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Background: Alcohol dependence is associated with genetic variants of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes and genes related to the dopaminergic, gamma-aminobutyric acidergic, glutamatergic, opioid, cholinergic, and serotonergic systems. Genetic variations in the endogenous cannabinoid system are also involved in alcohol dependence.
Objective: The present study was aimed at evaluating the association between three polymorphisms, DRD2 TaqIA, 5-HT1B A-161T and CNR1 1359 G/A (rs1049353), and alcohol dependence.
Methods: One hundred and twenty three patients, who were admitted to the Alcohol and Substance Abuse Center of Denizli State Hospital and diagnosed with alcohol dependence according to the DSM-IV criteria, and 125 healthy volunteers were included in the study.
Results: Of the three polymorphisms investigated, 5-HT1B A-161T was the only one found to be associated with alcohol dependence.
Conclusion: The 5-HT1B receptor A-161T polymorphism might be a promising marker for alcohol dependence; however, future studies are needed to clarify these findings.