Functional mu opioid receptor polymorphism (OPRM1 A(118) G) associated with heroin use outcomes in Caucasian males: A pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Heroin's analgesic, euphoric and dependence-producing effects are primarily mediated by the mu opioid receptor (MOR). A single gene, OPRM1, encodes the MOR. The functional polymorphism A(118)G, located in exon 1 of the OPRM1 gene, results in anatomically-specific reductions in MOR expression, which may alter an individual's response to heroin. In prior studies 118G (rare allele) carriers demonstrated significantly greater opioid tolerance, overdose vulnerability, and pain sensitivity than 118AA homozygotes. Those findings suggest OPRM1 genotype may impact characteristics of heroin use.


METHODS
The present pilot study characterized the impact of OPRM1 genotype (rs1799971, 118G allele carriers vs. 118AA homozygotes) on heroin-use phenotypes associated with heroin dependence severity in a sample of male, Caucasian chronic heroin users (n = 86).


RESULTS
Results indicate that 118G allele carriers reported significantly more heroin use-related consequences and heroin-quit attempts, and were more likely to have sought treatment for their heroin use than 118AA homozygotes.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary findings, consistent with extant data, illustrate a role for OPRM1 allelic variation on heroin use characteristics, and provide support for considering genotype in heroin treatment and relapse prevention.
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan; Translational Neuroscience Program, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan.
Eric A
EA
Woodcock
Leslie H
LH
Lundahl
Margit
M
Burmeister
Mark K
MK
Greenwald
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000235:genetics*; D000483:Alleles; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000235:genetics; D005091:Exons / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006580:Genetic Carrier Screening; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D003932:Heroin / Q000506:poisoning; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000235:genetics* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu / Q000235:genetics*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D044465:White People / Q000235:genetics*
C485764:OPRM1 protein, human; D017450:Receptors, Opioid, mu; D003932:Heroin