Investigation of Methylation Levels in OPRK1 Gene Promoter among Smokers and Opium-Addicts underwent Methadone Maintenance Treatment

Abstract

1.1. Background: Previous studies reported the association of the OPRK1 gene with illicit substances, nicotine, and alcohol. The present study aimed to look at the methylation levels of OPRK1 gene promoter among smokers and addicts who underwent methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). 1.2. Methods: DNAs were extracted from the whole blood of all male samples including 30 smokers, 30 opium-addicted individuals undergoing methadone treatment, and 30 healthy people, and they were treated with a sodium bisulfite kit. The studied region included 53 CpG dinucleotides investigated by sequencing technique. 1.3. Results: Results of methylation levels in addicted individuals who underwent MMT compared with healthy people showed no difference. Also, there was no change in any CpG sites of OPRK1 gene promoter in both smokers and compared healthy controls