Brain-Associated Autoimmune Features in Heroin Addicts: Correlation to HIV Infection and Dementia

Abstract

We report here on brain associated autoimmune features in opiate-dependent subjects. This study includes 107 (37 HIV + and 70 HIV -) hospitalized heroin-addicted subjects on a methadone maintenance program, and 45 healthy individuals. Human brain S100 protein, neuron specific enolase (NSE), myelin basic protein (MBF), and old tuberculin (OT) were used as antigens in the study. Serum autoantibodies to brain antigens S100, NSE and MBP were detected by ELISA, whereas delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions were evaluated after intradermal injection of S100, NSE, MBP and OT (control brain-irrelevant antigen). In drug-dependent subjects, 68.2% produced anti-S100, 56.1% anti-NSE and 20.5% anti-MBP autoantibodies, while the incidence of autoantibodies in control healthy individuals was 4.4%, 2.2% and 0%, respectively. Occurrence and amount of anti-S100 and anti-NSE autoantibodies were much higher in HIV + than in HIV - heroin-abusing adults. In drug abusers, the incidence of positive delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions were as follows: 67.2% to S100, 51.4% to NSE, 14.9% to MBP, and 94.3% to OT. In control subjects, the occurrence of hypersensitivity reactions to brain antigens was insignificant. Cutaneous reactions were more frequent in HIV - addicts. The incidence of both autoantibodies and delayed skin responses was positively related to the duration of drug abuse, worsening of HIV infection, and dementia. The high incidence of autoantibodies and delayed hypersensitivity skin reactions to S100 and NSE human brain antigens in heroin-abusers indicates that heroin dependence, as well as HIV infection, are associated with a hyperergy towards brain-related autoimmune phenomena. It has been suggested that the brain-associated autoimmune phenomena in HIV + heroin-addicts represent a hyperimmune phase which precedes immunodeficiency that occurs in the further development of HIV infection.

<p>Autoimmune Connective Tissue Disease Following Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study</p>

“…Some studies have found that recreational drugs such as cocaine, amphetamines, marijuana, and heroin, acting as environmental toxins, may stress and injury immune stem cells and engender subsequent autoimmune disease development and progression. 37,38 Older age and female sex were independent predictors for autoimmune connective tissue disease in this study. Using participants <20 years old as references, we found the risk of autoimmune connective tissue disease increased with age (AHR = 1.7 in age 20-34 years, AHR = 2.9 in age 35-49 years, AHR = 4.3 in age 50-64 years, and AHR = 5.0 in age ≥65 years).…”

Sudden Bilateral Sensorineural Hearing Loss Following Speedballing

“…Autoimmune hearing losses, however, are variable and have been described as having sudden or rapid onset, unilateral or bilateral presentation, transient or permanent pathology, and both cochlear and neural sites of lesion (Cadoni et al, 2002;Bovo et al, 2006). Hearing Loss from Speedballing/Fowler & King Autoimmune circulatory and brain-related pathologies resulting from the abuse of both cocaine and heroin have been noted (Savona et al, 1985;Jankovic et al, 1991). Hence, an autoimmune reaction cannot be eliminated as a possible mechanism for the bilateral hearing loss in the present case.…”