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- Title
Low serum level of epidermal growth factor in chronic ketamine users.
- Authors
Zhang, Minling; He, Hongbo; Ning, Yuping; Ding, Yi; Ke, Xiaoyin; Wang, Daping; Deng, Xuefeng; Fan, Ni
- Abstract
Abstract: Background: Growth factors play an important role in brain development. Whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a role in the pathophysiology of ketamine related disorders is unexplored. In this study, we examined the serum levels of EGF in chronic ketamine users as compared with healthy controls. The possible correlation between serum EGF levels with the demographic, ketamine use characteristics and psychopathological symptoms were analyzed. Methods: Sixty‐seven chronic ketamine users and 40 healthy subjects were recruited. Serum EGF levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results: The serum level of EGF in the chronic ketamine users was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects (22.34 ± 4.81 pg/ml vs. 87.10 ± 2.96 pg/ml, F = 15.169, p < 0.01). The serum EGF level was negatively correlated with the current average dose of ketamine consumption per day of use (p = 0.015), and positively associated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale positive symptom score (p = .022). Conclusions: Serum level of EGF decreased in chronic ketamine users compared with healthy subjects, which may play a role in the pathophysiology of ketamine related disorders.
- Subjects
KETAMINE; EPIDERMAL growth factor; PATHOLOGICAL physiology; PATHOLOGICAL psychology; GROWTH factors; NEURAL development
- Publication
Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical & Experimental, 2018, Vol 33, Issue 3, p1
- ISSN
0885-6222
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1002/hup.2656