Allelic association of human dopamine D2 receptor gene in alcoholism

Article Abstract:

Alcoholism is a serious health problem which can have devastating effects; the cause of this disorder is unknown. It is currently believed to result from a combination of physical, social, and psychological factors. A higher incidence of alcoholism occurs within families of alcoholics than in the general population, which suggests that there is a genetic factor in this disease. Previous research has indicated that there are genetic markers for alcoholism, but thus far specific gene locations have not been isolated. The dopamine D2 receptor is considered a primary target area for research on alcoholism, and it has been associated with alcoholism. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter, or brain messenger, which has been implicated in alcohol-related behaviors and as a possible genetic factor in alcoholism. To further investigate this relationship, brain tissue from 35 alcoholics was examined for the allele (gene pair) of the dopamine D2 receptor gene. The results were compared with brain tissue samples from 35 individuals who were not alcoholics. Analyses were made for concentrations of this allele using DNA probe techniques. The A1 allele of the dopamine D2 receptor gene was identified in 77 percent of the brain tissue samples from alcoholics, while this receptor gene was absent in 72 percent of the tissue samples from non-alcoholics. These results suggest that a gene which creates a susceptibility to alcoholism is located in this region, which is located on chromosome 11. This supports previous research that indicated there are different subtypes of alcoholism; a 100 percent correlation was not anticipated. Other genetic or environmental factors may be the cause of other forms of alcoholism, or a cross-over (a spontaneous switching of gene pairs that is known to occasionally occur) may also be responsible for this less than 100 percent correlation. Although the results of this study fall short of providing a diagnostic marker, this significant association makes the need for more research in this area more apparent. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Measurement

---

Finding the gene(s) for alcoholism

Article Abstract:

Strong evidence has been provided in the last 20 years to support the idea that a vulnerability to alcoholism is inherited. Studies that have focused on identical twins and adopted children with biological parents who were alcoholics have provided evidence of a genetic factor. Animal model research has also provided evidence that alcoholism may be inherited. In addition, physiological markers have been linked to alcoholism or to a high risk of alcoholism. In the April 18, 1990 issue of The Journal of the American Medical Association, an article by Blum and colleagues reported a strong association between alcoholism and a specific gene, the dopamine D2 receptor gene. Genetic research on the inheritance of diseases generally seeks to identify a gene which determines the abnormality, or a gene or space on the DNA that may not be responsible for the disease, but is rarely separated from the unidentified gene that is responsible for the disease during reproduction. It is likely that alcoholism is a condition that involves several genes, therefore tracing the genetic basis may be difficult. Because alcoholism results in a wide variety of clinical symptoms, the same gene or group of genes is probably not operative in all family groups. In the Blum study, brain tissue from alcoholics was compared with brain tissue from persons with no history of alcoholism, and the D2 dopamine receptor gene was found to be a likely candidate for the genetic basis of at least one form of alcoholism. Other neurotransmitters besides dopamine may be associated with alcoholism as well. The sample group in this study was small, but the researchers controlled for sex and race. This study represents a promising new observation on the brain physiology involved in alcoholism, but confirmation of this work and additional research are needed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

editorial

---

A population-based twin study of alcoholism in women

Article Abstract:

Alcoholism in women may have a strong genetic basis. Interviews of 2,060 twins (1,030 pairs) using the alcohol dependence section of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised (DSM-III-R) revealed that 128 (6%) had alcoholism with dependence, 57 (3%) had alcoholism without dependence and 172 (8%) were problem drinkers. Photographs and family history were used to determine if the twins were identical or fraternal, and this was confirmed by DNA analysis. Among those diagnosed with some kind of alcohol problem, their fraternal twins were more likely to have an alcohol problem than women in the general population. If the twin was identical, she was even more likely to have an alcohol problem. Recent studies of male alcoholics have found a possible association between alcoholism and the D2 dopamine receptor. Women should be included in these kinds of studies.

Women, Alcohol use

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Deletions of interferon genes in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Loss of Smad3 in acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukemia
• Abstracts: Impaired function of macrophage Fc gamma receptors in end-stage renal disease. Erythropoietin for the treatment of porphyria cutanea tarda in a patient on long-term hemodialysis
• Abstracts: Activity of intrapleural recombinant gamma-interferon in malignant mesothelioma. A Phase II study of pirarubicin in malignant pleural mesothelioma
• Abstracts: Morbidity associated with prenatal disruption of the dividing membrane in twin gestations. Monoamniotic twins: a retrospective controlled study
• Abstracts: Maternal alcohol abuse is associated with elevated fetal erythropoietin levels. Outpatient therapeutic abortion with mifepristone

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.