A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the tryptophan hydroxylase gene is associated with alcohol dependence in one aboriginal group in Taiwan.

Background: Polymorphisms within intron 7 of the tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH1) gene were found to be associated with alcohol dependence in different ethnic groups, including the aboriginal Bunun group in Taiwan. This study aimed to identify genetic variants at the TPH1 locus and to examine their associations with alcoholism. We hypothesized that the polymorphism of TPH1 gene is functional and influences the human circadian rhythm to contribute to the pathophysiology of alcohol dependence.

Levodopa-responsive aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency.

We report three siblings, who were treated empirically with levodopa combined with carbidopa. There was an immediate therapeutic response. Biochemical investigation surprisingly showed the clinical phenotype to be caused by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase deficiency.

A 4-year longitudinal study on risk factors for alcoholism.

Background: Longitudinal studies are needed to resolve inconsistencies in previous findings regarding antecedents of alcoholism.

Objective: To investigate genetic and environmental risk factors for alcoholism.

Design: A 4-year longitudinal cohort study.

Endogenous opioid receptor genes and alcohol dependence among Taiwanese Han.

Background: Nonselective opioid antagonists reduce alcohol consumption under various experimental situations, and several association studies have examined possible roles of opioid receptor mu (OPRM), delta (OPRD), and kappa (OPRK) genes in the development of alcohol dependence.

Methods: We examined 20 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the OPRM, OPRD, and OPRK genes in 158 alcohol-dependent subjects and 149 controls. Differences in allele frequency and genotype distribution between case subjects and controls, as well as the deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, were examined using Fisher's exact tests.

Association study of novel human serotonin 5-HT(1B) polymorphisms with alcohol dependence in Taiwanese Han.

Background: Abnormal serotonergic pathways are implicated in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, migraine, substance abuse, and alcoholism. The human serotonin receptor 1B, encoded by the HTR1B gene, is a presynaptic serotonin autoreceptor that plays a role in regulating serotonin synthesis and release. Because the linkage of antisocial alcoholism to the HTR1B gene was recently reported in two populations, it was of interest to identify genetic variants at the HTR1B locus and study their association with alcoholism in the Taiwanese Han population.