Electrophoretic Profile of Albumin, α1, α2, β and γ Globulin in Sera of Opioid Dependants and Non-dependants

The prevalence rate of opioids consumption is high in Iran. The latest research approach related to substance abuse considers the role of plasma proteins in novel treatments of addiction. Since long-term consumption of opioids has some effects on liver function and plasma transfer systems, the present study was designed to determine the electrophoretic profile of plasma proteins in opiates-addict subjects. In this cross-control study, the sample groups consisted of 42 opium consumers and 35 heroine dependents as case group and 35 non-addict volunteers as control group. The control group was matched with addicts for age and sex. Opioid consumption was confirmed by laboratory diagnostic tests on urine samples such as immunochromatography (RSA), rapidosis and complementary tests including liquid-solid column chromatography and thin layer chromatography (TLC). After blood collection and serum preparation, serum electrophoresis was performed. Data were presented as mean±SEM and analyzed by SPSS ver.11.5. The comparison of groups was done by using parametric tests and p<0.01 was considered as statistically significant. There was no significant difference in the amounts of albumin, alpha-1-globulin, alpha-2-globulin and beta-globulin between groups. Gamma-globulin concentration was not significantly different between opium addicts (17.38 ± 3.61gr/L) and heroin addicts (17.48 ± 4.4gr/L), but it was significantly high (p<0.01) in both heroin and opium groups compared to the control group (13.3±1.8gr/L). Morphine bonding to serum albumin and other impurities in narcotic drugs may lead to the production of antigen complexes, stimulation of immune system and consequently increase in gammaglobulins concentration. Also, opioids binding to opiate receptors, directly or indirectly, can affect immune system through stimulating hypophysis-hypothalamus pathway. Although continuous consumption of opioids affects both cellular immune and hormonal systems, significant increase of gammaglobulin band can be related to the high risk behaviors associated with opioids consumption and the higher probability of infectious diseases in addicts due to poor health status.