A lthough endocrine abnormalities are recognized in opiate users, very little is known about the range of hormones affected, their pathophysiology and their clinical relevance. Various endocrine abnormalities have been reported in these patients including, increased prolactin levels and abnormalities in sexual hormone. Path physiological mechanism postulated does explain these findings including direct action of heroin or methadone at the hypothalamic pituitary level. The aim of this study was to explore the effects of heroin and methadone maintenance treatment on the plasma prolactin levels and sexual function. Material and methods: We evaluated 20 male narcotic addicts maintained of methadone more than 3 years on oral high dose methadone 60-120 mgr/day. Patients taking neuroleptic therapy were excluded from the study because neuroleptic-included hyperprolactinemia. We also evaluated group of twenty male heroin addicts on the street heroin .The prolactin plasma levels were assayed using the chemiluminescent immunometric essay (CLIA) -high sensitive methods, The normal range of prolactin levels was 1,5-17 ng/ml(53-360 nmol/l) for men and 1,90-25,0 ng/ml for women. The sexual function was assessed using a Questionnaire: International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) with 15 items in four levels of sexual function. The differences between two examination groups were determined by a student' s t test. The results show that street heroin addicts (55% of them have high level of prolactin) have significantly higher plasma prolactin levels (p=0,006) then the group of methadone maintenance patients (only 15% of them have high prolactin level). In our study, when we compared sexual dysfunction in examination groups in some domains, we did not find statistical significant results (sexual desire p=0,52 and overall satisfaction p=0,087). But in domains of erectile function p=0,011 and orgasm function p=0,033 we got statistical significant results.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies suggested that alterations in serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia.AIM:To compare serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls and to evaluate their association with the response to antipsychotic treatment.MATERIAL AND METHODS:In this clinical prospective study were included 60 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy age and sex matched control subjects. Clinical evaluation of patients was performed using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale. A questionnaire for socio-demographic and clinical data collection was used. For the purposes of the study, the examined group was divided in two subgroups: responders and nonresponders. Serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels were measured at baseline in all participants and after 3 and 6 weeks of the antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia.RESULTS:Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels in comparison to the control group. Responders had significantly higher serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels compared with nonresponders.CONCLUSION:Elevated serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and they may be related to positive response to antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia.

Background: Previous studies suggested that alterations in serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Imbalance in serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels may be related to responsivity to antipsychotic treatment. Aim: To compare serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls and to evaluate their association with psychopathology in schizophrenic patients with different response to antipsychotic treatment. Material and Methods:This clinical prospective study included 60 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy age and sex matched controls. All patients experienced an acute exacerbation of the illness (PANSS: P1 and P3 ≥ 4). Clinical evaluation of patients was performed using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale. A questionnaire for socio-demographic and clinical data collection was used. For the purposes of the study, the examined group was divided in two subgroups: responders and nonresponders. Serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels were measuredat baseline in all participants and after 3 and 6 weeks of the antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia. Results: Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels comparedwith control group. Responders had significantly higher serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels compared with nonresponders. Responders group had significant correlation between serum cortisol and PANSS positive scale score as well as between hostility and serum DHEA-S. Conclusion: Elevated serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Serum cortisol and DHEA-S are associated with psychopathology in schizophrenic patients with different response to antipsychotic therapy.