Aims

To support the free and open dissemination of research findings and information on alcoholism and alcohol-related problems. To encourage open access to peer-reviewed articles free for all to view.

For full versions of posted research articles readers are encouraged to email requests for "electronic reprints" (text file, PDF files, FAX copies) to the corresponding or lead author, who is highlighted in the posting.

___________________________________________

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Effects of Naltrexone on Alcohol Sensitivity and Genetic Moderators of Medication Response

A Double-blind Placebo-Controlled Study






Clinical trials have suggested a modest effect of naltrexone as a pharmacotherapy for alcoholism, and a recent study has suggested that the effects may be moderated by variations in the µ-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1). However, the mechanism by which naltrexone may be differentially effective as a function of the OPRM1 genotype is unclear.

1) To replicate and expand on the association between the A118G single nucleotide polymorphism(SNP) of the OPRM1 gene and alcohol sensitivity, (2) to examine the effects of naltrexone on alcohol sensitivity, and (3) to test the A118G SNP of the OPRM1 gene as a moderator of the effects of naltrexone on alcohol sensitivity.

Individuals with at least 1 copy of the G allele reported lower alcohol craving and higher alcohol-induced "high" across rising breath alcohol concentrations. Naltrexone was found to blunt alcohol's effects on stimulation, positive mood, craving, and enjoyment. The effects of naltrexone on blunting alcohol-induced high were stronger among individuals with the G allele.

This study advances the knowledge of mechanisms of action of naltrexone and genetic moderators of response to this pharmacotherapy.

Read Full Abstract


Reprint Request E-Mail: Lara_Ray@brown.edu
_________________________________________________________________________________
at