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Lead Poisoning in Opium-Addicted Subjects, Its Correlation With Pyrimidine 5′-Nucleotidase Activity and Liver Function Tests Publisher



Fakoor M1 ; Akhgari M2 ; Shafaroodi H3
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAUPS), Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Department of Forensic Toxicology, Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran

Source: International Journal of Preventive Medicine Published:2019


Abstract

Background: Lead may be added to the opium by drug smugglers. It can cause elevated blood lead level (BLL) in opium-Addicted patients. Erythrocyte pyrimidine 5′-nucleotidase (P5N) activity is susceptible to high BLL. The aim of this study was to find out whether opium-Addicted patients show erythropathy and elevated liver enzymes explainable by high BLL and decreased P5N activity. Methods: Forty orally opium-Addicted subjects and 40 normal healthy volunteers were enrolled in this study. BLL was measured in whole blood specimens using atomic absorption spectrometry instrumentation. Enzymatic activity, protein amount of P5N, and erythrocyte purine/pyrimidine ratio were determined. Blood films were analyzed for the presence of basophilic stippling of red cells and hemolytic anemia. The level of liver function enzymes was measured. Results: The mean BLL for opium-Addicted patients was significantly higher than control group (P < 0.001). On the contrary, P5N activity showed a valid decrease in opium-Addicted patients when compared with control group (P < 0.001). In line with repressed P5N activity, erythrocyte purine/pyrimidine ratio in patients was lower than control group (P < 0.001). A statistically significant reverse correlation was found between BLL and P5N activity (P < 0.05, r =-0.85). The prevalence of both basophilic stippling (P < 0.001, z = 6.62) and hemolytic anemia (P < 0.001, z = 6.52) in study population was significantly associated with elevated BLL. We could not find any significant correlation between serum level of liver enzymes and BLL. Conclusions: Opium-Addicted patients in Tehran, Iran, are at high risk of lead poisoning which may result in hematologic problems and possibly hepatic damage. © 2019 Medknow Publications. All rights reserved.
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3. Clinical Aspects of Opium Adulterated With Lead in Iran: A Review, Basic and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (2018)
4. Lead Poisoning Among Asymptomatic Individuals With a Long-Term History of Opiate Use in Golestan Cohort Study, International Journal of Drug Policy (2022)
5. Blood Lead Levels in Asymptomatic Opium Addict Patients; a Case Control Study, Archives of Academic Emergency Medicine (2019)
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