Page 22 - Abacoa Community News- May '24

Page 22, Abacoa
science on tHe cutting edge

The rapid increase in lethal drug overdoses attributed disorders as well as opioid-xylazine overdoses,” says
to xylazine combined with fentanyl prompted the White Janda. “This strategy could make a significant impact on
House Office of National Drug Control Policy to declare the opioid epidemic.”
this combination an emerging threat to the United “Evaluation of a Hapten Conjugate Vaccine Against the
Developing A Vaccine For The States. Xylazine intoxication presents similarly to opioid ‘Zombie Drug’ Xylazine” was co-authored by Mingliang
Lin, Lisa M. Eubanks, Bin Zhou and Kim D. Janda, all of
overdose, causing respiratory and central nervous system
‘Zombie Drug’ Xylazine depression and it can heighten the effects of opioids. Scripps Research.
However, naloxone — typically administered to reverse Funding for the study was provided by the Shadek
Scripps Research chemical biologists design an early the effects of opioids — does not tackle the impact of family and Pearson Foundation.
“proof-of-concept” vaccine that could lead to the first xylazine, highlighting the need for effective measures to
effective treatment of xylazine overdose in people. treat acute toxicity caused by xylazine.
Xylazine is an FDA-approved sedative and pain reliever Researchers suspect xylazine works by reducing blood
for use in animals, but it has severe adverse effects when flow to the brain, among other areas of the body. The drug
used in humans. It is now illicitly being added to opioids, also causes nonhealing skin lesions and wounds, often
like fentanyl and heroin, as well as cocaine leading to a sharp located on the forearms and lower legs, that can require
rise in overdose deaths. amputation in some cases giving it the nickname “zombie
drug.”
Although no treatment currently exists, targeted Max Planck Florida To
vaccines may offer a solution. Vaccines nudge the immune Hold Brain Exploration Day
system to create antibodies to fend off invaders. Antibodies
can target viruses, bacteria and toxins. However, Open House
sometimes molecules are too small to initiate an immune
response, as is the case with xylazine. So, to circumvent Saturday, May 18
this problem, the researchers created a vaccine using a 10 a.m. To 1p.m.
design principle that Janda pioneered, which relies on
pairing the drug molecule (called a hapten) with a larger Max Planck, Jupiter
carrier molecule (a protein) and an adjuvant. is opening its doors
In this study, the scientists combined a xylazine for this free family fun
Kim D. Janda, Ph.D., the Ely R. Callaway, Jr. Professor of hapten with multiple different protein types, to see event. Robot bowling?
Chemistry at Scripps Research. Photo by Scripps Research which combination would create a robust immune Mind-bending challenges? Microscope mastery? These
response against xylazine. The team tested three vaccine are just a few activities that visitors will have the chance
Now, Scripps Research chemical biologists have formulations (termed TT, KLH and CRM197, based on to enjoy at the Max Planck Florida Institute (MPFI) for
developed a vaccine to block the effects of xylazine’s toxicity. the protein involved) to see which vaccine cocktail could Neuroscience’s Brain Exploration Day.
The vaccine works by training the immune system to attack help rodents after being challenged with xylazine. One of Brain Exploration Day takes place every other year,
the drug, which is described in a new paper published in the three vaccines (TT) significantly increased movement allowing visitors to learn more about the cutting-edge research
Chemical Communications on April 1. in mice given xylazine after 10 minutes, while two of the in Max Planck Florida’s nine neuroscience research groups.
“We demonstrated that a vaccine can reverse the symptoms three vaccines (TT and KLH) led to an improvement in Visitors will also have the chance to tour MPFI microscopy
of a xylazine overdose in rodents,” says study senior author breathing. facilities and the mechanical engineering workshop, in addition
Kim D. Janda, Ph.D., the Ely R. Callaway, Jr. Professor of The scientists also examined how these vaccines would to enjoying multiple demonstrations and activities celebrating
Chemistry at Scripps Research. “There is currently no remedy limit xylazine blood brain barrier, (BBB) permeation, a science and the brain.
for xylazine poisoning other than supportive care, thus, we filtering mechanism that scrutinizes drug penetration. While Brain Exploration Day is free and open to the public,
believe our research efforts and the data we have provided When xylazine was injected, it immediately crossed into advance registration is required. Everyone is welcome, but
will pave the way for an effective treatment in humans.” the brain to bind with receptors. Antibodies typically please know most activities are suitable for ages 4 and older.
cannot navigate the BBB; however, two of the three MPFI scientists conduct fundamental research,
vaccines (TT and KLH) showed a strong ability to stop seeking a new understanding of the nervous system and
Northern Notes from page 21 xylazine from reaching its receptors in the brain, limiting its capacity to produce perception, thought, language,
its detrimental effects. memory, emotion and movement. Since opening in 2012,
Augustine in the north to Lake Okeechobee in the south, A provisional patent has been filed on the research. MPFI scientists have published over 225 previously
and from east to west, making it vital for residents and In the future, his team will build off this work to create unknown findings about brain development and function.
visitors to stay alert during storm season. a bifunctional antibody that will reverse both fentanyl In addition, MPFI has trained more than 350 scientific
The numbers tell us a lot: Florida tops the charts in and xylazine’s toxicity simultaneously, something that trainees and held community outreach events like Brain
lightning-related deaths, with a staggering 94 percent naloxone cannot do. Exploration Day to help raise awareness of the importance
occurring between late May and the end of September. “A monoclonal antibody treatment could be given in of understanding how the brain works.
Nationally, an average of 100 lives are claimed by tandem with the vaccine to provide both immediate and
lightning strikes annually, with Florida accounting for long-term protection from both opioid substances use Science On The Cutting Edge on page 23
10 to 13 of those fatalities and nearly 600 injuries, 30
of which occur within the state. Surprisingly, lightning
takes more lives in the United States than hurricanes
and tornadoes combined, emphasizing the need for
heightened awareness and preparedness.
Dispelling the misconceptions about lightning is
crucial for everyone’s safety. It’s a common belief
that lightning doesn’t strike the same place twice, but
iconic structures like the Empire State Building prove
otherwise. Similarly, the idea that one is safe from
lightning if there are no clouds overhead is shattered
by the reality of “bolts from the blue,” which can strike
several miles away from the storm’s center.
When it comes to safety, knowledge is power.
Addressing misconceptions regarding safety measures
is equally crucial. While seeking refuge under a tree
may seem intuitive, it’s the second leading cause of
lightning casualties. The safest action is to seek shelter
in fully enclosed buildings or vehicles with solid metal
roofs. Additionally, unplugging appliances and avoiding
electronics during storms can mitigate the risk of
electrical surges.
Ultimately, the mantra “when thunder roars, go
indoors” sums up the essence of lightning safety.
Vigilance, coupled with knowledge and preparedness,
can save lives in the face of nature’s electrifying fury.
NPDES tip: Your neighborhood drainage system is
not a garbage disposal — please don’t treat it like one.
Encourage residents to take responsibility and to not dump
chemicals, fertilizer, paint, oil, etc., in inlets or pipes.
Discourage sweeping of lawn clippings and dirt into street
drains and disposing of lawn clippings and other debris
(wood, concrete blocks, trees, etc.) directly into retention
lakes. Keep drainage facilities clear of vegetation, trash,
improperly and illegally discarded appliances, shopping
carts, tires, cars, garbage bags, etc.