Mu Opioid Receptor Gene (OPRM 1) Polymorphism in Patients with Opiate Use disorder

Introduction: Opiates are considered among the most addictive illicit drugs. OPRM1 gene encodes the μ opioid receptor. The rs6912029 [G172T] Single nucleotide polymorphism appears to be associated with changes in the receptor`s function.

Objectives: A comparative cross sectional study aimed to compare the presence or absence of polymorphism in Mu opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) in 40 patients with opiate dependence and 40 healthy controls and detect the relation between some clinical variables and the presence of (OPRM1) gene in patient group.

Methods: A sample of blood from both groups were genotyped for rs6912029 [G-172T]. The sensation seeking scale (SSS) was applied for both groups. The Addiction severity index scale (ASI) and (ASSIST) Scale were applied for cases only.

Results: No statistically significant difference was found between both groups (p =0.348) as regards the presence of polymorphic OPRM1 gene (GT ) and the frequency of G and T alleles between both groups, however, the frequency of G allele in cases (88.8%) was higher than T allele (11.2%). A statistically significant difference between the two groups (p =0.001) as regards the impulsivity and sensation seeking trait which was higher in the patient group (6.9± 2.4).

Conclusion: The presence of the polymorphic gene (GT) has no effect on the type of the opiate used, the clinical data, severity of opiate dependence and the response to treatment of the patients, however, opiate dependent patients showed higher levels of impulsivity and sensation seeking traits.