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Recent developments in alcoholism:molecular biology and behavior

E P Noble1, A Paredes

  • 1Alcohol Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles 90024.

Recent Developments in Alcoholism : an Official Publication of the American Medical Society on Alcoholism, the Research Society on Alcoholism, and the National Council on Alcoholism
|January 1, 1993
PubMed
Summary

The D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) A1 allele is linked to alcoholism, with higher prevalence in severe alcoholics. This gene may be a key factor in substance abuse susceptibility.

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Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Neuroscience
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • The A1 allele of the D2 dopamine receptor (DRD2) gene was previously observed to be associated with alcoholism.
  • Replication studies are crucial to validate initial findings across diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To replicate and extend the association between the DRD2 A1 allele and alcoholism in various Caucasian populations.
  • To investigate the prevalence of DRD2 alleles in both less severe and severe alcoholics compared to controls.

Main Methods:

  • Meta-analysis of nine independent studies involving 491 alcoholics and 495 controls.
  • Genotyping for DRD2 A1 and B1 alleles.
  • Statistical analysis including odds ratios and p-values to determine significance.

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Main Results:

  • The A1 allele prevalence was 43.0% in alcoholics versus 25.7% in controls (OR=2.18, p < 10(-6)).
  • Prevalence increased to 56.3% in severe alcoholics (OR=3.32, p < 10(-8)).
  • The DRD2 B1 allele also showed significant association with severe alcoholism.

Conclusions:

  • The DRD2 gene, particularly the A1 and B1 alleles, is strongly associated with alcoholism and severe substance abuse.
  • DRD2 may represent a significant genetic determinant for susceptibility to severe substance abuse.
  • Environmental factors and other unidentified genes likely play a larger role in overall substance abuse etiology.