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Monteil A, Guérineau NC, Gil-Nagel A, Parra-Diaz P, Lory P, Senatore A. New insights into the physiology and pathophysiology of the atypical sodium leak channel NALCN. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:399-472. [PMID: 37615954 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00014.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell excitability and its modulation by hormones and neurotransmitters involve the concerted action of a large repertoire of membrane proteins, especially ion channels. Unique complements of coexpressed ion channels are exquisitely balanced against each other in different excitable cell types, establishing distinct electrical properties that are tailored for diverse physiological contributions, and dysfunction of any component may induce a disease state. A crucial parameter controlling cell excitability is the resting membrane potential (RMP) set by extra- and intracellular concentrations of ions, mainly Na+, K+, and Cl-, and their passive permeation across the cell membrane through leak ion channels. Indeed, dysregulation of RMP causes significant effects on cellular excitability. This review describes the molecular and physiological properties of the Na+ leak channel NALCN, which associates with its accessory subunits UNC-79, UNC-80, and NLF-1/FAM155 to conduct depolarizing background Na+ currents in various excitable cell types, especially neurons. Studies of animal models clearly demonstrate that NALCN contributes to fundamental physiological processes in the nervous system including the control of respiratory rhythm, circadian rhythm, sleep, and locomotor behavior. Furthermore, dysfunction of NALCN and its subunits is associated with severe pathological states in humans. The critical involvement of NALCN in physiology is now well established, but its study has been hampered by the lack of specific drugs that can block or agonize NALCN currents in vitro and in vivo. Molecular tools and animal models are now available to accelerate our understanding of how NALCN contributes to key physiological functions and the development of novel therapies for NALCN channelopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Monteil
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- LabEx "Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics," Montpellier, France
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nathalie C Guérineau
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- LabEx "Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics," Montpellier, France
| | - Antonio Gil-Nagel
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Program, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paloma Parra-Diaz
- Department of Neurology, Epilepsy Program, Hospital Ruber Internacional, Madrid, Spain
| | - Philippe Lory
- Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, INSERM, Montpellier, France
- LabEx "Ion Channel Science and Therapeutics," Montpellier, France
| | - Adriano Senatore
- Department of Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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Seemiller LR, Logue SF, Gould TJ. Inbred mouse strain differences in alcohol and nicotine addiction-related phenotypes from adolescence to adulthood. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 218:173429. [PMID: 35820468 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the genetic basis of a predisposition for nicotine and alcohol use across the lifespan is important for public health efforts because genetic contributions may change with age. However, parsing apart subtle genetic contributions to complex human behaviors is a challenge. Animal models provide the opportunity to study the effects of genetic background and age on drug-related phenotypes, while controlling important experimental variables such as amount and timing of drug exposure. Addiction research in inbred, or isogenic, mouse lines has demonstrated genetic contributions to nicotine and alcohol abuse- and addiction-related behaviors. This review summarizes inbred mouse strain differences in alcohol and nicotine addiction-related phenotypes including voluntary consumption/self-administration, initial sensitivity to the drug as measured by sedative, hypothermic, and ataxic effects, locomotor effects, conditioned place preference or place aversion, drug metabolism, and severity of withdrawal symptoms. This review also discusses how these alcohol and nicotine addiction-related phenotypes change from adolescence to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel R Seemiller
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sheree F Logue
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Thomas J Gould
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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3
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Hade AC, Philips MA, Reimann E, Jagomäe T, Eskla KL, Traks T, Prans E, Kõks S, Vasar E, Väli M. Chronic Alcohol Use Induces Molecular Genetic Changes in the Dorsomedial Thalamus of People with Alcohol-Related Disorders. Brain Sci 2021; 11:435. [PMID: 33805312 PMCID: PMC8066746 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11040435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Mediodorsal (MD) thalamus that represents a fundamental subcortical relay has been underrepresented in the studies focusing on the molecular changes in the brains of subjects with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In the current study, MD thalamic regions from AUD subjects and controls were analyzed with Affymetrix Clariom S human microarray. Long-term alcohol use induced a significant (FDR ≤ 0.05) upregulation of 2802 transcripts and downregulation of 1893 genes in the MD thalamus of AUD subjects. A significant upregulation of GRIN1 (glutamate receptor NMDA type 1) and FTO (alpha-ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenase) was confirmed in western blot analysis. Immunohistochemical staining revealed similar heterogenous distribution of GRIN1 in the thalamic nuclei of both AUD and control subjects. The most prevalent functional categories of upregulated genes were related to glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission, cellular metabolism, and neurodevelopment. The prevalent gene cluster among down-regulated genes was immune system mediators. Forty-two differentially expressed genes, including FTO, ADH1B, DRD2, CADM2, TCF4, GCKR, DPP6, MAPT and CHRH1, have been shown to have strong associations (FDR p < 10-8) with AUD or/and alcohol use phenotypes in recent GWA studies. Despite a small number of subjects, we were able to detect robust molecular changes in the mediodorsal thalamus caused by alcohol emphasizing the importance of deeper brain structures such as diencephalon, in the development of AUD-related dysregulation of neurocircuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas-Christian Hade
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and Forensic Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (A.-C.H.); (M.V.)
- Forensic Medical Examination Department, Estonian Forensic Science Institute, 30 Tervise Street, 13419 Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Mari-Anne Philips
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (T.J.); (K.-L.E.); (E.V.)
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Ene Reimann
- Estonian Genome Centre, Institute of Genomics, University of Tartu, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Toomas Jagomäe
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (T.J.); (K.-L.E.); (E.V.)
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Kattri-Liis Eskla
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (T.J.); (K.-L.E.); (E.V.)
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tanel Traks
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tartu, 51010 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Ele Prans
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Tartu University Hospital, 50406 Tartu, Estonia;
| | - Sulev Kõks
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA 6009, Australia;
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA 6150, Australia
| | - Eero Vasar
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (T.J.); (K.-L.E.); (E.V.)
- Centre of Excellence in Genomics and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marika Väli
- Department of Pathological Anatomy and Forensic Medicine, University of Tartu, 19 Ravila Street, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (A.-C.H.); (M.V.)
- Forensic Medical Examination Department, Estonian Forensic Science Institute, 30 Tervise Street, 13419 Tallinn, Estonia
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4
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Parker CC, Lusk R, Saba LM. Alcohol Sensitivity as an Endophenotype of Alcohol Use Disorder: Exploring Its Translational Utility between Rodents and Humans. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E725. [PMID: 33066036 PMCID: PMC7600833 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10100725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a complex, chronic, relapsing disorder with multiple interacting genetic and environmental influences. Numerous studies have verified the influence of genetics on AUD, yet the underlying biological pathways remain unknown. One strategy to interrogate complex diseases is the use of endophenotypes, which deconstruct current diagnostic categories into component traits that may be more amenable to genetic research. In this review, we explore how an endophenotype such as sensitivity to alcohol can be used in conjunction with rodent models to provide mechanistic insights into AUD. We evaluate three alcohol sensitivity endophenotypes (stimulation, intoxication, and aversion) for their translatability across human and rodent research by examining the underlying neurobiology and its relationship to consumption and AUD. We show examples in which results gleaned from rodents are successfully integrated with information from human studies to gain insight in the genetic underpinnings of AUD and AUD-related endophenotypes. Finally, we identify areas for future translational research that could greatly expand our knowledge of the biological and molecular aspects of the transition to AUD with the broad hope of finding better ways to treat this devastating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa C. Parker
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Middlebury College, Middlebury, VT 05753, USA
| | - Ryan Lusk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Laura M. Saba
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
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5
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Lai D, Wetherill L, Kapoor M, Johnson EC, Schwandt M, Ramchandani VA, Goldman D, Joslyn G, Rao X, Liu Y, Farris S, Mayfield RD, Dick D, Hesselbrock V, Kramer J, McCutcheon VV, Nurnberger J, Tischfield J, Goate A, Edenberg HJ, Porjesz B, Agrawal A, Foroud T, Schuckit M. Genome-wide association studies of the self-rating of effects of ethanol (SRE). Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12800. [PMID: 31270906 PMCID: PMC6940552 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The level of response (LR) to alcohol as measured with the Self-Report of the Effects of Alcohol Retrospective Questionnaire (SRE) evaluates the number of standard drinks usually required for up to four effects. The need for a higher number of drinks for effects is genetically influenced and predicts higher risks for heavy drinking and alcohol problems. We conducted genome-wide association study (GWAS) in the African-American (COGA-AA, N = 1527 from 309 families) and European-American (COGA-EA, N = 4723 from 956 families) subsamples of the Collaborative Studies on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) for two SRE scores: SRE-T (average of first five times of drinking, the period of heaviest drinking, and the most recent 3 months of consumption) and SRE-5 (the first five times of drinking). We then meta-analyzed the two COGA subsamples (COGA-AA + EA). Both SRE-T and SRE-5 were modestly heritable (h2 : 21%-31%) and genetically correlated with alcohol dependence (AD) and DSM-IV AD criterion count (rg : 0.35-0.76). Genome-wide significant associations were observed (SRE-T: chromosomes 6, rs140154945, COGA-EA P = 3.30E-08 and 11, rs10647170, COGA-AA+EA P = 3.53E-09; SRE-5: chromosome13, rs4770359, COGA-AA P = 2.92E-08). Chromosome 11 was replicated in an EA dataset from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism intramural program. In silico functional analyses and RNA expression analyses suggest that the chromosome 6 locus is an eQTL for KIF25. Polygenic risk scores derived using the COGA SRE-T and SRE-5 GWAS predicted 0.47% to 2.48% of variances in AD and DSM-IV AD criterion count in independent datasets. This study highlights the genetic contribution of alcohol response phenotypes to the etiology of alcohol use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongbing Lai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Leah Wetherill
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Manav Kapoor
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at
Mt. Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Emma C. Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of
Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Melanie Schwandt
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD
| | - Vijay A. Ramchandani
- Section on Human Psychopharmacology, Division of
Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and
Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD
| | - David Goldman
- Office of the Clinical Director, National Institute on
Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism, Bethesda, MD
| | - Geoff Joslyn
- Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center, Emeryville,
CA
| | - Xi Rao
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Yunlong Liu
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Sean Farris
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - R. Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, The
University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
| | - Danielle Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth
University, Richmond, VA
| | | | - John Kramer
- Department of Psychiatry, Roy Carver College of
Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Vivia V. McCutcheon
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of
Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - John Nurnberger
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of
Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Jay Tischfield
- Department of Genetics and the Human Genetics Institute
of New Jersey, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ
| | - Alison Goate
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at
Mt. Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Howard J. Edenberg
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology,
Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Bernice Porjesz
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Lab, Department of
Psychiatry, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn,
NY
| | - Arpana Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of
Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Tatiana Foroud
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana
University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Marc Schuckit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San
Diego Medical School, San Diego, CA
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Younis RM, Wolstenholme JT, Bagdas D, Bettinger JC, Miles MF, Damaj MI. Adolescent but not adult ethanol binge drinking modulates ethanol behavioral effects in mice later in life. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 184:172740. [PMID: 31326461 PMCID: PMC6697373 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.172740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder is a serious illness marked by uncontrollable drinking and a negative withdrawal state when not using. Alcohol is one of the most commonly used drugs among adolescent populations. Given that adolescence is a unique developmental stage during which alcohol has long-term effects on future drug-taking behavior; it is essential to understand how early exposure to ethanol during adolescence may affect the abuse liability of the drug later in life. Our studies focused on characterizing how exposure to alcohol in adolescence alters later adult alcohol dependence behaviors, by using well-established mouse models of ethanol drinking. We hypothesized that early exposure to ethanol leads to increased ethanol intake in adults and other behavioral phenotypes that may lead to dependence. METHODS We investigated the impact of ethanol drinking in early adolescent C57BL/6J mice using a modified Drinking in the Dark (DID) model. RESULTS Our results showed that exposure to ethanol during adolescence enhanced ethanol intake in adulthood in the DID, and the 2-bottle choice drinking paradigms. In contrast, adult exposure of alcohol did not enhance later alcohol intake. We also conducted tests for ethanol behavioral sensitivity such as loss of righting reflex and anxiety-related behaviors to further elucidate the relationship between adolescent ethanol exposure and enhanced ethanol intake in adult mice. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results suggest that adolescence is a critical period of sensitivity and binge drinking that can lead to lasting changes in ethanol intake in adulthood. Further research will be required in order to more fully examine the neurochemical mechanisms underlying the lasting changes in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rabha M Younis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America; Department of Pharmacotherapy & Outcomes Science, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Jennifer T Wolstenholme
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America; Virginia Commonwealth University, Alcohol Research Center, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Deniz Bagdas
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America; The Center for the Study for Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Jill C Bettinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America; Virginia Commonwealth University, Alcohol Research Center, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - Michael F Miles
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America; Virginia Commonwealth University, Alcohol Research Center, Richmond, VA, United States of America
| | - M Imad Damaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America; The Center for the Study for Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States of America.
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Schuckit MA, Smith TL, Rana B, Mendoza LA, Clarke D, Kawamura M. Performance of the Self-Report of the Effects of Alcohol Questionnaire Across Sexes and Generations. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:1384-1390. [PMID: 30933364 PMCID: PMC6602840 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low level of responses (low LRs) to alcohol established using the Self-Report of the Effects of Alcohol (SRE) questionnaire are genetically influenced phenotypes related to heavy drinking and alcohol problems. To date, most studies using SREs focused on scores for the number of drinks needed for effects across the first 5 times of drinking (SRE-5), and few evaluated scores that also included the prior 3 months and heaviest drinking periods (SRE-T). This paper evaluates characteristics of SRE-5 and SRE-T within and across generations. METHODS Data were extracted from 407 participants across 2 generations of 107 families in the San Diego Prospective Study (SDPS). Pearson's product-moment correlations for SRE-5 and SRE-T were determined across first-degree relatives both within and across generations and sexes, as well as correlations of each measure to maximum drinking quantities and alcohol problems. RESULTS Responding to 4 hypotheses, first the analyses demonstrated significant within-generation positive correlations for both SRE measures across brother-brother and sister-sister pairs as well as cross-generation correlations for fathers and sons, although correlations for mothers and daughters were not robust. Second, both SRE-5 and SRE-T correlated with maximum drinks and alcohol problems for both sexes and both generations. Third, within parental and offspring generations SRE-T correlated more robustly than SRE-5 to maximum drinks and alcohol problems. Fourth, across generations SRE values for sons were more closely related to drinking quantities and problems than for their fathers, but the mother-daughter SRE relationships to adverse alcohol characteristics were not different. CONCLUSIONS Both the SRE-5 and SRE-T offered useful information about propensities toward heavier drinking and alcohol problems in SDPS families. Correlations with adverse alcohol outcomes were greater for the more broad-based SRE-T, but both scores appeared to be genetically influenced and continue to operate in a robust manner in both generations of these families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A. Schuckit
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr, Suite B-218, La Jolla, California, United States, 92037
| | - Tom L. Smith
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr, Suite B-218, La Jolla, California, United States, 92037
| | - Brinda Rana
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr, Suite B-218, La Jolla, California, United States, 92037
| | - Lee Ann Mendoza
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr, Suite B-218, La Jolla, California, United States, 92037
| | - Dennis Clarke
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr, Suite B-218, La Jolla, California, United States, 92037
| | - Mari Kawamura
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 8950 Villa La Jolla Dr, Suite B-218, La Jolla, California, United States, 92037
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Edwards AC, Deak JD, Gizer IR, Lai D, Chatzinakos C, Wilhelmsen KP, Lindsay J, Heron J, Hickman M, Webb BT, Bacanu SA, Foroud TM, Kendler KS, Dick DM, Schuckit MA. Meta-Analysis of Genetic Influences on Initial Alcohol Sensitivity. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:2349-2359. [PMID: 30276832 PMCID: PMC6286211 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies indicate that low initial sensitivity to alcohol may be a risk factor for later alcohol misuse. Evidence suggests that initial sensitivity is influenced by genetic factors, but few molecular genetic studies have been reported. METHODS We conducted a meta-analysis of 2 population-based genome-wide association studies of the Self-Rating of the Effects of Alcohol scale. Our final sample consisted of 7,339 individuals (82.3% of European descent; 59.2% female) who reported having used alcohol at least 5 times. In addition, we estimated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based heritability and conducted a series of secondary aggregate genetic analyses. RESULTS No individual locus reached genome-wide significance. Gene and set based analyses, both overall and using tissue-specific expression data, yielded largely null results, and genes previously implicated in alcohol problems and consumption were overall not associated with initial sensitivity. Only 1 gene set, related to hormone signaling and including core clock genes, survived correction for multiple testing. A meta-analysis of SNP-based heritability resulted in a modest estimate of h SNP 2 = 0.19 (SE = 0.10), though this was driven by 1 sample (N = 3,683, h SNP 2 = 0.36, SE = 0.14, p = 0.04). No significant genetic correlations with other relevant outcomes were observed. CONCLUSIONS Findings yielded only modest support for a genetic component underlying initial alcohol sensitivity. Results suggest that its biological underpinnings may diverge somewhat from that of other alcohol outcomes and may be related to core clock genes or other aspects of hormone signaling. Larger samples, ideally of prospectively assessed samples, are likely necessary to improve gene identification efforts and confirm the current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis C. Edwards
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, US
| | - Joseph D. Deak
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, US
| | - Ian R. Gizer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, US
| | - Dongbing Lai
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, US
| | - Chris Chatzinakos
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, US
| | - Kirk P. Wilhelmsen
- Departments of Neurology and Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, US
| | - Jonathan Lindsay
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, US
| | - Jon Heron
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Bradley T. Webb
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, US
| | - Silviu-Alin Bacanu
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, US
| | - Tatiana M. Foroud
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, US
| | - Kenneth S. Kendler
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, US
| | - Danielle M. Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, US
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, US
- College Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, US
| | - Marc A. Schuckit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, US
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Wolstenholme JT, Bowers MS, Pais AB, Pais AC, Poland RS, Poklis JL, Davies AG, Bettinger JC. Dietary Omega-3 Fatty Acids Differentially Impact Acute Ethanol-Responsive Behaviors and Ethanol Consumption in DBA/2J Versus C57BL/6J Mice. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:1476-1485. [PMID: 29786878 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors influence the risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) in humans. To date, studies of the impact of environment on AUD risk have primarily focused on psychological characteristics or on the effects of developmental exposure to ethanol (EtOH). We recently observed that modifying levels of the long-chain ω-3 (LC ω-3) fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), alters acute physiological responses to EtOH in Caenorhabditis elegans. Because mammals derive ω-3 fatty acids from their diet, here we asked if manipulating dietary levels of LC ω-3 fatty acids can affect EtOH-responsive behaviors in mice. METHODS We used 2 well-characterized inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2), which differ in their responses to EtOH. Age-matched young adult male mice were maintained on isocaloric diets that differed only by being enriched or depleted in LC ω-3 fatty acids. Animals were subsequently tested for acute EtOH sensitivity (locomotor activation and sedation), voluntary consumption, and metabolism. Fat deposition was also determined. RESULTS We found that dietary levels of LC ω-3s altered EtOH sensitivity and consumption in a genotype-specific manner. Both B6 and D2 animals fed high LC ω-3 diets demonstrated lower EtOH-induced locomotor stimulation than those fed low LC ω-3 diets. EtOH sedation and EtOH metabolism were greater in D2, but not B6 mice on the high LC ω-3 diet. Conversely, LC ω-3 dietary manipulation altered EtOH consumption in B6, but not in D2 mice. B6 mice on a high LC ω-3 diet consumed more EtOH in a 2-bottle choice intermittent access model than B6 mice on a low LC ω-3 diet. CONCLUSIONS Because EtOH sensitivity is predictive of risk of developing AUD in humans, our data indicate that dietary LC ω-3 levels should be evaluated for their impact on AUD risk in humans. Further, these studies indicate that genetic background can interact with fatty acids in the diet to significantly alter EtOH-responsive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer T Wolstenholme
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.,VCU-Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - M Scott Bowers
- Department of Biomedical Engineering , Faulk Center for Molecular Therapeutics, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alexander B Pais
- VCU-Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - A Christian Pais
- VCU-Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Ryan S Poland
- VCU-Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Andrew G Davies
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.,VCU-Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Jill C Bettinger
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology , Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.,VCU-Alcohol Research Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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10
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Schuckit MA. A Critical Review of Methods and Results in the Search for Genetic Contributors to Alcohol Sensitivity. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2018; 42:822-835. [PMID: 29623680 PMCID: PMC5916326 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Attributes of alcohol sensitivity are present before alcohol use disorders (AUDs) develop, they predict those adverse alcohol outcomes, are familial in nature, and many are heritable. Whether measured by alcohol challenges or retrospective reports of numbers of drinks required for effects, alcohol sensitivity reflects multiple phenotypes, including low levels of alcohol response and alcohol-related stimulation. Identification of genes that contribute to alcohol sensitivity could help identify individuals carrying risks for AUDs through their alcohol responses for whom early intervention might mitigate their vulnerability. Such genes could also improve understanding of biological underpinnings of AUDs, which could lead to new treatment approaches. However, the existing literature points to a wide range of genetic mechanisms that might contribute to alcohol responses, and few such genetic findings have been widely replicated. This critical review describes the potential impact of the diverse methods used to study sensitivity on the diversity of genetic findings that have been reported, places the genetic variants mentioned in the literature into broader categories rather than isolated results, and offers suggestions regarding how to advance the field by interpreting findings in light of the methods used to select research subjects and to measure alcohol sensitivity. To date, the most promising results have been for GABA, glutamate, opioid, dopamine, serotonin, and cholinergic system genes. The more gene variants that can be identified as contributors to sensitivity the better future gene screening platforms or polygenic scores are likely to be.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Schuckit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California
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11
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Schuckit MA, Smith TL, Danko G, Anthenelli R, Schoen L, Kawamura M, Kramer J, Dick DM, Neale Z, Kuperman S, McCutcheon V, Anokhin AP, Hesselbrock V, Hesselbrock M, Bucholz K. A Prospective Comparison of How the Level of Response to Alcohol and Impulsivity Relate to Future DSM-IV Alcohol Problems in the COGA Youth Panel. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2017; 41:1329-1339. [PMID: 28440866 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol problems reflect both environmental and genetic characteristics that often operate through endophenotypes like low levels of response (low LRs) to alcohol and higher impulsivity. Relationships of these preexisting characteristics to alcohol problems have been studied, but few analyses have included both low LR and impulsivity in the same model. METHODS We extracted prospective data from 1,028 participants in the Prospective Youth Sample of the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA). At Time 1 (age 18), these drinking but non-alcohol-dependent males and females completed the Barratt Impulsivity Scale and the Self-Report of the Effects of Alcohol questionnaire regarding drinks required for effects the first 5 times of drinking (SRE5-LR). Two years later, they reported perceived drinking patterns of peers (PEER), their own alcohol expectancies (EXPECT), and their drinking to cope with stress (COPE). Subsequently, at Time 3, participants reported numbers of up to 11 DSM-IV alcohol criterion items experienced in the 2 years since Time 2 (ALC PROBS). Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). RESULTS In the SEM, Baseline SRE5-LR and impulsivity were weakly related and did not interact in predicting later ALC PROBS. LR was directly linked to Time 3 ALC PROBS and to PEER, but had no direct path to EXPECT, with partial mediation to ALC PROBS through PEER to EXPECT and via COPE. Impulsivity did not relate directly to ALC PROBS or PEER, but was directly related to EXPECT and COPE, with effects on ALC PROBS also operating through EXPECT and COPE. CONCLUSIONS Low LRs and impulsivity related to Time 3 ALC PROBS through somewhat different paths. Education- and counseling-based approaches to mitigate future alcohol problems may benefit from emphasizing different potential mediators of adverse alcohol outcomes for youth with low LRs versus those with high impulsivity or both characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Schuckit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tom L Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - George Danko
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Robert Anthenelli
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Lara Schoen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Mari Kawamura
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - John Kramer
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Danielle M Dick
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Zoe Neale
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Samuel Kuperman
- Child Psychiatry Clinic, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Vivia McCutcheon
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Andrey P Anokhin
- Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Victor Hesselbrock
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Michie Hesselbrock
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Connecticut, Farmington, Connecticut
| | - Kathleen Bucholz
- Washington University in Saint Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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12
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Alcohol-related blackouts across 55 weeks of college: Effects of European-American ethnicity, female sex, and low level of response to alcohol. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 169:163-170. [PMID: 27835824 PMCID: PMC5140721 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While high blood alcohol concentrations (BACs) are required for alcohol-related blackouts (ARBs), additional characteristics also contribute to the risk, including a person's ethnicity, sex, and phenotypes relating to heavier drinking. Few prospective studies of ARBs have evaluated how these additional characteristics interact. METHOD Data regarding 398 European American (EA), Asian and Hispanic students were extracted from a 55-week prospective study of different approaches to decrease heavy drinking among college freshmen. Information on past month ARB frequency was determined at 8 assessments. While controlling for the prior month maximum BAC and active education vs. control group assignment, the patterns and intensities of ARBs over time across ethnic groups were evaluated with ANOVA at each follow-up for the full sample, and then separately by sex and then by low vs. high levels of response to alcohol status (LR). The overall pattern of ARBs over time was evaluated with a 3 ethnic groups by 2 sexes by 2 LR status by 8 time points mixed-design ANOVA. RESULTS Higher rates of ARBs over time were associated with EA ethnicity, female sex and a low LR to alcohol, with the ethnic differences in ARBs most robust in females and drinkers with high LRs. Participation in education programs aimed at heavy drinking was associated with decreases in ARBs. CONCLUSIONS The data indicate that in addition to BACs achieved, propensities toward ARBs relate to complex interactions between additional risk factors, including ethnicity, sex, and LR status.
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13
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Schuckit MA, Smith TL, Paulus MP, Tapert SF, Simmons AN, Tolentino NJ, Shafir A. The Ability of Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Predict Heavy Drinking and Alcohol Problems 5 Years Later. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:206-13. [PMID: 26727535 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low levels of alcohol responses (low LRs) are genetically influenced phenotypes that are identified before alcohol dependence and predict future heavy drinking and alcohol problems. A recent paper described 13 LR-related blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) response contrast patterns observed during an emotional face recognition task that might reflect cognitive processes contributing to LR and that might themselves predict adverse alcohol outcomes (Paulus et al., Biol Psychiatry 2012; 72: 848). This paper evaluates the predictive implications of those functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) patterns. METHODS Of 120 subjects from Paulus and colleagues (2012), 114 (57 low and high LRs; ~50% females) were interviewed 5 years later at age 25. Correlations between baseline fMRI patterns and alcohol-related outcomes were evaluated, and regression analyses were used to determine if BOLD response contrasts incremented over LR in predicting outcomes. RESULTS Baseline fMRI patterns in 5 of 13 baseline regions of interest correlated with adverse outcomes. Such patterns in insular regions, particularly the left anterior insula, and the right frontal gyrus, added to LR in predicting alcohol problems. The relationships remained robust when exact binomial procedures were used, but, reflecting the small sample size, it was not possible to adequately consider Bonferroni corrections. CONCLUSIONS The data suggest that fMRI BOLD response contrasts predicted heavier drinking and alcohol problems 5 years later, even after considering baseline low LRs. Future work will focus on whether fMRI results can predict outcomes in larger samples and among young nondrinkers, as well as how the imaging results increase understanding of the processes through which LR operates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Schuckit
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tom L Smith
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | - Susan F Tapert
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Alan N Simmons
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | | | - Alexandra Shafir
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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14
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Etiological theories of addiction: A comprehensive update on neurobiological, genetic and behavioural vulnerability. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 148:59-68. [PMID: 27306332 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2015] [Revised: 06/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Currently, about 246 million people around the world have used an illicit drug. The reasons for this use are multiple: e.g. to augment the sensation of pleasure or to reduce the withdrawal and other aversive effects of a given substance. This raises the problem of addiction, which remains a disease of modern society. This review offers a comprehensive update of the different theories about the etiology of addictive behaviors with emphasis on the neurobiological, environmental, psychopathological, behavioural and genetic aspects of addictions, discussed from an evolutionary perspective. The main conclusion of this review is that vulnerability to drug addiction suggests an interaction between many brain systems (including the reward, decision-making, serotonergic, oxytocin, interoceptive insula, CRF, norepinephrine, dynorphin/KOR, orexin and vasopressin systems), genetic predisposition, sociocultural context, impulsivity and drugs types. Further advances in biological and psychological science are needed to address the problems of addiction at its roots.
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15
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Quadir SG, Santos JRBD, Campbell RR, Wroten MG, Singh N, Holloway JJ, Bal SK, Camarini R, Szumlinski KK. Homer2 regulates alcohol and stress cross-sensitization. Addict Biol 2016; 21:613-33. [PMID: 25916683 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
An interaction exists between stress and alcohol in the etiology and chronicity of alcohol use disorders, yet a knowledge gap exists regarding the neurobiological underpinnings of this interaction. In this regard, we employed an 11-day unpredictable, chronic, mild stress (UCMS) procedure to examine for stress-alcohol cross-sensitization of motor activity as well as alcohol consumption/preference and intoxication. We also employed immunoblotting to relate the expression of glutamate receptor-related proteins within subregions of the nucleus accumbens (NAC) to the manifestation of behavioral cross-sensitization. UCMS mice exhibited a greater locomotor response to an acute injection of 2 g/kg alcohol than unstressed controls and this cross-sensitization extended to alcohol intake (0-20 percent), as well as to the intoxicating and sedative properties of 3 and 5 g/kg alcohol, respectively. Regardless of prior alcohol injection (2 g/kg), UCMS mice exhibited elevated NAC shell levels of mGlu1α, GluN2b and Homer2, as well as lower phospholipase Cβ within this subregion. GluN2b levels were also lower within the NAC core of UCMS mice. The expression of stress-alcohol locomotor cross-sensitization was associated with lower mGlu1α within the NAC core and lower extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity within both NAC subregions. As Homer2 regulates alcohol sensitization, we assayed also for locomotor cross-sensitization in Homer2 wild-type (WT) and knock-out (KO) mice. WT mice exhibited a very robust cross-sensitization that was absent in KO animals. These results indicate that a history of mild stress renders an animal more sensitive to the psychomotor and rewarding properties of alcohol, which may depend on neuroplasticity within NAC glutamate transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema G. Quadir
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | | | - Rianne R. Campbell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Melissa G. Wroten
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Nimrita Singh
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - John J. Holloway
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Sukhmani K. Bal
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Department of Pharmacology; Institute of Biomedical Sciences; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Karen K. Szumlinski
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
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16
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Way M, McQuillin A, Saini J, Ruparelia K, Lydall GJ, Guerrini I, Ball D, Smith I, Quadri G, Thomson AD, Kasiakogia-Worlley K, Cherian R, Gunwardena P, Rao H, Kottalgi G, Patel S, Hillman A, Douglas E, Qureshi SY, Reynolds G, Jauhar S, O'Kane A, Dedman A, Sharp S, Kandaswamy R, Dar K, Curtis D, Morgan MY, Gurling HMD. Genetic variants in or near ADH1B and ADH1C affect susceptibility to alcohol dependence in a British and Irish population. Addict Biol 2015; 20:594-604. [PMID: 24735490 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in genes encoding alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) enzymes confer a significant protective effect against alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS) in East Asian populations. Recently, attention has focused on the role of these SNPs in determining ADS risk in European populations. To further elucidate these associations, SNPs of interest in ADH1B, ADH1C and the ADH1B/1C intergenic region were genotyped in a British and Irish population (ADS cases n = 1076: controls n = 1027) to assess their relative contribution to ADS risk. A highly significant, protective association was observed between the minor allele of rs1229984 in ADH1B and ADS risk [allelic P = 8.4 × 10(-6) , odds ratio (OR) = 0.26, 95 percent confidence interval, 0.14, 0.49]. Significant associations were also observed between ADS risk and the ADH1B/1C intergenic variant, rs1789891 [allelic P = 7.2 × 10(-5) , OR = 1.4 (1.2, 1.6)] and three non-synonymous SNPs rs698, rs1693482 and rs283413 in ADH1C. However, these associations were not completely independent; thus, while the ADH1B rs1229984 minor allele association was independent of those of the intergenic variant rs1789891 and the three ADH1C variants, the three ADH1C variants were not individually independent. In conclusion, the rare ADH1B rs1229984 mutation provides significant protection against ADS in this British and Irish population; other variants in the ADH gene cluster also alter ADS risk, although the strong linkage disequilibrium between SNPs at this location precluded clear identification of the variant(s) driving the associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Way
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory; Mental Health Sciences Unit; Faculty of Brain Sciences; University College London; UK
| | - Andrew McQuillin
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory; Mental Health Sciences Unit; Faculty of Brain Sciences; University College London; UK
| | - Jit Saini
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health; Royal Free Campus; University College London Medical School; UK
| | - Kush Ruparelia
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health; Royal Free Campus; University College London Medical School; UK
| | - Gregory J. Lydall
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory; Mental Health Sciences Unit; Faculty of Brain Sciences; University College London; UK
| | - Irene Guerrini
- National Addiction Centre and Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; UK
- Bexley Substance Misuse Services; South London & Maudsley NHS Trust; UK
| | - David Ball
- National Addiction Centre and Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre; Institute of Psychiatry; UK
| | - Iain Smith
- Kershaw Unit; Gartnavel Royal Hospital; UK
| | - Giorgia Quadri
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory; Mental Health Sciences Unit; Faculty of Brain Sciences; University College London; UK
| | - Allan D. Thomson
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory; Mental Health Sciences Unit; Faculty of Brain Sciences; University College London; UK
| | - Katherine Kasiakogia-Worlley
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory; Mental Health Sciences Unit; Faculty of Brain Sciences; University College London; UK
- Kershaw Unit; Gartnavel Royal Hospital; UK
| | - Raquin Cherian
- Gatehouse Alcohol Clinic and Max Glatt Unit; Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust; St Bernard's Hospital; UK
| | - Priyanthi Gunwardena
- Gatehouse Alcohol Clinic and Max Glatt Unit; Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust; St Bernard's Hospital; UK
| | - Harish Rao
- City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health; East London NHS Foundation Trust; UK
| | - Girija Kottalgi
- Gatehouse Alcohol Clinic and Max Glatt Unit; Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust; St Bernard's Hospital; UK
| | - Shamir Patel
- Gatehouse Alcohol Clinic and Max Glatt Unit; Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust; St Bernard's Hospital; UK
| | | | | | | | - Gerry Reynolds
- Homeless Addictions Team; NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde; UK
| | | | | | - Alex Dedman
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory; Mental Health Sciences Unit; Faculty of Brain Sciences; University College London; UK
| | - Sally Sharp
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory; Mental Health Sciences Unit; Faculty of Brain Sciences; University College London; UK
| | - Radhika Kandaswamy
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory; Mental Health Sciences Unit; Faculty of Brain Sciences; University College London; UK
| | - Karim Dar
- Gatehouse Alcohol Clinic and Max Glatt Unit; Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust; St Bernard's Hospital; UK
| | - David Curtis
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory; Mental Health Sciences Unit; Faculty of Brain Sciences; University College London; UK
- City and Hackney Centre for Mental Health; East London NHS Foundation Trust; UK
| | - Marsha Y. Morgan
- UCL Institute for Liver & Digestive Health; Royal Free Campus; University College London Medical School; UK
| | - Hugh M. D. Gurling
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory; Mental Health Sciences Unit; Faculty of Brain Sciences; University College London; UK
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17
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Juraeva D, Treutlein J, Scholz H, Frank J, Degenhardt F, Cichon S, Ridinger M, Mattheisen M, Witt SH, Lang M, Sommer WH, Hoffmann P, Herms S, Wodarz N, Soyka M, Zill P, Maier W, Jünger E, Gaebel W, Dahmen N, Scherbaum N, Schmäl C, Steffens M, Lucae S, Ising M, Smolka MN, Zimmermann US, Müller-Myhsok B, Nöthen MM, Mann K, Kiefer F, Spanagel R, Brors B, Rietschel M. XRCC5 as a risk gene for alcohol dependence: evidence from a genome-wide gene-set-based analysis and follow-up studies in Drosophila and humans. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:361-71. [PMID: 25035082 PMCID: PMC4443948 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2014.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 06/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors have as large role as environmental factors in the etiology of alcohol dependence (AD). Although genome-wide association studies (GWAS) enable systematic searches for loci not hitherto implicated in the etiology of AD, many true findings may be missed owing to correction for multiple testing. The aim of the present study was to circumvent this limitation by searching for biological system-level differences, and then following up these findings in humans and animals. Gene-set-based analysis of GWAS data from 1333 cases and 2168 controls identified 19 significantly associated gene-sets, of which 5 could be replicated in an independent sample. Clustered in these gene-sets were novel and previously identified susceptibility genes. The most frequently present gene, ie in 6 out of 19 gene-sets, was X-ray repair complementing defective repair in Chinese hamster cells 5 (XRCC5). Previous human and animal studies have implicated XRCC5 in alcohol sensitivity. This phenotype is inversely correlated with the development of AD, presumably as more alcohol is required to achieve the desired effects. In the present study, the functional role of XRCC5 in AD was further validated in animals and humans. Drosophila mutants with reduced function of Ku80-the homolog of mammalian XRCC5-due to RNAi silencing showed reduced sensitivity to ethanol. In humans with free access to intravenous ethanol self-administration in the laboratory, the maximum achieved blood alcohol concentration was influenced in an allele-dose-dependent manner by genetic variation in XRCC5. In conclusion, our convergent approach identified new candidates and generated independent evidence for the involvement of XRCC5 in alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilafruz Juraeva
- Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jens Treutlein
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Henrike Scholz
- Department of Animal Physiology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Josef Frank
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Franziska Degenhardt
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sven Cichon
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Monika Ridinger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Stephanie H Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Maren Lang
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Wolfgang H Sommer
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Per Hoffmann
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Herms
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Norbert Wodarz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michael Soyka
- Private Hospital Meiringen, Meiringen, Switzerland,Department of Psychiatry, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Zill
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Maier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Jünger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden
| | - Wolfgang Gaebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Norbert Dahmen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- Addiction Research Group at the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christine Schmäl
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Michael Steffens
- Division of Research, Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susanne Lucae
- Department of Psychiatric Pharmacogenetics, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, München, Germany
| | - Marcus Ising
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, München, Germany
| | - Michael N Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden
| | - Ulrich S Zimmermann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden
| | - Bertram Müller-Myhsok
- Department of Statistical Genetics, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, München, Germany,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany,Institute of Translational Medicine Liverpool, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Markus M Nöthen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Karl Mann
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Falk Kiefer
- Department of Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Institute of Psychopharmacology, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Benedikt Brors
- Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany,Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J5, Mannheim 68159, Germany, Tel: +49 621 1703 6051, Fax: +49 621 1703 6055, E-mail:
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Zuo L, Lu L, Tan Y, Pan X, Cai Y, Wang X, Hong J, Zhong C, Wang F, Zhang XY, Vanderlinden LA, Tabakoff B, Luo X. Genome-wide association discoveries of alcohol dependence. Am J Addict 2014; 23:526-39. [PMID: 25278008 PMCID: PMC4187224 DOI: 10.1111/j.1521-0391.2014.12147.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To report the genome-wide significant and/or replicable risk variants for alcohol dependence and explore their potential biological functions. METHODS We searched in PubMed for all genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of alcohol dependence. The following three types of the results were extracted: genome-wide significant associations in an individual sample, the combined samples, or the meta-analysis (p < 5 × 10(-8) ); top-ranked associations in an individual sample (p < 10(-5) ) that were nominally replicated in other samples (p < .05); and nominally replicable associations across at least three independent GWAS samples (p < .05). These results were meta-analyzed. cis-eQTLs in human, RNA expression in rat and mouse brains and bioinformatics properties of all of these risk variants were analyzed. RESULTS The variants located within the alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) cluster were significantly associated with alcohol dependence at the genome-wide level (p < 5 × 10(-8) ) in at least one sample. Some associations with the ADH cluster were replicable across six independent GWAS samples. The variants located within or near SERINC2, KIAA0040, MREG-PECR or PKNOX2 were significantly associated with alcohol dependence at the genome-wide level (p < 5 × 10(-8) ) in meta-analysis or combined samples, and these associations were replicable across at least one sample. The associations with the variants within NRD1, GPD1L-CMTM8 or MAP3K9-PCNX were suggestive (5 × 10(-8) < p < 10(-5) ) in some samples, and nominally replicable in other samples. The associations with the variants at HTR7 and OPA3 were nominally replicable across at least three independent GWAS samples (10(-5) < p < .05). Some risk variants at the ADH cluster, SERINC2, KIAA0040, NRD1, and HTR7 had potential biological functions. CONCLUSION The most robust risk locus was the ADH cluster. SERINC2, KIAA0040, NRD1, and HTR7 were also likely to play important roles in alcohol dependence. PKNOX2, MREG, PECR, GPD1L, CMTM8, MAP3K9, PCNX, and OPA3 might play less important roles in risk for alcohol dependence based on the function analysis. This conclusion will significantly contribute to the post-GWAS follow-up studies on alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingjun Zuo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lingeng Lu
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yunlong Tan
- Biological Psychiatry Research Center, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinghua Pan
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yiqiang Cai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiaoping Wang
- Department of Neurology, First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiang Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunlong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Xiang-yang Zhang
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Boris Tabakoff
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Xingguang Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Biological Psychiatry Research Center, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing, China
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Wetherill L, Kapoor M, Agrawal A, Bucholz K, Koller D, Bertelsen SE, Le N, Wang JC, Almasy L, Hesselbrock V, Kramer J, Nurnberger JI, Schuckit M, Tischfield JA, Xuei X, Porjesz B, Edenberg HJ, Goate AM, Foroud T. Family-based association analysis of alcohol dependence criteria and severity. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2014; 38:354-66. [PMID: 24015780 PMCID: PMC3946798 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the high heritability of alcohol dependence (AD), the genes found to be associated with it account for only a small proportion of its total variability. The goal of this study was to identify and analyze phenotypes based on homogeneous classes of individuals to increase the power to detect genetic risk factors contributing to the risk of AD. METHODS The 7 individual DSM-IV criteria for AD were analyzed using latent class analysis (LCA) to identify classes defined by the pattern of endorsement of the criteria. A genome-wide association study was performed in 118 extended European American families (n = 2,322 individuals) densely affected with AD to identify genes associated with AD, with each of the 7 DSM-IV criteria, and with the probability of belonging to 2 of 3 latent classes. RESULTS Heritability for DSM-IV AD was 61% and ranged from 17 to 60% for the other phenotypes. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the olfactory receptor OR51L1 was significantly associated (7.3 × 10(-8) ) with the DSM-IV criterion of persistent desire to, or inability to, cut down on drinking. LCA revealed a 3-class model: the "low-risk" class (50%) rarely endorsed any criteria and none met criteria for AD; the "moderate-risk" class (33%) endorsed primarily 4 DSM-IV criteria and 48% met criteria for AD; and the "high-risk" class (17%) manifested high endorsement probabilities for most criteria and nearly all (99%) met criteria for AD. One SNP in a sodium leak channel NALCN demonstrated genome-wide significance with the high-risk class (p = 4.1 × 10(-8) ). Analyses in an independent sample did not replicate these associations. CONCLUSIONS We explored the genetic contribution to several phenotypes derived from the DSM-IV AD criteria. The strongest evidence of association was with SNPs in NALCN and OR51L1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Nhung Le
- Washington University School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | - John Kramer
- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
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20
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Meyerhoff DJ. Brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of alcohol use disorders. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2014; 125:313-37. [PMID: 25307583 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-62619-6.00019-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This chapter critically reviews brain proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS) studies performed since 1994 in individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD). We describe the neurochemicals that can be measured in vivo at the most common magnetic field strengths, summarize our knowledge about their general brain functions, and briefly explain some basic human (1)H MRS methods. Both cross-sectional and longitudinal research of individuals in treatment and of treatment-naïve individuals with AUD are discussed and interpreted on the basis of reported neuropathology. As AUDs are highly comorbid with chronic cigarette smoking and illicit substance abuse, we also summarize reports on their respective influences on regional proton metabolite levels. After reviewing research on neurobiologic correlates of relapse and genetic influences on brain metabolite levels, we finish with suggestions on future directions for (1)H MRS studies in AUDs. The review demonstrates that brain metabolic alterations associated with AUDs as well as their cognitive correlates are not simply a consequence of chronic alcohol consumption. Future MR research of AUDs in general has to be better prepared - and supported - to study clinically complex relationships between personality characteristics, comorbidities, neurogenetics, lifestyle, and living environment, as all these factors critically affect an individual's neurometabolic profile. (1)H MRS is uniquely positioned to tackle these complexities by contributing to a comprehensive biopsychosocial profile of individuals with AUD: it can provide non-invasive biochemical information on select regions of the brain at comparatively low overall cost for the ultimate purpose of informing more efficient treatments of AUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter J Meyerhoff
- Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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21
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Wang JC, Foroud T, Hinrichs AL, Le NXH, Bertelsen S, Budde JP, Harari O, Koller DL, Wetherill L, Agrawal A, Almasy L, Brooks AI, Bucholz K, Dick D, Hesselbrock V, Johnson EO, Kang S, Kapoor M, Kramer J, Kuperman S, Madden PAF, Manz N, Martin NG, McClintick JN, Montgomery GW, Nurnberger JI, Rangaswamy M, Rice J, Schuckit M, Tischfield JA, Whitfield JB, Xuei X, Porjesz B, Heath AC, Edenberg HJ, Bierut LJ, Goate AM. A genome-wide association study of alcohol-dependence symptom counts in extended pedigrees identifies C15orf53. Mol Psychiatry 2013; 18:1218-24. [PMID: 23089632 PMCID: PMC3752321 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2012.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2011] [Revised: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have identified genes associated with alcohol-use disorders (AUDs), but the variation in each of these genes explains only a small portion of the genetic vulnerability. The goal of the present study was to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in extended families from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism to identify novel genes affecting risk for alcohol dependence (AD). To maximize the power of the extended family design, we used a quantitative endophenotype, measured in all individuals: number of alcohol-dependence symptoms endorsed (symptom count (SC)). Secondary analyses were performed to determine if the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with SC were also associated with the dichotomous phenotype, DSM-IV AD. This family-based GWAS identified SNPs in C15orf53 that are strongly associated with DSM-IV alcohol-dependence symptom counts (P=4.5 × 10(-8), inflation-corrected P=9.4 × 10(-7)). Results with DSM-IV AD in the regions of interest support our findings with SC, although the associations were less significant. Attempted replications of the most promising association results were conducted in two independent samples: nonoverlapping subjects from the Study of Addiction: Genes and Environment (SAGE) and the Australian Twin Family Study of AUDs (OZALC). Nominal association of C15orf53 with SC was observed in SAGE. The variant that showed strongest association with SC, rs12912251 and its highly correlated variants (D'=1, r(2) 0.95), have previously been associated with risk for bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Chyong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Tatiana Foroud
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Anthony L Hinrichs
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Nhung XH Le
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Sarah Bertelsen
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - John P Budde
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Oscar Harari
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Daniel L Koller
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Leah Wetherill
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Arpana Agrawal
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Laura Almasy
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
| | | | - Kathleen Bucholz
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Danielle Dick
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Victor Hesselbrock
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT
| | - Eric O Johnson
- Division of Health, Social and Economic Research, Research Triangle Institute International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Sun Kang
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Manav Kapoor
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - John Kramer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA
| | - Samuel Kuperman
- Division of Child Psychiatry, University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City, IA
| | - Pamela AF Madden
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Niklas Manz
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | | | - Jeanette N McClintick
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | | | - John I Nurnberger
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Madhavi Rangaswamy
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - John Rice
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Marc Schuckit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Jay A Tischfield
- Department of Genetics, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX
| | | | - Xiaoling Xuei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Bernice Porjesz
- Henri Begleiter Neurodynamics Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Andrew C Heath
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Howard J Edenberg
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Laura J Bierut
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Alison M Goate
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
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Arias AJ, Covault J, Feinn R, Pond T, Yang BZ, Ge W, Oncken C, Kranzler HR. A GABRA2 variant is associated with increased stimulation and 'high' following alcohol administration. Alcohol Alcohol 2013; 49:1-9. [PMID: 24166645 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agt163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Variation in genes encoding GABAA receptor subunits has been implicated in the risk of alcohol dependence (AD). We sought to replicate and extend previous findings of a moderating effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GABRA2 (which encodes the GABAA α-2 subunit) on the subjective effects of alcohol by examining SNPs in this and the adjacent GABRG1 gene on chromosome 4. METHODS Fifty-two European-Americans (22 males, 28 light drinkers and 24 heavy drinkers) completed 3 laboratory sessions, during which they drank low-dose, high-dose, or placebo alcohol prior to undergoing periodic assessments of stimulation, sedation and drug enjoyment. We genotyped subjects for three SNPs previously associated with AD: rs279858 in GABRA2, and rs7654165 and rs6447493 in GABRG1. RESULTS Two SNPs were associated with altered stimulatory effects of alcohol as measured on the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale, (rs279858: P = 0.0046; rs6447493: P = 0.0023); both effects were in the opposite direction of previous findings. Carriers of the rs279858 C allele experienced greater stimulation from alcohol. Further inspection of the rs6447493 interaction did not support a pharmacogenetic effect. The effects of rs279858 (but not the other two SNPs) on items from a secondary outcome measure, the Drug Effects Questionnaire (DEQ), were significant. Higher ratings by individuals with the C allele were observed on the DEQ items 'feel the alcohol effect' (P < 0.001), 'like the alcohol effect' (P < 0.001) and feel 'high' (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION We did not find that the GABRG1 SNPs rs7654165 and rs6447493 moderated the effects of alcohol. Greater stimulatory and euphoric effects of alcohol in carriers of the rs279858 C allele may, in part, explain the previously reported association of this allele with AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J Arias
- Corresponding author: Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-1410, USA.
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Abstract
Alcohol is widely consumed; however, excessive use creates serious physical, psychological and social problems and contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases. Alcohol use disorders (that is, alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse) are maladaptive patterns of excessive drinking that lead to serious problems. Abundant evidence indicates that alcohol dependence (alcoholism) is a complex genetic disease, with variations in a large number of genes affecting a person's risk of alcoholism. Some of these genes have been identified, including two genes involved in the metabolism of alcohol (ADH1B and ALDH2) that have the strongest known affects on the risk of alcoholism. Studies continue to reveal other genes in which variants affect the risk of alcoholism or related traits, including GABRA2, CHRM2, KCNJ6 and AUTS2. As more variants are analysed and studies are combined for meta-analysis to achieve increased sample sizes, an improved picture of the many genes and pathways that affect the risk of alcoholism will be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard J Edenberg
- Department of Biochemistry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS4063, Indianapolis, IN 46202-5122, USA.
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24
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Kerfoot K, Pittman B, Ralevski E, Limoncelli D, Koretski J, Newcomb J, Arias AJ, Petrakis IL. Effects of family history of alcohol dependence on the subjective response to alcohol using the intravenous alcohol clamp. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2013; 37:2011-8. [PMID: 23895557 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorders are well recognized to be common, debilitating, and the risk of developing them is influenced by family history (FH). The subjective response to alcohol may be determined familialy and related to the risk of developing alcoholism. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences between family history positive (FHP) and family history negative (FHN) individuals in their response to alcohol within the domains of subjective, coordination, and cognitive effects using an intravenous (IV) clamping method of alcohol administration. METHODS Two groups of healthy subjects, those with an FHP (n = 65) versus those who were FHN (n = 115), between the ages of 21 to 30, participated in 3 test days. Subjects were scheduled to receive placebo, low-dose ethanol (EtOH) (target breath alcohol clamping [BrAC] = 40 mg%), and high-dose EtOH (target BrAC = 100 mg%) on 3 separate test days at least 3 days apart in a randomized order under double-blind conditions. Outcome measures included subjective effects, measures of coordination, and cognitive function. RESULTS Both low- and high-dose alcohol led to dose-related stimulant and sedative subjective effects as measured the Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale and subjective measures of "high" and "drowsy" measured on a visual analog scale. However, there were no effects of FH. Similar dose-related effects were observed on cognitive and coordination-related outcomes, but were not moderated FH. CONCLUSIONS Results from this study showed that healthy individuals responded to an IV alcohol challenge in a dose-related manner; however, there were no significant differences on subjective response, or on EtOH-induced impairment of coordination or cognition, between individuals with a positive FH for alcoholism and those with a negative FH. Results suggest that FH may not be a specific enough marker of risk, particularly in individuals who are beyond the age where alcohol use disorders often develop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Kerfoot
- NIAAA Center for the Translational Neuroscience of Alcoholism and Department of Psychiatry , Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Veterans Affairs , Alcohol Research Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System (116-A), West Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry , University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Akins S, Lanfear C, Cline S, Mosher C. Patterns and Correlates of Adult American Indian Substance Use. JOURNAL OF DRUG ISSUES 2013. [DOI: 10.1177/0022042613491100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is substantial literature on the patterns and correlates of substance use across minority youth populations, but comparatively little attention has been directed to substance use among adults. This is particularly the case for adult American Indians, generally due to sampling challenges. This article provides multivariate analyses of the correlates of substance use across five racial/ethnic groups and highlights analyses focused on American Indian adults. In addition to marijuana use and binge drinking, our analyses consider hard drug use, which remains understudied in the literature, and include a first consideration of “bender drinking,” a form of alcohol consumption that is most likely to lead to health, social, and legal problems. Our results indicate that although American Indians report higher levels of substance use and abuse than do those from other racial/ethnic groups, these differences are attenuated when sociodemographic and individual-level/risk protective factors are taken into account.
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26
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Schuckit MA, Smith TL. Stability of scores and correlations with drinking behaviors over 15 years for the Self-Report of the Effects of Alcohol Questionnaire. Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 128:194-9. [PMID: 22980675 PMCID: PMC3537846 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2012] [Revised: 07/05/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The low level of response (LR) to alcohol is an endophenotype that predicts future heavy drinking and alcohol use disorders (AUDs). LR can be measured by laboratory-based alcohol challenges or by the retrospective Self-Report of the Effects of Alcohol (SRE) questionnaire. This paper reports the relationships among these two measures and how each related to both recent and future drinking quantities and problems across 15 years in 235 men. METHODS Probands from the San Diego Prospective Study (SDPS) participated in alcohol challenges to determine their LR at age 20, and subsequently at ages 35, 40, 45 and 50 filled out an SRE regarding the number of standard drinks needed for up to four effects early in life (SRE5) and across early, recent, and heaviest drinking life epochs (SRET). Changes in SRE scores across time were evaluated with ANOVAs and Pearson correlations were used to evaluate how SRE5, SRET and earlier alcohol challenge-based LRs related to prior five-year drinking histories and future alcohol involvement. RESULTS While SRE scores decreased 9% over the 15 years, the relationships between SRE values with prior five-year drinking parameters and with future alcohol intake and problems remained robust, and even improved with advancing age. A similar pattern was seen for correlations between SRE and alcohol challenge-based LRs 15-30 years previously. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol challenge and SRE-based LRs related to each other, to alcohol use patterns, and to future alcohol problems across age 35-50 in the men studied here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Schuckit
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 8950 Villa La Jolla Drive, Suite B-218, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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27
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Hesselbrock MN, Hesselbrock VM, Chartier KG. Genetics of alcohol dependence and social work research: do they mix? SOCIAL WORK IN PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 28:178-193. [PMID: 23731413 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2013.758999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Since completion of the mapping of the human genome in early 2000, tremendous progress has been made in the identification of many different genes associated with our health and across diseases. Although social work researchers are not expected to conduct genetic research at the molecular level, it is imperative that we are able to understand the basic genetic findings related to behavioral problems and are able to translate and integrate this information into psychosocial treatment approaches and program development. This article is an introduction and overview of genetic approaches, using studies of the genetics of alcoholism to exemplify important issues. The literature review is not comprehensive and focuses primarily on the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism project as an example of a multidisciplinary and integrative approach to the genetic study of a major health problem often encountered in social work practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michie N Hesselbrock
- Department of Psychiatry , University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030, USA.
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28
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Zhao Z, Guo AY, van den Oord EJCG, Aliev F, Jia P, Edenberg HJ, Riley BP, Dick DM, Bettinger JC, Davies AG, Grotewiel MS, Schuckit MA, Agrawal A, Kramer J, Nurnberger JI, Kendler KS, Webb BT, Miles MF. Multi-species data integration and gene ranking enrich significant results in an alcoholism genome-wide association study. BMC Genomics 2012; 13 Suppl 8:S16. [PMID: 23282140 PMCID: PMC3535715 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-13-s8-s16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A variety of species and experimental designs have been used to study genetic influences on alcohol dependence, ethanol response, and related traits. Integration of these heterogeneous data can be used to produce a ranked target gene list for additional investigation. RESULTS In this study, we performed a unique multi-species evidence-based data integration using three microarray experiments in mice or humans that generated an initial alcohol dependence (AD) related genes list, human linkage and association results, and gene sets implicated in C. elegans and Drosophila. We then used permutation and false discovery rate (FDR) analyses on the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) dataset from the Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) to evaluate the ranking results and weighting matrices. We found one weighting score matrix could increase FDR based q-values for a list of 47 genes with a score greater than 2. Our follow up functional enrichment tests revealed these genes were primarily involved in brain responses to ethanol and neural adaptations occurring with alcoholism. CONCLUSIONS These results, along with our experimental validation of specific genes in mice, C. elegans and Drosophila, suggest that a cross-species evidence-based approach is useful to identify candidate genes contributing to alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongming Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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29
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Abstract
Alcohol consumption dates back to the Neolithic period, and alcohol dependence contributes substantially to the current global burden of disease. Despite this, optimal therapies and preventive strategies are lacking. Formal genetic studies of alcohol dependence have shown that genetic factors play as large a role in disease etiology as environmental factors. Molecular genetic studies may identify causal factors and facilitate the development of novel preventive and therapeutic approaches. Whereas earlier studies involved the use of linkage- and candidate-gene approaches, recent years have witnessed the introduction of genome-wide association studies (GWAS). The present review provides a brief overview of the findings of formal genetic studies, summarizes the results of earlier molecular-genetic investigations, and presents a detailed overview of all published GWAS in the field of alcohol dependence research. To date, few genome-wide significant findings have been reported. However, through the polygenic approach, GWAS have both confirmed the existence of a multitude of novel risk genes and indicated interesting new candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany.
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Paulus MP, Schuckit MA, Tapert SF, Tolentino NJ, Matthews SC, Smith TL, Trim RS, Hall SA, Simmons AN. High versus low level of response to alcohol: evidence of differential reactivity to emotional stimuli. Biol Psychiatry 2012; 72:848-55. [PMID: 22608014 PMCID: PMC3433640 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Revised: 04/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/18/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The low level of response (LR) or sensitivity to alcohol is genetically influenced and predicts heavy drinking and alcohol problems. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies using cognitive tasks suggest that subjects with a low-LR process cognitive information differently after placebo and alcohol than those with a high LR, but no studies have evaluated whether similar LR group differences are seen during an emotional processing task. METHODS The fMRI data were gathered from 116 nonalcoholic subjects (60 women) after oral placebo or approximately .7 mL/kg of ethanol while performing a modified emotional faces processing task. These included 58 low- and high-LR pairs matched on demography and aspects of substance use. RESULTS Blood alcohol levels and task performance were similar across LR groups, but low-LR subjects consumed approximately .8 drinks more/occasion. Thirteen brain regions (mostly the middle and inferior frontal gyri, cingulate, and insula) showed significant LR group or LR × placebo/alcohol condition interactions for emotional (mostly happy) faces relative to non-face trials. Low-LR subjects generally showed decreasing blood-oxygen level-dependent response contrasts across placebo to alcohol, whereas high LR showed increasing contrasts from placebo to alcohol, even after controlling for drinking quantities and alcohol-related changes in cerebral blood flow. CONCLUSIONS Thus, LR group fMRI differences are as prominent during an emotional face task as during cognitive paradigms. Low-LR individuals processed both types of information in a manner that might contribute to an impaired ability to recognize modest levels of alcohol intoxication in a range of life situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin P. Paulus
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC 116, San Diego, CA 92161
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Marc A. Schuckit
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Susan F. Tapert
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC 116, San Diego, CA 92161
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Neil J. Tolentino
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Scott C. Matthews
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC 116, San Diego, CA 92161
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Tom L. Smith
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Ryan S. Trim
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC 116, San Diego, CA 92161
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Shana A. Hall
- Duke University, Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Trinity College of Arts & Sciences, Durham, NC 27708
| | - Alan N. Simmons
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, MC 116, San Diego, CA 92161
- University of California, San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093
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Palmer RHC, McGeary JE, Francazio S, Raphael BJ, Lander AD, Heath AC, Knopik VS. The genetics of alcohol dependence: advancing towards systems-based approaches. Drug Alcohol Depend 2012; 125:179-91. [PMID: 22854292 PMCID: PMC3470479 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2012.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2012] [Revised: 07/09/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Personalized treatment for psychopathologies, in particular alcoholism, is highly dependent upon our ability to identify patterns of genetic and environmental effects that influence a person's risk. Unfortunately, array-based whole genome investigations into heritable factors that explain why one person becomes dependent upon alcohol and another does not, have indicated that alcohol's genetic architecture is highly complex. That said, uncovering and interpreting the missing heritability in alcohol genetics research has become all the more important, especially since the problem may extend to our inability to model the cumulative and combinatorial relationships between common and rare genetic variants. As numerous studies begin to illustrate the dependency of alcohol pharmacotherapies on an individual's genotype, the field is further challenged to identify new ways to transcend agnostic genomewide association approaches. We discuss insights from genetic studies of alcohol related diseases, as well as issues surrounding alcohol's genetic complexity and etiological heterogeneity. Finally, we describe the need for innovative systems-based approaches (systems genetics) that can provide additional statistical power that can enhance future gene-finding strategies and help to identify heretofore-unrealized mechanisms that may provide new targets for prevention/treatments efforts. Emerging evidence from early studies suggest that systems genetics has the potential to organize our neurological, pharmacological, and genetic understanding of alcohol dependence into a biologically plausible framework that represents how perturbations across evolutionarily robust biological systems determine susceptibility to alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- R H C Palmer
- Division of Behavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry at Rhode Island Hospital, USA.
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Alaimo JT, Davis SJ, Song SS, Burnette CR, Grotewiel M, Shelton KL, Pierce-Shimomura JT, Davies AG, Bettinger JC. Ethanol metabolism and osmolarity modify behavioral responses to ethanol in C. elegans. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2012; 36:1840-50. [PMID: 22486589 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2012.01799.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol (EtOH) is metabolized by a 2-step process in which alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) oxidizes EtOH to acetaldehyde, which is further oxidized to acetate by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Although variation in EtOH metabolism in humans strongly influences the propensity to chronically abuse alcohol, few data exist on the behavioral effects of altered EtOH metabolism. Here, we used the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to directly examine how changes in EtOH metabolism alter behavioral responses to alcohol during an acute exposure. Additionally, we investigated EtOH solution osmolarity as a potential explanation for contrasting published data on C. elegans EtOH sensitivity. METHODS We developed a gas chromatography assay and validated a spectrophotometric method to measure internal EtOH in EtOH-exposed worms. Further, we tested the effects of mutations in ADH and ALDH genes on EtOH tissue accumulation and behavioral sensitivity to the drug. Finally, we tested the effects of EtOH solution osmolarity on behavioral responses and tissue EtOH accumulation. RESULTS Only a small amount of exogenously applied EtOH accumulated in the tissues of C. elegans and consequently their tissue concentrations were similar to those that intoxicate humans. Independent inactivation of an ADH-encoding gene (sodh-1) or an ALDH-encoding gene (alh-6 or alh-13) increased the EtOH concentration in worms and caused hypersensitivity to the acute sedative effects of EtOH on locomotion. We also found that the sensitivity to the depressive effects of EtOH on locomotion is strongly influenced by the osmolarity of the exogenous EtOH solution. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that EtOH metabolism via ADH and ALDH has a statistically discernable but surprisingly minor influence on EtOH sedation and internal EtOH accumulation in worms. In contrast, the osmolarity of the medium in which EtOH is delivered to the animals has a more substantial effect on the observed sensitivity to EtOH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph T Alaimo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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Schuckit MA, Tapert S, Matthews SC, Paulus MP, Tolentino NJ, Smith TL, Trim RS, Hall S, Simmons A. fMRI differences between subjects with low and high responses to alcohol during a stop signal task. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 36:130-40. [PMID: 22003983 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01590.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A low level of response (i.e., a low LR) to alcohol is a genetically influenced phenotype that predicts later alcoholism. While the low LR reflects, at least in part, a low brain response to alcohol, the physiological underpinnings of the low LR have only recently been addressed. METHODS Forty-nine drinking but not yet alcoholic matched pairs of 18- to 25-year-old subjects (N = 98; 53% women) with low and high LRs as established in separate alcohol challenges were evaluated in 2 event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions (placebo and approximately 0.7 ml/kg of alcohol) while performing a validated stop signal task. The high and low LR groups had identical blood alcohol levels during the alcohol session. RESULTS Significant high versus low LR group and LR group × condition effects were observed in blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal during error and inhibitory processing, despite similar LR group performance on the task. In most clusters with significant (corrected p < 0.05, clusters > 1,344 μl) LR group × alcohol/placebo condition interactions, the low LR group demonstrated relatively less, whereas the high LR group demonstrated more, error and inhibition-related activation after alcohol compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS This is one of the first fMRI studies to demonstrate significant differences between healthy groups with different risks of a future life-threatening disorder. The results may suggest a brain mechanism that contributes to how a low LR might enhance the risk of future heavy drinking and alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Schuckit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, 92037, USA.
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Schuckit MA, Smith TL, Heron J, Hickman M, Macleod J, Lewis G, Davis JM, Hibbeln JR, Brown S, Zuccolo L, Miller LL, Davey-Smith G. Testing a level of response to alcohol-based model of heavy drinking and alcohol problems in 1,905 17-year-olds. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2011; 35:1897-904. [PMID: 21762180 PMCID: PMC3183150 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2011.01536.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The low level of response (LR) to alcohol is one of several genetically influenced characteristics that increase the risk for heavy drinking and alcohol problems. Efforts to understand how LR operates through additional life influences have been carried out primarily in modest-sized U.S.-based samples with limited statistical power, raising questions about generalizability and about the importance of components with smaller effects. This study evaluates a full LR-based model of risk in a large sample of adolescents from the United Kingdom. METHODS Cross-sectional structural equation models were used for the approximate first half of the age 17 subjects assessed by the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, generating data on 1,905 adolescents (mean age 17.8 years, 44.2% boys). LR was measured with the Self-Rating of the Effects of Alcohol Questionnaire, outcomes were based on drinking quantities and problems, and standardized questionnaires were used to evaluate peer substance use, alcohol expectancies, and using alcohol to cope with stress. RESULTS In this young and large U.K. sample, a low LR related to more adverse alcohol outcomes both directly and through partial mediation by all 3 additional key variables (peer substance use, expectancies, and coping). The models were similar in boys and girls. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm key elements of the hypothesized LR-based model in a large U.K. sample, supporting some generalizability beyond U.S. groups. They also indicate that with enough statistical power, multiple elements contribute to how LR relates to alcohol outcomes and reinforce the applicability of the model to both genders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Schuckit
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
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Schuckit M. Conversation with Marc Schuckit. Addiction 2011; 106:1741-7. [PMID: 21382113 DOI: 10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03355.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Le-Niculescu H, Case NJ, Hulvershorn L, Patel SD, Bowker D, Gupta J, Bell R, Edenberg HJ, Tsuang MT, Kuczenski R, Geyer MA, Rodd ZA, Niculescu AB. Convergent functional genomic studies of ω-3 fatty acids in stress reactivity, bipolar disorder and alcoholism. Transl Psychiatry 2011; 1:e4. [PMID: 22832392 PMCID: PMC3309466 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2011.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2010] [Accepted: 02/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Omega-3 fatty acids have been proposed as an adjuvant treatment option in psychiatric disorders. Given their other health benefits and their relative lack of toxicity, teratogenicity and side effects, they may be particularly useful in children and in females of child-bearing age, especially during pregnancy and postpartum. A comprehensive mechanistic understanding of their effects is needed. Here we report translational studies demonstrating the phenotypic normalization and gene expression effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), in a stress-reactive knockout mouse model of bipolar disorder and co-morbid alcoholism, using a bioinformatic convergent functional genomics approach integrating animal model and human data to prioritize disease-relevant genes. Additionally, to validate at a behavioral level the novel observed effects on decreasing alcohol consumption, we also tested the effects of DHA in an independent animal model, alcohol-preferring (P) rats, a well-established animal model of alcoholism. Our studies uncover sex differences, brain region-specific effects and blood biomarkers that may underpin the effects of DHA. Of note, DHA modulates some of the same genes targeted by current psychotropic medications, as well as increases myelin-related gene expression. Myelin-related gene expression decrease is a common, if nonspecific, denominator of neuropsychiatric disorders. In conclusion, our work supports the potential utility of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically DHA, for a spectrum of psychiatric disorders such as stress disorders, bipolar disorder, alcoholism and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Le-Niculescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - N J Case
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - L Hulvershorn
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - S D Patel
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indianapolis VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - D Bowker
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - J Gupta
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - R Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - H J Edenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - M T Tsuang
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - R Kuczenski
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - M A Geyer
- Department of Psychiatry, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Z A Rodd
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - A B Niculescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indianapolis VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Abstract
Twin, family, and adoption studies have consistently shown that genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of alcohol dependence. Numerous studies have aimed to identify genes that contribute to susceptibility to alcohol dependence. Whole-genome linkage studies have identified several chromosomal regions that are linked with alcohol dependence. Association studies have also identified genes associated with alcohol dependence. Alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, such as alcohol dehydrogenase-1B and aldehyde dehydrogenase-2, are the most well-established genes that have polymorphisms associated with the risk for alcohol dependence. Polymorphisms in gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor genes are also reported to be associated with alcohol dependence. The polymorphism of opioid receptor mu 1 gene is of interest because it alters the treatment effects of naltrexone. Several genes related to neural transmission have been reported to be associated with alcohol dependence, but results are inconsistent among studies. One reason for these inconsistent results is the great heterogeneity of alcohol dependence. Classifying alcohol dependence into homogeneous phenotypes is a good strategy to solve this problem. Recently, several genome-wide association studies have been reported. Genome-wide association studies enable hypothesis-free genome mapping of vulnerability-contributing genes and are expected to add data to identify genes associated with the susceptibility to alcohol dependence. Knowledge of the genetic basis of alcohol dependence is growing and leads to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms of addiction, which can help with strategies to prevent and treat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuru Kimura
- National Hospital Organization, Kurihama Alcoholism Center, Kanagawa, Japan.
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Treutlein J, Rietschel M. Genome-wide association studies of alcohol dependence and substance use disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2011; 13:147-55. [PMID: 21253885 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-011-0176-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) currently represent the most systematic approach to genetic research into complex disorders. They can detect associations of common variants in genomic regions in the absence of an a priori assumption. Most of the GWAS of addiction performed to date have focused on alcohol dependence or smoking behavior. Four GWAS of alcohol dependence have been published thus far, and only two single nucleotide polymorphisms have received modest support of replication in a subsequent study. Many more GWAS have been conducted for smoking behavior. One large, single GWAS and meta-analyses of the phenotype "smoking quantity" have generated convincing evidence for the contribution of variants in genes for cholinergic nicotinic receptor subunits. This article focuses on GWAS of alcohol addiction and provides an overview of GWAS of other substance abuse disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens Treutlein
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim (CIMH), University of Heidelberg, J5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany.
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The metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 mediates sensitivity to the sedative properties of ethanol. Pharmacogenet Genomics 2011; 20:553-64. [PMID: 20657349 DOI: 10.1097/fpc.0b013e32833d8c20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inbred long-sleep and short-sleep mice (ILS and ISS) were selectively bred for differential sensitivity to the sedative effects of ethanol. Lines of mice derived from these progenitors have been used to identify several quantitative trait loci (QTLs) mediating loss of the righting reflex due to ethanol (LORE). This study investigated the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5) as a candidate gene underlying Lore7, a QTL mediating differential LORE sensitivity. METHODS We used knockout mice, a quantitative complementation test, pharmacological antagonism of mGluR5, real-time quantitative PCR, radioligand binding, DNA sequencing, and bioinformatics to examine the role of mGluR5 in ethanol-induced sedation. RESULTS mGluR5 knockout mice had a significantly longer LORE duration than wildtype controls. Administration of the mGluR5 antagonist 2-methyl-6-(phenylethyl)-pyridine (MPEP) had differential effects on LORE in ILS and ISS mice. A quantitative complementation test also supported mGluR5 mediating LORE. Two intronic single-nucleotide polymorphisms in mGluR5 were highly correlated with LORE in recombinant inbred mice derived from a cross between ILS and ISS (LXS RIs). Differences in mGluR5 mRNA level and receptor density were observed between ILS and ISS in distinct brain regions. Finally, data from WebQTL showed that mGluR5 expression was highly correlated with several LORE phenotypes in the LXS RIs. CONCLUSION Altogether, this data provides convincing evidence that mGluR5 mediates differential sensitivity to the sedative effects of ethanol. Studies from the human literature have also identified mGluR5 as a potential candidate gene for ethanol sensitivity.
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Gizer IR, Ehlers CL, Vietan C, Seaton-Smith KL, Feiler HS, Lee JV, Segall SK, Gilder DA, Wilhelmsen KC. Linkage scan of alcohol dependence in the UCSF Family Alcoholism Study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2011; 113:125-32. [PMID: 20817416 PMCID: PMC3008755 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2010] [Accepted: 07/03/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ample data suggest that alcohol dependence represents a heritable condition, and several research groups have performed linkage analysis to identify genomic regions influencing this disorder. In the present study, a genome-wide linkage scan for alcohol dependence was conducted in a community sample of 565 probands and 1080 first-degree relatives recruited through the UCSF Family Alcoholism Study. The Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (SSAGA) was used to derive DSM-IV alcohol dependence diagnoses. Although no loci achieved genome-wide significance (i.e., LOD score > 3.0), several linkage peaks of interest (i.e., LOD score > 1.0) were identified. When the strict DSM-IV alcohol dependence diagnosis requiring the temporal clustering of symptoms served as the phenotype, linkage peaks were identified on chromosomes 1p36.31-p36.22, 2q37.3, 8q24.3, and 18p11.21-p11.2. When the temporal clustering of symptoms was not required, linkage peaks were again identified on chromosomes 1p36.31-p36.22 and 8q24.3 as well as novel loci on chromosomes 1p22.3, 2p24.3-p24.1, 9p24.1-p23, and 22q12.3-q13.1. Follow-up analyses were conducted by performing linkage analysis for the 12 alcohol dependence symptoms assessed by the SSAGA across the support intervals for the observed linkage peaks. These analyses demonstrated that different collections of symptoms often assessing distinct aspects of alcohol dependence (e.g., uncontrollable drinking and withdrawal vs. tolerance and drinking despite health problems) contributed to each linkage peak and often yielded LOD scores exceeding that reported for the alcohol dependence diagnosis. Such findings provide insight into how specific genomic regions may influence distinct aspects of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian R. Gizer
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Cindy L. Ehlers
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | | | | | - Heidi S. Feiler
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143
| | - James V. Lee
- School of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801
| | - Samantha K. Segall
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - David A. Gilder
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Kirk C. Wilhelmsen
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, Department of Neurology, Carolina Genome Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599,Corresponding Author: Kirk C. Wilhelmsen, M.D., Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 Mason Farm Road, Room 5015 Genetic Medicine Building CB 7264, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7264, Phone: Office (919) 966-1373, Fax (919) 966-3630,
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Molecular targets of alcohol action: Translational research for pharmacotherapy development and screening. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2011; 98:293-347. [PMID: 21199775 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385506-0.00007-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol abuse and dependence are multifaceted disorders with neurobiological, psychological, and environmental components. Research on other complex neuropsychiatric diseases suggests that genetically influenced intermediate characteristics affect the risk for heavy alcohol consumption and its consequences. Diverse therapeutic interventions can be developed through identification of reliable biomarkers for this disorder and new pharmacological targets for its treatment. Advances in the fields of genomics and proteomics offer a number of possible targets for the development of new therapeutic approaches. This brain-focused review highlights studies identifying neurobiological systems associated with these targets and possible pharmacotherapies, summarizing evidence from clinically relevant animal and human studies, as well as sketching improvements and challenges facing the fields of proteomics and genomics. Concluding thoughts on using results from these profiling technologies for medication development are also presented.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study's aims were to map loci linked to self-rating of the effects of alcohol and to determine if there was overlap with loci mapped earlier for other substance dependence phenotypes in an American Indian community at high risk for substance dependence. METHODS Each participant gave a blood sample and completed a structured diagnostic interview using the Semi Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism. Retrospective report of responses to alcohol during the FIRST FIVE TIMES they had ever drank alcohol was estimated from the Self-Rating of the Effects of Alcohol (SRE) questionnaire for each participant. Genotypes were determined for a panel of 791 micro-satellite polymorphisms in 381 members of multiplex families using SOLAR. RESULTS Analyses of multipoint variance component Log of Odds (LOD) scores, for the FIRST FIVE TIMES phenotype, revealed two loci that had a LOD score greater than 3.0 on chromosomes 6 and 9. In addition, three locations were identified with LOD scores above 2.0 on chromosomes 10, 12, 17. CONCLUSION These results corroborate the importance of regions on chromosome 6 and 9 highlighted in earlier segregation studies in this and other populations for substance dependence-related phenotypes, as well as an area on chromosome 10 earlier identified for the FIRST FIVE TIMES phenotype in the collaborative study on the genetics of alcoholism. These studies additionally lend further support the construct that the SRE may represent an important endophenotype associated with alcohol and other substance dependence.
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Gunzerath L, Hewitt BG, Li TK, Warren KR. Alcohol research: past, present, and future. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1216:1-23. [PMID: 21182533 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05832.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Created forty years ago, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) has played a major role in the great strides made in the understanding, treatment, prevention, and public acceptance of alcohol-use disorders. Throughout most of U.S. history "habitual drunkenness" was viewed as a problem of moral degeneracy or character flaw inherent in the individual. However, the wealth of scientific evidence amassed throughout NIAAA's history has established alcoholism as a medical condition, that is, as a disease for which affected individuals should feel no shame or be treated with disdain. We look at the developments in alcohol epidemiology, typology, etiology, prevention, and treatment research over the past 40 years. We also discuss how NIAAA addresses alcohol disorders from a life-course framework, affecting all stages of the lifespan, from fetus through child, adolescent, and young adult, to midlife/senior adult, with each stage involving different risks, consequences, prevention efforts, and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Gunzerath
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20892, USA.
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Courtney KE, Polich J. Binge drinking effects on EEG in young adult humans. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2010; 7:2325-36. [PMID: 20623027 PMCID: PMC2898052 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph7052325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2010] [Revised: 04/01/2010] [Accepted: 05/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Young adult (N = 96) university students who varied in their binge drinking history were assessed by electroencephalography (EEG) recording during passive viewing. Groups consisted of male and female non-binge drinkers (>1 to 5/4 drinks/ounces in under two hours), low-binge drinkers (5/4-7/6 drinks/ounces in under two hours), and high-binge drinkers (>or= 10 drinks/ounces in under two hours), who had been drinking alcohol at their respective levels for an average of 3 years. The non- and low-binge drinkers exhibited less spectral power than the high-binge drinkers in the delta (0-4 Hz) and fast-beta (20-35 Hz) bands. Binge drinking appears to be associated with a specific pattern of brain electrical activity in young adults that may reflect the future development of alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E Courtney
- The Scripps Research Institute, Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences Department, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Trim RS, Simmons AN, Tolentino NJ, Hall SA, Matthews SC, Robinson SK, Smith TL, Padula CB, Paulus MP, Tapert SF, Schuckit MA. Acute ethanol effects on brain activation in low- and high-level responders to alcohol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2010; 34:1162-70. [PMID: 20477775 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01193.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A low level of response (LR) to alcohol is an important endophenotype associated with an increased risk of alcoholism. However, little is known about how neural functioning may differ between individuals with low and high LRs to alcohol. This study examined whether LR group effects on neural activity varied as a function of acute alcohol consumption. METHODS A total of 30 matched high- and low-LR pairs (N = 60 healthy young adults) were recruited from the University of California, San Diego, and administered a structured diagnostic interview and laboratory alcohol challenge followed by two functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions under placebo and alcohol conditions, in randomized order. Task performance and blood oxygen level-dependent response contrast to high relative to low working memory load in an event-related visual working memory (VWM) task were examined across 120 fMRI sessions. RESULTS Both LR groups performed similarly on the VWM task across conditions. A significant LR group by condition interaction effect was observed in inferior frontal and cingulate regions, such that alcohol attenuated the LR group differences found under placebo (p < 0.05). The LR group by condition effect remained even after controlling for cerebral blood flow, age, and typical drinking quantity. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol had differential effects on brain activation for low- and high-LR individuals within frontal and cingulate regions. These findings represent an additional step in the search for physiological correlates of a low LR and identify brain regions that may be associated with the low LR response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Trim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, USA
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Ehlers CL, Gizer IR, Vieten C, Wilhelmsen KC. Linkage analyses of cannabis dependence, craving, and withdrawal in the San Francisco family study. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2010; 153B:802-11. [PMID: 19937978 PMCID: PMC2940710 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.31050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. There is ample evidence that cannabis use has a heritable component, yet the genes underlying cannabis use disorders are yet to be completely identified. This study's aims were to map susceptibility loci for cannabis use and dependence and two narrower cannabis-related phenotypes of "craving" and "withdrawal" using a family study design. Participants were 2,524 adults participating in the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Family Alcoholism Study. DSM-IV diagnoses of cannabis dependence, as well as indices of cannabis craving and withdrawal, were obtained using a modified version of the Semi-Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism (SSAGA). Genotypes were determined for a panel of 791 microsatellite polymorphisms. Multipoint variance component LOD scores were obtained using SOLAR. Genome-wide significance for linkage (LOD > 3.0) was not found for the DSM-IV cannabis dependence diagnosis; however, linkage analyses of cannabis "craving" and the cannabis withdrawal symptom of "nervous, tense, restless, or irritable" revealed five sites with LOD scores over 3.0 on chromosomes 1, 3, 6, 7, and 9. These results identify new regions of the genome associated with cannabis use phenotypes as well as corroborate the importance of several chromosome regions highlighted in previous linkage analyses for other substance dependence phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy L Ehlers
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Ehlers CL, Walter NAR, Dick DM, Buck KJ, Crabbe JC. A comparison of selected quantitative trait loci associated with alcohol use phenotypes in humans and mouse models. Addict Biol 2010; 15:185-99. [PMID: 20148779 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2009.00195.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Evidence for genetic linkage to alcohol and other substance dependence phenotypes in areas of the human and mouse genome have now been reported with some consistency across studies. However, the question remains as to whether the genes that underlie the alcohol-related behaviors seen in mice are the same as those that underlie the behaviors observed in human alcoholics. The aims of the current set of analyses were to identify a small set of alcohol-related phenotypes in human and in mouse by which to compare quantitative trait locus (QTL) data between the species using syntenic mapping. These analyses identified that QTLs for alcohol consumption and acute and chronic alcohol withdrawal on distal mouse chromosome 1 are syntenic to a region on human chromosome 1q where a number of studies have identified QTLs for alcohol-related phenotypes. Additionally, a QTL on human chromosome 15 for alcohol dependence severity/withdrawal identified in two human studies was found to be largely syntenic with a region on mouse chromosome 9, where two groups have found QTLs for alcohol preference. In both of these cases, while the QTLs were found to be syntenic, the exact phenotypes between humans and mice did not necessarily overlap. These studies demonstrate how this technique might be useful in the search for genes underlying alcohol-related phenotypes in multiple species. However, these findings also suggest that trying to match exact phenotypes in humans and mice may not be necessary or even optimal for determining whether similar genes influence a range of alcohol-related behaviors between the two species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy L Ehlers
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Neurosciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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Crabbe JC, Bell RL, Ehlers CL. Human and laboratory rodent low response to alcohol: is better consilience possible? Addict Biol 2010; 15:125-44. [PMID: 20148776 DOI: 10.1111/j.1369-1600.2009.00191.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
If people are brought into the laboratory and given alcohol, there are pronounced differences among individuals in many responses to the drug. Some participants in alcohol challenge protocols show a cluster of 'low level of responses to alcohol' determined by observing post-drinking-related changes in subjective, motor and physiological effects at a given dose level. Those individuals characterized as having low level of response (LR) to alcohol have been shown to be at increased risk for a lifetime diagnosis of alcohol dependence (AD), and this relationship between low LR and AD appears to be in part genetic. LR to alcohol is an area where achieving greater consilience between the human and the rodent phenotypes would seem to be highly likely. However, despite extensive data from both human and rodent studies, few attempts have been made to evaluate the human and animal data systematically in order to understand which aspects of LR appear to be most directly comparable across species and thus the most promising for further study. We review four general aspects of LR that could be compared between humans and laboratory animals: (1) behavioral measures of subjective intoxication; (2) body sway; (3) endocrine responses; and (4) stimulant, autonomic and electrophysiological responses. None of these aspects of LR provide completely face-valid direct comparisons across species. Nevertheless, one of the most replicated findings in humans is the low subjective response, but, as it may reflect either aversively valenced and/or positively valenced responses to alcohol as usually assessed, it is unclear which rodent responses are analogous. Stimulated heart rate appears to be consistent in animal and human studies, although at-risk subjects appear to be more rather than less sensitive to alcohol using this measure. The hormone and electrophysiological data offer strong possibilities of understanding the neurobiological mechanisms, but the rodent data in particular are rather sparse and unsystematic. Therefore, we suggest that more effort is still needed to collect data using refined measures designed to be more directly comparable in humans and animals. Additionally, the genetically mediated mechanisms underlying this endophenotype need to be characterized further across species.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Crabbe
- Portland Alcohol Research Center, Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University and VA Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Schuckit MA, Smith TL, Trim RS, Tolentino NJ, Hall SA. Comparing structural equation models that use different measures of the level of response to alcohol. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2010; 34:861-8. [PMID: 20201931 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2010.01158.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The two measures of a low level of response (LR) to alcohol, an alcohol challenge and the retrospective Self-Report of the Effects of Alcohol questionnaire (SRE), each identify individuals at high risk for heavy drinking and alcohol problems. These measures also perform similarly in identifying subjects with unique functional brain imaging characteristics. However, few data are available regarding whether alcohol challenge-based and SRE-based LRs operate similarly in structural equation models (SEMs) that search for characteristics, which help to mediate how LR impacts alcohol outcomes. METHODS Two hundred and ninety-four men from the San Diego Prospective Study were evaluated for their LR to alcohol using alcohol challenges at approximately age 20. At approximately age 35, the same subjects filled out the SRE regarding the number of drinks needed for effects 15 to 20 years earlier. The two different LR scores for these men were used in SEM analyses evaluating how LR relates to future heavy drinking and to drinking in peers (PEER), alcohol expectancies (EXPECT), and drinking to cope (COPE) as potential mediators of the LR to drinking pattern (ALCOUT) relationships. RESULTS While the 2 LR measures that were determined 15 years apart related to each other at a modest level (r = 0.17, p < 0.01), the SEM results were similar regardless of the LR source. In both alcohol challenge-based and SRE-based LR models, LR related directly to ALCOUT, with partial mediation from PEER and COPE, but not through EXPECT in these 35-year-old men. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with the >60% overlap in prediction of outcomes for the 2 LR measures, and with results from functional brain imaging, alcohol challenge- and SRE-based LR values operated similarly in SEM models in these men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc A Schuckit
- Department of Psychiatry, UCSD School of Medicine, La Jolla, California 92093-0866, USA.
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Campbell JM, Oei TP. A cognitive model for the intergenerational transference of alcohol use behavior. Addict Behav 2010; 35:73-83. [PMID: 19783372 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2009.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2007] [Revised: 08/17/2009] [Accepted: 09/03/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A family history of alcoholism has shown to be one of the greatest consistent risk factors in the intergenerational transference of alcohol problems. Whereas a large number of studies have attempted to identify the processes responsible for this interfamilial transfer, the mechanisms remain unclear. Family, twin and adoption studies, and environmental theories have resulted in a number of unanswered questions regarding the extent that these factors influence the transmission of alcohol behavior. Recently, cognitive theories have suggested that the observation of parental drinking habits contributes to the child's beliefs and expectations of alcohol's effects. A hypothesised cognitive model will be proposed suggesting that the mechanism for the transference of particular drinking styles from parent to offspring may be further explained by the transference of alcohol cognitions, in particular, alcohol expectancies and drinking refusal self-efficacy. This review focuses on research of bio/psycho/social factors that perpetuate alcohol misuse across generations, and will delineate the proposed cognitive mechanisms for the interfamilial transference of alcohol problems and discuss the implications of the proposed model.
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