The Impact of OPIUM and Its Derivatives on Cell Apoptosis and Angiogenesis

Abstract

Opium is an opiate substance with a significant effect on human physiology and behavior. Ancient priests used opium as a powerful healing drug and many medical texts have referred to opium as medication, especially during the nineteenth century. In old days, the medical use of opium was popular and was called "God's medicine". On the other hand, understanding the molecular pathway of opium function within cells is very essential from pathophysiological views and clinical applications. The current literature shows that opium can initialize cell death through activation of apoptotic events, which in turn induces cascade pathways of angiogenesis. In this review article, we attempt to investigate the effects of opium on cell apoptosis and angiogenesis.

Keywords

• opium
• apoptosis
• morphine
• angiogenesis