Purpose: The emergence of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has been being a continuous and evolving problem for more than a decade. Every year, dozens of new, previously unknown drugs appear on the illegal market, posing a significant threat to the health and lives of their users. Synthetic cathinones are one of the most numerous and widespread groups among NPS. The purpose of this work was to identify and summarize available data on newly emerging cathinones in very recent years. Methods: Various online databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, but also databases of government agencies including those involved in early warning systems, were used in search of reports on the identification of newly emerging synthetic cathinones. In addition, threads on various forums created by users of these drugs were searched for reports on the effects of these new substances. Results: We have identified 29 synthetic cathinones that have been detected for the first time from early 2019 to mid-2022. We described their structures, known intoxication symptoms, detected concentrations in biological material in poisoning cases, as well as the countries and dates of their first appearance. Due to the lack of studies on the properties of the novel compounds, we compared data on the pharmacological profiles of the better-known synthetic cathinones with available information on the newly emerged ones. Some of these new agents already posed a threat, as the first cases of poisonings, including fatal ones, have been reported. Conclusions: Most of the newly developed synthetic cathinones can be seen as analogs and replacements for once-popular compounds that have been declining in popularity as a result of legislative efforts. Although it appears that some of the newly emerging cathinones are not widely used, they may become more popular in the future and could become a significant threat to health and life. Therefore, it is important to continue developing early warning systems and identifying new compounds so that their widespread can be prevented.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the attenuating effect of given selenium and/or magnesium on ethanol-induced oxidative stress, disturbances of liver function and cholesterol metabolism. Forty male rats were divided into five groups: C – control, Et – intoxicated with alcohol (15% solution in drinking water), Et + Mg, Et + Se, Et + Mg + Se – intoxicated with alcohol and supplemented with selenium (0.4 mg Se/l water), magnesium (100 mg Mg/l water) and combination of Se and Mg, respectively. The experiment was carried out over the 3 months. The results show that the chronic ingestion of alcohol induces lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes in liver. Supplementation with magnesium only partially alleviates oxidative stress and damages in this tissue. The both selenium alone and combination of magnesium and selenium significantly elevated total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum, activity of glutathione peroxidase and ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) in liver and retarded oxidative stress and histopathological changes in this tissue. Chronic administration of ethanol (alone and with magnesium) resulted in significant decrease in the serum total cholesterol and retardation in the body weight gain in comparison with the control group. In the groups supplemented with selenium and selenium and magnesium simultaneously, concentration of total cholesterol in serum and body gains was similar to the control group. Supplementation of Se or selenium and magnesium simultaneously significantly enhances antioxidant defence and is more effective against alcohol-induced oxidative stress, disturbance of liver function and cholesterol metabolism than the separate use of magnesium.

Erythroprotein-producing human hepatocellular carcinoma receptors (Eph receptors) compose a subfamily of transmembrane protein-tyrosine kinases receptors that takes part in numerous physiological and pathological processes. Eph family receptor-interacting proteins (Ephrins) are ligands for those receptors. Eph/ephrin system is responsible for the cytoskeleton activity, cell adhesion, intercellular connection, cellular shape as well as cell motility. It affects neuron development and functioning, bone and glucose homeostasis, immune system and correct function of enterocytes. Moreover Eph/ephrin system is one of the crucial ones in angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis. With such a wide range of impact it is clear that disturbed function of this system leads to pathology. Eph/ephrin system is involved in carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Although the idea of participation of ephrin in carcinogenesis is obvious, the exact way remains unclear because of complex bi-directional signaling and cross-talks with other pathways. Further studies are necessary to find a new target for treatment.