On the path towards personalized medicine: Implications of pharmacogenetic studies of alcohol use disorder medications.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The heritability of alcohol use disorder (AUD) is estimated to be ~50%; however, the genetic basis of the disease is still poorly understood. The genetic variants identified thus far only explain a small percentage of AUD phenotypic variability. While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are impacted by technical and methodological limitations, genetic variants that have been identified independently of GWAS findings can moderate the efficacy of AUD medications.

Areas covered

This review discusses findings from clinical pharmacogenetic studies of AUD medications. While the pharmacogenetic studies reviewed involve several genetic variants in the major neurotransmitter systems, genetic loci in the opioid system have garnered the most attention.

Expert opinion

SUBMITTER: Nieto SJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8291052 | biostudies-literature | 2020

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature