Evaluation of the Effects of Opium on the Expression of SOX2 and OCT4 in Wistar Rat Bladder

BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer is a malignancy greatly affected by behavioral habits. The aim of this studywas to examine the effect of opium on changes in the expression of OCT4 and SOX2 in the bladder tissue of rats. METHOD: Thirty six rats were divided into six groups: 24 rats in the addicted group received morphine and opium for 4 months with 12 rats in the control group. Blood testingwas done for the evaluation of CBC, MDA, and TAC. The bladder tissue was removed and checked by histopathological examination. All total RNA was extracted, then cDNAs were synthesized and the OCT4 and SOX2 gene expressions were evaluated by Real-time PCR. RESULTS: The OCT4 mRNA expression level in the opium group of rats was significantly increased compared to the control group (13.5 and 6.8 fold in males and females respectively). Also, in the morphine group, similar augmentation was detected (3.8 and 6.7 fold in males and females respectively). The SOX2 mRNA over-expression level was seen in the morphine group of both genders as compared to the control group (3.7 and 4.2 fold in male and female respectively) but in the opium group, enhancement of mRNA level was seen only in males (6.6 fold). Opium increases both OCT4 and SOX2 expression more than morphine in male rats, but in female rats, SOX2 is increased more by morphine. CONCLUSION: Over expression of OCT4 and SOX2 was observed in rats treated with opium and morphine. Increased OCT4 and SOX2 expression was seen in opium-treated male rats, but in female rats, SOX2 was increased more by morphine.