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International Journal of Sport Studies. Vol., 5 (7), 815-820, 2015
Available online at http: www.ijssjournal.com
ISSN 2251-7502 © 2015; Science Research
The acute response of beta endorphin, cortisol and lipid profile to physical
activity in men addicted to drugs and non-drug
Somayeh Dehghani1*, Farzaneh Taghian2, Arash Ghodousi3, Mahshid Hasanshahi4
1- Department of physical education, Khorasgan (Isfahan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Khorasgan, Iran
2- Associate Professor, Department of Physical Education and Sport sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch,
Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
3- MD assistant professor, Islamic Azad University, Esfahan Branch, Iran
4- Young Researchers and Elite club, Arsanjan Branch, Islamic Azad University (IAU), Arsanjan, Iran
*Corresponding author, Email: [email protected]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the release of beta-endorphin,
cortisol and lipid profile in heroin addicts using aerobic exercise is walking
on a treadmill. Study on two groups of subjects (group1 = male heroin
addicts, 2 = non-addicts who had no history of any drug) with ages about
twenty to thirty years old. In order to measure the level of beta-endorphin,
cortisol and lipid profile after aerobic exercise blood samples were taken in
two stages before and after thirty minutes walking on treadmill which was in
fixed slope condition with initial speed of 4 km/hour which gradually
increased to 6km/hour. The intensity of exercise was set within 50-65% of
maximum heart rate. For statistical analysis of the obtained data, dependent
and independent t-tests with statistical significance P<0.05 were used. The
results showed that the average beta-endorphin and lipid profile before and
after exercise on a treadmill in addicts subjects lower than of non-addicts
group, but not significant (P<0.05). But cortisol levels in both groups had
significant changes. The results of the paired t-test showed that betaendorphin levels and total cholesterol, TG, LDL decreased compared to the
previous practice was not statistically significant. The HDL level increased
in both groups compared to the previous practice, but was not statistically
significant. The cortisol levels fell in both groups compared to the previous
practice was statistically significant. The results showed that the activity of
running on a treadmill with the amount and Intensity for a significant
reduction in the levels of lipid profile and a significant increase in the
secretion of beta-endorphin addict does not seem enough. Whereas cortisol
levels in both groups showed a significant decrease.
Key words: Lipid profile, beta-endorphins, aerobic exercise, cortisol
Introduction
Drug dependence among the most fundamental human issues of our times, and unfortunately the day on
which the increased number of victims and the effects of physical, psychological, cultural, social and family
bring(Iranian National Drug Control Headquarters, 2010). The first problem is related to the individual is
created, the effects of drugs on the motivational system (brain reward system) is odd. Thus the neuro-endocrine
disrupting effects in the context of long-term dependence on individual caused (Jamalian, 2007). Addiction is a
complex disorder that can have multiple causes (Kreek et al., 2004). Drugs due to their pharmacological effects
in the brain phenomena such as dependence, tolerance, withdrawal syndrome and sensitivity are the factors
Intl. j. Sport Std. Vol., 5 (7), 815-820, 2015
leading to chronic use of drugs are in a person (Thomas et al., 1998) .Man has to relieve pain and treat some
diseases of the drugs used (Jalali et al., 2002). Heroin, weakens the central nervous system (Vazirian, 2005).
Heroin and morphine bind to opiate receptors are those that are not filled to relieve pain. Frequent consumption
of heroin reduces the body's production of endorphins and thus need more heroin to opiate receptors fill and
reduce pain. With the withdrawal symptoms of heroin withdrawal painful experience, because they reduce the
normal production of endorphins, more opiate receptors remain unfilled. The body's natural opiates heroin
substitute (Atkinson, 2009).
Beta-endorphins are one of the groups Endorphins are released in the blood. Beta-endorphins are released
into the blood, the blood barrier - the brain cannot be too much blood enters the brain and the ability to measure
the physiological significance. Beta-endorphin is a laminate product of (POMC) is a hormone precursor for
adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) production. So wherever adrenocorticotropic release, beta-endorphin is
released. Beta-endorphins produced by the cells that transmit pain and stick to clog up the function of these cells
and thereby reduce pain. Beta-endorphins addition to reducing pain cause makes happy and alacrity in a person.
Scientist's debate, physical activity, a considerable amount of beta-endorphins is released (Goldfarb et al, 1997).
Numerous studies have shown that beta-endorphin have measured the levels of these substances increases with
exercise. Previous studies have considered the release of endogenous opiate that can increase the pain threshold
and even the next day remains high (Lett et al., 2001). All the evidence shows that exercise increases the amount
of androgen Opioids (Meeusen, 1995). Cortisol secretion mediated by the nervous and hormonal systems is
used, depending on the health and performance of the hypothalamic-pituitary and adrenal gland. Cortisol
hormone secretion of from the adrenal gland in response to the natural secretion Adrenocorticotropic hormone
(ACTH) from the pituitary. Opiates and amino acid opioid (narcotic) Adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion
from the pituitary physiology are prevented. This is probably due to drug binding to the opioid receptors, k and
S (Naser Alavi, 2003).
Beta-endorphin and cortisol response to exercise is different. According to studies and experiments, the
concentration of beta-endorphin and cortisol in most cases depends on the intensity of exercise (Farrell et al.,
1982). Drug use affects the nervous system of reward in the human brain; The extra food substitute drugs to
stimulate the nerve centers in the brain and eating patterns and eating disorders are the most common (Abrantes
et al., 2006; Michael, 2006). Increased lipid, lipoprotein and blood cholesterol as important factors in the
incidence of heart disease has been introduced, To the extent that these factors Framingham Heart Association
With golden factors predicting risk of cardiovascular disease presents (Souri et al., 2007). The risk of
cardiovascular disease with cholesterol levels are directly correlated, So that the order of more than 45 and 47
percent of deaths in men and women could be related to increased levels of blood cholesterol (Knauss, 2005;
Press, 2003).
Materials and Methods
Statistical Population and Sample
According to the nature of the subject and aims of the study, current research is semi-experimental and
practical in which by pre-tests and post-tests blood samples were collected. People who were intended to be
studied in this research were two groups: 1) addicted2) non-addicted, they were all men with the ages in the
range of 20 to 30 years old. The first groups are 15 heroin addicts who were randomly selected from 47 clients
of Toole Mehr clinics in Shiraz. Second group consists of 15 nonathletic students of Azad university of Shiraz
who had no background of drug consumption. Research Protocol After explaining the aims and procedure of
research, written consent and health questionnaire, in order to check the health status of group 2(non-addicts)
and to make sure that they are not addicted, were given to members of two groups. After receipt of the consent
and health questionnaire, some physical and physiological indices such as age, drug type, duration of addiction
was recorded.
The members of the two groups in one session of thirty minute involving warm-up, main event and cooldown walked on treadmill. According to researches, walking on treadmill with speeds 4-6 km/h stimulates
secretion of beta-endorphin in cardiac patients (Prapavessis, 2007). So in this research speed of walking on
treadmill starts with 4km/h an increases up to 6km/h. due to the specific status of addicts, slope of moving strip
is set to be zero. The intensity of exercise was set within 50-65% of maximum heart rate. Blood samples of 5 ml
were taken by a doctor in two stages before and after walking on treadmill and were poured in tubes containing
anti-coacoalescence material EDTA for test.
Methods of Experimental Measurement
The amount of change in beta-endorphin in blood samples after separation of serum was studied by the
ELISA apparatus. To do this, the beta-endorphin KIT with this specifications Endorphin beta human EIA KIT
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(range: 0-100 ng/ml) manufactured by Fonix Company in Germany, was used. Total cholesterol, HDL,
triglycerides and LDL cholesterol by barking test kits and equipment auto machine Elan was measured. Cortisol
levels were measured by ELISA.
Statistical Analysis
In order to compare mean level of beta-endorphin before and after study between two groups t independent
test and to compare the mean value before and after study in each group the coupled-t test was used. Statistical
significance in this research was < 0.05.
Results
According to Table 1, the average beta-endorphin and lipid profile before and after exercise on a treadmill in
addicts than non-addicts, which is not significant p< 0.05. Comparison between the mean values before and
after the activity, the amount of beta-endorphin addicts using independent t-test showed that this difference in
beta-endorphin variables, lipid profile were not statistically significant. Thus 30 minute aerobic walking on
treadmill between beta-endorphin levels and lipid profile in both addicts and non-addicts did not cause
significant. But cortisol levels in both groups had significant changes.
Table 1: Beta-endorphin and cortisol response, lipid profile of physical activity in men,
drug addicts and non-addicts
Variables
group
T independent test
(p value)
pre
pos
addicts
Beta-endorphin
non- addicts 0.127 0.194
(ng/ml)
TG
((mg. l -1)
Total cholesterol
(mg. l -1)
HDL
((mg. l -1)
LDL
(mg. l -1)
Cortisol
(ng/ml)
addicts
non- addicts
0.28
0.35
addicts
non- addicts
0.431
0.429
addicts
non- addicts
0.18
0.27
addicts
non- addicts
0.42
0.79
0.000
0.000
addicts
non- addicts
The results of the paired t-test were used to compare variables between the two groups before and after drug
addicts and non-addicts are listed in Table 2. Beta-endorphin levels and total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL
decreased compared to the previous practice which was not statistically significant. The HDL levels increased in
both groups compared to the previous practice, but were not statistically significant. The cortisol levels fell in
both groups compared to the previous practice was statistically significant.
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Table 2: Results of the paired t-test was used to compare variables between the two groups before and
after drug addicts and non-addicts
variables
group
mean ± standard deviation
paired t-test (p
value)
Beta-endorphin
(ng/ml)
Before exercise
After exercise
1.21±0.26
1.19±0.26
1.34±0.20
1.31±0.22
197.92 ± 95.44
195.66 ± 87.81
214.45 ± 88.24
207.36 ± 98.12
229.25 ± 67.67
224.01 ± 77.36
209.70 ± 87.60
204.46 ± 70.86
33.49 ± 7.34
35.88 ± 6.45
44.58 ± 8.28
49.94 ± 9.39
134.82 ± 22.86
131.88 ± 33.97
119.50 ± 31.47
115.68 ± 29.61
5.20 ± 0.29
4.70 ± 0.83
4.00 ± 0.27
3.50 ± 0.63
addicts
non- addicts
addicts
TG
((mg. l -1)
Total cholesterol
(mg. l -1)
0.12
non- addicts
0.43
addicts
0.54
non- addicts
0.81
addicts
HDL
((mg. l -1)
0.11
non- addicts
0.21
addicts
LDL
(mg. l -1)
0.34
non- addicts
0.41
addicts
Cortisol
(ng/ml)
0.76
0.48
0.001
non- addicts
0.000
Discussion and Conclusion
In the present study, beta endorphin levels and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and decreased after
exercise, which was not statistically significant. HDL levels compared to pre-exercise also increased in both
groups, but the difference was not statistically significant. The cortisol levels fell in both groups compared to the
previous practice was statistically significant. Addiction as compulsive use of a substance despite negative
consequences which frequently defined on health can be caused by various drugs (Jamalian, 2007). The most
addictive drugs on morphine and heroin have been studied, including substances such as cocaine, marijuana and
nicotine-derived cannabinoids are (Jamalian, 2007; Ghasemi, 2010) These drugs affect the brain in different
ways, but they all have in common the fact that they all levels of dopamine D3 receptors in the nucleus
accumbens available to work a lot. So they actually stimulate the brain's reward system (Jamalian, 2007).
One of the very interesting exercises is to produce new neurons. The neurons in the hyppocamp, where
learning and memory, are produced. However, the precise mechanism of neuronal production is unknown. At
the cellular level, pressure balancing exercise occurs through exercise, calcium and stimulates the factor,
stimulates the transfer of donor in the hippocampus. This factor stimulating the production of BDNF gene
causes the production of new neurons in BDNF protein boost. Thus, BDNF production of a protective response
against the pressure and stress. Thus, BDNF plays a restorative role. For example, in a comparison of active and
inactive mice, researchers found that active mice after injury, axons of the sciatic produce more than their
sedentary mice. The healing effect is seen in humans, since the early 30s, the brain begins to lose its neuronal
tissues (Andrea, 2006). Therefore, if the serum levels of beta-endorphins exercise can enhance the brain's
reward system would increase the influence of dopamine available. In addition to the effect on μ receptors will
be able to increase exercise tolerance, particularly pressure. Therefore less dependent binding of foreign
substances will require because the effectiveness of these materials more effectively exercise the brain's reward
system. In the present study, beta endorphin levels decreased compared to the previous practice which was not
statistically significant. High levels of endorphins in the brain regions associated with pain, breathing, motor
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activity, secretion of pituitary hormones, emotions, etc., indicating widespread and diverse physiological effects
of opioid peptides is critical. Stress, such as the threshold of pain, and blood levels of endorphins in the brain
increases. Noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems and communications between opioid systems is robust and
effective.
Thus, opioids, although part of the regulatory system shows the response to pain and stress, it is possible to
set the motor or behavioral response (relative to environmental stimuli) also play a determinant role (Tamas,
2007). Physical activity increases the release of beta-endorphins can be. Release of beta-endorphins in stress
condition is extremely low. Submaximal exercise (30 minutes running on the treadmill), increased levels of
beta-endorphins are 2 to 5 times. However, the amount of the increase is related to individual characteristics.
When the concentration of beta-endorphins start to increase after the exercise intensity that is greater than 50%
V02 max. Increase in the level of beta-endorphins can occur at low load, save time, increase (Anthony, 2006). In
this study 30 minute walk on a treadmill beta-endorphin levels have been significantly reduced which may be
due to drug addiction and lack of sufficient intensity and duration of the exercise. Beta-endorphin release has a
great effect on the duration of the exercise (Petraglia et al., 1990). Beta-endorphin levels in terms of stress
cycles with low activity, which was consistent with the present study. Beta-endorphin we see increased activity
(Maisel et al., 1990). As noted, a session of aerobic exercise reduced blood cortisol concentration immediately
after the workout. Average concentrations of the hormone at the end of practice to rest, decreased.
The results of the research results (Gratty et al., 1983; and Tinp, 1983 and Rezai et al., 2014) is in line with
research but (Carroll et al., 1992) ran the lack of correlation may be due to the different type of exercise (high,
medium, low) or for them to be carried out.
Research findings suggest that exercise intensity had no significant effect on changes in blood lipid profile
subjects. To justify this change can be noted that the practice of theory to practice threshold intensity required to
make changes that benefit such changes were made. Just train with high intensity and long duration can be of all
these variables increase and exercises used in the study of the intensity and duration not sufficiently because of
sufficient severity to cause significant alterations in the range of 85% of maximal oxygen uptake is (Hoeger,
2007). However, along with diet and exercise to determine the effects of dietary restriction on health-related
factors addicts more studies are needed.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare no conflict of interest
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