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.
Laboratory of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. kovatsi@hotmail.com
Leda
L
Kovatsi
Samuel
S
Njau
Kakia
K
Nikolaou
Alexandra
A
Tsolakidou
Ioannis
I
Karamouzis
Katerina
K
Thisiadou
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