Doctoral student Mandalynn Slupek has seen what opioid addiction does to people. Her research at into an easily obtained, over-the-counter supplement may curb the urge for opioids before addiction begins.
Slupek won first place in ’s Three Minute Thesis competition on Oct. 3 when she presented “Getting the NAC of Being Drug-Free,” research on how the supplement NAC or N-acetyl cysteine can be used in the fight against addiction.
Slupek’s project proposes giving people NAC before they take prescription opioids instead of after. If the research is successful, NAC has the potential to help a lot of people quickly because of its availability over the counter, says Slupek, a native of Indiana, Pennsylvania, who is working on her doctorate in neuroscience.
However, she cautions people that their doctors should be consulted first thing.
“This is already widely available,” she says of NAC, which she purchased at Walmart for $12. “It should only be used under the supervision of a physician because if you’re getting prescribed drugs, always tell them the supplements you’re taking.”
NAC is derived from the amino acid L-cysteine, according to WebMD. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. NAC has many uses and is an FDA-approved supplement. The cysteine portion of N-acetyl cysteine plays a role in modulating the neurotransmitter glutamate in the pleasure center of the brain (nucleus accumbens). Here is Slupek explaining what occurred when mice were given NAC and fentanyl.
According to Slupek, the research is promising not only because it helps alleviate cravings, but it may reduce the stigma associated with opioid addiction that occurs when people are prescribed medication for pain by their doctors.
“People don’t understand that everyone who is addicted does not want to be,” Slupek said. “A lot of times, especially with opioids, they’re put in this position. I went into neuroscience wanting to help people. This seemed like one of the areas that could potentially lead to a lot of good in the world.”
The primary investigator on the project is Devin Mueller, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences at who studies addiction. The original collaboration for this project was through 's , who passed away at the beginning of this semester.
This project is part of the preliminary data for a grant application to further study NAC. Slupek is awaiting word on whether it has been approved.
Slupek won third Place in the 2022 Three Minute Thesis for her research presentation "The Surprising Role of Astrocytes in Addiction." The topic of addiction is important to Slupek because of the high incidence of overdoses that have occurred in her hometown.
“There’s a lot of drug use at IUP [Indiana University of Pennsylvania],” Slupek said. “Every week I used to hear that so and so overdosed. Everyone I know knows someone who either struggled with addiction or knows someone who passed away. I have seen first-hand how that can tear families apart and how hard it is.”