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Substantial attributable risk related to a functional mu-opioid receptor gene polymorphism in association with heroin addiction in central Sweden

Molecular Psychiatry volume 9, pages 547–549 (2004)Cite this article

SIR – The addictions are complex diseases whose onset, persistence, and treatment are influenced by interactions between genetic, environmental, and pharmacological factors.1 A study of 3372 twin pairs found that genetic, shared environmental, and nonshared environmental factors similarly influence the development of drug abuse and dependence.2 The authors also found that 54% of the total and 38% of the unique variance in heroin abuse were attributable to genetic factors.2

Mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene polymorphisms are logical candidates for association studies in the addictive diseases.3 The endogenous opioid system is central to the function and modulation of physiological systems affected by all drugs of abuse.1 Quantitative trait locus studies and studies in OPRM1 knockout mice have confirmed the importance of this receptor to the rewarding effects of opiates and other drugs of abuse.4,5,6

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA

    G Bart, K S LaForge & M J Kreek

  2. Division of Psychiatry, NEUROTEC, Karolinska Institute, M57 Huddinge University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

    M Heilig, L Pollak & M J Kreek

  3. Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

    S M Leal

  4. The Laboratory of Statistical Genetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA

    J Ott

Authors
  1. G Bart
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  2. M Heilig
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  3. K S LaForge
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  4. L Pollak
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  5. S M Leal
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  6. J Ott
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  7. M J Kreek
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Correspondence to G Bart.

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Bart, G., Heilig, M., LaForge, K. et al. Substantial attributable risk related to a functional mu-opioid receptor gene polymorphism in association with heroin addiction in central Sweden. Mol Psychiatry 9, 547–549 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.mp.4001504

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