Investigation of Serum Trace Element, Malondialdehyde and Immune Status in Drug Abuser Patients Undergoing Detoxification

Abstract

Drug abuser patients (n=104), age ranging from 19 to 42 years, were randomly recruited to investigate the serum levels of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mg), malondialdehyde (MDA), and immunoglobulin (IgG, IgA, and IgM) before and after clinical intervention. Control group also included 104 healthy individuals. Blood samples were analyzed for determining trace elements, MDA, and immunoglobulin using atomic absorption spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-VIS) spectroscopy, and turbidimetry method, respectively. For serum level of Zn and Fe, the differences between the groups (before intervention, after intervention, and control) were not significant (p>0.05). However, significant differences were found in serum copper levels between control group, drug abuser patients, and before and after intervention (p<0.05). The concentration of Mg was found to be significantly higher (p=0.007) in drug abuser patients than the controls, and after intervention, the level was restored to control value. A displacement of elemental homeostasis was observed in drug abuser patients compared to control, and it was improved after intervention. An increase in serum concentration of MDA was found in drug abuser patients compared to control subjects (p>0.05) but was not statistically significant. After intervention, the concentration was restored to control value (p>0.05). The serum concentrations of IgA and IgM were found to be significantly higher (p<0.05) in drug abuser patients before intervention than the controls, and the level tended to be restored to control level after clinical intervention. Serum IgG level was found to be lower in drug abuser patients compared to controls and further declined significantly (p<0.05) after intervention. These findings may suggest a possible imbalance in the levels of micronutrients, antioxidants, and immunoglobulin in drug abuser patients, which tend to be restored to control values after detoxification.

Estimation of serum zinc and copper levels patients with schizophrenia: a preliminary study

“…In the peripheral and central nervous systems they play important functional roles and are also components in nervous tissue (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8). Imbalances in the optimum levels of these elements may adversely affect biological processes and are associated with many psychiatric diseases including schizophrenia (9)(10)(11).…”

Staff-perceived barriers to nutrition intervention in substance use disorder treatment

“…Supplements that were discussed in staff training include multivitamins, n-3 and probiotics; however, these are not typically covered by insurance therefore not implemented facility-wide (B-vitamins are often prescribed by medical staff). Given that SUD have been linked to malnutrition including low levels of micronutrients (49)(50)(51)(52) , multivitamins are common practice in hospital-based detoxification programmes. n-3 in the form of fish oil has been linked to decreased impulsivity and aggression; however, the data linking n-3 to SUD are limited (53) .…”

Effect of antioxidant, malondialdehyde, macro‐mineral, and trace element serum concentrations in Bangladeshi patients with schizophrenia: A case‐control study

“…19,20 In-coordination in the optimum levels of these elements may badly affect biological processes and are coupled with many psychiatric diseases, including SCZ. 21,22 Se, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Na, K are known as essential trace elements and macrominerals, which have been suggested in several abnormalities like neurological, psychiatric, and autoimmune disorders. [23][24][25] The observed alterations in the level of these elements seen in SCZ are attributed to brain elemental homeostasis oxidative stress caused by an increase in the brain's neurotransmitter activities, most especially dopamine and serotonin.…”

“…In the peripheral and central nervous systems, they play influential roles and components in nervous tissue 19,20 . In‐coordination in the optimum levels of these elements may badly affect biological processes and are coupled with many psychiatric diseases, including SCZ 21,22 . Se, Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Na, K are known as essential trace elements and macro‐minerals, which have been suggested in several abnormalities like neurological, psychiatric, and autoimmune disorders 23‐25 .…”