Hepatic encephalopathy complications are diminished by piracetam via the interaction between mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and locomotor activity

Background

of the study: Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a complication in which brain ammonia (NH4+) levels reach critically high concentrations because of liver failure. HE could lead to a range of neurological complications from locomotor and behavioral disturbances to coma. Several tactics have been established for subsiding blood and brain NH4+. However, there is no precise intervention to mitigate the direct neurological complications of NH4+.

Purpose

It has been found that oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, and neuro-inflammation play a fundamental role in NH4+ neurotoxicity. Piracetam is a drug used clinically in neurological complications such as stroke and head trauma. Piracetam could significantly diminish oxidative stress and improve brain mitochondrial function.

Research methods

In the current study, piracetam (100 and 500 mg/kg, oral) was used in a mice model of HE induced by thioacetamide (TA, 800 mg/kg, single dose, i.p).

Results

Significant disturbances in animals' locomotor activity, along with increased oxidative stress biomarkers, including reactive oxygen species formation, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, depleted tissue glutathione, and decreased antioxidant capacity, were evident in the brain of TA-treated mice. Meanwhile, mitochondrial permeabilization, mitochondrial depolarization, suppression of dehydrogenases activity, and decreased ATP levels were found in the brain of the TA group. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines was also significantly high in the brain of HE animals.

Conclusion

It was found that piracetam significantly enhanced mice's locomotor activity, blunted oxidative stress biomarkers, decreased inflammatory cytokines, and improved mitochondrial indices in hyperammonemic mice. These data suggest piracetam as a neuroprotective agent which could be repurposed for the management of HE.

Glycine protects the male reproductive system against lead toxicity via alleviating oxidative stress, preventing sperm mitochondrial impairment, improving kinematics of sperm, and blunting the downregulation of enzymes involved in the steroidogenesis

Lead (Pb) is a highly toxic heavy metal widely dispersed in the environment because of human industrial activities. Many studies revealed that Pb could adversely affect several organs, including the male reproductive system. Pb-induced reproductive toxicity could lead to infertility. Thus, finding safe and clinically applicable protective agents against this complication is important. It has been found that oxidative stress plays a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Pb-induced reprotoxicity. Glycine is the simplest amino acid with a wide range of pharmacological activities. It has been found that glycine could attenuate oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment in various experimental models. The current study was designed to evaluate the role of glycine in Pb-induced reproductive toxicity in male mice. Male BALB/c mice received Pb (20 mg/kg/day; gavage; 35 consecutive days) and treated with glycine (250 and 500 mg/kg/day; gavage; 35 consecutive days). Then, reproductive system weight indices, biomarkers of oxidative stress in the testis and isolated sperm, sperm kinetic, sperm mitochondrial indices, and testis histopathological alterations were monitored. A significant change in testis, epididymis, and Vas deferens weight was evident in Pb-treated animals. Markers of oxidative stress were also significantly increased in the testis and isolated sperm of the Pb-treated group. A significant disruption in sperm kinetic was also evident when mice received Pb. Moreover, Pb exposure caused significant deterioration in sperm mitochondrial indices. Tubular injury, tubular desquamation, and decreased spermatogenic index were histopathological alterations detected in Pb-treated mice. It was found that glycine significantly blunted oxidative stress markers in testis and sperm, improved sperm mitochondrial parameters, causing considerable higher velocity-related indices (VSL, VCL, and VAP) and percentages of progressively motile sperm, and decreased testis histopathological changes in Pb-exposed animals. These data suggest glycine as a potential protective agent against Pb-induced reproductive toxicity. The effects of glycine on oxidative stress markers and mitochondrial function play a key role in its protective mechanism.

Cytotoxicity of metformin against HT29 colon cancer cells contributes to mitochondrial Sirt3 upregulation

Cancer and diabetes, the two mitochondria-related diseases, have recently been linked to silent mating-type information regulation 2 homolog 3 (SIRT3) activity irregularities. In this study, the effect of metformin, an antidiabetic with anticancer properties, has been evaluated on mitochondrial functionality markers, cell death pathways, and SIRT3 enzyme activity in the colon cancer cell line, HT-29, and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293). HT-29 cells were treated with metformin (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 µM) for 24, 48, and 72 h for measuring the IC₅₀ concentration. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, mitochondrial membrane potential, SIRT3 activity, and expression were evaluated against the colon cancer cell line, HT-29. Results indicated a higher ROS production at 6 than 12 h with metformin treatment. Metformin modified the mitochondrial membrane potential, resulting in cell death induction. Results from SIRT3 activity and expression showed that metformin increased its activity and expression in cancer cells. In conclusion, metformin in HT-29 cells disturbed the mitochondrial activity via increased ROS levels and SIRT3 activity, and these rapid modifications may play a key role in its cytotoxic property.

Fluoride impairs ovary development by affecting oogenesis and inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis in female zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Previous studies have shown that waterborne fluoride exposure has adverse effects on the reproductive system of zebrafish. However, the underlying toxic mechanisms were still not clear. In the present study, female zebrafish were exposed to different concentrations of 0.787 (Control), 18.599, 36.832 mg/L of fluoride for 30 d and 60 d, and the effects of different doses of fluoride on ovary development, reproductive hormones, oogenesis, ROS content, antioxidant levels, and the expression of apoptosis-related genes and proteins in the ovaries of female zebrafish were analyzed. The results showed that ovarian weight and GSI were significantly decreased, FSH, LH and VTG levels were significantly reduced, the transcriptional profiles of oogenesis-related genes (tgfβ1, bmp15, gdf9, mprα, mprβ, ptg2β) were remarkably altered, ROS levels was notably increased, the SOD, CAT, GPx activities and GSH content as well as their mRNA expressions were significantly decreased, MDA content was remarkably increased, the expressions of apoptosis-related genes and proteins (caspase3, caspase8, caspase9, Fas-L, Cytochrome C, Bax and Bcl-2) were significantly changed, the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 protein levels were notably increased. Taken together, this study demonstrated that fluoride exposure significantly affected ovarian development, decreased the reproductive hormones, affected oogenesis, induced oxidative stress, caused apoptosis through both extrinsic and intrinsic pathways in ovary of zebrafish. Indicating that oogenesis, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were responsible for the impairment of ovarian development.

Effect of Sodium Benzoate on Apoptosis and Mitochondrial Membrane Potential After Aluminum Toxicity in PC-12 Cell Line

Background: Sodium benzoate, a food preservative, prevents the growth of fungi and bacteria. Numerous studies have reported the protective effects of sodium benzoate on the nervous system. This study investigated the effect of sodium benzoate on cell apoptosis and mitochondrial function in an aluminum cell toxicity model. Methods: After 48 hr of treating PC-12 cells with varying concentrations of sodium benzoate (0.125, 0.25 or 0.5 mg/ml) in the presence of aluminum maltolate (500 μM), the cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. The type of cell death (necrosis or apoptosis) was analyzed by flow cytometry (7-ADD/An V-PE staining). Also, rhodamine 123 was used to measure the Mitochondrial Membrane Potential (MMP). The acetylcholinesterase activity (AChE) was assessed by Ellman’s method. Results: It was observed that sodium benzoate inhibited aluminum induced cell death within 48hr. Sodium benzoate at a concentration of 0.5 mg/ml significantly reduced the apoptotic cells that had been exposed to aluminum. Exposure of PC-12 cells with sodium benzoate and aluminum, increased the AChE activity, although, no significant changes in mitochondrial membrane potential were observed.  Conclusion: Sodium benzoate may provide its protective effects through increased AChE activity and inhibiting apoptosis induced by aluminum toxicity. It is likely that the disruption of MMP is neither involved in the induction of apoptosis by aluminum nor in the protective effect of sodium benzoate.  

Updated information on new coronavirus disease 2019 occurrence, drugs, and prediction of a potential receptor

The new coronavirus (COVID‐19) was first reported in Wuhan in China, on 31 December 2019. COVID‐19 is a new virus from the family of coronaviruses that can cause symptoms ranging from a simple cold to pneumonia. The virus is thought to bind to the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2, as a well‐known mechanism to enter the cell. It then transfers its DNA to the host in which the virus replicates the DNA. The viral infection leads to severe lack of oxygen, lung oxidative stress because of reactive oxygen species generation, and overactivation of the immune system by activating immune mediators. The purpose of this review is to elaborate on the more precise mechanism(s) to manage the treatment of the disease. Regarding the mechanisms of the virus action, the suggested pharmacological and nutritional regimens have been described.

The effect of ellagic acid on spinal cord and sciatica function in a mice model of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a well-known neurodegenerative disorder, causing toxicity in different organs, such as spinal cord tissue. The goal of this study was to investigate the protective effect of ellagic acid (EA) against spinal cord and sciatica function in cuprizone (Cup)-induced demyelination model. Animals were divided into six equal groups. The first group received tap water as the control. Cup group was treated with Cup (0.2% w/w in fed). EA 100 group was orally treated with EA (100 mg/kg). EA + Cup groups were orally treated with three doses of 5, 50, and 100 mg/kg of EA plus Cup (0.2% w/w). All groups received treatment for 42 days. Open field, rotarod, and gait tests were done to evaluate the behavioral changes following Cup and/or EA treatment. Also, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase enzymes activity in spinal cord was evaluated. Luxol fast blue (LFB) staining also the behavioral tests were performed to evaluate the model. Cup increased ROS levels and oxidative stress in their spinal cord tissues. Also, Cup reduced antioxidant capacity, SOD, and catalase activity. EA (especially at 100 mg/kg) prevented these abnormal changes. EA co-treatment dose-dependently was able to ameliorate behavioral impairments in mice that received Cup. EA might act as a protective agent in MS by modulating spinal cord function.

Hormesis Effects of Nano- and Micro-sized Copper Oxide

The concerns about the possible risk of manufactured nanoparticles (NPs) have been raised recently. Nano- and micro-sized copper oxide (CO and CONP) are widely used in many industries. In this regard, in-vitro studies have demonstrated that CONP is a toxic compound in different cell lines. Despite their unique properties, NPs possess unexpected toxicity profiling relative to the bulk materials. This study was designed to examine and compare the toxic effects of CO and CONPs in-vivo and in isolated rat mitochondria. Male Wistar albino rats received 50 to 1000 mg/kg CO or CONP by gavage and several toxicological endpoints including biochemical indices and oxidative stress markers. Then, the pathological parameters in the multiple organs such as liver, brain, spleen, kidney, and intestine were assessed. Mitochondria were isolated from the rat liver and several mitochondrial indices were measured. The results of this study demonstrated that CO and CONP exhibited biphasic dose-response effects. CONPs showed higher toxicity compared with the bulk material. There were no significant changes in the results of CONP and CO in isolated rat liver mitochondria. The present studies provided more information regarding the hormetic effects of CO and CONPs in-vivo and in isolated rat mitochondria.

Ellagic acid improves muscle dysfunction in cuprizone-induced demyelinated mice via mitochondrial Sirt3 regulation

Sirt3 enzyme and mitochondrial abnormality can be related to excess fatigue or muscular dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS).Ellagic acid (EA) has a mitochondrial protector, iron chelator, antioxidant, and axon regenerator in neurons.In this study the effect of EAon muscle dysfunction, its mitochondria, and Sirt3 enzyme incuprizone-induced model of MSwas examined. Demyelination was induced by a diet containing 0.2% w/w cuprizone (Cup) for 42 days and EA administered daily (5, 50, and 100 mg/kg P.O) either with or without cuprizone in mice. Behavioral tests were assessed, and muscle tissue markers ofoxidative stress, mitochondrial parameters, mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, the Sirt3 protein level, and Sirt3 expression were also determined. Luxol fast blue staining and the behavioral tests were performed toassess the implemented model. In Cup group an increased oxidative stress in their muscle tissues was observed. Also, muscle mitochondria exhibited mitochondria dysfunction, lowered mitochondrial respiratory chain activity, Sirt3 protein level, and Sirt3 expression.EA prevented most of these anomalous alterations. Sub-chronicEA co-treatment dose-dependently ameliorated behavioral and muscular impairment in mice that received Cup.EA can effectively protect muscle tissue against cuprizone-induced demeylination via the mitochondrial protection, oxidative stress prevention and Sirt3 overexpression.

Influence of Calcium Supplementation against Fluoride-Mediated Osteoblast Impairment in Vitro: Involvement of the Canonical Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Fluoride (F) is capable of promoting abnormal proliferation and differentiation in primary cultured mouse osteoblasts (OB cells), although the underlying mechanism responsible remains rare. This study aimed to explore the roles of wingless and INT-1 (Wnt) signaling pathways and screen appropriate doses of calcium (Ca²⁺) to alleviate the sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced OB cell toxicity. For this, we evaluated the effect of dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) and Ca²⁺ on mRNA levels of wingless/integrated 3a (Wnt3a), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), dishevelled 1 (Dv1), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), β-catenin, lymphoid enhancer binding factor 1 (LEF1), and cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene (cMYC), as well as Ccnd1 (Cyclin D1) in OB cells challenged with 10^-6 mol/L NaF for 24 h. The demonstrated data showed that F significantly increased the OB cell proliferation rate. Ectogenic 0.5 mg/L DKK1 significantly inhibited the proliferation of OB cells induced by F. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a, LRP5, Dv1, LEF1, β-catenin, cMYC, and Ccnd1 were significantly increased in the F group, while significantly decreased in the 10^-6 mol/L NaF + 0.5 mg/L DKK1 (FY) group. The mRNA expression levels of Wnt3a, LRP5, β-catenin, and cMYC were significantly decreased in the 10^-6 mol/L NaF + 2 mmol/L CaCl₂ (F+CaII) group. The protein expression levels of Wnt3a, Cyclin D1, cMYC, and β-catenin were significantly increased in the F group, whereas they were decreased in the F+CaII group. However, the mRNA and protein expression levels of GSK3β were significantly decreased in the F group while significantly increased in the F+CaII group. In summary, F activated the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway and changed the related gene expression and β-catenin protein location in OB cells, promoting cell proliferation. Ca²⁺ supplementation (2 mmol/L) reversed the expression levels of genes and proteins related to the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

Ameliorative role of aspirin in paraquat-induced lung toxicity via mitochondrial mechanisms

Paraquat (PQ) has accounted for numerous suicide attempts in developing countries. Aspirin (ASA) as an adjuvant treatment in PQ poisoning has an ameliorative role. And, it's uncoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation role has been well established. The current study aimed at examining the aspirin mechanism on lung mitochondria of rats exposed to PQ. Male rats were randomly allocated in five groups: Control group, PQ group (50 mg/kg; orally, only on the first day), and PQ + ASA (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg; i.p.) groups for 3 weeks. Mitochondrial indices and respiratory chain-complex activities were determined. PQ induced lung interstitial fibrosis; however, ASA (400 mg/kg) led to decrease in this abnormal alteration. In comparison with PQ group, complex II and IV activity, and adenosine triphosphate content in ASA groups had significantly increased; however, reactive oxygen species production, mitochondrial membrane permeabilization, and mitochondrial swelling were significantly reduced. In conclusion, aspirin can alleviate lung injury induced by PQ poisoning by improving mitochondrial dynamics.

Carnosine and Histidine Supplementation Blunt Lead-Induced Reproductive Toxicity through Antioxidative and Mitochondria-Dependent Mechanisms

Lead (Pb)-induced reproductive toxicity is a well-characterized adverse effect associated with this heavy metal. It has been found that Pb exposure is associated with altered spermatogenesis, increased testicular degeneration, and pathological sperm alterations. On the other hand, it has been reported that Pb-induced reproductive toxicity is associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and diminished antioxidant capacity in the reproductive system. Hence, administration of antioxidants as protective agents might be of value against Pb-induced reproductive toxicity. This study was designed to investigate whether carnosine (CAR) and histidine (HIS) supplementation would mitigate the Pb-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Animals received Pb (20 mg/kg/day, oral, 14 consecutive days) alone or in combination with CAR (250 and 500 mg/kg/day, oral, 14 consecutive days) or HIS (250 and 500 mg/kg/day, oral, 14 consecutive days). Pb toxicity was evident in the reproductive system by a significant increase in tissue markers of oxidative stress along with severe histopathological changes, seminal tubule damage, tubular desquamation, low spermatogenesis index, poor sperm parameters, and impaired sperm mitochondrial function. It was found that CAR and HIS supplementation blunted the Pb-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the rat reproductive system. Thereby, antioxidative and mitochondria-protective properties serve as primary mechanisms for CAR and HIS against Pb-induced reproductive toxicity.

Mechanism of valproic acid-induced Fanconi syndrome involves mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in rat kidney

AIM

Drug-induced kidney proximal tubular injury and renal failure (Fanconi syndrome; FS) is a clinical complication. Valproic acid (VPA) is among the FS-inducing drugs. The current investigation was designed to evaluate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in VPA-induced renal injury.

METHODS

Animals received VPA (250 and 500 mg/kg, i.p., 15 consecutive days). Serum biomarkers of kidney injury and markers of oxidative stress were assessed. Moreover, kidney mitochondria were isolated and mitochondrial indices, including succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDA), mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial glutathione, and ATP were determined.

RESULTS

Valproic acid-treated animals developed biochemical evidence of FS as judged by elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) along with hypokalaemia, hypophosphataemia, and a decrease in serum uric acid. VPA caused an increase in kidney ROS and LPO. Renal GSH reservoirs were depleted and tissue antioxidant capacity decreased in VPA-treated animals. Renal tubular interstitial nephritis, tissue necrosis, and atrophy were also evident in VPA-treated rats. Mitochondrial parameters including SDA, MMP, GSH, ATP and MPP were decreased and mitochondrial ROS and LPO were increased with VPA treatment. It was found that carnitine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated VPA adverse effects towards the kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contributed to the VPA-induced FS. On the other hand, carnitine could be considered a potentially safe and effective therapeutic option in attenuating VPA-induced renal injury.

Sulfasalazine induces mitochondrial dysfunction and renal injury

Sulfasalazine is a commonly used drug for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. There are several cases of renal injury encompass sulfasalazine administration in humans. The mechanism of sulfasalazine adverse effects toward kidneys is obscure. Oxidative stress and its consequences seem to play a role in the sulfasalazine-induced renal injury. The current investigation was designed to investigate the effect of sulfasalazine on kidney mitochondria. Rats received sulfasalazine (400 and 600 mg/kg/day, oral) for 14 consecutive days. Afterward, kidney mitochondria were isolated and assessed. Sulfasalazine-induced renal injury was biochemically evident by the increase in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), and creatinine (Cr). Histopathological presentations of the kidney in sulfasalazine-treated animals revealed by interstitial inflammation, tubular atrophy, and tissue necrosis. Markers of oxidative stress including an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO), a defect in tissue antioxidant capacity, and glutathione (GSH) depletion were also detected in the kidney of sulfasalazine-treated groups. Decreased mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDA), mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial GSH depletion, increase in mitochondrial ROS, LPO, and mitochondrial swelling were also evident in sulfasalazine-treated groups. Current data suggested that oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury might be involved in the mechanism of sulfasalazine-induced renal injury.

Mitochondrial Effects of Teucrium Polium and Prosopis Farcta Extracts in Colorectal Cancer Cells

Background:

Teucrium Polium and Prosopis Farcta have been traditionally employed in cancer treatment. In this study we evaluated the effects of methanolic extracts of these two plants in HT-29 cells.

Methods:

IC50s of extracts were obtained via MTT assay and the levels of ROS production, cell death, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and Sirt3 enzyme activity were determined.

Results:

After 48 hours exposure, IC50s for Teucrium and Prosopis extracts were 3 and 2µg/ml, respectively. Extracts induced higher ROS production after 6 hours than after 12 hours. Mitochondrial membrane potential collapse and cell death rate were also increased; Teucrium caused greater cell death than Prosopis. Extracts from both plants increased Sirt3 activity in its normal form, but only Teucrium extract caused a significant increase in activity of Sirt3 enzyme isolated from cancer cells.

Conclusion:

Teucrium and Prosopis extracts exert anticancer activity via mitochondrial alterations, as exemplified by increased ROS levels, Sirt3 activity and cell death in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells.

The protective effect of sodium benzoate on aluminum toxicity in PC12 cell line

Sodium benzoate (SB) is one of the food additives and preservatives that prevent the growth of fungi and bacteria. SB has been shown to improve the symptoms of neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer's disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of SB on the cell survival and cellular antioxidant indices after exposure to aluminum maltolate (Almal) in PC12 cell line as a model of neurotoxicity. The cells exposed to different concentrations of SB (0.125 to 3 mg/mL) in the presence of Almal (500 µM) and cell viability, the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione content and catalase activity were measured. The results showed that low concentrations of SB caused an increase in the cell survival, but cell viability was reduced in high concentrations. SB could neither prevent the level of ROS production nor change glutathione content. SB (0.5 mg/mL) significantly increased the catalase enzyme activity as compared to the Almal. This study suggested that SB did not completely protect the cell to aluminum-induced free radicals toxicity. Possibly SB improves the symptoms of neurodegenerative disease by other mechanisms.

Taurine treatment preserves brain and liver mitochondrial function in a rat model of fulminant hepatic failure and hyperammonemia

Ammonia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and energy crisis is known as a critical consequence of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Hence, mitochondria are potential targets of therapy in HE. The current investigation was designed to evaluate the role of taurine treatment on the brain and liver mitochondrial function in a rat model of hepatic encephalopathy and hyperammonemia. The animals received thioacetamide (400mg/kg, i.p, for three consecutive days at 24-h intervals) as a model of acute liver failure and hyperammonemia. Several biochemical parameters were investigated in the serum, while the animals' cognitive function and locomotor activity were monitored. Mitochondria was isolated from the rats' brain and liver and several indices were assessed in isolated mitochondria. Liver failure led to cognitive dysfunction and impairment in locomotor activity in the rats. Plasma and brain ammonia was high and serum markers of liver injury were drastically elevated in the thioacetamide-treated group. An assessment of brain and liver mitochondrial function in the thioacetamide-treated animals revealed an inhibition of succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDA), collapsed mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial swelling, and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, a significant decrease in mitochondrial ATP was detected in the brain and liver mitochondria isolated from thioacetamide-treated animals. Taurine treatment (250, 500, and 1000mg/kg) decreased mitochondrial swelling, ROS, and LPO. Moreover, the administration of this amino acid restored brain and liver mitochondrial ATP. These data suggest taurine to be a potential protective agent with therapeutic capability against hepatic encephalopathy and hyperammonemia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and energy crisis.

Long-term methadone intake and genotoxicity in addicted patients

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.

Objectives:

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.

Patients and 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.