Cholesterol and fatty acids in cocaine addiction relapse

描述(由申请人提供)：这个项目的目标是确定我们的初步发现是否可以在更大的人群样本中复制，即循环中低胆固醇水平和一些多不饱和脂肪酸(PUFAs)与戒毒可卡因成瘾者的复发率之间的显著关联。还将尝试确定一些因素，如不良的营养习惯，是否会导致一些患者的胆固醇值或脂肪酸谱发生变化。 胆固醇和多不饱和脂肪酸在成瘾障碍中的作用尚未被研究，但根据最近的文献，我们的数据可以被理解，这些文献表明低胆固醇水平与包括抑郁、自杀和暴力在内的许多精神疾病之间存在关联。胆固醇不会穿过血脑屏障，但有人认为它可能是多不饱和脂肪酸变化的一个标志。越来越多的证据表明，一些低水平的多不饱和脂肪酸也与各种精神疾病有关。一些多不饱和脂肪酸是神经元突触膜的主要成分，影响神经元的功能。临床前研究表明，多不饱和脂肪酸影响在奖赏机制中起作用的多巴胺和5-羟色胺的功能。 将对120名住进药物滥用住院部的可卡因成瘾者进行研究。在病房期间，他们将接受胆固醇及其亚组分和整个脂肪酸系列的评估。出院后，他们将被转移到药物滥用诊所，在那里进行为期12个月的跟进评估。主要的结果衡量标准将是每月根据尿质和自我报告的使用情况确定的复发时间。每月还将监测心理社会功能、可卡因渴求和饮食摄入量。胆固醇和脂肪酸将每3个月检测一次。 如果我们的初步发现得到证实，使用脂肪酸补充剂或改变饮食习惯可能在防止一部分可卡因成瘾者复发方面具有重大潜力。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): The goal of this project is to determine whether our preliminary findings of significant associations between low circulating levels of cholesterol and of some polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the relapse rate of detoxified cocaine addicts can be replicated in a larger population sample. Attempts will be also made to determine whether some factors such as poor nutritional habits contribute to the presence of altered cholesterol values or fatty acid profiles in some patients. The role of cholesterol and PUFAs has not been investigated in addictive disorders but our data can be understood in light of recent literature suggesting the existence of associations between low cholesterol levels and a number of psychiatric disorders including depression, suicide and violence. Cholesterol does not cross the blood-brain barrier but it has been suggested that it could be a marker for changes in PUFAs. There is mounting evidence that low levels of some PUFAs are also associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders. Some PUFAs are main components of neuronal synaptic membranes and influence neuronal function. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that PUFAs influence the function of dopamine and 5-HT that play a role in reward mechanisms. One hundred and twenty cocaine addicts admitted to a Substance Abuse Inpatient Unit will be studied. While on the ward, they will undergo assessments of cholesterol and its subfractions and of the entire fatty acids series. After discharge, they will be transferred to a Substance Abuse clinic where follow-up assessments will be conducted for 12 months. The primary outcome measures will be time to relapse as determined monthly by qualitative urine and selfreported use. Psychosocial functioning, cocaine craving and dietary intake will also be monitored monthly. Cholesterol and fatty acids will be determined every 3 months. If our preliminary findings are confirmed, the use of fatty acids supplements or changes in dietary habits could have a significant potential in the prevention of relapse in a subgroup of cocaine addicts.