Comparison of pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP, ADCYAP1) gene polymorphisms among patients with methamphetamine addiction, methamphetamine-induced psychosis and healthy controls

Abstract

ObjectiveRecent studies have shown the role of the PACAPergic system in addiction and psychotic disorders. Studies also show the close association of methamphetamine with psychosis. In our study, we aim to compare the distribution of PACAP rs2856966, rs2231181, and rs1610037 gene polymorphisms, as determined according to literature research, among the patients with methamphetamine addiction (MA), patients with methamphetamine-induced psychosis (MIP), and healthy controls (HC), and to investigate the associations of these polymorphisms with MA and MIP. MethodsIn all, 173 patients diagnosed with MA, 120 patients diagnosed with MIP, and 104 HC without any history of substance abuse were included. Inter-group PACAP rs2856966, rs2231181, and rs1610037 genotypes were examined. ResultsThe rs2231181 CC genotype was determined to increase the risk of MA by 2708 times (β=2708, P=0.010) and the risk of MIP by 2786 times (β=2786, P=0.010). The rs1610037 GG genotype was observed to increase the risk of MA by 9322 times (β=9322, P<0.001) and the risk of MIP by 6579 times (β=6579, P=0.004). ConclusionThrough the PACAPergic system, new treatment interventions specific to MIP and for reducing relapses in MA can be developed. Moreover, treatments to be developed through the PACAPergic system may also be beneficial in preventing the neurotoxicity caused by methamphetamine, by the effect of PACAP on neural development.