Electrophoretic profile of serum proteins in opium and heroin dependents.
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.
Divsalar
Kouros
K
Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Meymandi
Manzumeh Shamsi
MS
Saravani
Ramin
R
Zarandi
Minoo Mahmoudi
MM
Shaikh-Al-Eslami
Azar
A
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
D000510:Alpha-Globulins; D001609:Beta-Globulins; D012709:Serum Albumin; D012712:Serum Globulins; C028184:alpha-1 serum globulin; D005719:gamma-Globulins