title: Genetics of Opioid Dependence: A Review of the Genetic Contribution to Opioid Dependence.
abstract: This narrative review aims to provide an overview of the impact of opioid dependence and the contribution of genetics to opioid dependence. Epidemiological data demonstrate that opioid dependence is a global trend with far-reaching effects on the social, economic, and health care systems. A review of classical genetic studies of opioid use suggests significant heritability of drug use behavior, however the evidence from molecular genetic studies is inconclusive. Nonetheless, certain genetic variants are important to consider given their role in the pathophysiology of addictive behavior. We undertook a literature review to identify the current state of knowledge regarding the role of genes in opioid dependence. Determining the association of genetic markers could change the current understanding of the various factors contributing to opioid dependence and therefore may improve recognition of individuals at risk for the disorder and prevention and treatment strategies.
authors.affiliation: Arts & Science Undergraduate Program, McMaster University, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Chetna J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Mistry
authors.affiliation: McMaster Integrative Neuroscience Discovery & Study (MiNDS), McMaster University, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bawor
authors.affiliation: Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Dipika
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Desai
authors.affiliation: Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: David C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Marsh
authors.affiliation: Population Health Research Institute, Hamilton, ON, Canada ; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, ON, Canada ; Population Genomics Program, Chanchlani Research Centre, McMaster University, ON, Canada ; Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McMaster University, ON, Canada.
authors.forename: Zainab
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Samaan
keywords: Dependence; SNP.; genes; opioid; opioid addiction; opioid receptors