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Platelet monoamine oxidase in alcoholism
G N Pandey1, J Fawcett, R Gibbons
1Illinois State Psychiatric Institute, Chicago 60612.
Biological Psychiatry
|May 1, 1988
Summary
Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity is significantly lower in alcoholic patients compared to controls. This enzyme may serve as a biological marker for identifying high-risk individuals and subtyping alcoholism.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
Background:
- Alcoholism is a complex disorder with potential biological underpinnings.
- Previous research suggests alterations in neurotransmitter systems in individuals with alcoholism.
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is an enzyme involved in neurotransmitter metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity in alcoholic patients during early abstinence.
- To compare MAO activity between alcoholic patients and healthy controls.
- To explore the potential of MAO as a biological marker for alcoholism subtypes.
Main Methods:
- Platelet MAO activity was measured using 14C-tyramine as a substrate.
- The study included 75 hospitalized alcoholic patients and 123 non-hospitalized normal control volunteers.
- Statistical analyses were performed to compare MAO activity between groups and identify distribution patterns.
Main Results:
- Alcoholic patients exhibited significantly lower platelet MAO activity than normal controls.
- Male alcoholics showed significantly lower MAO activity compared to normal males.
- Analysis revealed two distinct distributions of MAO activity in alcoholics, with one component associated with younger age, earlier onset, and a family history of alcoholism (resembling Type II alcoholics).
Conclusions:
- Reduced platelet MAO activity is a characteristic finding in alcoholic patients.
- Platelet MAO activity may serve as a valuable biomarker for subtyping alcoholism.
- This enzyme activity could aid in the early identification of individuals at higher risk for developing alcoholism.