Reduction in monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of diamorphine addicts.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether there is a significant difference in the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) mRNA expression between diamorphine ( heroin) addicts and normal volunteers.


METHODS
Expression of MCP-1 mRNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of diamorphine addicts and normal volunteers was examine d by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with beta -actin as a n internal standard. Sequencing of RT-PCR products was performed to confirm the specificity of these products in MCP-1 gene composition.


RESULTS
The relative M CP-1 mRNA expression ratios (MCP-1/beta-actin) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of normal volunteers control group and diamorphine addicts group were 0.47 +/- 0.12 (n = 15) and 0.21 +/- 0.09 (n =2 1), respectively, and there was a significant difference (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The significant reduction of MCP-1 mRNA expression in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of diamorphine addicts may be one of the mechanisms for the high incidence o f severe infectious diseases, including AIDS, among diamorphine addicts.
Song
Lie-Chang
LC
Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Hygiene, First Mi litary Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. songlc@fimmu.edu.cn
Song
Chang
C
Zeng
Jun
J
Xiong
Miao-Lin
ML
Lou
Ning
N
D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000328:Adult; D018932:Chemokine CCL2 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism
D000199:Actins; D018932:Chemokine CCL2; D012333:RNA, Messenger