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GABRA2 and KIBRA genotypes predict early relapse to substance use
L O Bauer1, J Covault, J Gelernter
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030-2103, USA. lbauer@uchc.edu
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|December 2, 2011
Summary
Certain gene variations (SNPs) like GABRA2 and KIBRA may predict relapse in substance abuse treatment. These genetic markers, along with younger age and drug use history, increase the risk of abstinence failure.
Area of Science:
- Addiction research
- Genetics of substance abuse
- Clinical psychology
Background:
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are linked to substance involvement and risk factors like impaired cognitive control.
- The predictive power of these SNPs for relapse (abstinence failure) in treatment is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the predictive value of specific SNPs (GABRA2, CHRM2, ANKK1, BDNF, KIBRA) for relapse in individuals undergoing substance abuse treatment.
- To assess if genetic markers add predictive value beyond clinical factors like age and substance use history.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 146 residential substance abuse treatment patients with 2-6 months of prior abstinence were followed for 4 months.
- Logistic and Cox regression analyses examined the association of age, sex, intake symptoms, and specific SNP genotypes with time to first abstinence violation.
Main Results:
- GABRA2 and KIBRA genotypes, younger age, and higher intake of drug abuse problems were significantly associated with increased relapse risk.
- These genetic markers demonstrated added value in predicting relapse, even after accounting for age and previous drug use problems.
Conclusions:
- Genetic analyses, specifically involving GABRA2 and KIBRA genotypes, show potential for enhancing outcome prediction in substance abuse treatment.
- Further research is needed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of these genetic predictors across diverse populations and settings.
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