Latest Articles and News - Jul 10, 2025
post on 10 Jul 2025
post on 10 Jul 2025
Lanmaoa asiatica is known for its unique flavor; however, improper consumption can induce severe neuropsychiatric symptoms, including hallucinations and irritability. The underlying toxicity mechanism remains unclear, and the lack of specific antidotes poses a significant threat to patient safety. This study employed ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to analyze the plasma metabolic profiles of patients with Lanmaoa asiatica poisoning and healthy controls. A total of 20 patients were included, with an average age of 36.9 ± 13.08 years. No significant differences were observed in age, gender, or laboratory indicators between the patient and control groups (p > 0.05). Poisoned patients primarily exhibited neuropsychiatric symptoms, including hallucinations (75%) and general weakness (60%), along with gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea (60%) and vomiting (45%). Metabolomic analysis identified 914 differential metabolites, primarily involving benzene derivatives, organic acids and their derivatives, amino acid metabolites, and heterocyclic compounds. Notably, 5-methoxytryptophan (5-MTP) and protocatechuic acid were significantly upregulated, suggesting potential pharmacological relevance. KEGG pathway analysis revealed disturbances in oxidative phosphorylation and the morphine addiction pathway, implicating mitochondrial dysfunction as a key factor in Lanmaoa asiatica toxicity. Additionally, adenosine monophosphate (AUC = 0.917), adenosine 5'-diphosphate (AUC = 0.935), and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (AUC = 0.895) were identified as potential metabolic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Despite the overall favorable prognosis and no significant damage to vital organs such as the liver and kidneys, the severe hallucinogenic effects raise concerns about increased risks of self-harm and accidental injury. However, this study has certain limitations, including a relatively small sample size and potential challenges in metabolite identification inherent to untargeted metabolomics. These factors may affect the generalizability and biological interpretation of the findings. Future studies with larger cohorts and integrated, targeted approaches are warranted to validate and refine these results.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40635726/Women who exchange sex and use opioids experience substantial post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. Among veterans, PTSD increases the risk of concomitant opioid-benzodiazepine use, increasing overdose risk, but this relationship is underexplored in other at-risk populations. We examined correlates of non-medical benzodiazepine use among a cohort of women who exchange sex and use opioids daily (N=270) in Baltimore Maryland. PTSD symptom severity was measured by the full PCL-5 (possible range: 0-80, categorized by tertile as low, medium, high) and four symptom-specific subscales. The prevalence of benzodiazepine use was 27% and the median PCL-5 score was 34. In adjusted models, women with high PCL-5 scores were more likely to use benzodiazepines than those with low scores, overall and across subscales. Severe PTSD symptoms conferred elevated risk of concomitant opioid-benzodiazepine use, calling attention to the importance of addressing trauma in combating the opioid and overdose crises.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40635722/A 50-year-old woman with schizophrenia overdosed on risperidone, lormetazepam, and lorazepam and subsequently developed rhabdomyolysis, with elevated creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin levels. Intravenous treatment stabilized her condition. Risperidone was restarted at a regular dose, and rhabdomyolysis did not recur. She was discharged after 29 days, and she continued outpatient care without further complications. There have been no reports of rhabdomyolysis caused by overdosing on risperidone alone. This case is important for understanding the risk profile of this drug.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40635153/