The goal of this project is to determine whether our preliminary findings of significant associations between low circulating levels of cholesterol and of some polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and the relapse rate of detoxified cocaine addicts can be replicated in a larger population sample. Attempts will be also made to determine whether some factors such as poor nutritional habits contribute to the presence of altered cholesterol values or fatty acid profiles in some patients. The role of cholesterol and PUFAs has not been investigated in addictive disorders but our data can be understood in light of recent literature suggesting the existence of associations between low cholesterol levels and a number of psychiatric disorders including depression, suicide and violence. Cholesterol does not cross the blood-brain barrier but it has been suggested that it could be a marker for changes in PUFAs. There is mounting evidence that low levels of some PUFAs are also associated with a variety of psychiatric disorders. Some PUFAs are main components of neuronal synaptic membranes and influence neuronal function. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that PUFAs influence the function of dopamine and 5-HT that play a role in reward mechanisms. One hundred and twenty cocaine addicts admitted to a Substance Abuse Inpatient Unit will be studied. While on the ward, they will undergo assessments of cholesterol and its subfractions and of the entire fatty acids series. After discharge, they will be transferred to a Substance Abuse clinic where follow-up assessments will be conducted for 12 months. The primary outcome measures will be time to relapse as determined monthly by qualitative urine and selfreported use. Psychosocial functioning, cocaine craving and dietary intake will also be monitored monthly. Cholesterol and fatty acids will be determined every 3 months. If our preliminary findings are confirmed, the use of fatty acids supplements or changes in dietary habits could have a significant potential in the prevention of relapse in a subgroup of cocaine addicts.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01DA015360-03
Application #
6779169
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BDCN-6 (01))
Program Officer
Biswas, Jamie
Project Start
2002-09-27
Project End
2006-07-31
Budget Start
2004-08-01
Budget End
2006-07-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2004
Total Cost
$161,250
Indirect Cost
Name
Narrows Institute for Biomedical Research Inc
Department
Type
DUNS #
938682440
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
11209
Buydens-Branchey, Laure; Branchey, Marc; Hibbeln, Joseph R (2011) Higher n-3 fatty acids are associated with more intense fenfluramine-induced ACTH and cortisol responses among cocaine-abusing men. Psychiatry Res 188:422-7
Buydens-Branchey, Laure; Branchey, Marc; Hibbeln, Joseph R (2009) Low plasma levels of docosahexaenoic acid are associated with an increased relapse vulnerability in substance abusers. Am J Addict 18:73-80
Buydens-Branchey, Laure; Branchey, Marc (2008) Long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease feelings of anger in substance abusers. Psychiatry Res 157:95-104
Buydens-Branchey, Laure; Branchey, Marc; Hibbeln, Joseph R (2008) Associations between increases in plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids following supplementation and decreases in anger and anxiety in substance abusers. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 32:568-75
Buydens-Branchey, Laure; Branchey, Marc (2006) n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease anxiety feelings in a population of substance abusers. J Clin Psychopharmacol 26:661-5