AI Summary & Key Takeaways
AI InsightFurther research, particu larly in humans, is recommended to replicate and expand on the findings of the currentliterature.
📌 3 Key Takeaways
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to investigate plasma levels of leptin, acyl ghrelin, and unacyl ated ghrelin during heroin withdrawal in patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) withregard to the relationship of these levels with craving and their changes over time. Methods: This study included 28 male patients diagnosed with OUD according toDSM-5 diagnostic criteria who received inpatient rehabilitation. The control groupincluded 28 healthy male volunteers with characteristics similar to the patient group.Plasma leptin, acyl ghrelin, and unacylated ghrelin levels of the patients were measured3 times throughout the study by collecting blood on the first day, the seventh day at theend of the detox, and the twenty-first day. Blood was collected only once from the controlgroup to determine their plasma leptin, acyl ghrelin, and unacylated ghrelin levels. Results: Our study did not determine any statistically significant differences betweenpatients with OUD and healthy controls with regard to plasma leptin, acyl ghrelin, andunacylated ghrelin levels on the first, seventh, and twenty-first days of withdrawal. Plasmalevels of leptin, acyl ghrelin, and unacylated ghrelin did not significantly correlate withcraving scores. Conclusion: This study does not support the hypothesis that plasma leptin, acyl ghrelin,and unacylated ghrelin levels are markers in those with OUD. Further research, particu larly in humans, is recommended to replicate and expand on the findings of the currentliterature.