Genetics of opiate addiction
Brian Reed1, Eduardo R Butelman, Vadim Yuferov
1The Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
Current Psychiatry Reports
|September 12, 2014
Summary
Genetic factors influence susceptibility to opioid and heroin addiction. Understanding these genetic markers is crucial for developing new treatments and identifying individuals at higher risk or with better treatment responses.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Opioid and heroin addiction remain a significant public health crisis in the 21st century, causing widespread morbidity.
- Identifying the genetic underpinnings of addiction susceptibility is vital for advancing treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review genetic association studies on heroin and opiate addiction.
- To highlight replicated findings with potential for clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Focus on reviewing genetic association studies.
- Emphasis on studies with reproducible results.
Main Results:
- Genetic factors play a role in vulnerability and protection from opioid addiction.
- Genetic markers may predict response to pharmacotherapy.
Conclusions:
- Genomic insights can inform the development of novel therapeutic targets for addiction.
- Understanding genetic predispositions can personalize addiction treatment and prevention efforts.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
1.6K
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not...
1.6K
01:22Opioid Receptors: Overview
7.0K
Opioid receptors, including the mu (μ, MOR), delta (δ, DOR), and kappa (κ, KOR) types, belong to the rhodopsin family of G protein-coupled receptors. These receptors are located throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems and in non-neuronal tissues such as macrophages and astrocytes. Opioid receptor ligands can be categorized into agonists or antagonists. Highly selective agonists include [d-Ala2, MePhe4, Gly(ol)5]-enkephalin or DAMGO for MOR, [D-Pen2,...
7.0K
01:28Human Genetics
2.0K
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
2.0K
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
3.2K
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
3.2K
01:20Opioid Analgesics: Morphine and Other Natural Cogeners
1.6K
Opioids are a class of drugs that mimic endogenous opioid peptides and act on opioid receptors, and help in pain relief. These compounds are classified as natural, synthetic, or semi-synthetic. Natural opioids, like morphine, codeine, and thebaine, are derived from the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum or Papaver album) and are termed opiates. Synthetic opioids are artificial, while semi-synthetic opioids combine natural and synthetic compounds. Morphine, a prototypical opioid, possesses a...
1.6K
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
1.5K
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...
1.5K