Study the genetic variations of GRIAs genes to investigate association to methamphetamine addiction

INTRODUCTION: Drug addictions are chronic complicated disorders characterized by the repeated and irresistible intake of specific drugs that produce transient bliss. Methamphetamine, an amphetamine derivative, is an addictive psycho-stimulant substance used all over the world, especially in South East Asia. Chronic Methamphetamine consumption not only causes dependence but also frequently promotes psychotic symptoms, auditory hallucinations, and paranoid delusions, which are similar to the positive symptoms of schizophrenia. This study looked at the genetic variation of the GRIA1 and GRIA3 genes to see if they were associated with methamphetamine addiction in Iraqi males.
METHODS: A total of 150 male participants were enrolled in this case-control study (100 methamphetamine-dependent and 50 control), ages between 20 to 45 years. GRIA1 (rs2195450) and GRIA3 (rs3761555) polymorphism detection was achieved by using high-resolution melting (HRM) real-time PCR analysis.
RESULTS: The findings of the current study showed a highly significant difference in genotype distribution and allele frequency of rs2195450 SNP between the methamphetamine-dependent and the control groups, according to GA genotype and A allele, and in rs3761555 based on CC genotype and C allele, displaying a positive association with addiction.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: According to the result of present study GA and CC genotypes have a positive correlation with disease these could be considered as a risk factor that makes people more susceptible to methamphetamine addiction.