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Regular Kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Use and Its Association With Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response

Nurul Atiqahd Muhamad Fauzi1, Mei Lan Tan, Shahrul Bariyah Sahul Hamid

  • 1From the Department of Community Health, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, SAINS@BERTAM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (NAMF, MFILBA); School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 11800 Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (MLT); Oncological and Radiological Sciences Cluster, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute, Universiti Sains Malaysia, SAINS@BERTAM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (SBSH); and Centre for Drug Research, 11800 Universiti Sains Malaysia, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia (DS).

Journal of Addiction Medicine
|February 27, 2022
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Kratom use is linked to increased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress markers in leukocytes. Higher ER stress is associated with greater kratom dependence and depressive symptoms in users.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is implicated in various physiological and pathological processes.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying kratom use and its associated health effects is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between ER stress sensor mRNA expression in leukocytes and kratom use patterns.
  • To evaluate correlations between ER stress markers, kratom dependence severity, and kratom-induced depressive symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to measure mRNA expression of ER stress markers (BiP, XBP1, ATF4, CHOP) in leukocytes.
  • Participants included 20 people who use kratom (PWUK) and 20 healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • PWUK showed significantly higher BiP mRNA expression compared to controls.
  • CHOP mRNA expression was elevated in individuals who started kratom use later in life or used it for longer durations.
  • Higher expression of BiP, ATF4, and CHOP mRNA correlated with increased kratom dependence severity.
  • BiP and CHOP mRNA levels were positively correlated with depressive symptom severity.

Conclusions:

  • Regular kratom consumption may activate the ER stress pathway.
  • Altered ER stress response might be linked to kratom dependence and kratom-induced depressive symptoms.

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