Opiates and human chromosome alterations.
Cytogenetic studies on cultured lymphocytes showed an increase in the frequency of chromosome breaks in heroin addicts (2.6%) compared to controls (0.4%). Within the first year, patients on methadone maintenance had a decline in the frequency of chromosome damage. Investigation of former addicts who had not been exposed to heroin for over one year revealed a remarkably low frequency of cells with damage for both methadone users (0.8%) and for those not using methadone (0.6%). These results indicate that long-term treatment programs reverse the cytogenetic alterations found in heroin users.
D000328:Adult; D002869:Chromosome Aberrations; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D005260:Female; D003932:Heroin / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007962:Leukocytes / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000494:pharmacology; D009294:Narcotics / Q000009:adverse effects*
D009294:Narcotics; D003932:Heroin; D008691:Methadone