Novel Psychoactive Substances: Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics and Pharmaco-Toxicological Aspects
A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Toxicology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2024 | Viewed by 2422
Special Issue Editors
Interests: chemoprevention; genotoxicity; in vitro toxicology; bioactive molecules; natural compounds; flow cytometry
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
2. Collaborative Center for Anti-drug Policies Department, Presidency of the Council of Ministers, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
Interests: novel psychoactive substances; synthetic cannabinoids; cathinones; synthetic opioids; animal behavior; drug addiction; toxicology of NPS; phenethylamines
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPS) have steadily increased in type and number over the last years, establishing themselves as a social threat of worldwide concern, due to their unpredictable toxicological effects, including lethal outcomes. These are compounds commonly marketed and used as “legal” replacement of common drugs of abuse. To date, more than 1000 NPS belonging to different pharmacological categories have been identified (e.g., synthetic cannabinoids, cathinones and opioids, psychoactive phenethylamines, new benzodiazepines), which are usually sold via the internet. Data on the prevalence and toxicity of these drugs and on their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and pharmaco-toxicological aspects are still too limited. In particular, severe adverse effects and the difficulty to manage acute toxicity are concerning problems. Another aspect is represented by the possible genetic and epigenetic toxicity of NPS (and/or their metabolites) and the well-known long-term impact on human health.
Therefore, the aim of this special issue is to take stock of the state of the art about NPS. To achieve this goal, we would like to invite researchers to contribute with original papers or review articles. Both in vivo and new approach methodologies (NAMs)-based studies are welcome, including in silico, in chemico, in vitro, and ex vivo approaches.
Dr. Monia Lenzi
Dr. Matteo Marti
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- novel psychoactive substances
- synthetic cannabinoids
- synthetic cathinones
- synthetic opioids
- phenethylamines
- forensic toxicology
- new benzodiazepines
- genetic and epigenetic toxicology
- neuropsychopharmacology
- new approach methodologies (NAMs)-based studies
