Opium Addiction is Associated With Increased Damage to Cardiomyocytes: Protective Roles Played by Apelins

It has been reported that opium can deteriorate the complications of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Apelins are molecules whose protective roles against cardiomyocytes have been documented previously. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of opium on the serum apelin levels in patients with AMI.

This study was performed on 60 patients with AMI (30 addicted and 30 nonaddicted). The serum levels of apelins, low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, cholesterol, total creatine phosphokinase (CPK), and CPK-MB were evaluated using commercial kits.

The results showed that although the serum level of apelins was not different between the addicted and nonaddicted patients, it was significantly associated with heart rate and CPK levels in the addicted patients.

Considering our results, opium addiction may be associated with increased damage to cardiomyocytes. Additionally, the positive association between apelins and CPK may indicate the protective roles played by these molecules during AMI. (Iranian Heart Journal 2020; 21(3): 6-14)