Evaluating Oxidative DNA Damage in Methamphetamine Addicts: The Predictive Role of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine

Abstract

     Methamphetamine addiction presents a substantial public health challenge in Iraq, detrimentally affecting individuals' physical and psychological health, as well as the broader social fabric. This study investigates the role of oxidative stress in methamphetamine addiction by measuring various biomarkers in addicts. Sixty methamphetamine users, categorized into untreated and under-treatment groups, along with thirty healthy controls, were evaluated. The biomarkers measured include total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), oxidative stress index (OSI), malondialdehyde (MDA), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). The results revealed that methamphetamine addiction significantly elevates TOS, OSI, and MDA levels, while reducing TAS, indicating increased oxidative stress in addicts. Both untreated and under-treatment groups showed higher levels of 8-OHdG compared to controls, establishing it as a reliable biomarker for predicting methamphetamine addiction. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis confirmed the high sensitivity and specificity of 8-OHdG in diagnosing methamphetamine addiction. The study concludes that oxidative stress induced by methamphetamine leads to significant oxidative DNA damage, as evidenced by elevated 8-OHdG levels. These findings highlight the importance of early detection and intervention strategies to mitigate the oxidative damage associated with methamphetamine addiction.