Association of Galanin and Its Receptor Gene Polymorphism with Opioid Dependence: Preliminary Findings from India

Genetic factors contribute to the development of opioid dependence syndrome (ODS), with evidence suggesting that the neuropeptide galanin, which plays a role in the stress response, may influence addiction risk through its receptor galanin receptor 1 (GALR1). However, this area is largely unexplored in the Indian context.

This case-control study included 85 opioid-dependent patients and 85 healthy controls, all males, recruited from a tertiary care hospital in North India. All participants were assessed using a socio-demographic proforma, a case record form for substance use parameters, and the World Health Organization Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (WHO-ASSIST) to assess harmful use of other substances. Participants were genotyped for polymorphisms in the galanin gene (GAL rs948854, rs3136541) and its receptor gene (GALR1 rs9807208).

The GAL rs3136541 and GALR1 rs9807208 polymorphisms showed significant differences in the genotypic distribution between cases and controls. The GALR1 rs9807208 minor allele (G) was associated with a 2.27-fold increased risk of opioid dependence (95% CI = 1.17-4.41; p = .01). However, no association was found between these polymorphisms and substance use patterns or related clinical parameters.

This study provides preliminary evidence of an association between GALR1 rs9807208 polymorphism and opioid dependence in an Indian population, suggesting a potential genetic basis for addiction risk. Further studies with larger samples could be considered to confirm these findings and also to explore gene-environment interactions in opioid dependence.