2025 Sabrina Marongiu, Maarten van Eijk, Femke M J Gresnigt et al. 9 citations

Recreational ketamine use has risen sharply in the Netherlands, especially among young adults in nightlife settings, leading to more first aid incidents often involving combinations with alcohol or MDMA that increase toxicity. Acute intoxication causes agitation, hallucinations, nausea, tachycardia, and hypertension; frequent use can lead to long-term complications like ketamine-induced uropathy. Although ketamine is not currently part of standard toxicological screenings, including it could help diagnose mixed intoxications, rule out other causes, and support referrals to follow-up care, improving diagnostic accuracy and addressing health risks from its growing prevalence.

Zebrafish embryo-larval testing reveals differential toxicity of new psychoactive substances.

Toxicology reports June 1, 2025 Leonardo Costalonga Rodrigues, Alexandre Barcia de Godoi, Viviane Cristina Fais et al. 4 citations

MDMB-4en-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist, caused severe developmental abnormalities and high embryo mortality in zebrafish at 10 µM, including pericardial edema, yolk edema, coagulation, and lack of heartbeat or somite formation. In contrast, the ketamine derivatives deschloroketamine and 2-fluorodeschloroketamine showed low embryo mortality even at higher concentrations. In larval stages, MDMB-4en-PINACA caused 8% mortality at 10 µM by eight days post-fertilization, while the ketamine derivatives led to 100% mortality at 2000 µM. MDMB-4en-PINACA was approximately 26 times more toxic than the ketamine derivatives based on LC50 values. The results support the absence of NMDA receptors in early zebrafish life stages, explaining the lower toxicity of ketamine derivatives early on.

Comparison between pediatric and adult acute natural cannabinoids toxicity: A 5-year retrospective study with special consideration of acute synthetic cannabinoids toxicity.

Toxicology reports June 1, 2025 Aliaa A Hodeib, Alshaimma Mahmoud Elmansy, Mona M Ghonem 2 citations

Natural cannabinoid poisoning is more common than synthetic cannabinoid poisoning. In a review of 106 cases from a poison control center, children (68 patients) more often had impaired consciousness and slow breathing, while adults (38 patients) more often had low oxygen, rapid heart rate, low potassium, and high white blood cell count. The time between exposure and medical help, along with potassium level, predicted complications in children. Delay to medical help and oxygen saturation predicted longer hospital stays in children. Only four patients had synthetic cannabinoid poisoning, mainly with seizures, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, fast breathing, and low oxygen.

Toxicodynamic insights of 2C and NBOMe drugs - Is there abuse potential?

Toxicology reports June 1, 2025 Eva Gil-Martins, Daniel José Barbosa, Fernanda Borges et al. 2 citations

Psychedelic phenethylamines, including 2C drugs and their NBOMe derivatives, are new psychoactive substances developed to evade drug control regulations. While psychedelics are traditionally considered to have low addiction potential, recent reports raise concerns. These drugs primarily act on serotonin receptors, especially the 5-HT2A subtype, altering perception, mood, and introspection. They are also linked to adverse effects like cardiovascular problems and neurotoxicity. This review examines the psychedelic pathways of 2C and NBOMe drugs, focusing on their interactions with serotonergic and other neurotransmitter systems and their potential for abuse.