From Veterinary Medicine to Illicit Drug Supply: Utilising Social Media to Explore the Rising Emergence of Veterinary Medicines in Human Health

Brain Sciences, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 15(2), P. 172 - 172

Published: Feb. 10, 2025

Background/Objectives: The misuse of veterinary drugs is a growing concern, with increasing evidence their presence in illicit drug markets and use as alternatives to traditional substances. Methods: This study explores Reddit discussions on the Reddit, focusing xylazine, carfentanil, medetomidine, pentobarbital, phenylbutazone, acepromazine. was utilised for its abundant real-time data users’ thoughts experiences substance misuse. Through combination manual Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven thematic analysis, we examined posts comments explore patterns Results: themes analysed included adverse effects, polysubstance misuse, routes administration, motivations methods obtaining these drugs. Our findings revealed that pentobarbital exhibit significant potential while phenylbutazone acepromazine are not widely misused. Despite this, have been identified adulterants supply United States. most discussed followed by public perceptions, well effects. Conclusions: dual-method approach combining interpretation AI analysis allowed comprehensive understanding social media discussions. research highlights importance monitoring online platforms early indicators emerging trends, offering valuable insights inform health policies intervention strategies. Impact Statement: risk posed underscoring need enhanced monitoring, regulatory frameworks, education address diversion into markets. By leveraging an detection tool our can targeted interventions.

Language: Английский

Xylazine as an emerging new psychoactive substance; focuses on both 5‐HT₇ and κ‐opioid receptors' molecular interactions and isosteric replacement

Archiv der Pharmazie, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 358(3)

Published: March 1, 2025

Abstract Xylazine, traditionally used as a veterinary sedative, has recently emerged new psychoactive substance, being typically ingested in combination with fentanyl derivatives and hence raising significant public health concerns. Despite its increasing prevalence, little is known about molecular interactions human neuroreceptors, specifically the serotonin 7 (5‐HT R) kappa‐opioid (KOR) receptors, which play critical roles mood regulation, consciousness nociception. Hence, binding affinity of xylazine both 5‐HT R KOR through docking simulations dynamics calculations were investigated. These computational approaches revealed insights into receptor motifs highlighted structural modifications that could enhance affinity. The isosteric replacements within structure to improve efficacy assessed, demonstrating minimal can potentiate interaction KOR. findings may well advance our understanding xylazine's mechanism action, possibly contributing identifying suitable treatment/management treating xylazine‐related overdoses.

Language: Английский