title: Electrophoretic profile of serum proteins in opium and heroin dependents.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this cross-sectional case-control study, albumin and globulin profile in the serum of opium and heroine addicts have been compared with correspondent values in a matched control group.
  
  
  METHODS
  Opioid consumption was confirmed by laboratory diagnostic tests on urine samples and protein electrophoresis of serum was performed to determine the concentration and profile of serum proteins.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no significant difference in albumin, alpha(1)-globulin, alpha(2)-globulin, and beta-globulin concentration among groups. Gamma-globulin concentration in opium and heroin addicts showed no significant difference, but it was significantly lower in comparison to the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This finding may be attributed to the higher probability of infectious diseases in opioids addicts.
authors.affiliation: Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
authors.forename: Kouros
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Divsalar
authors.forename: Manzumeh Shamsi
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Meymandi
authors.forename: Ramin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Saravani
authors.forename: Minoo Mahmoudi
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Zarandi
authors.forename: Azar
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shaikh-Al-Eslami
mesh_terms: D000510:Alpha-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism; D001609:Beta-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004586:Electrophoresis / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012712:Serum Globulins / Q000378:metabolism*; D005719:gamma-Globulins / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000510:Alpha-Globulins; D001609:Beta-Globulins; D012709:Serum Albumin; D012712:Serum Globulins; C028184:alpha-1 serum globulin; D005719:gamma-Globulins