Analysis of fatalities involving amphetamine in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Attafi, Ibraheem M.; Tumayhi, Murad M.; Banji, David; Albeishy, Mohammed; Khardali, Ibrahim A.; Korashy, Hesham M.

doi:10.1016/j.fsir.2021.100237

Cited by 7 publications

(12 citation statements)

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“…Relevant information such as age, substance of abuse (amphetamine) that led to fatality, information about non-amphetamine fatal cases (control), and brain toxicological data was extracted from the database. Amphetamine-related fatalities were classified into three groups depending on amphetamine brain concentration based on a previous investigation [ 5 ], with each group having six cases, and the fourth group, for non-amphetamine-related fatalities (control), containing six cases. The Those with less than 0.5 g/mL are classified as low concentration (low group), those with more than 0.5 g/mL but less than 1.5 g/mL as medium concentration (medium group), and those with more than 1.5 g/mL as high concentration (high group).…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Around 4–70% of Saudi patients undergoing addiction treatment were previously on amphetamine substance abuse [ 4 ]. Attafi et al have reported an exponential rise in fatalities, from 18% in 2018 to 80% in 2020, due to the use of amphetamine along with other drugs in Jazan, Saudi Arabia [ 5 ]. Amphetamine abuse has found favor as it produces euphoria, increases performance, induces sexual arousal, and promotes weight loss [ 6 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Brain organic profiling is a reliable tool to illustrate alterations in organic components and related mental illnesses. Moreover, in our previous study, we discovered changes in the organic profile of the brain in amphetamine users [ 5 ]. Thus, we continued our investigation on the chemical–disease association based on the brain chemical profile of amphetamine in relation to the control and the occurrence of neurological disorders.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Amphetamine-Related Fatalities and Altered Brain Chemicals: A Preliminary Investigation Using the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database

et al. 2023

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Amphetamine is a psychostimulant drug with a high risk of toxicity and death when misused. Abuse of amphetamines is associated with an altered organic profile, which includes omega fatty acids. Low omega fatty acid levels are linked to mental disorders. Using the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database (CTD), we investigated the chemical profile of the brain in amphetamine-related fatalities and the possibility of neurotoxicity. We classified amphetamine cases as low (0–0.5 g/mL), medium (>0.5 to 1.5 g/mL), and high (>1.5 g/mL), based on amphetamine levels in brain samples. All three groups shared 1-octadecene, 1-tridecene, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosane, and oleylamide. We identified chemical–disease associations using the CTD tools and predicted an association between DHA, AA and curated conditions like autistic disorder, disorders related to cocaine, Alzheimer’s disease, and cognitive dysfunction. An amphetamine challenge may cause neurotoxicity in the human brain due to a decrease in omega-3 fatty acids and an increase in oxidative products. Therefore, in cases of amphetamine toxicity, a supplement therapy may be needed to prevent omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Amphetamine-Related Fatalities and Altered Brain Chemicals: A Preliminary Investigation Using the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database

et al. 2023

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“…Cannabis and amphetamine are two narcotics that are frequently combined, and addiction to both drugs has risen globally, especially in Saudi Arabia 2 . In addition, a study in Jazan, Saudi Arabia found that the number of fatalities related to amphetamine addiction and other narcotics substances increased from 18 to 80% between 2018 and 2020 3 , but in the Qassim region, cannabis addiction was the most prevalent drug usage, followed by amphetamine 2 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the immune system status and hematological dyscrasias, among amphetamine and cannabis abusers at Eradah Hospital in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Mohammed,

Aljarallah,

Huq

et al. 2024

Sci Rep

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This cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the immune system status and hematological disturbances among individuals who abuse amphetamines and cannabis. Substance abuse, particularly of amphetamines and cannabis, has been associated with various adverse effects on the body, including potential impacts on the immune system and hematological parameters. However, limited research has been conducted to comprehensively assess these effects in a cross-sectional design. Additionally, fungal infections are on the rise internationally, and immune-compromised people are particularly susceptible. The study will recruit a sample of amphetamine and cannabis abusers (n = 50) at the Eradah Hospital in the Qassim Region of Buraydah and assess their sociodemographic and biochemical variables, including blood indices and differential WBC indices, liver, and kidney profiles. Additionally, 50 sputum samples in total were cultured for testing for fungus infections. To obtain the descriptive statistics, the data was imported into Microsoft Excel and subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS 22.0. Amphetamine and cannabis abuser's sociodemographic variables analysis observed that the majority (52%) were aged 18–30, with 56% in secondary school. Unemployment was a significant issue, and most had no other health issues. The majority (50%) had 5–10 years of abuse, while 32% had less than 5 years, and only 18% had been drug abusers for more than 10 years. There were significant changes (p < 0.001) in all different leukocyte blood cells, including neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils. Furthermore, a microscopic examination of blood films from individuals who misuse the combination of the medications "amphetamine and cannabis" reveals hazardous alterations in Neutrophils. Out of 50, 35 sputum samples showed positive growth on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA) with chloramphenicol antibiotic, indicating a unicellular fungal growth. The present study explores the immune system and hematological disturbances linked to amphetamine and cannabis abuse, providing insights into health risks and targeted interventions. The findings complement previous research on drug users' hematological abnormalities, particularly in white blood cells. Routine hematological tests help identify alterations in homeostatic conditions, improving patient knowledge and preventing major issues. Further research is needed on multi-drug abuse prevention, early detection, and intervention. The cross-sectional design allows for a snapshot of the immune system and hematological status among abusers, laying the groundwork for future longitudinal studies. Key Words: Drug Effect, Immunity, Epidemiology, Oxidative Stress, Inflammation.

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“…ARDs are common compounds implicated in drug abuse in Saudi Arabia. This drug abuse plays an important role in early mortality due to traffic accidents, violence, and overdose [4]. Consequently, the entire Saudi society has been affected from abusing ARDs.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Development and Validation of UPLC-Qtof-MS Method for Blood Analysis of Amphetamine-Related Drug Isomers

Alamir¹,

Watterson²,

Attafi³

2022

Preprint

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Abuse of amphetamine-related drugs (ARDs) causes traffic accidents, violence, and overdose. In forensic toxicology, analysis for ARDs in biological samples can help identify those driving or performing other tasks under the influence of drugs, clarify the cause of death, and identify recent drug users. In this study, we validated a pseudo-isocratic UPLC-qTOF-MS method following mixed mode cation exchange (MMSPE) extraction for analysis of ARDs in blood. The procedure requires 250 μL of blood to achieve a limit of quantification (LOQ) and detection (LOD) of 20 ng/mL for all analytes. In aged animal blood samples, extraction recoveries of 63-90% and matrix effects of 9-21% were observed. Precision and accuracy for all analytes were within 20% and 89–118%, respectively. The analytical method was developed and validated in accordance with the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology (SWGTOX) Standard. It has acceptable accuracy and precision for use in doping control and forensic toxicology.

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Analysis of fatalities involving amphetamine in Jazan, Saudi Arabia

Cited by 7 publications

References 10 publications

Amphetamine-Related Fatalities and Altered Brain Chemicals: A Preliminary Investigation Using the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database

Amphetamine-Related Fatalities and Altered Brain Chemicals: A Preliminary Investigation Using the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database

Evaluation of the immune system status and hematological dyscrasias, among amphetamine and cannabis abusers at Eradah Hospital in Qassim, Saudi Arabia

Development and Validation of UPLC-Qtof-MS Method for Blood Analysis of Amphetamine-Related Drug Isomers

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