Alcoholism risk linked to genes
People with certain variations in a gene called GABRA2 are at a higher risk for alcoholism.
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People with certain variations in a gene called GABRA2 are at a higher risk for alcoholism.
Genetic factors, externalizing personality traits such as impulsivity, and brain processing of salient stimuli can all affect individual risk for alcoholism. Researchers looked at 449 Americans from 173 families, including 129 families with at least one member who had been diagnosed with alcohol dependence or abuse. The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to observe changes in blood flow in the brains of 44 young adults from these families as they anticipated winning or losing money. This enabled the researchers to see how variations in GABRA2 gene affected the brain's response in various situations.
The brain scans revealed that people with one form of the GABRA2 associated with alcoholism had very high levels of activation in an area of the brain called the insula when they were anticipating rewards or losses. Previous research had found an association between the insula and addictive behaviour.
The results suggest GABRA2 gene exerts an influence on early risk factors and, later, alcohol dependency.
Genetic factors, externalizing personality traits such as impulsivity, and brain processing of salient stimuli can all affect individual risk for alcoholism. Researchers looked at 449 Americans from 173 families, including 129 families with at least one member who had been diagnosed with alcohol dependence or abuse. The researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to observe changes in blood flow in the brains of 44 young adults from these families as they anticipated winning or losing money. This enabled the researchers to see how variations in GABRA2 gene affected the brain's response in various situations.
The brain scans revealed that people with one form of the GABRA2 associated with alcoholism had very high levels of activation in an area of the brain called the insula when they were anticipating rewards or losses. Previous research had found an association between the insula and addictive behaviour.
The results suggest GABRA2 gene exerts an influence on early risk factors and, later, alcohol dependency.
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