Thome, J., Gewirtz, J. C., Weijers, H. G., Wiesbeck, G. A., Henn, F. A. (February 2000) Genome polymorphism and alcoholism. Pharmacogenomics, 1 (1). pp. 63-71. ISSN 1462-2416 (Print)1462-2416 (Linking)
Abstract
Different gene variants have been identified as risk or protective factors in alcoholism. The genes coding for dopamine receptors, serotonin transporters, and dehydrogenases represent susceptibility loci for addictive behaviour. However, alcoholism represents a complex psychiatric symptomatology which is caused by multiple factors, both genetic and environmental. Furthermore, there are probably different subtypes of alcoholism each with a distinct pathophysiology, and thus a different genetic background. Genetic research can help to identify such subtypes, which may require different therapeutic approaches. However, gene polymorphisms are not only responsible for a predisposition to alcoholism, but also for personality traits which influence the likelihood of developing addictive behaviour. Moreover, genetic polymorphisms are probably involved in the way an individual responds to treatment. Also, the severity of secondary diseases resulting from chronic alcohol uptake may depend on the genetic makeup of an individual. New treatment strategies focusing on genes contributing towards drug and alcohol dependence (such as gene therapy) are already under examination in animal models. However, further research is required before these developments will considerably change today's clinical handling of alcoholism.
| Item Type: | Paper |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Alcoholism/diagnosis/ genetics/therapy Biogenic Monoamines/metabolism Humans Polymorphism, Genetic/ genetics Prognosis |
| Subjects: | organism description > animal behavior > addiction bioinformatics > genomics and proteomics > genetics & nucleic acid processing > genomes |
| CSHL Authors: | |
| Communities: | CSHL labs > Henn lab |
| Depositing User: | Matt Covey |
| Date: | February 2000 |
| Date Deposited: | 30 Jan 2014 22:03 |
| Last Modified: | 30 Jan 2014 22:03 |
| Related URLs: | |
| URI: | https://repository.cshl.edu/id/eprint/29393 |
Actions (login required)
 |
Administrator's edit/view item |