Mechanisms Underlying the Hepatotoxic Effects of Ecstasy

Title: Mechanisms Underlying the Hepatotoxic Effects of Ecstasy

Volume: 11 Issue: 5

Author(s): Marcia Carvalho, Helena Pontes, Fernando Remiao, Maria L. Bastos and Felix Carvalho

Affiliation:

Keywords: Ecstasy, MDMA, hepatotoxicity, liver damage, mechanisms

Abstract: 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) is a worldwide illegally used amphetamine-derived designer drug known to be hepatotoxic to humans. Jaundice, hepatomegaly, centrilobular necrosis, hepatitis and fibrosis represent some of the adverse effects caused by MDMA in the liver. Although there is irrefutable evidence of MDMA-induced hepatocellular damage, the mechanisms responsible for that toxicity remain to be thoroughly clarified. One well thought-of mechanism imply MDMA metabolism in the liver into reactive metabolites as responsible for the MDMA-elicited hepatotoxicity. However, other factors, including MDMA-induced hyperthermia, the increase in neurotransmitters efflux, the oxidation of biogenic amines, polydrug abuse pattern, and environmental features accompanying illicit MDMA use, may increase the risk for liver complications. Liver damage patterns of MDMA in animals and humans and current research on the mechanisms underlying the hepatotoxic effects of MDMA will be highlighted in this review.

Cite this article as:

Carvalho Marcia, Pontes Helena, Remiao Fernando, L. Bastos Maria and Carvalho Felix, Mechanisms Underlying the Hepatotoxic Effects of Ecstasy, Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology 2010; 11 (5) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/138920110791591535