The effect of selected polymorphisms of the dopamine receptor gene DRD2 and the ANKK-1 on the preference of concentrations of sucrose solutions in men with alcohol dependence.

BACKGROUND The aim of the study was to determine the influence of DRD2 gene polymorphisms in exon 8 G/A (rs 6276) in the promoter region -141 C Ins/Del (rs1799732) and the influence of ANKK-1 gene Taq-1A polymorphism (rs 1800497) on the preference of increasing sucrose concentrations in men with alcohol dependence. SUBJECTS AND METHODS 63 male patients with alcohol dependence were genotyped for the above polymorphisms. Their preference for increasing sucrose concentrations was tested and their taste intensity perception of sucrose solutions was assessed. The patients were tested with the 'Sniffin' Sticks' olfactory test. RESULTS We found a statistically significant association between some alleles of ANKK 1 gene Taq 1A polymorphisms and sucrose preference in the subjects. The A1 Taq 1A allele determined hedonistic response to the two highest concentrations of sucrose. No association was found regarding the other two polymorphisms (in the promoter region and in the exon 8 of the DRD2 gene). CONCLUSIONS Study results suggest Taq-1A polymorphism plays a role in the preference to high concentrations of sucrose and its potential association with alcohol dependence pathogenesis.