Effects of Drug Abuse on Blood Profile and FosB mRNA Expression in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes of Addicted Individuals

Saba Raad  Jaafar; Nada Hassan  Bedair; Luma Mahmoud  Eidan; Ruaa Hussein  Ali; Haider Khadim  Al-Rubai

doi:10.24996/ijs.2026.67.9.15

Authors

Saba Raad Jaafar Department of Forensic Biology, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5576-6902
Nada Hassan Bedair Department of Forensic Engineering, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
Luma Mahmoud Eidan Department of Forensic Chemistry, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
Ruaa Hussein Ali Department of Forensic Biology, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq
Haider Khadim Al-Rubai Department of Forensic Chemistry, Higher Institute of Forensic Sciences, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24996/ijs.2026.67.9.15

Keywords:

FosB mRNA expression , Drug abuse biomarkers, Hematological changes, SUD

Abstract

Drug abuse induces systemic and molecular changes, impacting hematological parameters and gene expression. FBJ murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog B (FosB), named after the Finkel-Biskis-Jinkins (FBJ) murine osteosarcoma virus from which it was originally identified, is a transcription factor implicated in the neural adaptations associated with addiction. However, its expression in peripheral tissues and potential association with hematological alterations remain not fully understood. This study aimed to investigate FosB mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes and its relationship with hematological parameters in individuals who abuse drugs. A total of 37 male drug abusers and 15 healthy controls cooperated. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and hematological parameters were estimated using automated analyzers. FosB mRNA expression was quantified by real-time PCR, normalized to GAPDH, and analyzed using the ΔΔCT method. Correlation and regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between FosB expression and hematological parameters. Individuals with a history of drug abuse revealed a significant upregulation of FosB mRNA expression, with a fold change of 2.00 compared to healthy controls (p < 0.001). Hematological analysis appeared notable alterations, including elevated white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts, changes in lymphocyte percentages, and increased platelet activity. Robust positive correlations were identified between FosB expression and both WBC (r = 0.98, p < 0.001) and RBC counts (r = 1.00, p < 0.001). These results indicate a significant association between FosB mRNA expression and hematological changes in individuals with substance use disorders, supporting the potential utility of FosB as a peripheral biomarker for drug addiction. Integrating FosB mRNA analysis into diagnostic assessments may progress the identification and clinical management of addiction-related physiological disturbances.