The levels of triglyceride and total cholesterol in methamphetamine dependence

Abstract

The serum triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels have been reported altered in the traditional drug-dependence (such as marijuana and heroin). However, studies assessing the relationships among serum TC, TG, and methamphetamine (MA)-dependence have not been described well. In this study, our aim is to explore the serum TG and TC levels in large sample of MA-dependent patients. A retrospective study was conducted in 938 MA-dependent patients who were recruited between February 2, 2008 and March 11, 2013, with social characteristics and drug-dependence history (duration of MA use, routes of drug administration, and daily dose were collected). Then, the serum levels of TC, TG, glucose (GLU), body mass index (BMI), and blood pressure were measured among the participants. Meanwhile, 985 age- and gender-matched healthy people in the physical examination center were selected as control group. Compared with the control group, significant decreases of TC, TG, GLU, and BMI were observed in MA-dependent patients (P < 0.05). Besides, we found that the daily dose of MA use was associated with TC (β = −0.079, P = 0.015) and the duration of MA use was independently related to BMI (β = −0.071, P = 0.031). This study demonstrated that the levels of TC, TG, GLU, and BMI factors altered in the MA-dependent patients. In addition, there is a negative association between MA dependence and TC and BMI.

Heroin Abuse Results in Shifted RNA Expression to Neurodegenerative Diseases and Attenuation of TNFα Signaling Pathway

“…This indicates that longer heroin use would gradually harm to the liver and potentially affect whole body function. These results are consistent with previous reports that Tg and Tc levels were significantly decreased in Methamphetamine users 18 , suggesting the HDPs are in a malnourished state. In addition, we also examined the BMI between HDPs and HCs.…”

Nutritional status and eating habits of people who use drugs and/or are undergoing treatment for recovery: a narrative review

“…Persons addicted to opium, heroin, and MA have a significant decrease in serum cholesterol level as compared with nonusers but with no change in triglyceride levels. 49 , 55–58 By contrast, comparing HIV-positive and HIV-negative injecting drug users with a control group, total cholesterol levels were lower and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in the HIV-positive drug users, indicating the possible effect of the disease itself and not the drug use. 28 These findings were supported by Maccari et al, 59 who found that heroin users had significantly lower serum cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein levels, and higher triglyceride levels than nonusers.…”

“…This might be due to cognitive deficits, abnormal metabolic activity, duration of MA use, and improper oral health that affects food chewing and, thus, intake. 48 , 49 More frequent use of other types of drugs such as marijuana or sedatives showed a weak association with a lower BMI, although this association is statistically not significant. 39 , 50 …”

Comparative Untargeted Metabolomics Analysis of the Psychostimulants 3,4-Methylenedioxy-Methamphetamine (MDMA), Amphetamine, and the Novel Psychoactive Substance Mephedrone after Controlled Drug Administration to Humans

“…Former studies have shown that amphetamine can affect lipid metabolism by decreasing postprandial increase of plasma triglycerides and elevating free plasma fatty acids in rats [42]. Moreover, lowered plasma triglycerides have been reported in methamphetamine dependent patients [43]. Methamphetamine treatment in rats also pointed to an accelerated lipid metabolism indicated by an initial decrease in glycerol lipids, but rather constant amounts of fatty acids after acute treatment.…”