This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. SIGNIFICANCE: Alcohol dependence and chronic cigarette smoking are commonly co-occurring disorders. Both tobacco and alcohol use have have been assoicated with cancer of the mouth, pharynx, and esophagus. The long-term combined use of these substances may synergistrically increase cancer risk. RATIONALE: Polymorphisms of the D2 dopamine (DRD2) receptor gene may result in a blunting of the brain's natural reward circuitry resulting in reduced ability to derive a sense of gratification from rewarding experiences such as personal successes or effective coping or problem solving. The ability to benefit from the intrinsic rewards associated with successful coping and goal attainment may be integral to recovery from drug use disorders. There is some evidience linking the DRD2 A1 allele to lower dopamine receptor density and/or lower binding affinity for dopamine. Because motivation to repeatedly employ effective coping skills is a central component of substance abuse recovery, the role of the DRD2 receptor gene may possibly have important implications for remission of substance dependence.
AIMS : The proposed study will use a cross-sectional design to examine how recovery from combined alcoholism and chronic cigarette smoking may be influenced by polymorphisms in the DRD2 gene. This study will seek to determine wheter this gene is associated with a distinguishable phenotype expressed through personality characteristics and behavioral traits that directly impact recovery. METHOD: A sample of African American adults with and without a history of concurrent alcoholism and chronic cigarette smoking will be recruited to participate in the proposed study. Participants will be classified into three groups: Active Cases, Remission Cases, and Controls. Interview data and blood samples will be collected from all participants. Study participants will complete a standardized personality assessment, measures of coping style, coping adequacy, and general psychosocial functioning. Detection of polymorphisms at the D2 dopamine receptor gene will be accomplished by PCR-RFLP. Data will be analyzed to determine the independent and combined contributions of genetic and psychosocial attributes to remission status.
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