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Heroin Addiction and Related Clinical Problems: 2014, 16, 1 (pages: 9 - 16)

Effect of Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) on serum leptin and lipid profile and anthropometric parameters in opioid addicts

Montazerifar F., Karajibani M., Lashkaripour K., and Yosefi M.

Summary: Background and Aims: In many drug abusers Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) is accompanied by weight gain, changes in quality of diet, and improvement in hormonal disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum leptin levels and their relationship with lipid profile and anthropometric parameters in addicts on MMT. Methods: Twenty-five drug addicts (mean age 37.4 ± 8.7 years) who had been referred to the Addiction Treatment Clinic and twenty-two healthy controls (mean age 35 ± 9.5 years) were included in the study. Anthropometric parameters (weight, height, waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), serum leptin and biochemical tests (serum albumin, total protein, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, HDL) were measured in the opioid-addicted group (before and after MMT) and in healthy controls one time only. Results: Serum leptin level was significantly lower than that of controls, at baseline (P<0.001). After 6 months of methadone maintenance treatment, the mean level of leptin had increased dramatically, along with body mass index, WC, WHR, and serum triglyceride levels (P < 0.01). No changes were found in blood pressure or other biochemical parameters. Conclusions: Further studies are needed to evaluate serum leptin as a marker of atherogenic substances. In addition, the assessment of serum leptin concentration may contribute to identifying metabolic clinical problems.