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Chromosomes in patients receiving methadone and methadyl acetate
Archives of General Psychiatry
|August 1, 1978
Summary
Methadyl acetate and methadone maintenance therapy did not increase chromosome damage in peripheral leukocytes compared to nondrug users. This study assessed chromosome damage in addicts undergoing long-term opioid maintenance treatment.
Area of Science:
- Toxicology
- Genetics
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid maintenance therapies are used for addiction treatment.
- Long-term effects of these therapies on cellular health require investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare chromosome damage in leukocytes of patients on methadyl acetate or methadone maintenance therapy versus controls.
Main Methods:
- Peripheral leukocyte cultures were analyzed for chromosome damage.
- Subjects included 28 opioid addicts in maintenance therapy and 10 nondrug users.
- Blood samples were collected after approximately 40 weeks of treatment.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in chromosome damage frequency was observed.
- Addicts on methadyl acetate or methadone showed similar chromosome damage levels to nondrug users.
Conclusions:
- Methadyl acetate and methadone maintenance therapy do not appear to elevate chromosome damage.
- These findings suggest a favorable genotoxic profile for these opioid maintenance treatments.