Global DNA methylation levels in white blood cells of patients with chronic heroin use disorder. A prospective study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Increasing scientific evidence shows the significant role of epigenetic mechanisms in drug use disorder, abstinence and relapse. Studies on human subjects are limited compared to those on animals, for various reasons such as poly-substance abuse, high drop-out rate and technical difficulties.

Objectives

Our goal was to evaluate whether a monitored abstinence period of 21 days could induce changes in global DNA methylation in chronic heroin users.

Method

In the current study, we present data on global DNA methylation on a set of 18 male patients with chronic heroin use disorder, carefully selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, who were hospitalized and closely monitored during a 21-day detoxification program, one of the few where no opioid agoni

SUBMITTER: Fragou D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7892979 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature