EVALUATION OF OXIDATIVE STRESS AND SOME BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS IN IRAQI METHAMPHETAMINE (CRYSTAL) ADDICTS

Abstract

Objectives: Methamphetamine (METH) serves as a highly addictive psychostimulant drug that not only influences the central nervous system but also has serious repercussions for metabolic and cardiovascular wellness. This research examines the persistent effects of METH on oxidative stress, liver function, renal function, lipid profile, and cardiovascular risk among Iraqi METH addicts. Methods: The research was designed as a case–control study that included 60 male patients between the ages of 18 and 33 years who were undergoing a 21-day inpatient rehabilitation program at the Al-Canal Center for Social Rehabilitation in Baghdad, Iraq. An equal number of age- and body mass index -matched apparently healthy male individuals without any history of drug use, alcohol intake, or chronic diseases were recruited as the control group. Results: The results revealed a significant increase (p≤0.001) in total cholesterol, triglycerides, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, urea, creatinine, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, and dopamine levels in METH users compared to controls. Conversely, a substantial drop (p<0.001) was observed in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total antioxidant status, and glutathione. Conclusion: These findings suggest that METH alters lipid metabolism, potentially leading to higher cardiovascular disease risk in chronic users. Furthermore, abusive use of METH results in a marked rise in the end-products of free radical generation from metabolic biotransformation, coupled with a severe reduction in antioxidant defenses. Consequently, targeted therapeutic interventions are required to mitigate the systemic harmful effects of METH consumption.