Evaluating the impact of antioxidant enzymes on cardiometabolic health markers among methamphetamine users compared with healthy participants

Background: Methamphetamine (MA) use induces oxidative stress and metabolic dysregulation. Objectives: This study is to compare and explore the association between oxidative stress markers and cardio metabolic risk factors in order to elucidate potential mechanisms linking MA use with metabolic and cardiovascular complications. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted and a total of 70 males aged 18 years and above were enrolled from Mamajee Welfare Trust: 35 healthy controls (Group A) and 35 MA users (Group B) confirmed via drug panel testing. Sociodemographic characteristics, substance use patterns, lifestyle behaviors and anthropometric indices were recorded through structured questionnaires. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose, Troponin-I and antioxidant enzyme activities using standardized assays. Data analysis was performed using statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS) software (version 20). Results: MA users reported significantly higher smoking, alcohol intake and physical inactivity. Body mass index (BMI) and systolic blood pressure were also significantly elevated (p<0.01). MA users exhibited pronounced dyslipidemia with increased lipid variables. Antioxidant enzyme activity was significantly lower in MA users, with higher catalase (5.31 ± 0.15 vs. 4.89 ± 0.32 ng/mL; p=0.047) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels (127 ± 43.1 vs. 109 ± 23.4 pg/mL; p=0.003) in healthy controls vs. MA users, respectively. In methamphetamine users, catalase correlated positively with BMI, cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). While SOD in this group showed a significant positive association with blood pressure, lipid markers and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL), with a near-significant trend for Troponin-I. A significant interrelationship between catalase and SOD (r=0.381, p=0.003) in MA users was also observed. In multivariable analysis, MA use and antioxidant enzyme levels (catalase, SOD) were independently associated with BMI, blood pressure and lipid abnormalities. Conclusion: MA use is associated with considerable cardiometabolic disturbances and compromised antioxidant defenses, highlighting the need for early screening and preventive interventions.