Impact of opium on the serum levels of TGF-beta in diabetic, addicted and addicted-diabetic rats

ABSTRACT

Several cells of immune system such as regulatory T cells and macrophages secrete transforming growth factor-beta [TGF-beta] in response to different stimuli. This cytokine has inhibitory effect on immune system and diminished production of this cytokine is associated with autoimmune disorders. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of opium addiction on serum level of TGF-beta in male and female diabetic and non-diabetic Wistar rats. This experimental study was performed on normal, opium addicted, diabetic and addicted-diabetic male and female rats. Serum level of TGF-beta was measured by ELISA. The results of our study indicated that the mean serum level of TGF-beta in female addicted rats was significantly increased compared to control group [p<0.004]. Conversely, in male addicted rats the mean serum level of TGF-beta was lower compared with control [p<0.065]. Our results suggest that opium and its derivatives have differential inductive effects on the cytokine expression in male and female rats