Journal of Arak University of Medical Sciences

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Showing 3 results for Methamphetamine

Studying the Association between TaqIA polymorphism in ANKK1 Gene and Heroin and Methamphetamine Addiction in Markazi Province

Ahmad Hamta, Rezvan Ghadbeigi,
Volume 19, Issue 3 (6-2016)

Abstract

Background: ANKK1 (ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1) gene is a member of the serine/threonine kinase family. This family involved in signal transduction pathways. This gene contains Taq1A (rs1800497) single nucleotide polymorphism. The A1 allele carriers of TaqIA polymorphism have shown reduced DRD2 (Dopamine Receptor D2) receptors. This decrease predisposes individuals to seek for addictive substances to compensate this deficiency in dopaminergic system. The present study investigated TaqIA (rs1800497) polymorphism in heroin and methamphetamine addiction.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 91 male methadone-maintained heroin and methamphetamine addicts and 100 male healthy controls were studied. Genomic DNA extraction was carried out from peripheral blood through salting-out method and individuals were genotyped for TaqIA polymorphism by RFLP-PCR technique and TaqI enzyme was used for RFLP.

Results: This survey revealed the significantly higher frequency of the A1 allele of TaqIA polymorphism in patients than control individuals (p<0.001). The frequency of A1 allele in patient and control individuals was %51 and %22.5, respectively. The A1A1 genotype was detected in 25% of patients and 7% of controls (p<0.001, OR=9.7, 95% CI=3.64-25.85).

Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the A1 allele of TaqIA polymorphism is significantly associated with heroin and methamphetamine addiction.

The Effect of Aerobic Training and Berberine Supplementation on the Expression of Dopamine 4 Receptor and CREB Gene in Heart Tissue of Female Rats During Withdrawal from Methamphetamine

Miss Zahra Mortezaei, Dr Somayeh Rajabi, Dr Sayyed-Javad Ziaolhagh,
Volume 26, Issue 3 (9-2023)

Abstract

Introduction: Methamphetamine increases the release of dopamine from nerve terminals. Binding of dopamine to dopamine receptors increases the phosphorylation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate responsive element (CREB) protein and changes the transcription of downstream genes.The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of methamphetamine induction followed by aerobic training and Berberine on dopamine receptor 4 and CREB gene expression in the heart tissue of methamphetamine-addicted female rats during the withdrawal period.
Methods: 30 rats were randomly divided into 5 control groups, methamphetamine, methamphetamine + aerobic training, methamphetamine + Berberine, methamphetamine + aerobic training + Berberine. Intraperitoneal injection of 10 mg/kg of methamphetamine was performed for 5 days, and during the withdrawal period, aerobic training was performed for 4 weeks and simultaneously the consumption of berberine 100 mg/kg as a solution in drinking water was considered. Real Time PCR method was used to measure gene expression. Independent T-test, Kruskal-Wallis test and SPSS24 software were used at the level of 0.05 to analyze the data. The code of ethics in the research was received with number IR.IAU.SHAHROOD.REC.1402.015.
Results: The results showed that methamphetamine use caused a non-significant increase (97%) in CREB expression and a non-significant decrease (52%) in dopamine 4 receptor compared to the control group (P>0.05). The implementation of interventions during the withdrawal period, such as Berberine consumption and the combination of berberine with aerobic training, produced non-significant increasing and decreasing effects on dopamine 4 receptor gene expression and CREB in the heart of methamphetamine-addicted rats, respectively (P > 0.05).
Conclusions: Short-term induction of methamphetamine did not cause significant changes in the expression of dopamine 4 receptor and CREB genes in the heart. Therefore, these genes could not undergo a significant change as a result of interventions such as Berberine and exercise. More studies are needed to investigate exact genetic changes in heart tissue.

Study of Changes in the Expression of Histamine and Histamine N-Methyltransferase Genes in the Lumbar Spinal Cord of Male Rats during Methamphetamine Abuse and Buprenorphine Treatment

Zahra Nanava, Homeira Hatami Nemati, Hatam Ahmai, Roghaieh Khakpay,
Volume 29, Issue 1 (3-2026)

Abstract

Introduction: Methamphetamine is a powerful psychostimulant that has been significantly abused in recent years. Buprenorphine, a derivative of morphine alkaloids, is effective in treating opioid addiction.
Methods: This experimental study involved eight groups of seven male rats each. It examined the effects of a 5-day intraperitoneal injection of methamphetamine, buprenorphine, their interactions, and methamphetamine withdrawal on the expression of histamine and histamine N-methyltransferase genes in the lumbar spinal cord. The data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA.
Results: The intraperitoneal administration of 10 mg/kg of methamphetamine and 6 or 10 mg/kg of buprenorphine over five days did not change the expression levels of the histamine or histamine N-methyltransferase genes in the lumbar spinal cord of male rats. However, discontinuing methamphetamine led to an increase in the expression of both genes in this area (P < 0.01). Furthermore, when examining the interaction between the two drugs, it was found that the expression of the histamine N-methyltransferase gene was significantly higher in the group receiving methamphetamine plus 10 mg/kg buprenorphine compared to the methamphetamine-only group (P < 0.01).
Conclusions: Based on the results of this study and the mechanisms proposed in previous studies, it seems that methamphetamine withdrawal and/or the use of buprenorphine as a possible therapeutic approach can lead to the stabilization of the physiological balance of the central nervous system by temporarily increasing brain histamine, and thus help reduce the complications of methamphetamine abuse.

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