Polymorphisms in genes encoding dopamine signalling pathway and risk of alcohol dependence: a systematic review

Abstract

BackgroundAlcohol dependence (AD) is one of the major elements that significantly influence drinking pattern that provoke the alcohol-induced organ damage. The structural and neurophysiologic abnormalities in the frontal lobes of chronic alcoholics were revealed by magnetic resonance imaging scans. It is well known that candidate genes involved in dopaminergic pathway are of immense interest to the researchers engaged in a wide range of addictive disorders. Dopaminergic pathway gene polymorphisms are being extensively studied with respect to addictive and behavioral disorders.MethodsFrom the broad literature available, the current review summarizes the specific polymorphisms of dopaminergic genes that play a role in alcohol dependence.ResultsNo evidence indicating any strong association between AD and polymorphisms of dopamine pathway genes has emerged from the literature.DiscussionFurther studies are warranted, considering a range of alcohol-related traits to determine the genes that influence alcohol dependence.