title: Long-term methadone intake and genotoxicity in addicted patients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It is well known that contact with some physical, chemical or biological compounds can increase the incidence of mutation. Among these compounds, are pharmaceuticals that meet long duration of use and potentially could be misused and taken more than the ordered dosage.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate mutagenic effect of methadone in addicted patients referred to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahvaz by single cell gel electrophoresis technic or comet assay.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this study, 90 subjects were divided into dichromate treated group, no treated healthy volunteers group and test group. Each group included 30 subjects. Screening was performed according to questionnaire and qualified subjects were entered the study. Blood samples were collected and lymphocytes were isolated, mixed with low melting point agarose for slide preparation according to standard method. Slides were analyzed using fluorescence microscope and comet patterns were assessed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mutagenicity index in addicted group was robustly higher than healthy volunteers. Fortunately, this significant difference was lower than positive control.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Genome instability in addicted patients was demonstrated in this study. Controversially, considering incoherent results of previous studies and our data, more studies in longer duration of methadone use are needed to elucidate the consequence.
authors: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology School of Pharmacy, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran ; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors: Mohsen
authors: M
authors: Rezaei
authors: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology School of Pharmacy, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors: Forouzan
authors: F
authors: Khodaei
authors: Educational Development Center, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors: Mehdi
authors: M
authors: Sayah Bargard
authors: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology School of Pharmacy, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, IR Iran.
authors: Mahsa
authors: M
authors: Abasinia
keywords: Comet Assay; Methadone; Mutagens