Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1 1. Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
2 2. Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
3 Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
4 cardiology Department , Shafa Hospital ,Kerman IRAN
Abstract
Background: Apelin, a peptide with cardioprotective properties, and opium addiction, a prevalent issue in some regions, are both implicated in cardiovascular disease pathogenesis. However, their interaction in the context of coronary artery disease (CAD) is not fully understood. This study investigated the relationship between opium addiction and serum apelin levels in patients with stable angina.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 228 participants were assigned into four matched groups: Healthy non-addicts, Healthy addicts, Angina non-addicts, and Angina addicts (57 per group). Opium addiction was confirmed based on DSM-IV criteria. We measured serum apelin concentrations using a specific ELISA kit and gathered demographic, cardiovascular risk factor, and angiographic data of participants.
Results: The prevalence of hyperlipidemia, diabetes, family history of CAD, and smoking was significantly higher in the angina groups compared to the healthy groups (all p<0.01). Serum apelin levels were significantly different among the four groups (p=0.027). Apelin was significantly higher in Healthy non-addicts compared to Angina non-addicts (p=0.012), and interestingly, higher in Angina addicts compared to Angina non-addicts (p=0.013). No significant correlation was found between apelin levels and the number of diseased coronary vessels, age, or blood pressure.
Conclusion: The findings suggest a complex interaction between opium addiction and the apelin system in CAD. The significantly lower apelin in non-addicted angina patients compared with healthy non-addicts, reinforces its proposed cardioprotective role. The relative elevation of apelin in addicted angina patients may indicate a compensatory mechanism or a direct interaction between opium and the apelinergic pathway, warranting further investigation.
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