Essential and Toxic Trace Metals Status in Chronic Hashish Consumers: Evidence from a Pakistani Cohort

Asmat Ullah; Abad  Khan; Asif Ali

doi:10.37762/jgmds.12-4.755

Authors

Asmat Ullah Department of Pharmacy, The University of Swabi
Abad Khan Department of Pharmacy, University of Swabi
Asif Ali Department of Pharmacy, University of Swabi

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37762/jgmds.12-4.755

Keywords:

Hashish, Trace Elements, Metalloenzymes, Cell Injury, Free Radicals, Oxidative Stress

Abstract

OBJECTIVES

Chronic hashish consumption may influence trace metal homeostasis and promote oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate serum concentrations of essential and toxic trace elements-iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd)-in long-term hashish users.

METHODOLOGY

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Peshawar, Pakistan, involving 104 adult males aged 25-60 years, divided into chronic hashish users (n = 53) and non-users (n = 51). Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for trace metal content using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) following nitric and perchloric acid digestion.

RESULTS
Mean serum concentrations of Fe (2.6 ± 0.3 µg/dL) and Cu (0.5 ± 0.1 µg/dL) were significantly elevated in hashish users compared to non-users (2.4 ± 0.2 µg/dL and 0.3 ± 0.02 µg/dL, respectively; p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were observed in Zn, Pb, or Cd levels. Pearson's correlation revealed no significant association between trace metal levels and either duration or quantity of hashish use.

Conclusion: Elevated iron and copper levels in hashish users suggest a potential disturbance in the regulation of redox-active metals. While this may contribute to oxidative stress, direct biomarkers were not assessed in the current study. Further mechanistic studies are warranted to confirm this link.

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Author Biographies

Asmat Ullah, Department of Pharmacy, The University of Swabi

PhD Scholar,
Department of Pharmacy, The University of Swabi

Abad Khan, Department of Pharmacy, University of Swabi

Associate Professor & Chairman,
Department of Pharmacy, The University of Swabi

Asif Ali, Department of Pharmacy, University of Swabi

M.Phil Scholar,
Department of Pharmacy, The University of Swabi

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