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Enhanced prolactin levels in opium smokers
Ghollam-Reza Moshtaghi-Kashanian1, Farzaneh Esmaeeli, Shahriar Dabiri
1Biochemistry Department, Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
Addiction Biology
|December 2, 2005
Summary
Chronic opium and cigarette smoking significantly impact pituitary hormone levels, particularly increasing prolactin and decreasing FSH and TSH. These findings suggest a synergistic effect on hormone production in dependent individuals.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Toxicology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Opium smoking is prevalent in Iran for pleasure and perceived medicinal benefits.
- Opium contains numerous alkaloids, including morphine and codeine, alongside impurities.
- While opioid and tobacco effects are known, specific impacts on opium smokers' physiology are understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate circulating hormone levels in male opium smokers.
- To compare endocrine profiles of opium smokers with cigarette smokers and healthy controls.
- To assess the relationship between opium dosage and prolactin levels.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples analyzed for prolactin, TSH, LH, FSH, and testosterone.
- Study groups included male opium smokers (n=23), cigarette smokers (n=12), and healthy controls (n=20).
- Participants were aged 28.4 ± 4.1 years (opium group) and similar for controls.
Main Results:
- Elevated prolactin observed in 86.96% of opium smokers and 41.67% of cigarette smokers (p<0.002).
- Positive correlation between opium dose and plasma prolactin levels (p<0.001).
- Low FSH in 43.48% of opium smokers and 50% of cigarette smokers (p<0.001); normal LH and testosterone.
- Lower TSH in opium smokers compared to other groups (p<0.002).
Conclusions:
- Chronic opium and cigarette smoking may synergistically affect pituitary hormone production.
- Neuropeptide modulation, either local or systemic, is a potential mechanism.
- Findings highlight the endocrine disruption associated with substance use.