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Are genes coding for dopamine receptors implicated in alcoholism?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

P Gorwood
Affiliation:
Unité de recherches d’épidémiologie génétique, INSERM Unité 155, Université Paris VII - Tour 16, 2, place Jussieu, 75005, Paris Hôpital Louis-Mourier, 178, rue des Renouillers, 92701Colombes, France
J Ades
Affiliation:
Hôpital Louis-Mourier, 178, rue des Renouillers, 92701Colombes, France
J Feingold
Affiliation:
Unité de recherches d’épidémiologie génétique, INSERM Unité 155, Université Paris VII - Tour 16, 2, place Jussieu, 75005, Paris
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Summary

Part of the familial factor of alcoholism is associated with the existence of genetic vulnerability. Genetic factors which interact with the pathogenesis of alcoholism are nevertheless complex, partial and for the moment partly unknown at the biological level. Recently, many association studies have been published concerning alcohol-dependence and genes coding for the second dopamine receptor. These associations, which have had positive replications, raise many questions. First of all, should the inheritance of alcoholism be regarded as a definitive fact? Secondly what is inherited? It could be alcoholism in general, a component of this disease (for instance, dependence on, sensitivity to or the seeking-process for alcohol), a specific pattern of drinking, presence of complications linked to alcohol abuse, or more general features, common to many addiction diseases. Thirdly, how could dopamine be linked to alcoholism? Furthermore, how should these positive associations be considered, given that two of these studies were negative, and that all linkage studies were negative. Lastly, are there other clues and ways of finding genetic vulnerability factors for alcohol abuse?

Type
Special article
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 1994

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