Project Description:
Drug abuse represents a significant health issue. Notably, methamphetamine (METH) abuse continues to ravage the United States as well as globally, damaging the individual user and increasing societal economic burden. Typical routes of abuse include oral, snorting, smoking or by needle injection, of which the last route predisposes individuals to the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis. Given the increase in sexual activity by METH, female abusers are at a risk for unplanned pregnancies. Anatomically, chronic METH abuse induces severe irreversible damage to the brain thus changing its mode of functioning. Studies on chronic METH abusers have revealed alterations in their motor skills, impaired verbal learning, as well as emotional and cognitive problems. Additionally, there are behavioral changes associated such as Psychosis characterized by hallucinations and delusions which can persist for years after drug use is discontinued and can initiate relapse. Amongst the treatment regimen, AV411 (Ibudilast), an anti-inflammatory drug has been shown to attenuate METH relapse in a preclinical animal model. Our studies focus on understanding the changes occurring at the level of the synapse- key structures involved in neurotransmission and neuroplasticity and aim to assess the neuromodulatory changes of AV411 at the synapse. Using an integrated systems biology approach coupled to biochemical and behavioral modules, the proposed studies will yield novel data leading to identification of important network and pathways thus providing clues into understanding the etiology of chronic METH abuse.
Unserved or Under-served Populations:
Racial or Ethnic Minorities, Disadvantaged Circumstances, Limited English, Geographic Areas
