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The Search for Biochemical Markers.
Robert M Anthenelli1, Boris Tabakoff1
1Robert M. Anthenelli, M.D., is an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, and director of the Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program, San Diego Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Diego, California. Boris Tabakoff, Ph.D., is a professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado.
Scientists are exploring enzyme activity levels, specifically monoamine oxidase (MAO) and adenylyl cyclase (AC), as potential biochemical markers for alcoholism. Lower levels of these enzymes may indicate a predisposition or subtype of alcoholism.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
Background:
- Alcoholism lacks reliable biochemical markers for diagnosis and risk assessment.
- Enzyme activity levels, particularly platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) and adenylyl cyclase (AC), are being investigated as potential indicators.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) and adenylyl cyclase (AC) activity levels as biochemical markers for alcoholism.
- To determine if these enzyme levels can distinguish between alcoholics and non-alcoholics or identify individuals at risk.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of genetically determined enzyme activity levels in platelets.
- Comparison of MAO and AC activity in alcoholic and non-alcoholic populations.
Main Results:
- Significantly lower MAO activity levels observed in alcoholics, potentially marking an early-onset subtype.
- Reduced AC activity levels frequently found in alcoholics, even after abstinence, possibly indicating a different subtype.
Conclusions:
- Platelet MAO and AC activity levels show promise as biochemical markers for alcoholism subtypes.
- Further research is needed to elucidate their role in alcoholism diagnosis, progression, and treatment.
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