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The Effects of Opium Addiction on the Immune System Function in Patients with Fungal Infection

Seyyed Amin Ayatollahi-Mousavi1, Gholamreza Asadikaram2, Nouzar Nakhaee3

  • 1Professor, Tropical and Infectious Disease Research Center AND Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.

Addiction & Health
|August 19, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Opium addiction and fungal infections significantly alter immune system cytokines, including interleukin-17 (IL-17), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). The combined effect was significant for interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Opium addiction compromises the immune system, increasing susceptibility to opportunistic infections like fungal infections.
  • Cytokines play a crucial role in immune regulation, and their dysregulation can impact disease outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of opium addiction and fungal infection on plasma levels of key cytokines: interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-17, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β).

Main Methods:

  • A study involving 72 individuals categorized into four groups: opium-addicted with fungal infection, opium-addicted without fungal infection, non-opium-addicted with fungal infection, and healthy controls.
  • Fungal samples were clinically confirmed and analyzed via direct smear and culture.
  • Plasma cytokine levels were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Main Results:

  • Opium addiction and fungal infection independently and significantly affected plasma levels of IL-17, IFN-γ, and TGF-β.
  • A significant interaction between opium addiction and fungal infection was observed specifically for IL-6 plasma levels.

Conclusions:

  • Both opium addiction and fungal infection, individually or concurrently, significantly impact the immune system.
  • These conditions disrupt the cytokine network, leading to immune dysregulation and creating a favorable environment for fungal proliferation.
Keywords:
AddictionCytokineFungal infectionOpium

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