Association Between the (GT)26 Allele in the GRIN2A Promoter and Opioid Use Disorder

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are involved in the development of opioid use disorder. The (GT)n polymorphism (rs3219790) in the NMDA receptor 2A subunit gene (GRIN2A) has been proposed as a potential biomarker for risk of opioid use disorder. In this case-control study, we investigated the association between rs3219790 and opioid use disorder in a Chinese Han population.

A total of 538 heroin dependent patients and 400 healthy controls were recruited. The genotypes of (GT)n repeats were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-amplifying fragment length polymorphism assay. The association of the (GT)n polymorphism with opioid use disorder and cravings was assessed.

The frequency of the (GT)26 allele in patients with opioid use disorder was significantly greater than that in the controls (p=0.029, odds ratio=1.264, 95% confidence interval=1.025-1.560), consistent with previous findings. Compared with homozygous carriers of short alleles, carriers of long alleles demonstrated significantly stronger drug cravings (p<0.05).

The results confirm that the (GT)26 allele of rs3219790 in the GRIN2A promoter is associated with opioid use disorder. Additionally, a longer rs3219790 allele is correlated with stronger drug cravings.