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FosB mRNA Expression in Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes in Drug Addicted Patients

Quézia Silva Anders1, Jaisa Klauss1, Livia Carla de Melo Rodrigues2

  • 1Laboratory of Cognitive Sciences and Neuropsychopharmacology, Program of Post-Graduation in Physiological Sciences, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil.

Frontiers in Pharmacology
|November 9, 2018
PubMed

Insights

FosB gene expression in lymphocytes was lower in individuals with crack-cocaine use disorder and alcohol use disorder compared to healthy controls. This finding suggests FosB mRNA may serve as a biomarker for substance use disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The FosB gene plays a role in transcriptional regulation via activator protein 1 (AP-1) complexes.
  • Altered FosB gene expression is implicated in the neurobiological adaptations associated with drug addiction and craving.
  • Investigating peripheral markers for substance use disorders is crucial for diagnostic and therapeutic advancements.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify FosB mRNA expression in peripheral blood lymphocytes of individuals with substance use disorders.
  • To determine if FosB mRNA levels differ between patients with crack-cocaine use disorder (CUD), alcohol use disorder (AUD), and healthy controls (CONT).
  • To explore the potential of FosB mRNA as a peripheral biomarker for substance use disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to measure FosB mRNA expression.
  • Peripheral blood lymphocytes were collected from patients diagnosed with CUD (n=10), AUD (n=12), and healthy controls (n=12).
  • Statistical analysis included fold change calculations and Hedge's effect size (g_s) to compare gene expression levels.

Main Results:

  • FosB mRNA expression was detected in peripheral blood lymphocytes, a novel finding.
  • A 1.15-fold reduction in FosB mRNA was observed in CUD patients compared to controls.
  • A significant 2.17-fold reduction in FosB mRNA was found in AUD patients compared to controls.
  • Effect sizes indicated moderate (CUD) to small (AUD) differences in FosB mRNA expression relative to controls.

Conclusions:

  • FosB mRNA is expressed in human peripheral blood lymphocytes.
  • Drug addiction, specifically CUD and AUD, is associated with reduced FosB mRNA expression in lymphocytes.
  • Lymphocyte FosB mRNA levels represent a potential peripheral biomarker for identifying substance use disorders.
Keywords:
FosBalcohol use disordercrack-cocaine use disorderlymphocytemRNA expression

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