Opioids in the immune system: from experimental studies to clinical practice
1Anesthesia Department, Pain Service, Hospital Universitario Fundación Santafé de Bogotá, Bogotá, Colombia.
Revista Da Associacao Medica Brasileira (1992)
|March 21, 2019
Summary
Opioids affect immune cells via opioid receptors, influencing surgical stress responses. This review examines opioid impacts on immunity, perioperative immunosuppression, and clinical relevance for infection and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pharmacology
- Oncology
Background:
- Opioids interact with immune cells through opioid receptors.
- Opioid effects on immune response during surgical stress are documented.
- Investigating opioid influence on surgical outcomes, infection, and cancer progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the effects of opioids on the immune system.
- To examine perioperative immunosuppression caused by opioids.
- To discuss the clinical relevance of opioid-induced immune effects.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research.
- Analysis of studies on opioid receptor interactions with immune cells.
- Synthesis of data on perioperative opioid use and immune function.
Main Results:
- Opioids modulate both innate and adaptive immunity.
- Perioperative opioid administration can lead to immunosuppression.
- Evidence suggests a link between opioid use and surgical outcomes, including infection and cancer recurrence.
Conclusions:
- Opioid receptor signaling significantly impacts immune function.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for managing perioperative patients.
- Further research is needed to optimize opioid use and mitigate adverse immunological consequences.
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