Potential pro-oxidative effects of single dose of mephedrone in vital organs of mice

Background: Mephedrone is a recreationally used synthetic cathinone, relatively new abusive substances with molecular structure similar to amphetamine. As there is still lack of scientific data regarding mechanisms of action as well as metabolism of mephedrone, especially in aspects other than neurotoxicity, addiction or behavioral changes, therefore we aimed, for the first time, to investigate potential pro-oxidative actions of a single dose of mephedrone in organs other than brain and its structures, i.e. in liver, kidneys, heart and spleen of Swiss mice. Methods: The following biomarkers of oxidative stress were measured: concentration of ascorbic acid (AA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the tissues homogenates. Results: Our study revealed that mephedrone intoxication induces oxidative stress by reducing concentration of AA and TAC and increasing concentration of MDA in these organs. Conclusions: Such occurred state of antioxidant-oxidant imbalance may be etiopathological factor of a number of severe diseases within cardiovascular, digestive as well as immunological systems. (c) 2018 Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.