Since the beginning of the 21st century, addiction has become increasingly more common. According to a study done by the American Addiction Center, around 21.5 million people from the United States battled a substance use disorder in 2014; however, only 10% of those people sought and received treatment 1. This study aims to characterize and integrate the genetic predispositions that cause some individuals to have a higher proclivity towards addictive, reward-seeking behaviors. Currently, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the dopamine-reward and endocannabinoid systems are being investigated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) within the Ellis Bariatric population. Binge-eating disorder is being utilized as a model for food addiction based on the diagnostic similarities presented in the literature. During PCR optimization, in the summer of 2019, the SNP rs324420, which induces dysfunction in a braking mechanism on the dopamine-reward system via endocannabinoid disinhibition, was investigated and found to occur at a higher incidence within the Ellis Bariatric population than the global population. This strengthens the link between binge-eating disorder and addictive tendencies.
The ultimate goal of this study is to investigate enough SNPs such that a genetic risk score for addiction can be created. This genetic risk score will be based on the different SNPs that are investigated within the dopamine reward system and the endocannabinoid system, two prominent areas of the brain where dysfunction is associated with addictive tendencies. The score and individual receives will indicate the level of addictive potential that person has relative to the population. It will provide healthcare providers and patients with an awareness of their genetic predispositions, allowing them to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Future research includes the identification and analysis of new SNPs and fine-tuning of the genetic risk score for addiction.
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