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Forensic Toxicology
Published in: Forensic Toxicology 1/2024

09-10-2023 | Zolpidem | Original Article

Alcohol spiked with zolpidem and midazolam potentiates inflammation, oxidative stress and organ damage in a mouse model

Authors: Biwott Kipchumba, Francis Gitonga, Careen Jepchirchir, Grace Wairimu Gitau, Patrick W. Okanya, Peris Wanza Amwayi, Alfred Orina Isaac, Nyariki James Nyabuga

Published in: Forensic Toxicology | Issue 1/2024

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Abstract

Purpose

Crime-related spiking of alcoholic drinks with prescription drugs is quite common and has been happening for centuries. This study, therefore, evaluated the effects of oral administration of alcohol spiked with the zolpidem and midazolam potent sedatives on inflammation, oxidative stress and various organ damage in male Swiss albino mice.

Methods

Mice were randomly assigned into six treatment groups; the first group constituted the normal control, the second group received 50 mg/kg body weight of zolpidem only, the third group received 50 mg/kg body weight zolpidem dissolved in 5 g/kg alcohol, the fourth group received 50 mg/kg midazolam only, the fifth group received midazolam (50 mg/kg) dissolved in 5 g/kg alcohol and the sixth group received 5 g/kg alcohol.

Results

Alcohol-induced significant reduction in neurological function and altered blood hematological indicators. Such neurological impairment and negative effects on blood were exacerbated in mice administered with spiked alcohol. Additionally, midazolam and zolpidem enhanced alcohol-driven elevation of liver function markers; the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. Exposure to alcohol and/or spiked alcohol led to significant augmentation of nitric oxide and malonaldehyde, with concomitant depletion of liver glutathione (GSH) levels. Similarly, serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon-gamma were increased by co-exposure with midazolam or zolpidem. Alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were amplified by exposure to alcohol spiked with midazolam/zolpidem.

Conclusion

Exposure to alcohol spiked with midazolam or zolpidem appears to exacerbate neurological deficits, inflammation, oxidative stress, and organ damage.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
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Metadata
Title
Alcohol spiked with zolpidem and midazolam potentiates inflammation, oxidative stress and organ damage in a mouse model
Authors
Biwott Kipchumba
Francis Gitonga
Careen Jepchirchir
Grace Wairimu Gitau
Patrick W. Okanya
Peris Wanza Amwayi
Alfred Orina Isaac
Nyariki James Nyabuga
Publication date
09-10-2023
Publisher
Springer Nature Singapore
Published in
Forensic Toxicology / Issue 1/2024
Print ISSN: 1860-8965
Electronic ISSN: 1860-8973
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11419-023-00674-w

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