Background
Alpha synuclein has been found elevated in dopamine neurons of cocaine abusers and
in rats whose alcohol preference is inbred.
Methods
The alpha synuclein mRNA expression level was measured by quantitative polymerase
chain reaction in the blood of 75 male alcoholics and 69 nondrinking healthy control
subjects. Alcohol craving was assessed by the Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale
total score, including subscales for obsessive and compulsive craving.
Results
The alpha synuclein expression in patients with alcoholism (2.79 ΔCT; SD = 1.69; p
= .021) was significantly higher when compared with healthy control subjects (2.20
ΔCT; SD = 1.59). Increased alpha synuclein levels significantly predict Obsessive-Compulsive
Drinking Scale total score (odds ratio = 1.44, 95% confidence interval: 1.01–2.06,
p = .042) and especially Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale obsessive subscale (odds
ratio = 1.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.18–2.58, p = .005) but not Obsessive-Compulsive
Drinking Scale compulsive subscale alcohol craving.
Conclusions
Higher levels of alpha synuclein are associated with an increase in alcohol craving.
The present results provide a novel pathophysiological approach to the explanation
of craving mechanisms.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
September 24,
2004
Received in revised form:
September 14,
2004
Received:
June 1,
2004
Identification
Copyright
© 2004 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
