Immunomodulatory effects of detoxification agents on dendritic cell populations in methamphetamine addiction.

Background and aim: Drug abuse can impact the function of immune cells, leading to a compromised immune system response. This study aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory effects of Methamphetamine and its detoxification agents on peripheral blood dendritic cells.

Methods: A total of 60 participants were enrolled, including 30 individuals with Methamphetamine addiction and 30 matched healthy controls. Participants were assessed at three time points: at the beginning of detoxification, at the end of detoxification, and one-month post-detoxification. Flow cytometry was employed to analyze dendritic cell subsets (CD11c + myeloid dendritic cells and CD123 + plasmacytoid dendritic cells) and surface marker expression (HLA-DR, CD11c, CD123).

Results: The percentages of both CD11c + and CD123 + dendritic cells in peripheral blood were significantly lower in Methamphetamine addicts compared to the control group. Detoxification with Risperidone corrected this reduction, while the combination of Risperidone and Methylphenidate failed to produce any change in the percentage of dendritic cells. The expression of HLA-DR, CD11c, and CD123 markers was downregulated in the dendritic cells of Methamphetamine addicts. Treatment with Risperidone restored these markers, whereas the combination therapy further exacerbated the downregulation of these markers.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that detoxification with Risperidone may help ameliorate the immunological disorders associated with Methamphetamine use.