Childhood adversity hinders genetic protection against problem drinking in white men

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-11/ace-cah111114.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 18-Nov-2014

Contact: Carolyn E. Sartor, Ph.D.
Yale University School of Medicine

Victor M. Hesselbrock, Ph.D.
University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research

Childhood adversity hinders genetic protection against problem drinking in white men

An alcohol metabolizing gene called ADH1B is strongly linked to risk for alcohol use disorders (AUDs).
The His allele (genetic variant) at ADHD1B-rs1229984 is considered protective against AUDs.
Experiencing adverse events during childhood, such as physical or sexual abuse or witnessing violence, is a well-documented risk factor for alcohol problems.
A study of the effects of both the ADH1B gene and childhood adversity has found that under conditions of childhood adversity, the ADH1B His allele does not exert its protective effects against problem drinking in European-American men.

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