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Schizophrenia and the cannabinoid receptor type 1 (CB1): association study using a single-base polymorphism in coding
S Leroy1, N Griffon, M C Bourdel
1INSERM E 0117-Université Paris V, Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Santé Mentale et Thérapeutique, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, Paris, France.
American Journal of Medical Genetics
|January 23, 2002
Summary
Cannabis use may trigger schizophrenia in susceptible individuals. This study found a link between a specific cannabinoid receptor (CB1) gene variant and schizophrenia subtypes, particularly in non-substance-abusing patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Genetics
Background:
- Cannabis abuse is common in young individuals and is hypothesized to precipitate schizophrenia in vulnerable populations.
- The cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) gene is highly concentrated in dopamine-modulated brain regions, suggesting a potential role in psychiatric disorders.
- Previous research indicated an association between CB1 gene polymorphisms and intravenous drug abuse, but not schizophrenia.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between a single-base polymorphism in the first exon of the CB1 gene and schizophrenia.
- To compare the distribution of CB1 gene alleles and genotypes in schizophrenic patients and matched controls within a French Caucasian population.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted comparing 102 patients with schizophrenia and 63 ethnic- and gender-matched controls.
- A single-base polymorphism in the first exon of the CB1 gene, revealed by MspI, was analyzed.
- Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between patient and control groups, and further stratified by substance abuse history.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in allele or genotype distribution were observed between the overall schizophrenic patient group and controls.
- A borderline lack of the 'g' allele and a significant lack of the 'gg' genotype were found in non-substance-abusing schizophrenic patients compared to substance-abusing patients.
- The genotype distribution in substance-abusing patients was similar to that of the controls.
Conclusions:
- These findings represent the first report of a significant association between the CB1 receptor gene and a subtype of schizophrenia (non-substance-abusing).
- The results suggest a potential role for the cannabinoid system in the pathophysiology of specific schizophrenia subtypes.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and elucidate the precise role of the cannabinoid system in schizophrenia.