Heroin-assisted treatment of heroin-addicted patients normalizes regulatory T cells but does not restore CD4+ T cell proliferation.
Addict Biol
; 26(4): e12998, 2021 07.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33336491
ABSTRACT
Heroin dependence may result in suppression of adaptive immune responses. Previously, we demonstrated an increase in relative numbers of inhibitory CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) and impaired proliferative activity of CD4+ T cells from heroin-addicted patients in contrast to patients in opioid maintenance therapy and healthy controls. However, it remains elusive whether heroin has a direct impact on the CD4+ T cell compartment or whether observed effects result from stressful living conditions. Here, we analyzed the frequencies of Tregs and the proliferation as well as the cytokine production of stimulated CD4+ T cells from heroin-addicted patients with use of illicit heroin, patients in heroin-assisted treatment (HAT), and patients in methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Relative numbers of CD4+ Tregs were significantly enhanced in patients with illicit heroin abuse compared with patients in HAT or MMT. Notably, CD4+ T cells from patients in HAT and from persons using illicit heroin showed significant reduced proliferation and secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-γ and IL-6 upon stimulation in vitro. From these results, we conclude that structured programs such as HAT and MMT dampen elevated frequencies of Tregs in heroin-addicted patients, whereas chronic heroin administration irrespective of using illicit heroin or receiving HAT has a direct impact on the proliferative activity and cytokine production of CD4+ T cells.
Palabras clave
Texto completo:
1
Colección:
01-internacional
Banco de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Linfocitos T Reguladores
/
Proliferación Celular
/
Heroína
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Dependencia de Heroína
Límite:
Adult
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Addict Biol
Asunto de la revista:
TRANSTORNOS RELACIONADOS COM SUBSTANCIAS
Año:
2021
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania