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Genetic influences on craving for alcohol
Arpana Agrawal1, Leah Wetherill2, Kathleen K Bucholz1
1Washington University School of Medicine, USA.
Addictive Behaviors
|April 7, 2012
Summary
Genetic factors influence alcohol craving, with some genes associated with both craving and alcohol dependence. However, specific genetic variants appear uniquely linked to craving, suggesting distinct genetic underpinnings for this symptom in alcohol dependence.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Alcohol craving is a key symptom considered for inclusion in the DSM-5.
- Genetic influences on alcohol craving are not well understood, particularly in relation to alcohol dependence.
- Investigating the genetic basis of craving is crucial for understanding its role in alcohol use disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic underpinnings of alcohol craving.
- To determine if genetic influences on craving are distinct from those on alcohol dependence.
- To identify specific genes and genetic variants associated with alcohol craving.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a large sample (N=3976) of adults with alcohol dependence.
- Factor analysis to assess the relationship between craving and DSM-IV alcohol dependence criteria.
- Genetic association studies examining dopamine pathway genes (DRD1-4, SLC6A3, SNCA) and a genomewide association study (GWAS).
Main Results:
- Alcohol craving was highly prevalent (21%) and strongly associated with alcohol dependence criteria.
- Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DRD3 and SNCA genes showed association with craving.
- A novel SNP in the ITGAD gene (rs2454908) demonstrated significant association with craving in the GWAS.
- These associated SNPs showed a stronger link to craving than to alcohol dependence without craving.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol craving is common among individuals with alcohol dependence.
- While some genes are associated with both craving and dependence, specific variants may uniquely influence craving.
- These findings suggest distinct genetic factors contribute to alcohol craving in the context of alcohol dependence.
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