Abstract
Numerous studies have investigated the association between the OPRM1 A118G polymorphism (rs1799971) and alcohol dependence, but the results have been inconsistent. The endogenous opioid system has been implicated in the development of alcohol dependence for its prominent role in the central rewarding mechanism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of the A118G polymorphism of the OPRM1 gene in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS). The OPRM1 (rs1799971) polymorphism was investigated in an association study of a group of ADS patients (n = 177) and in subgroups (delirium tremens and/or seizures, age at onset <26 years, dissocial alcoholics, positive familial history of alcoholism, delirium tremens, and seizures). The control group consisted of healthy volunteers, with matched gender and age, and with psychiatric disorders excluded (n = 162). Our research shows that there are differences in the genotypes and alleles of the OPRM1 polymorphism in the case-control study. Furthermore, we observed associations in our homogeneous subgroups - in the group of patients with ADS and accompanying delirium tremens and/or seizures at the genotype level, as well as in the subgroup of patients under 26 years of age with an early onset of dependence. It is strongly possible that the G allele described in numerous studies can be associated with a response to treatment, but not typology, or the very predisposition toward alcoholism. It is necessary to carry out further research which would embrace a larger group of patients; it should be divided into other homogeneous subgroups, including, e.g., naltrexone pharmacotherapy.
Highlights
The history of research on the opioid system dates back to the period of interest in the physiological effects of morphine, which is one of the alkaloids found in poppy seeds, or more precisely, opium
It is strongly possible that the G allele described in numerous studies can be associated with a response to treatment, but not typology, or the very predisposition toward alcoholism
It is necessary to carry out further research which would embrace a larger group of patients; it should be divided into other homogeneous subgroups, including, e.g., naltrexone pharmacotherapy
Summary
The history of research on the opioid system dates back to the period of interest in the physiological effects of morphine, which is one of the alkaloids found in poppy seeds, or more precisely, opium. Thanks to the experiments carried out 38 years ago, morphine-binding receptors have been discovered.[1,2] As part of the research, 3 basic types of opioid receptors – μ, δ, κ (mi, delta and kappa) – were singled out. Opioid receptors are mainly present in the central nervous system, in the cellular membrane of neurons. They can be found in some types of smooth muscles, as well as the digestive tract, immune system cells, uterus, heart, and lungs. The endogenous opioid system has been implicated in the development of alcohol dependence for its prominent role in the central rewarding mechanism
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