The genetic base for drug habituation

Objective: There are many evidences about relationship between eating behavior and drug addiction. A number of susceptibility loci that point to shared higher order genetic pathways underling addiction were found in genetic studies. This study assumed that a Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) of food addiction would produce important enrichment in genes and pathways related to addiction. Methods: This study done among 314 women of European ancestry, by using a GWAS of food addiction, which is determined by the modified Yale Food Addiction Scale (mYFAS). Results for enrichment of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (n 5 44), genes (n 5 238), and pathways (n 5 11) involved in drug addiction were tested. Results: Two loci met GW-significance (P < 2.5 10 -8) with no obvious roles in eating behavior, they are mapping to 17q21.31 and 11q13.4. GW results were significantly enriched for gene members of the MAPK signaling pathway (P = 0.02). After adjustment for multiple testing, candidate SNP or gene for drug addiction was not linked with food addiction. Conclusions: Limited support was delivered for shared genetic underpinnings of drug addiction and food addiction, although the GWAS of mYFAS, need further investigation and follow up.