High-sensitivity CRP in opiate addiction: relative and age-dependent elevations
1School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, University of Western Australia, 39 Gladstone Rd., Highgate Hill, Brisbane, QLD, Australia. sreece@bigpond.net.au
Cardiovascular Toxicology
|February 3, 2012
Summary
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is significantly elevated in individuals with opiate addiction, persisting across age groups. This immune marker may accelerate age-related diseases in addiction.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Immunology
- Addiction medicine
Background:
- High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is an inflammatory marker linked to immune stimulation.
- Limited research exists on hs-CRP levels throughout the lifespan in individuals with opiate addiction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate hs-CRP levels in individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) compared to non-SUD (NSUD) individuals across a lifespan.
- To explore the relationship between hs-CRP, age, and addictive status.
Main Methods:
- hs-CRP was measured using standard laboratory methods in 1231 SUD patients and 326 NSUD patients aged 18-48 years.
- Data were log-transformed for normality, and statistical analyses included multiple and interactive multivariate regression.
Main Results:
- Mean hs-CRP was significantly higher in the SUD group (7.46 ± 14.24 mg/l) compared to the NSUD group (4.75 ± 13.40 mg/l) (P < 0.0001).
- Elevated hs-CRP in SUD persisted after excluding acute values and showed significant interaction with age (P < 0.0001).
- Modelled hs-CRP levels at age 40 in SUD were not reached by NSUD until age 157.09.
Conclusions:
- hs-CRP is elevated in opiate dependence independently and when controlled for age.
- Elevated hs-CRP and immune stimulation in opiate addiction may contribute to accelerated age-related chronic and coronary atherosclerotic diseases.
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