Genetic variations in genes of the stress response pathway are associated with prolonged abstinence from heroin

Pharmacogenomics. 2018 Mar;19(4):333-341. doi: 10.2217/pgs-2017-0179. Epub 2018 Feb 21.

Abstract

Aim: This study assesses whether genetic variants in stress-related genes are associated with prolonged abstinence from heroin in subjects that are not in long-term methadone treatment.

Methods: Frequencies of 117 polymorphisms in 30 genes were compared between subjects with history of heroin addiction, either without agonist treatment (n = 129) or in methadone maintenance treatment (n = 923).

Results: SNP rs1500 downstream of CRHBP and an interaction of SNPs rs10482672 (NR3C1) and rs4234955 (NPY1R/NPY5R) were significantly associated with prolonged abstinence without agonist treatment.

Conclusion: This study suggests that variability in stress-related genes may contribute to the ability of certain subjects to remain in prolonged abstinence from heroin, possibly due to higher resilience to stress.

Keywords: CRHBP; HPA axis; NPY1R; NPY5R; abstinence; glucocorticoid receptor; stress resilience.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Female
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genotype
  • Heroin / adverse effects*
  • Heroin Dependence / drug therapy
  • Heroin Dependence / genetics
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Methadone / therapeutic use
  • Opiate Substitution Treatment / methods
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide / genetics*
  • Stress, Psychological / genetics*

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • corticotropin releasing factor-binding protein
  • Heroin
  • Methadone