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Unar A, Sahito OM, Alsawalha L, Afridi HI, Ataya FS, Bashir MS, Fouad D, Talpur FN, Ali N. Determination of Toxic Elements in Cannabinoid and Opioid Drugs and Their Impact on Addicts' Health: A Comparative Study. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-024-04096-6. [PMID: 38383917 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-024-04096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Drug addiction is associated with significant health risks, including cardiovascular complications, cancer, and mental disorders. Illicit drugs, such as cannabinoids and opioids, including prescription medications, are widely consumed and have profound health consequences. Understanding the health effects of the toxic elements in these substances is critical for overdose prevention and effective recovery strategies. This study aimed to determine toxic elements, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), and nickel (Ni), in cannabinoid and opioid drugs and in biological samples (whole blood, scalp hair, and serum) from 311 male drug abuse patients aged 15-60 years with a history of drug abuse. The participants were categorized into three age groups. The comparative analysis involved 113 reference subjects of the same age groups. The sample preparation employed microwave-assisted acid digestion, and the toxic elements were quantified using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Accuracy was ensured using certified reference materials for hair, whole blood, and serum samples. Drug-addicted subjects had significantly higher concentrations of toxic elements (arsenic, cadmium, mercury, and nickel) in biological samples than referent subjects (p > 0.001). Elevated levels of these toxic elements may increase susceptibility to infections, possibly due to malnutrition, drug-related effects, and additional contaminants. These findings necessitate further studies to explore the long-term health outcomes, potential treatment options, and broader socioeconomic impacts of substance abuse. This study serves as a baseline for future research in this critical public health field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahsanullah Unar
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', 80138, Naples, Italy.
| | - Oan Muhammad Sahito
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, 76080, Pakistan
| | | | - Hassan Imran Afridi
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, 76080, Pakistan.
| | - Farid Shokry Ataya
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Sohail Bashir
- Institutes of Physical Science and Information Technology, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials of Ministry of Education, Anhui University, Hefei, 230601, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Soft Matter Chemistry, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, 230026, Hefei, China
| | - Dalia Fouad
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 22452, 11495, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Farah Naz Talpur
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, 76080, Pakistan
| | - Naveed Ali
- Department of Political Science, University of Campania 'L. Vanvitelli', 81100, Caserta, Italy
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Chang SA, Balouch A, Nahyoon WA, Raja AA. Detection of Trace Elements Se, Cu, and Zn Levels in Biological Samples of Drug Abusers: Halani Sindh, Pakistan. Biol Trace Elem Res 2024:10.1007/s12011-023-04056-6. [PMID: 38196054 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-023-04056-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Illicit drug use has become a global issue, posing significant health, socioeconomic, and cultural risks. The study examined essential trace metals: selenium, zinc, and copper in blood concentrations, as well as in serum and scalp hair samples, from 240 male drug-abuse subjects/patients aged 18-45, categorized into three age groups. The study compared 45 healthy subjects of the same age group using an acid digestion method supported by a microwave oven during sample preparation. The technique of atomic absorption spectrometry was employed to identify essential and toxic elements, utilizing certified reference materials for accuracy. According to a recent study, plasma zinc and selenium concentrations in drug abusers are lower than those in referent subjects, potentially increasing vulnerability to infection due to poor nutritional status or other contaminants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajjad Ali Chang
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, 76080, Pakistan.
- Institute of Forensic Sciences Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, 76090, Pakistan.
| | - Aamna Balouch
- National Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry, University of Sindh, Jamshoro, 76080, Pakistan
| | - Waheed Ali Nahyoon
- Institute of Forensic Sciences Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, 76090, Pakistan
| | - Aamir Ali Raja
- Jeejal Mau Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, 76090, Pakistan
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Armentia A, Martín-Armentia B, Martín-Armentia S, Ruiz-Muñoz P, Quesada JM, Postigo I, Conde R, González-Sagrado M, Pineda F, Castillo M, Palacios R, Tejedor J. Cocaine Allergy in Drug-Dependent Patients and Allergic People. J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract 2017; 6:201-207. [PMID: 28863944 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2017.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse reactions to local anesthetics (LAs), especially esters, are not uncommon, but true allergy is rarely diagnosed. To our knowledge, currently there is no reliable method of determining IgE-mediated hypersensitivity to LAs and cocaine. OBJECTIVE To assess the clinical value of allergy tests (prick, IgE, challenges, and arrays) in people suffering hypersensitivity reactions (asthma and anaphylaxis) during local anesthesia with cocaine derivatives and drug abusers with allergic symptoms after cocaine inhalation. METHODS We selected cocaine-dependent patients and allergic patients who suffered severe reactions during local anesthesia from a database of 23,873 patients. The diagnostic yield (sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value) of allergy tests using cocaine and coca leaf extracts in determining cocaine allergy was assessed, taking a positive challenge as the criterion standard. RESULTS After prick tests, specific IgE, and challenge with cocaine extract, 41 of 211 patients (19.4%) were diagnosed as sensitized to cocaine. Prick tests and IgE to coca leaves (coca tea) had a good sensitivity (95.1% and 92.7%, respectively) and specificity (92.3 and 98.8%, respectively) for the diagnosis of cocaine allergy and LA-derived allergy. CONCLUSIONS Cocaine may be an important allergen. Drug abusers and patients sensitized to local anesthesia and tobacco are at risk. Both prick tests and specific IgE against coca leaf extract detected sensitization to cocaine. The highest levels were related to severe clinical profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Armentia
- Allergy Unit, Rio Hortega University Hospital, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain.
| | - Blanca Martín-Armentia
- Allergy Unit, Rio Hortega University Hospital, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Sara Martín-Armentia
- Allergy Unit, Rio Hortega University Hospital, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Pedro Ruiz-Muñoz
- San Juan de Dios Center, Palencia and Castile-Leon Association for the Aid of Drug Abusers (ACLAD), Valladolid, Spain
| | - Jorge Martínez Quesada
- Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology Department, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Idoia Postigo
- Immunology, Microbiology and Parasitology Department, University of the Basque Country, Vitoria, Spain
| | - Rosa Conde
- Research Unit, Rio Hortega University Hospital, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | - Jesús Tejedor
- Government Delegation, Community of Castile and Leon, Valladolid, Spain
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Karimy M, Abedi AR, Abredari H, Taher M, Zarei F, Rezaie Shahsavarloo Z. Does the theory-driven program affect the risky behavior of drug injecting users in a healthy city? A quasi-experimental study. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2016; 30:314. [PMID: 27390684 PMCID: PMC4898848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The horror of HIV/AIDS as a non-curable, grueling disease is a destructive issue for every country. Drug use, shared needles and unsafe sex are closely linked to the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Modification or changing unhealthy behavior through educational programs can lead to HIV prevention. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of theory-based education intervention on HIV prevention transmission in drug addicts. METHODS In this quasi-experimental study, 69 male drug injecting users were entered in to the theory- based educational intervention. Data were collected using a questionnaire, before and 3 months after four sessions (group discussions, lecture, film displaying and role play) of educational intervention. RESULTS The findings signified that the mean scores of constructs (self-efficacy, susceptibility, severity and benefit) significantly increased after the educational intervention, and the perceived barriers decreased (p< 0.001). Also, the history of HIV testing was reported to be 9% before the intervention, while the rate increased to 88% after the intervention. CONCLUSION The present research offers a primary founding for planning and implementing a theory based educational program to prevent HIV/AIDS transmission in drug injecting addicts. This research revealed that health educational intervention improved preventive behaviors and the knowledge of HIV/AIDS participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmood Karimy
- PhD of Health Education and Promotion, Academic Member of Health Education Department, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Reza Abedi
- PhD candidate of Nursing Education, MSN, BSN, RN, Academic Member of Medical-Surgical Department, School of Nursing & Midwifery, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran.
| | - Hamid Abredari
- MSN, BSN, RN of Nursing, Academic Member of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, & Kaveh Industrial Estate Company Saveh, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Taher
- MSN, BSN, RN of Nursing, Academic Member of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, & Kaveh Industrial Estate Company Saveh, Iran.
| | - Fatemeh Zarei
- MSc, Department of nursing, college of nursing, Saveh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Saveh, Iran.
| | - Zahra Rezaie Shahsavarloo
- MSN, BSN, RN of Nursing, Academic Member of Saveh University of Medical Sciences, & Kaveh Industrial Estate Company Saveh, Iran.
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Santos BFDO, Santana NOD, Franca AVC. Prevalence, genotypes and factors associated with HCV infection among prisoners in Northeastern Brazil. World J Gastroenterol 2011; 17:3027-34. [PMID: 21799649 PMCID: PMC3132254 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v17.i25.3027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2010] [Revised: 02/15/2011] [Accepted: 02/22/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To determine hepatitis C virus (HCV) seroprevalence and its genotypes, and to identify the factors associated with HCV infection.
METHODS: This cross-sectional study, conducted in two prisons (one male and one female) in the State of Sergipe, Brazil, comprised 422 subjects. All of the prisoners underwent a rapid test for the detection of HCV antibodies. Patients with a positive result were tested for anti-HCV by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and for HCV RNA by qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The virus genotype was defined in every serum sample that presented positive for PCR-HCV. In order to determine the factors independently associated with positive serology for HCV, multivariate logistic regression was used.
RESULTS: HCV seroprevalence was 3.1%. Of the 13 subjects with positive anti-HCV, 11 had viremia confirmed by PCR. Of these, 90.9% had genotype 1. A total of 43 (10.2%) were injecting drug users, and HCV seroprevalence in this subgroup was 20.6%. The variable most strongly associated with positive serology for HCV was use of injecting drugs [odds ratio (OR), 23.3; 95% confidence interval (CI), 6.0-90.8]. Age over 30 years (OR, 5.5; 95%CI, 1.1-29.2), history of syphilis (OR, 9.8; 95%CI, 1.7-55.2) and history of household contact with HCV positive individual (OR, 14.1; 95%CI, 2.3-85.4) were also independently associated with HCV infection.
CONCLUSION: Most of the HCV transmissions result from parenteral exposure. However, there is evidence to suggest a role for sex and household contact with an infected subject in virus transmission.
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Mohammad Alizadeh AH, Alavian SM, Jafari K, Yazdi N. Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection and its related risk factors in drug abuser prisoners in Hamedan - Iran. World J Gastroenterol 2005; 11:4085-9. [PMID: 15996035 PMCID: PMC4502106 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i26.4085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: Recent studies in Iran has shown that prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among Iranian prisoners is high, in spite of low HCV seroprevalence in general population.
METHODS: This study was carried out in the central prison of Hamedan - Iran, in year 2002. Inmates were interviewed using a standard questionnaire including demographic, imprisonment history and HCV-related risk behaviors items. Thereafter, the sera drawn from the participants were tested for anti-HIV and anti-HCV antibodies.
RESULTS: A total number of 427 drug abuser inmates participated in our study. Three hundred and ninety-seven (93%) were men and 30 (7%) were women. Total number of IV drug abusers (IDA) and non-IV drug abusers (NIDA) was 149 (34.9%) and 278 (65.1%), respectively. The overall rate of antibody positivity among inmates was 0.9% for HIV and 30% for HCV. Of all IDAs, 31.5% and of NIDAs, 29.1% had serological evidence of HCV infection.
CONCLUSION: The seroprevalence of HCV infection among drug abuser prisoners in comparison with the general population in Iran, is very high (30% vs in italics 0.2%). Our results indicate the importance of policies to prevent transmission of HCV infection during and following incarceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Houshang Mohammad Alizadeh
- Research Center for Gastroenterology and Liver Disease, Shaheed Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 7th Floor, Taleghani Hospital, Yaman Str., Evin, Tehran 19857, Iran.
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