According to the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, alcohol dependence is the second leading cause of death and disability among Los Angeles County residents. An article published in the February 8, 2011 Wall Street Journal provided interesting information on genetic factors related to alcohol dependence. Significant evidence exists that variations in DNA together with environmental factors play a role in alcohol abuse. The following genetic factors are involved:
- Children of alcoholics have a high risk of alcohol abuse; this risk is present even if they are raised in non-alcoholic homes.
- Sons of alcoholic fathers have a nine times the normal risk of becoming alcoholics.
- People with a “tipsy” gene become inebriated with just one or two drinks; thus, discouraging alcoholism.
- If one identical twin is an alcoholic, the other twin has a 76% risk of alcoholism.
- Many Asians have “Asian flush” genes, which cause them to quickly metabolize alcohol. This causes a rapid heartbeat and nausea; thus, reducing their risk of becoming alcoholics.
- A rare gene present mainly in Finnish people makes them susceptible to severe impulsivity and alcoholism.
- A dopamine-receptor gene enhances pleasure from alcohol; friends often choose friends with the same genetic variation.
- Genes regulating Neuropeptide Y are linked to stress and withdrawal symptoms from alcohol.
The interaction of genes and environmental factors that influence alcohol dependence is a complex scientific topic. For most people with alcohol dependence, many factors are involved. Since 1989, the government-funded Collaborative Study on the Genetics of Alcoholism (COGA) has been tracking alcoholism in families. To date, COGA researchers have interviewed more than 14,000 people and sampled the DNA of 262 families. They have found evidence for the existence of several alcohol-related genes; COGA researchers are increasingly convinced that different types of alcoholics are representative of a number of genetic variations. COGA researchers are using their accumulated data to identify drugs that can help treat an alcoholic based on his or her specific DNA profile. Most drugs currently on the market for the treatment of alcoholism merely reduce alcohol craving. Compliance is a problem; furthermore, they are not effective on everyone.
Credit : Dr. Ashutosh Marwah (Pediatric Cardiologist 20 Years Experience)
