Low serum level of epidermal growth factor in chronic ketamine users

Background Growth factors play an important role in brain development. Whether epidermal growth factor (EGF) plays a role in the pathophysiology of ketamine related disorders is unexplored. In this study, we examined the serum levels of EGF in chronic ketamine users as compared with healthy controls. The possible correlation between serum EGF levels with the demographic, ketamine use characteristics and psychopathological symptoms were analyzed. Methods Sixty‐seven chronic ketamine users and 40 healthy subjects were recruited. Serum EGF levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Beck Depression Inventory and Beck Anxiety Inventory. Results The serum level of EGF in the chronic ketamine users was significantly lower than that of healthy subjects (22.34 ± 4.81 pg/ml vs. 87.10 ± 2.96 pg/ml, F = 15.169, p