MDMA administration and heat shock proteins response: foreseeing a molecular link.
Molecular and cellular mechanisms of MDMA-induced toxicity have been extensively studied in a number of experimental models. Nevertheless, only few studies investigated the involvement of HSPs ("molecular chaperones") in MDMA organs toxicity. In the present minireview we highlight this subject analysing the results of these studies conducted especially on brain tissue. Despite of it seems obvious that HSPs overexpression is a protective reaction against MDMA treatment, the molecular mechanisms for exerting their action are far to be undiscovered. At the same time, we need of comprehensive studies concerning the whole range of Hsps/chaperones expressions in all organs after acute and chronic administration of MDMA.
Pomara
C
C
Department of Forensic Pathology, University of Foggia, Viale degli Aviatori 1,71100 Foggia, Italy. cristoforopomara@hotmail.com
D'Errico
S
S
Zummo
L
L
Cappello
F
F
Li Volti
G
G
D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism*; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000633:toxicity; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D018869:Heat-Shock Response / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D008959:Models, Neurological; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine / Q000633:toxicity*
D006213:Hallucinogens; D006360:Heat-Shock Proteins; D018817:N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine