AIM Prodynorphin (PDYN; OMIM: 131340) is the precursor of the dynorphin related peptides which plays an important role in drug abuse. Previous studies have been shown that the expression of PDYN is regulated by a genetic polymorphism of VNTR in the promoter region of the gene. MATERIALS AND METHODS The present case-control study was performed on 52 (41 males, 11 females) methamphetamine depen...

Hair of young subjects (N = 36) suspected for drug abuse was analysed for morphine, codeine, heroin, 6-acetylmorphine, cocaine, methadone, amphetamine, methamphetamine, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and 3,4-methylenedioxyethylamphetamine (MDEA). The analysis of morphine, codeine, heroin, 6-acetylmorphine, cocaine, and methadone in hair included i...

Testing for drugs of abuse in sample matrices alternative to urine such as blood, sweat, and saliva have received increasing attention and is needed, for example, in traffic medicine. Human breath is known to contain a large number of substances including non-volatile molecules. We explore whether intake of amphetamines could be detected by analytical investigation of exhaled breath from drug a...

BACKGROUND Methamphetamine (MA) abuse causes damage to structures within the human cerebrum, with particular susceptibility to white matter (WM). Abnormalities have been reported in anterior regions with less evidence of changes in posterior regions. Methamphetamine abusers have also shown deficits on attention tests that measure response conflict and cognitive control. METHODS We examined co...

Studies have implicated methamphetamine exposure as a contributor to the development of Parkinson's disease. There is a significant degree of striatal dopamine depletion produced by methamphetamine, which makes the toxin useful in the creation of an animal model of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder associated with selective degeneration of nigr...

background increased prevalent use of methamphetamine is a global public challenge. information on drug use can be helpful in preventing high-risk behavior related to drug abuse. objectives this study aims to investigate the sexual function changes related to methamphetamine use in the male clients of public and private addiction treatment centers. patients and methods in this qualitative study...

This article aims to develop a novel approach reducing drug use and assess its effectiveness in rural Thai community. The study employed Participation Action Research (PAR) model that involved the District Health Board (DHB) community participation addressing problems. research used qualitative quantitative designs 5 sub-districts 67 villages of Chaloem Phra Kiat District, Buriram Province, fro...

Drug abuse and related disorders are a global public health crisis affecting millions, but to date, limited treatment options available. Abused drugs include not opioids, cocaine, nicotine, methamphetamine, alcohol. human immunodeficiency virus-1/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV-1/AIDS) inextricably linked. Extensive research has been done understand the effect of prolonged drug use on ...