ASSESSMENT OF DNA OXIDATIVE DAMAGE IN INDIVIDUALS WITH METHAMPHETAMINE ADDICTION
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21272/eumj.2025;13(3):734-740Keywords:
addiction, methamphetamine, 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanosine, DNA oxidationAbstract
Introduction. Methamphetamine abuse has many detrimental effects on the central nervous system. An important aspect of methamphetamine addiction is oxidative stress, characterized by an imbalance between antioxidants and oxidants, leading to disruptions in redox signaling and molecular damage. The present study was conducted to assess genomic damage in addicted males to predict their potential cancer risk.
Methods. The study involved 42 Iraqi male patients aged 16 to 46 years, diagnosed with methamphetamine addiction. The control group consisted of 24 healthy volunteers. Buccal and urine samples, as well as personal information, were obtained from all the participants. Genomic damage was evaluated by measuring micronuclei and binucleated cells in exfoliated buccal mucosa using the buccal micronucleus cytome assay. Also, urinary concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), a biomarker of DNA oxidative damage, were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results and Discussion: The study compared patients (mean age 25.12 ± 6.73) and controls (23.92 ± 6.55, p < 0.05). Controls had higher body mass index (BMI) (20.85 ± 2.22 vs. 19.88 ± 2.3, p < 0.001). Patients showed elevated 8-OHdG level (1132.53 ± 3103.98 ng/ml), positively correlating with age (r = 0.442) and BMI (r = 0.391, p < 0.01). Micronucleus and binucleated cell frequencies were significantly higher in patients (p < 0.001). The patient group exhibited a higher concentration of 8-OHdG compared to the control group (6.334 ± 2.952 ng/ml). The current study offers original findings on the effect of methamphetamine abuse on genomic instability. This directs a higher frequency of chromosomal abnormalities mitotic distraction among methamphetamine users, supporting the link between methamphetamine abuse and elevated genomic instability which is an identified risk factor for the development of cancer.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Farha A Ali Shafi, Hanan Faisal Ghazi, Lana Nazar Abdul-Razzaq, Noor Dheyaa Jaafar
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