Opium and heroin alter biochemical parameters of human's serum.
BACKGROUND
Iran is a significant consumer of opium, and, generally, of opioids, in the world. Addiction is one of the important issues of the 21st century and is an imperative issue in Iran. Long-term consumption of opioids affects homeostasis.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the effects of opium and heroin consumption on serum biochemical parameters.


METHODS
In a cross-sectional study, subjects who had consumed heroin (n = 35) or opium (n = 42) for more than two years and 35 nonaddict volunteers as the control group were compared in regard to various biochemical parameters such as fasting blood sugar (FBS), Na(+), K(+), Ca(2+), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid (UA), triglyceride (TG), cholesterol, creatinine, and total protein. Chromatography was used to confirm opioid consumption, and the concentration of biochemical parameters was determined by laboratory diagnostic tests on serum.


RESULTS
No significant differences were found in Na(+), Ca(2+), BUN, UA, TG, creatinine, and total protein concentrations among the three groups. FBS, K(+), and UA levels were significantly lower in opium addicts compared to the control group. Serum Ca(2+) concentration of heroin addicts showed a significant decrease compared to that of the control group. Both addict groups showed a significant decrease in serum cholesterol levels.


CONCLUSIONS
Chronic use of opium and heroin can change serum FBS, K(+), Ca(2+), UA, and cholesterol.


CONCLUSIONS
This study, one of few on the effects of opium on serum biochemical parameters in human subjects, has the potential to contribute to the investigation of new approaches for further basic studies.
Kouros
Divsalar
D
Kerman Neuroscience Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Tahereh
Haghpanah
H
Mohammadreza
Afarinesh
A
Minoo
Mahmoudi Zarandi
MZ
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D002118:Calcium / Q000097:blood; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003932:Heroin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007492:Iran; D008297:Male; D009293:Opioid-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D009892:Opium / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011188:Potassium / Q000097:blood; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood
D001786:Blood Glucose; D014527:Uric Acid; D003932:Heroin; D009892:Opium; D002784:Cholesterol; D011188:Potassium; D002118:Calcium