Introduction. Oxidative stress causes damage to various organ systems in patients dependent on opioids. The aim of the study is to measure plasma concentration of the glutathione S-transferase and reduced glutathione among heroin addicts during rapid opioid detoxification.
Material and methods. 58 patients enrolled in this study, and they were divided into control and treatment groups consisting of 29 patients each. On the first and second days the patients in both groups received an identical treatment. From the third day, difierent modes of naltrexone ini duction were applied to the groups. Blood samples were taken 1 hour bei fore the start of naltrexone induction as well as 1, 5 and 23 hours after the induction.
Results. Given the spread of the tested parameter values, data was divided into two ranges: glutathione S-transferase concentration formed the range of the data values from 0.160 to 8 ng/ml, and from 8.769 to 23.863 ng/ml; reduced glutathione formed the range of the data values from 1.749 pg/ml to 4.888 pg/ml, and from 4.889 pg/ml to 10.079 pg/ml. Glutathione S-transferase concentration in the treatment group at the range of data values from 0.160 to 8 ng/ml showed statistically significant reduction after 23 hours compared to glutathione S-transferase concentration after 5 hours of naltrexone induction. In the control group, lower levels of glutathione S-transferase concentration were observed 1 hour and 23 hours after naltrexone induction. Reduced glutathione concentration was significantly lower only in the control group 1 hour after naltrexone induction and remained lower compared to the starting level.
Conclusions. Glutathione S-transferase and reduced glutathione changes during rapid opioid detoxification are more pronounced while treating patients with a normal single dose of naltrexone compared to gradual increase in naltrexone dosage.