Abstract
A point mutation in the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 gene (ALDH2(2) allele) is considered to be a genetic deterrent for alcoholism; however, 80 of 655 Japanese alcoholics had the mutant allele. Genotype factors that might increase susceptibility by overriding the deterrent showed a higher frequency of a five repeat allele of the dopamine D4 receptor 48 bp repeat polymorphism in alcoholics with ALDH2(2) than in 100 other alcoholics and 144 controls. Alcoholics with the five repeat allele also abused other drugs more often. These data suggest the involvement of the dopamine system in the development of alcoholism and other addictive behaviour.
MeSH terms
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Adult
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Alcoholism / ethnology
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Alcoholism / genetics*
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Aldehyde Dehydrogenase / deficiency
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Aldehyde Dehydrogenase / genetics
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Alleles
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Base Sequence
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Female
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Genes
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Genetic Heterogeneity
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Genetic Predisposition to Disease
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Genotype
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Humans
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Isoenzymes / deficiency
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Isoenzymes / genetics
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Japan / epidemiology
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Molecular Sequence Data
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Point Mutation*
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Receptors, Dopamine D2 / deficiency
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Receptors, Dopamine D2 / genetics*
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Receptors, Dopamine D4
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Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid
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Substance-Related Disorders / genetics
Substances
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DRD4 protein, human
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Isoenzymes
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Receptors, Dopamine D2
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Receptors, Dopamine D4
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Aldehyde Dehydrogenase