A STUDY OF PLASMA LIPID PEROXIDATION, LIPIDS AND BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL IN OPIUM ADDICTS COMPARED WITH CONTROL GROUP

Abstract  INTRODUCTION: Addiction to opioids is a major health challenge in the world today. A few studies have addressed the effects of these substances and the wrong beliefs surrounding their use. This study was designed to compare plasma lipid peroxidation levels, blood lipids, fasting blood sugar (FBS), and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA۱C) in opium addicts and non-addict control subjects. methods: This case-control study was conducted on a sample consisting of ۶۴ men. The control group comprised ۳۲ cigarette smokers who were studied by urine morphine strip test. The case group included ۳۲ opium addicts with a history of vaporing addiction ۱ g/daily for at least ۳ years. Data were analyzed by T-test using SPSS and EP۱۶ statistical software. results: This study showed no significant difference in FBS, HBA۱C, triglyceride, total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C, and lipid peroxidation between case and control groups. Discussion: The results of this study show that opium addiction has no effects on blood sugar or other CVD risk factors and increases the level of malondialdehyde, an important CVD risk factor.Keywords . Malondialdehyde . Triglyceride . Cholesterol . Glycosylated hemoglobin. Fasting blood sugar . Addiction, Opium