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Hepatotoxicity associated to synthetic cannabinoids use
R Solimini1, F P Busardò, M C Rotolo
1Department of Therapeutic Research and Medicines Evaluation, Drug Abuse and Doping Unit, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy. ilaria.palmi@iss.it.
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences
|April 6, 2017
Summary
Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs), misused as "natural products," pose severe health risks, including potential liver damage. This review highlights the toxic effects of these substances, emphasizing the need for awareness and further research into their adverse outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Abuse
Background:
- Synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) are laboratory-created psychoactive compounds mimicking delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol.
- Initially developed for receptor studies, SCs are now misused recreationally, often perceived as "natural products."
- Their popularity has surged since the 2000s, leading to widespread abuse among young adults and students.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on the toxicity of synthetic cannabinoids.
- To specifically focus on the association between SCs and liver damage.
- To raise awareness about the hidden health risks of these recreational substances.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search on synthetic cannabinoid toxicity.
- Analysis of reported adverse health effects associated with SCs.
- Focus on case studies and research detailing liver injury from SCs.
Main Results:
- SCs cause a wide range of adverse effects, including cardiovascular, neurological, and psychoactive symptoms.
- Dependence and withdrawal syndromes are commonly reported side effects.
- A significant number of cases link SCs ingestion to severe liver damage and failure.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic cannabinoids present substantial health risks beyond their psychoactive effects.
- Liver damage is a critical and increasingly recognized adverse outcome of SCs consumption.
- Further investigation into SCs' toxicological profiles, especially hepatotoxicity, is crucial.