1
|
AL-Eitan L, Abu Kharmah H, Alghamdi M. SNP analysis of stress-related genes reveals significant correlations with drug addiction in Jordan. Saudi Pharm J 2024; 32:102171. [PMID: 39318639 PMCID: PMC11419807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2024.102171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Drug addiction is a complex disorder caused by multiple factors, including environmental and genetic factors. Stress-related genes such as Galanin (GAL) and Oxytocin (OXT) have been linked to the reward pathways that contribute to the development and progression of substance addiction. This study aimed to explore the correlation between several polymorphisms of stress-related genes and drug addiction among Jordanian males. Methods The study included 500 participants, consisting of both healthy controls and drug-addicted Jordanian males. The genetic material and clinical data were collected, and 18 SNPs in four candidate genes were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY® system. Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and the SNPStats website. Results The study identified a significant correlation between three SNPs of the GAL gene and drug addiction, specifically rs3136544, rs3136541, and rs694066. The study also found that different genotypes of these variants were significantly associated with drug addiction. Furthermore, different haplotypes of the GAL, GALR1, and OXTR polymorphisms were also significantly correlated with drug addiction. The study also identified a correlation between several drug addiction features and the studied variants, including the association of rs2717162 of Galanin receptor 1 (GALR1) with age at use onset and the association of rs3136541 of GAL with the type of substance and number of substances used. Conclusion Stress-related genes can play a significant role in the development and progression of addiction among the Jordanian population, and further investigations are necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms better and improve future treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laith AL-Eitan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, 22110 Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hana Abu Kharmah
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, 22110 Irbid, Jordan
| | - Mansour Alghamdi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
- Genomics and Personalized Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 62529, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Al-Eitan L, Shatnawi M, Alghamdi M. Investigating CHRNA5, CHRNA3, and CHRNB4 variants in the genetic landscape of substance use disorder in Jordan. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:436. [PMID: 38862938 PMCID: PMC11167846 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05898-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex illness that can be attributed to the interaction between environmental and genetic factors. The nicotinic receptor gene cluster on chromosome 15 has a plausible association with SUD, particularly with nicotine dependence. METHODS This study investigated 15 SNPs within the CHRNA5, CHRNA3, and CHRNB4 genes. Sequencing was used for genotyping 495 Jordanian males with SUD and 497 controls matched for age, gender, and descent. RESULTS Our findings revealed that none of the tested alleles or genotypes were correlated with SUD. However, our analysis suggests that the route of substance use was linked to rs1051730 (P value = 0.04), rs8040868 (P value = 0.01) of CHRNA3, and rs16969968 (P value = 0.03) of CHRNA5. Additionally, a correlation was identified between rs3813567 of the CHRNB4 gene and the age at substance use onset (P value = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS Variants in CHRNA5, CHRNA3, and CHRNB4 may interact with SUD features that can influence the development and progression of the disorder among Jordanians.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laith Al-Eitan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
| | - Mohammad Shatnawi
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan
| | - Mansour Alghamdi
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Saudi Arabia
- Genomics and Personalized Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, 62529, Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Theodoridou D, Tsiantis CO, Vlaikou AM, Chondrou V, Zakopoulou V, Christodoulides P, Oikonomou ED, Tzimourta KD, Kostoulas C, Tzallas AT, Tsamis KI, Peschos D, Sgourou A, Filiou MD, Syrrou M. Developmental Dyslexia: Insights from EEG-Based Findings and Molecular Signatures-A Pilot Study. Brain Sci 2024; 14:139. [PMID: 38391714 PMCID: PMC10887023 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14020139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a learning disorder. Although risk genes have been identified, environmental factors, and particularly stress arising from constant difficulties, have been associated with the occurrence of DD by affecting brain plasticity and function, especially during critical neurodevelopmental stages. In this work, electroencephalogram (EEG) findings were coupled with the genetic and epigenetic molecular signatures of individuals with DD and matched controls. Specifically, we investigated the genetic and epigenetic correlates of key stress-associated genes (NR3C1, NR3C2, FKBP5, GILZ, SLC6A4) with psychological characteristics (depression, anxiety, and stress) often included in DD diagnostic criteria, as well as with brain EEG findings. We paired the observed brain rhythms with the expression levels of stress-related genes, investigated the epigenetic profile of the stress regulator glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and correlated such indices with demographic findings. This study presents a new interdisciplinary approach and findings that support the idea that stress, attributed to the demands of the school environment, may act as a contributing factor in the occurrence of the DD phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Theodoridou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Christos-Orestis Tsiantis
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki-Maria Vlaikou
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Chondrou
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, Greece
| | - Victoria Zakopoulou
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Pavlos Christodoulides
- Department of Speech and Language Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Emmanouil D Oikonomou
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, School of Informatics & Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, 47100 Arta, Greece
| | - Katerina D Tzimourta
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Western Macedonia, 50100 Kozani, Greece
| | - Charilaos Kostoulas
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros T Tzallas
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, School of Informatics & Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, 47100 Arta, Greece
| | - Konstantinos I Tsamis
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Peschos
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Argyro Sgourou
- Laboratory of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Hellenic Open University, 26335 Patras, Greece
| | - Michaela D Filiou
- Biomedical Research Institute, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), 45110 Ioannina, Greece
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Syrrou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110 Ioannina, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yehya A, Altaany Z. A Decade of Pharmacogenetic Studies in Jordan: A Systemic Review. THE PHARMACOGENOMICS JOURNAL 2021; 21:543-550. [PMID: 33850297 DOI: 10.1038/s41397-021-00236-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to perform a systematic overview of the pharmacogenetic studies conducted in Jordan. A structured search of Medline was conducted for articles over the last decade (January 2010-July 2020). Studies were classified by design, sample size, drug-gene combination, and the significance of the results. Thirty-two studies met the criteria for review. Most pharmacogenomic studies had a case-only design (n = 23). Only five studies included >500 participants. The total number of genetic variants in all studies was one hundred fifteen, which were found in forty genes, including dynamic (n = 27), and kinetic (n = 9) genes. The most commonly studied drugs were within the hematology and cardiology therapeutic areas and included statins, warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel. Most studies (n = 18) reported results with mixed p values [<0.05 and >0.05]. Pharmacogenomic research in Jordan is still in its infancy and is limited mainly to replication attempts. The need for standardization is imperative, especially in developing countries with scarce funding resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Yehya
- PhD. Pharmacology - Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan.
| | - Zaid Altaany
- PhD. Biotechnology - Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alshogran OY, Al-Eitan LN, Altawalbeh SM, Aman HA. Association of DRD4 exon III and 5-HTTLPR VNTR genetic polymorphisms with psychiatric symptoms in hemodialysis patients. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249284. [PMID: 33784353 PMCID: PMC8009383 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mental illness is prevalent among hemodialysis (HD) patients. Given that the dopaminergic and serotonergic pathways are involved in the etiology of psychiatric disease, this study evaluated the genetic association of dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) and serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) genes with psychiatric symptom susceptibility among HD patients. Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess anxiety and depressive symptoms among patients (n = 265). Genetic polymorphisms of DRD4 (48 bp VNTR) and SLC6A4 (5-HTTLPR VNTR and rs25531) were examined using a conventional polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique, as appropriate. Significant differences were observed in the distribution of 5-HTTLPR genotypes, SLC6A4 tri-allelic-phased genotype, and DRD4-Exon III VNTR genotypes/alleles between patients with anxiety symptoms versus those with normal/borderline conditions (p<0.05). Binary logistic regression analyses showed that the heterozygous 4,5 VNTR genotype of DRD4 was associated with a higher risk of anxiety symptoms after adjusting for other covariates (odds ratio = 4.25, p = 0.028). None of the studied polymorphisms was linked to depression in HD patients. Collectively, the current findings provide genetic clues to psychopathology in HD patients and suggest that the DRD4 exon III VNTR polymorphism is involved in the etiology of anxiety in this patient population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Osama Y. Alshogran
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Laith N. Al-Eitan
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Shoroq M. Altawalbeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Hatem A. Aman
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
AL-Eitan LN, Rababa’h DM, Alghamdi MA. Genetic susceptibility of opioid receptor genes polymorphism to drug addiction: A candidate-gene association study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:5. [PMID: 33402148 PMCID: PMC7786995 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-03006-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Like other complex diseases including drug addiction, genetic factors can interfere with the disease. In this study, three opioid genes (OPRM1, OPRD1, and OPRK1) were examined for an association with drug addiction among Jordanian males. METHODS The study involved 498 addicts, in addition to 496 healthy controls and all from Arab descent. RESULTS The findings in this study showed that rs1799971 of the OPRM1 gene was in association with drug addiction for both alleles and genotypes with P-values = 0.002 and 0.01, respectively. In addition, a significant association between the dominant model (A/A vs G/A-G/G) of rs1799971 (OPRM1) and drug addiction (P-value = 0.003, OR = 1.59 (1.17-2.15)) was detected. Moreover, a genetic haplotype (AGGGCGACCCC) of theOPRM1 gene revealed a significant association with drug addiction (P-value = 0.01, OR = 1.56 (1.15-2.12)). We also found that the age of addicts, smoking, and marital status with genetic variants within OPRM1, OPRD1, and OPRK1 genes may be implicated in drug addiction risk. CONCLUSION We propose that rs1799971 of the OPRM1gene is a genetic risk factor for drug addiction among Jordanian males.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laith N. AL-Eitan
- grid.37553.370000 0001 0097 5797Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110 Jordan ,grid.37553.370000 0001 0097 5797Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110 Jordan
| | - Doaa M. Rababa’h
- grid.37553.370000 0001 0097 5797Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110 Jordan
| | - Mansour A. Alghamdi
- grid.412144.60000 0004 1790 7100Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421 Saudi Arabia ,grid.412144.60000 0004 1790 7100Genomics and Personalized Medicine Unit, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha, 61421 Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Association of the DRD4 exon III and 5-HTTLPR VNTR polymorphisms with substance abuse in Jordanian Arab population. Gene 2019; 733:144267. [PMID: 31809838 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.144267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variations in the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) gene and the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) gene are involved in the aetiology of substance abuse disorder (SUD). The main aim of this study is to evaluate the genetic association of DRD4 (48 bp-VNTR) and SLC6A4 (rs25531 and 5-HTTLPR VNTR) gene polymorphisms with SUD susceptibility among the Jordanian Arab population. This study included 500 SUD patients and 500 healthy matched controls. The VNTR Genetic polymorphisms of DRD4 and SLC6A4 genes were genotyped using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). While, the rs25531 SNP was genotyped using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. The genetic association was analysed using different statistical analyses including chi-square, Fisher exact test and one way ANOVA test. The DRD4 exon III VNTR polymorphism was associated with SUD significantly in case of alleles 4, 7 and genotype 7/7 (P = 0.004, 0.0005 and 0.01, respectively). While, there was no genetic association between the 5-HTTLPR (LL, LS, SS), rs25331 (AA, AG, GG) and tri-allelic (SASA, LASG, LASA, LALG, LALA) genotypes (P = 0.26, 0.71 and 0.52, respectively) and SUD. Moreover, using multinomial regression analysis, the homozygous 7/7 and 2/2 VNTR genotypes of DRD4 gene were nominally significantly associated with a lower risk of addiction (OR = 0.285 with P = 0.003 and OR = 0.447 with P = 0.031, respectively) after adjusting for other covariates. Our findings showed that 4 and 7 repeats and the genotype 7/7 of DRD4 exon III VNTRs polymorphism are involved in the aetiology of SUD among Jordanian population in compared to the 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms.
Collapse
|
8
|
Alblooshi H, Al Safar H, Fisher HF, Cordell HJ, El Kashef A, Al Ghaferi H, Shawky M, Reece S, Hulse GK, Tay GK. A case-control genome wide association study of substance use disorder (SUD) identifies novel variants on chromosome 7p14.1 in patients from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:68-79. [PMID: 30556296 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Genome wide association studies (GWASs) have provided insights into the molecular basis of the disorder in different population. This study presents the first GWAS of substance use disorder (SUD) in patients from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The aim was to identify genetic association(s) that may provide insights into the molecular basis of the disorder. The GWAS discovery cohort consisted of 512 (250 cases and 262 controls) male participants from the UAE. Controls with no prior history of SUD were available from the Emirates family registry. The replication cohort consisted of 520 (415 cases and 105 controls) Australian male Caucasian participants. The GWAS discovery samples were genotyped for 4.6 million single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). The replication cohort was genotyped using TaqMan assay. The GWAS association analysis identified three potential SNPs rs118129027 (p-value = 6.24 × 10-8 ), rs74477937 (p-value = 8.56 × 10-8 ) and rs78707086 (p-value = 8.55 × 10-8 ) on ch7p14.1, that did not meet the GWAS significance threshold but were highly suggestive. In the replication cohort, the association of the three top SNPs did not reach statistical significance. In a meta-analysis of the discovery and the replication cohorts, there were no strengthen evidence for association of the three SNPs. The top identified rs118129027 overlaps with a regulatory factor (enhancer) region that targets three neighboring genes LOC105375237, LOC105375240, and YAE1D1. The YAE1D1, which represents a potential locus that is involved in regulating translation initiation pathway. Novel associations that require further confirmation were identified, suggesting a new insight to the genetic basis of SUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Alblooshi
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Human Science, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Habiba Al Safar
- Center of Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Holly F Fisher
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Heather J Cordell
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed El Kashef
- National Rehabilitation Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Mansour Shawky
- National Rehabilitation Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Stuart Reece
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Gary K Hulse
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,School of Medical Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Guan K Tay
- School of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.,Center of Biotechnology, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.,School of Medical Science, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
BLUM KENNETH, FEBO MARCELO, MCLAUGHLIN THOMAS, CRONJÉ FRANSJ, HAN DAVID, GOLD SMARK. Hatching the behavioral addiction egg: Reward Deficiency Solution System (RDSS)™ as a function of dopaminergic neurogenetics and brain functional connectivity linking all addictions under a common rubric. J Behav Addict 2014; 3:149-56. [PMID: 25317338 PMCID: PMC4189308 DOI: 10.1556/jba.3.2014.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 07/04/2014] [Accepted: 07/04/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Following the first association between the dopamine D2 receptor gene polymorphism and severe alcoholism, there has been an explosion of research reports in the psychiatric and behavioral addiction literature and neurogenetics. With this increased knowledge, the field has been rife with controversy. Moreover, with the advent of Whole Genome-Wide Studies (GWAS) and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES), along with Functional Genome Convergence, the multiple-candidate gene approach still has merit and is considered by many as the most prudent approach. However, it is the combination of these two approaches that will ultimately define real, genetic allelic relationships, in terms of both risk and etiology. Since 1996, our laboratory has coined the umbrella term Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) to explain the common neurochemical and genetic mechanisms involved with both substance and non-substance, addictive behaviors. METHODS This is a selective review of peer-reviewed papers primary listed in Pubmed and Medline. RESULTS A review of the available evidence indicates the importance of dopaminergic pathways and resting-state, functional connectivity of brain reward circuits. DISCUSSION Importantly, the proposal is that the real phenotype is RDS and impairments in the brain's reward cascade, either genetically or environmentally (epigenetically) induced, influence both substance and non-substance, addictive behaviors. Understanding shared common mechanisms will ultimately lead to better diagnosis, treatment and prevention of relapse. While, at this juncture, we cannot as yet state that we have "hatched the behavioral addiction egg", we are beginning to ask the correct questions and through an intense global effort will hopefully find a way of "redeeming joy" and permitting homo sapiens live a life, free of addiction and pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- KENNETH BLUM
- Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA,Department of Clinical Medicine, Malibu Beach Recovery Center, Malibu Beach, CA, USA,Department of Personalized Medicine, IGENE, LLC, Austin, TX, USA,Corresponding author: Kenneth Blum, PhD; Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, PO Box 103424 Gainesville, Florida, USA, 32610-3424; Phone: +-619-890-2167; Fax: +-352-392-9887; E-mail:
| | - MARCELO FEBO
- Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | | | - DAVID HAN
- Department of Management Science and Statistics, University of Texas at San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - S. MARK GOLD
- Department of Psychiatry and McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA,Department of Clinical Medicine, Malibu Beach Recovery Center, Malibu Beach, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|