Oxidative Stress and Cocaine Intoxication as Start Points in the Pathology of Cocaine-Induced Cardiotoxicity. A Systematic Review

Abstract Background: Psychomotor stimulants are the most commonly used prohibited substances after cannabis. Globally, their use reaching epidemiological proportions and is one of the most common causes of death in many countries. In recent years, more research, define drug use as the leading cause of serious cardiovascular pathologies ranging from abnormal heart rhythms to heart attack and sudden cardiac death. The reactive oxygen species generation, toxic metabolites formation and oxidative stress play a significant role in cocaine-induced cardiotoxicity. Main body: In the present review, we discuss various studies related to dopamine neurotransmission and oxidative stress, with a focus on the cardiotoxicity of the cocaine molecule and the cardiovascular complications that occur after cocaine use. Conclusion: Hypothetically, this study can serve as a basis for developing a rapid and effective method for determining oxidative stress levels by monitoring changes in the redox status of patients with cocaine intoxication.