The role of the NADPH oxidase derived brain oxidative stress in the cocaine-related death associated with excited delirium: A literature review

Toxicol Lett. 2016 Sep 6:258:29-35. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2016.06.002. Epub 2016 Jun 3.

Abstract

Excited delirium syndrome (ExDS) is a term used to describe a clinical condition characterized by bizarre and aggressive behaviour, commonly associated with the use of psychoactive compounds, especially cocaine. The pathophysiology of ExDS is complex and not yet fully understood. In addition to a central dopamine hypothesis, other mechanisms are thought to be involved in cocaine-related ExDS, such as increased reactive oxygen species production by the family of the NADPH oxidase NOX enzymes. In this review, we will summarize current knowledge on the crucial contribution of brain NADPH oxidase derived oxidative stress in the development of cocaine-induced ExDS. Data from animal models as well as human evidence will be discussed.

Keywords: Brain; Cocaine; Excited delirium; NADPH oxidase; Oxidative stress.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / drug effects
  • Brain / enzymology
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Cocaine / toxicity*
  • Delirium / etiology*
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / toxicity
  • Humans
  • Models, Neurological*
  • NADPH Oxidases / chemistry
  • NADPH Oxidases / metabolism*
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins / metabolism
  • Neurons / drug effects
  • Neurons / enzymology
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • Neurotoxicity Syndromes / metabolism*
  • Neurotoxicity Syndromes / mortality
  • Neurotoxicity Syndromes / physiopathology
  • Neurotoxicity Syndromes / psychology
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects*
  • Psychotropic Drugs / toxicity*
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / agonists
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism

Substances

  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
  • Nerve Tissue Proteins
  • Psychotropic Drugs
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • NADPH Oxidases
  • Cocaine