Isoprostane as a marker of oxidative stress in chronic heroin users: correlation with duration of heroin use or concomitant hepatitis C infection.
BACKGROUND
Although chronic heroin abuse has been extensively linked to oxidative stress, and while plasma 15-F(2t)-IsoP is considered a good indicator of oxidative stress, there remain few references in the literature about the plasma concentration of this marker in heroin dependent subjects.


OBJECTIVE
To determine plasma 15-F(2t)-IsoP, as a marker of oxidative stress, in chronic heroin users, and to examine whether the values of this marker correlate with the duration of heroin use or with the presence of anti-HCV antibodies.


METHODS
Forty-two chronic heroin users and twenty two healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. An enzyme-immunoassay method was used for the determination of 15-F(2t)-IsoP in plasma.


RESULTS
Plasma 15-F(2t)-IsoP values were significantly higher in chronic heroin users compared to healthy controls. No correlation was found between the values of plasma 15-F(2t)-IsoP and the duration of heroin use. Heroin dependent subjects positive for anti-HCV antibodies had significantly lower values of plasma 15-F(2t)-IsoP as compared to those without a history of HCV infection.


CONCLUSIONS
The elevated plasma 15-F(2t)-IsoP values in heroin dependent subjects, compared to healthy individuals, indicate a shift of the balance between oxidants and antioxidants towards the former and suggest that heroin dependent subjects could benefit from an antioxidant therapy.
Kovatsi
Leda
L
Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. kovatsi@hotmail.com
Njau
Samuel
S
Nikolaou
Kakia
K
Tsolakidou
Alexandra
A
Karamouzis
Ioannis
I
Thisiadou
Katerina
K
D000328:Adult; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002908:Chronic Disease; D028441:F2-Isoprostanes / Q000097:blood*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D013997:Time Factors
D015415:Biomarkers; D028441:F2-Isoprostanes; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies