Neurotoxicity evaluation of lidocain associated with cocain in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells

• Grant number: 25/05093-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Toxicological Analysis
• Principal Investigator: Raphael Caio Tamborelli Garcia
• Grantee: Giulia de Assis Braz
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The recreational use of illicit substances is a historical phenomenon that continues to raise concerns today. These concerns are primarily related to its impact on public health, particularly among younger populations. Cocaine, a substance derived from the leaves of the Erythroxylum coca plant, is one of the most widely used drugs in the world and causes several health problems among users. To increase profits and ensure a greater yield of the substance, the drug is mixed with several pharmacologically active compounds known as adulterants. Adulteration of cocaine can further increase its toxicity and the risks associated with its use. Among the major adulterants, lidocaine, a local anesthetic, is of particular note because of its reported neurotoxic effects. Studies on the combination of cocaine and lidocaine are limited, especially in vitro studies investigating the neurotoxic effects of the two substances together. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the neurotoxicity of the combination of lidocaine and cocaine in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Different concentrations of cocaine and lidocaine will be studied to construct a concentration-response curve (CRC) based on previous studies of the research group.After standardization of the concentration of the substances, cell viability will be evaluated after exposure to the combination of both substances for a period of 48 hours. The viability tests used will be MTT and trypan blue.