WNT-Inducible Signaling Pathway Protein 1 (WISP-1) and Malondialdehyde Level in Methamphetamine Users and Its Effects on the Kidneys

Year 2025, Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 193 - 199, 01.09.2025

Shatha Hamed Jwaid , Huda Farhan Ahmed Shahbaa Waheed

https://doi.org/10.28978/nesciences.1704076

Abstract

Methamphetamine is an extremely addictive stimulant of the central nervous system. It makes a person more alert and physically active, but also causes a rapid heart rate, violent behaviour, high blood pressure, and hallucinations. Methamphetamine is metabolised by the liver and excreted by the kidneys, causing inflammation and may lead to fibrosis in both kidneys. Both WNT-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP-1), which is engaged in fibrotic processes in a variety of organ systems, and malondialdehyde (MDA), which is an indicator of oxidative stress in kidney tissue and is measured in blood, assesses damage caused by oxidative reactions, have been studied.
In this research, we aim to inspect the impact of different concentrations and durations of methamphetamine use on kidney toxicity and fibrosis, and the correlation between the level of methamphetamine use and the biomarkers WISP-1 and MDA as new potential biomarkers. 75 men with methamphetamine addiction and misusing the drug for more than 6 months up to upto120 months at varying dosages participated in this case-control study. Furthermore, 75 healthy controls with ages ranging from 18 to 51 were part of groups at the Social Rehabilitation Centre for Addictions, Medico-legal Institute, and Medical City Department in Baghdad from February to July 2021. The study measured biomarkers, including WISP-1 and MDA levels, by Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent assay. Urea, creatinine and albumin by the Beckman Coulter automation system, Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimated mathematically. Serum concentration of methamphetamine levels by Randox Evidence MultiSTAT Immnoanalyser (Drugs Of Abuse (DOA) Toxplex Blood Array). The result shown there was a significant difference [P-value<0.001] in serum urea, creatinine, albumin and GFR. It also a positive correlation between kidney test and the concentration of methamphetamine uses the duration of abuse. The correlation was positive between WISP-1 and MDA levels in this study. Methamphetamine is harmful to renal health, according to the study. Elevated WISP-1 and MDA levels imply progressive fibrosis with ongoing damage to the kidney, showing a positive correlation with duration of addiction and methamphetamine concentration levels.

Keywords

kidney dysfunction and fibrosis , methamphetamine addicts , WNT , WISP-1 , Malondialdehyde , GFR

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