FAAH Gene Variation Moderates Stress Response and Symptom Severity in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Comorbid Alcohol Dependence

• DOI: 10.1111/acer.13210
• Publication Date: 2016-09-26T12:32:44Z
• Authors: Primavera A. Spag...; Vijay A. Ramchandani; Melanie L. Schwandt; Laura E. Kwako; David T. George; Leah M. Mayo; Cecilia J. Hillard; Markus Heilig
• Keywords: Alcohol Dependence

Background A common single nucleotide polymorphism (C385A) in the human fatty acid amide hydrolase ( FAAH ) gene has been associated with decreased distress responses healthy volunteers, but its role psychiatric disorders remains unknown. Here, we obtained genotypes and carried out a secondary analysis of subjects from trial comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder PTSD alcohol dependence AD ). We evaluated effects C385A variation on behavioral biochemical biomarkers responses. Methods Forty‐nine patients were admitted for 4 weeks to an experimental medicine unit at National Institutes Health Clinical Center. Following detoxification, reactivity peripheral endocannabinoid (eCB) levels assessed response challenge session using personalized auditory guided imagery. Over course study, also changes symptom severity. Results allele carriers showed marked increase serum anandamide baseline throughout procedure compared C homozygotes, while eCBs primarily metabolized through other enzymatic activity, such as 2‐arachidonoylglycerol, did not differ between genotype groups. had subjective anxiety challenge. Similar found level clinical severity, particular arousal domain. Conclusions This is our knowledge first study showing that modulates characterized by increased reactivity. These findings point eCB pathway promising target future antistress therapeutics.