Association of a CB1 cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) polymorphism with severe alcohol dependence.
Due to the involvement of the endogenous cannabinoid system in brain reward mechanisms a silent polymorphism (1359G/A; Thr453Thr) in the single coding exon of the CB1 human cannabinoid receptor gene (CNR1) was analysed in 121 severely affected Caucasian alcoholics and 136 most likely non-alcoholic controls. The observed frequency of the A allele was 31.2% for controls and 42.1% for alcoholics with severe withdrawal syndromes (P=0.010). Post-hoc exploration indicated that this allelic association resulted from an excess of the homozygous A/A genotype in patients with a history of alcohol delirium (P=0.031, DF 2), suggesting s an increased risk of delirium (OR=2.45, 95% CI 1.14--5.25). This finding suggests that the homozygous genotype CNR1 1359A/A confers vulnerability to alcohol withdrawal delirium.
Schmidt
Lutz G
LG
Department of Psychiatry, University of Mainz, Untere Zahlbacher Strasse 8, D-55131, Mainz, Germany. schmidt@psychiatrie.klinik.uni-mainz.de
Samochowiec
Jerzy
J
Finckh
Ulrich
U
Fiszer-Piosik
Ewa
E
Horodnicki
Jan
J
Wendel
B
B
Rommelspacher
Hans
H
Hoehe
Margret R
MR
D000328:Adult; D000430:Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium / Q000235:genetics; D020270:Alcohol Withdrawal Seizures / Q000235:genetics; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000235:genetics*; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug / Q000235:genetics*; D012307:Risk Factors
D043882:Receptors, Cannabinoid; D011955:Receptors, Drug