Abstract
Internet influences our communication, social and work interactions, entertainment, and many other aspects of life. Even if the original purpose was to simplify our lives, an excessive and/or maladaptive use of it may have negative consequences. The dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene was studied in relation to addictions, including excessive use of the Internet. The crucial role of DAT1 was previously underlined in modulating emotional aspects, such as affiliative behaviors. The present research follows a new approach based on cross-correlation between (de)methylation levels in couples of CpG loci, as previously shown. We investigated the possible relationships between Internet addiction, impulsivity, quality of attachment, DAT1 genotypes (from the 3′-untranslated region (UTR) variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) poly-morphism), and the dynamics of methylation within the 5’-UTR of the DAT1 gene. From a normative sample of 79 youths, we extrapolated three subgroups a posteriori, i.e., one “vulnerable” with high Internet Addiction Test (IAT) scores (and high Barrat Impulsivity Scale (BIS) scores; n = 9) and two “controls’’ with low BIS scores and 10/10 vs. 9/x genotype (n = 12 each). Controls also had a “secure” attachment pattern, while genotypes and attachment styles were undistinguished in the vulnerable subgroup (none showed overt Internet addiction). We found a strongly positive correlation in all groups between CpG2 and CpG3. An unsuspected relationship between the 3’-UTR genotype and a 5’-UTR intra-motif link was revealed by CpG5–CpG6 comparison. The negative correlation between the CpG3–CpG5 positions was quite significant in the control groups (both with genotype 10/10 and with genotype 9/x), whereas a tendency toward positive correlation emerged within the high IAT group. In conclusion, future attention shall be focused on the intra- and inter-motif interactions of methylation on the CpG island at the 5′-UTR of DAT1.
Highlights
Several recent studies [1,2] showed evidence regarding the different psychopathological risks associated with an excessive use of the Internet
While an anti-correlation with a negative R value was clear in controls, a tendency toward positive correlation emerged within the high Internet Addiction Test (IAT) group
DAT1 5’-untranslated region (UTR) based on cross-correlations, showing that specific patterns exist in the dynamics of methylation
Summary
Several recent studies [1,2] showed evidence regarding the different psychopathological risks associated with an excessive use of the Internet. Some of these comorbid symptoms include loss of control over time spent on the Internet, withdrawal symptoms, difficulties in social and emotional relations, and negative mental-health consequences, e.g., other addictions, anxiety, impulsiveness, mood alteration, depression, etc. From a general point of view, there are three main subtypes of the insecure attachment style, among which, in particular, “dismissing” subjects feel comfortable without close emotional relationships.
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