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Published on: November 11, 2013
Oxidative stress in heroin administered mice and natural antioxidants protection
Jing Pan1, Qi Zhang, Yuntao Zhang
1School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, P.R.China.
Abstract:
The oxidative stress of heroin administered mice via intraperitoneal injection, and the therapeutic effects of exogenous antioxidants on the restrain of the oxidative damage of biomolecules and withdrawal syndrome were studied. After administered with heroin, mice showed decrease of total antioxidant capacity in blood, increase of reactive oxygen species production in white blood cells, and increase of oxidative damages of protein and lipid in brain and liver, but not in heart. On the other hand, exogenous antioxidants could restrain the oxidative stress, even alleviate withdrawal syndrome.
Insights
Heroin administration induces oxidative stress in mice, damaging biomolecules. Exogenous antioxidants mitigate this damage and reduce withdrawal symptoms, offering potential therapeutic benefits.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Opioid use, including heroin, is associated with significant physiological stress.
- Oxidative stress, an imbalance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidants, is implicated in drug-induced pathologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the oxidative stress induced by heroin administration in mice.
- To evaluate the therapeutic potential of exogenous antioxidants against heroin-induced oxidative damage and withdrawal syndrome.
Main Methods:
- Mice were administered heroin via intraperitoneal injection.
- Assessed total antioxidant capacity in blood, reactive oxygen species production in white blood cells, and oxidative damage to proteins and lipids in brain, liver, and heart.
- Evaluated the effects of exogenous antioxidants on these parameters and withdrawal syndrome.
Main Results:
- Heroin administration led to decreased blood antioxidant capacity and increased reactive oxygen species in white blood cells.
- Significant oxidative damage to proteins and lipids was observed in the brain and liver, but not the heart.
- Exogenous antioxidants effectively restrained oxidative stress and alleviated withdrawal symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Heroin induces systemic oxidative stress, particularly affecting the brain and liver.
- Exogenous antioxidants demonstrate a protective effect against heroin-induced oxidative damage.
- Antioxidant therapy may be a viable strategy for managing heroin withdrawal syndrome.
