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Opioids and the immune system: clinical relevance
João Batista Santos Garcia1, Mirlane Guimarães de Melo Cardoso, Maria Cristina Dos-Santos
1Department of Anesthesiology, Pain and Palliative Care, Universidade Federal do Maranhão. jbgarcia@uol.com.br
Revista Brasileira De Anestesiologia
|September 25, 2012
Summary
Opioids, commonly used for pain relief, may suppress immune responses. However, the clinical significance of this immunosuppressive effect is uncertain, requiring further research before clinical recommendations can be made.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Opioid use for pain management is increasing globally.
- The impact of opioids on immune responses is an emerging area of research.
- Existing literature describes immune responses, particularly cellular aspects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the immune response to opioids.
- To explore opioid effects on inflammatory responses in experimental and clinical settings.
- To assess the clinical importance of opioid-induced immunomodulation in daily practice.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of Medline-indexed articles.
- Identification of endogenous opioid release mechanisms.
- Analysis of exogenous opioid effects on immune response in acute and chronic pain.
Main Results:
- Opioids can modulate immune responses.
- Both experimental and clinical data were considered.
- Mechanisms of opioid-induced immune modulation were investigated.
Conclusions:
- Studies suggest opioids may have immunosuppressive effects.
- The clinical relevance of opioid-induced immunosuppression remains uncertain.
- Further research is needed to establish definitive clinical recommendations regarding immunological consequences.
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