title: Alterations in serum MMP and TIMP concentrations following chronic heroin abuse.
abstract: Abstract Context: Although opiate abuse is known to affect matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), data on these enzymes and their tissue inhibitors in heroin addicts are scarce.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  In the present study, we determined serum concentrations of MMP-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2 in heroin users, and compared them with healthy individuals. We evaluated whether 21 d of abstinence are adequate to reverse the effect of opiates and we compared seropositive with seronegative, for anti-HCV antibodies, heroin users.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six heroin-dependent male volunteers and an equal number of healthy individuals participated in this study. ELISA was used to assess the serum levels of MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1 and TIMP-2. Heroin users were assessed both upon admission and upon completion of a 21-d detoxification program.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Serum TIMP-1 concentrations were significantly lower and the ratios MMP-2/TIMP-1, MMP-9/TIMP-1 and MMP-2/TIMP-2 were significantly higher in heroin users compared to healthy individuals. Heroin users who were seropositive had lower MMP concentrations, as well as lower MMP/TIMP ratios, compared to those who were seronegative.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results showed that in heroin-addicted individuals, and especially those who are positive for anti-HCV antibodies, the balance between MMPs and TIMPs in serum is disrupted and this disruption cannot be restored within 21 d of abstinence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Chronic heroin abuse disrupts the balance between MMPs and TIMPs in serum and this effect is not reversible within 21 d of abstinence.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology and.
authors.forename: Leda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kovatsi
authors.forename: Spyros
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Batzios
authors.forename: Kakia
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Nikolaou
authors.forename: Domniki
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Fragou
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Njau
authors.forename: Aristidis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Tsatsakis
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Karakiulakis
authors.forename: Eleni
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Papakonstantinou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases / Q000097:blood*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases / Q000097:blood*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D019714:Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases; D020782:Matrix Metalloproteinases