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Isoprostane as a Marker of Oxidative Stress in Chronic Heroin Users: Correlation with Duration of Heroin Use or Concomitant Hepatitis C Infection

Background: Although chronic heroin abuse has been extensively linked to oxidative stress, and while plasma 15-F2t-IsoP is considered a good indicator of oxidative stress, there remain few references in the literature about the plasma concentration of this marker in heroin dependent subjects. Objectives: To determine plasma 15-F2t-IsoP, as a marker of oxidative stress, in chronic heroin users, and to examine whether the values of this marker correlate with the duration of heroin use or with the presence of anti-HCV antibodies. Methods: Forty-two chronic heroin users and twenty two healthy control subjects were recruited for this study. An enzyme-immunoassay method was used for the determination of 15-F2t-IsoP in plasma. Results: Plasma 15-F2t-IsoP values were significantly higher in chronic heroin users compared to healthy controls. No correlation was found between the values of plasma 15-F2t-IsoP and the duration of heroin use. Heroin dependent subjects positive for anti-HCV antibodies had significantly lower values of plasma 15-F2t-IsoP as compared to those without a history of HCV infection. Conclusions: The elevated plasma 15-F2t-IsoP values in heroin dependent subjects, compared to healthy individuals, indicate a shift of the balance between oxidants and antioxidants towards the former and suggest that heroin dependent subjects could benefit from an antioxidant therapy.