Opioid use (Polimanti, 2020)

STUDY TITLE: Leveraging genome-wide data to investigate differences between opioid use vs. opioid dependence in 41,176 individuals from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium

SUMMARY: Identification of 2 genetic variants associated with opioid use.

OVERVIEW: Opioids are substances commonly used to treat pain. However, opioids are highly addictive which can result in misuse and fatal overdoses. This genome-wide study of over 41,000 individuals of European and African descent investigated genetic contributions to opioid use and dependence. The study identified 2 variants associated with opioid use. One of the genetic variants has been previously associated with depression, alcoholism, and neuroticism. The researchers also found that opioid use and dependence are positively associated with polygenic scores for risk-tolerance and neuroticism.

DID YOU KNOW? The risk of opioid dependence increases if opioids are not taken as prescribed. In particular, if tablets are crushed so that they can be injected or snorted. Another risk factor is the duration of an opioid treatment. Research suggests that after just five days, the risk of opioid dependence increases significantly. [SOURCE]

SAMPLE RESULTS: Learn more about the Nebula Research Library.

Opioid use sample results.

OPIOID USE-ASSOCIATED VARIANTS: rs12461856, rs9291211

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Opioid addiction
Opioid dependence & opioid use disorder (Video)

WEEKLY UPDATE: March 9, 2020

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