Opioids prevent regeneration in adult mammals through inhibition of ROS production

Inhibition of regeneration and induction of tissue fibrosis are classic outcomes of tissue repair in adult mammals. Here, using a newly developed model of regeneration in adult mammals i.e. regeneration after massive resection of an inguinal fat pad, we demonstrate that both endogenous and exogenous opioids prevent tissue regeneration in adults, by inhibiting the early production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that generally occurs after lesion and is required for regeneration. These effects can be overcome and regeneration induced by the use of an opioid antagonist. The results obtained in both our new model and the gold standard adult zebrafish demonstrate that this mechanism can be considered as a general paradigm in vertebrates. This work clearly demonstrates that ROS is required for tissue regeneration in adult mammals and shows the deleterious effect of opioids on tissue regeneration through the control of this ROS production. It thus raises questions about opioid-based analgesia in perioperative care.