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Opium dependence increases T3, decreases T3 resin uptake, free T4 levels
Opiates such as methadone or heroin could affect thyroid function, according to a recent study that showed increases in triiodothyronine and decreases in triiodothyronine resin uptake and thyroxine serum levels.
“The results of the present study showed that addicts have higher serum level of total T3 and lower T3 [resin uptake] and free T4 compared with non-addict subjects; even though, the prevalence of thyroid disorders in the two groups had no statistically significant difference,” Mohammad H. Gozashti, MD, of the Physiology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and colleagues wrote.
The researchers evaluated at 50 men addicted to opium, as determined by continuous consumption of opium for more than 2 years and urinalysis and according to DSM-IV criteria; these men had been referred to a rehabilitation center but had not yet been treated for their addiction. They were compared with 50 non-addicted men. Both groups’ ages ranged from 20 to 50 years, but addicts were older than their non-addict counterparts (38.6 ± 7.7 vs. 33.8 ± 8.6, respectively, P=.004). There also was a greater percentage of smokers in the addict group (58% vs. 38%, respectively, P=.045).
Researchers drew 10 mL of venous blood, which was isolated for its serum used in the analysis.
Total T3 levels were higher in addicts vs. non-addicts (P=.017), whereas T3 resin uptake levels were lower, respectively (P=.011). After adjusting for age and cigarette smoking status, those statistics remained significant and serum level of free T4 also showed a decrease (P=.001).
“We conclude that opium like to methadone and heroin can cause changes in thyroid binding protein and serum levels of total T3, T3 [resin uptake] and free T4,” the researchers wrote.
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.