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Abstract
Introduction: There is evidence that genetic factors contribute substantially to cannabis dependence risk. Until recently, different genes were identified as having an association with cannabis use and dependence, including CNR1, CNR2, FAAH and C1orf110 [Citation1,Citation2]. Moreover, the reported genes are also related to the dependence and consumption of other psychotropic substances. For example, variants in CNR1 and FAAH genes are associated with alcohol and amphetamines abuse [Citation3]. In addition to the verified dependency charts, a tendency towards comorbidity with psychopathology is reported. Though, the relationship between psychopathology development and genetic influence, among consumers, is not established [Citation4]. The aim of this project is to analyse the presence of genetic variants within these genes and evaluate their association with vulnerability to cannabis dependence.
Materials and methods: The DNA samples collected from each participant are analysed by PCR-amplification followed by Sanger sequencing to assess the presence of described SNP in individuals with history of consumption and to screen novel variants in flanking regions of SNP already described in literature. Herein, the effect of such variants and their association with drug use, including the increase of susceptibility to cannabis dependence, is under study. The ethical principles will be safeguarded with the application of established protocols.
Results: The preliminary results points to no or weak correlation between CNR1, CNR2 and FAAH variants and cannabis dependence. However, we expect that the study reaches a sample of 150 participants and achieve more robust results through further data analysis.
Discussion and conclusions: In previous studies a strong correlation between polymorphisms in mentioned genes and cannabis dependence has not always been verified. This fact was observed with CNR1 variants, where the action of these variants remains unclear [Citation1,Citation2]. Besides that, we expect that our findings will suggest an etiologic contribution of CNR1, CNR2 and FAAH genes to vulnerability to cannabis dependence. Further research linked to social and familial environment will help to understand how genetic and psychological perspectives are connected to each other and involved with the consumption of a psychoactive substance.
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge VITAE – Associação de Solidariedade e Desenvolvimento Internacional for his useful contribution to this work and Egas Moniz – Cooperativa de Ensino Superior, CRL for funding this project.