Differences in biomarkers of crack-cocaine adolescent users before/after abstinence

- Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels are reduced by cocaine withdrawal in adolescent crack-cocaine abusers.
- Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) levels are higher in adolescent crack-cocaine abusers.
- Increased Interleukin levels suggest higher inflammatory response.

AimsTo measure the variation in Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and interleukin (IL) levels in crack-cocaine dependent adolescents after 21 days of abstinence, comparing to levels found in a group of healthy controls.DesignCross-sectional nested on a short follow-up study.SettingTwo inpatient treatment units for adolescents, and a low-income neighborhood.Participants90 adolescents, of both genders, with diagnosis of crack cocaine dependence, and 81 healthy adolescents.MeasurementsSerum levels of IL-6, IL-10, TBARS and BDNF were assessed on admission and discharge. Drug addiction severity was assessed by the Addiction Severity Index − Teen Version (T-ASI) and Cocaine Craving Questionnaire − Brief version (CCQ-b). Psychiatric comorbidities were assessed by the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children − Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to estimate the IL-6, IL-10, TBARS and BDNF levels, adjusted for confounders. Hedges' g was used to estimate effect size.FindingsTBARS (p = 0.005, d = 0.04), IL-6 (p = 0.027, d = 0.40) and IL-10 (p = 0.025, d = 0.41) were elevated and BDNF (p < 0.001, d = 0.62) was reduced (p < 0.001), in patients, in comparison to controls, at admission time. Variation in those levels between admission and discharge were not significant.ConclusionsCrack-cocaine use seems to be associated with inflammatory and oxidative imbalances in adolescents.