Salivary biomarkers of oxidative stress metamphetamin users: a case-control study

Introsuction: Amphetamine is associated with long-term decreases in markers for monoaminergic neurons, suggesting neuronal loss and/or damage within the brain. This long-term ‘‘toxicity’’ results from formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate status of oxidative stress biomarkers in among chronic methamphetamine users.Method: Thirty six individuals were selected randomly from methamphetamine abusers. Saliva samples were taken from each of the studied individuals. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol molecules (TTM) and catalase activity (CAT) were measuredin saliva samples.Results: TAC was 0.10±0.01 umol/ml and 0.64±0.12 umol/ml in methamphetamine abusers and control groups respectively. The difference was statistically significant (p-value=0.01). No significant difference was observed between the CAT activity and TTM of methamphetamine abusers and control groups.Conclusion: These results showed that prolonged use of methamphetamine exerts salivary oxidative stress on the body and enhances adverse effects of acute and prolonged use of methamphetamine; such as loss of attention, psychomotor dysfunction, and cognitive deficits.

Keywords:

Methamphetamine , Oxidative stress , Saliva