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Memory function and serotonin transporter promoter gene polymorphism in ecstasy (MDMA) users.
Liesbeth Reneman1, T Schilt, Maartje M de Win
1Graduate School of Neurosciences, Department of Radiology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands. l.reneman@amc.uva.nl
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford, England)
|April 1, 2006
Summary
Heavy 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy) use may cause long-term memory impairments. Moderate use showed no memory deficits, and genetic factors like 5-HTTLPR and gender did not influence these outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychopharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) is known to damage serotonin (5-HT) neurons, but its long-term cognitive consequences remain unclear.
- Serotonin transporter promoter gene region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms may influence synaptic 5-HT levels and cognitive function.
- Investigating MDMA's impact requires considering potential genetic and gender-related factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the effects of moderate and heavy MDMA use on cognitive function.
- To assess cognitive function in individuals abstinent from MDMA long-term.
- To determine if 5-HTTLPR genotype or gender moderates these effects.
Main Methods:
- Compared cognitive performance across four groups: moderate MDMA users, heavy MDMA users, ex-MDMA users, and controls.
- Utilized a neuropsychological test battery assessing memory, reaction time, and attention/executive function.
- Genotyped participants for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism using polymerase chain reaction.
Main Results:
- Significant group differences were found in memory function (p=0.04), but not reaction time or attention/executive function.
- Heavy and ex-MDMA users exhibited poorer memory performance compared to controls.
- Moderate MDMA users showed no memory impairment; 5-HTTLPR genotype and gender had no significant effect.
Conclusions:
- Moderate MDMA use is not associated with memory impairment.
- Heavy MDMA use may lead to persistent memory deficits.
- Neither 5-HTTLPR genotype nor gender significantly impacted MDMA's effects on memory function in this study.