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Sport Sciences for Health
Published in: Sport Sciences for Health 1/2020

01-03-2020 | Opioids | Original Article

The effect of endurance exercise and methadone on μ-opioid receptor gene expression in morphine-dependent rats following withdrawal syndrome

Authors: Mahmoud Moezie, Maghsoud Peeri, Hasan Matin Homaee

Published in: Sport Sciences for Health | Issue 1/2020

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Abstract

Background

Opiate dependence (e.g., morphine) is one of the most important problems affecting human health. Morphine reduces the irritability of neurons in the pain pathway by attaching to some such opioid receptors such as μ receptor (MOR). Exercise can improve destructions due to opiate dependence in many of the body organs including nerve systems. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance exercise training (8 weeks of moderate exercise) and methadone on μ-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) expression in morphine-dependent rats following withdrawal syndrome.

Methods

48 male Wistar rats (9 weeks; weight: 295 ± 20 g) were kept as four animals per cage. The animals were selected and divided randomly into six subgroups of eight individuals: control (C), healthy exercise (TN), control addicts (CTM), addicts treated with methadone (MM), addicts treated with exercise (TM), and addicts treated with methadone plus exercise (TMM). In the present study, oral administration of morphine was used to induce dependence. Interventional therapy protocol also included a combination of methadone and a chronic aerobic exercise program. Changes in MOR gene expression levels were evaluated by RT-qPcR.

Results

Results showed a significant increase in MOR gene expression in the treatment with endurance training (TM) compared to the control group (C) (p < 0.05).Also, a significant increase in MOR gene expression was observed in the treatment group with methadone (MM) versus the normal group (C) (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

It seems that physical activity, especially running on treadmill (endurance exercise) in animal model, can be considered as a non-medication and complementary therapy at various stages of dependence and addiction processes. However, further studies are needed especially in human sample.
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Metadata
Title
The effect of endurance exercise and methadone on μ-opioid receptor gene expression in morphine-dependent rats following withdrawal syndrome
Authors
Mahmoud Moezie
Maghsoud Peeri
Hasan Matin Homaee
Publication date
01-03-2020
Publisher
Springer Milan
Published in
Sport Sciences for Health / Issue 1/2020
Print ISSN: 1824-7490
Electronic ISSN: 1825-1234
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11332-019-00596-4

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