A118G mu opioid receptor polymorphism among drug addicts in Malaysia

Drug addiction is an important social problem in many countries. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the predisposition of drug addiction. Genetic variations at the μ opioid receptor (OPRM1) gene locus have been associated with opiate addiction. The present study aims to delineate the frequency of A118G allele of OPRM1 among Malaysian subjects. The frequency of A allele and G allele were 51% and 49%, respectively for addicts and about 73% and 27% respectively for healthy volunteers. The frequency of G allele was 1.77-fold higher in addicts by odds ratio calculation at 95% Cl, which indicate the G allele to be strongly associated with addiction X2 = 15.31,P < 0.0001; odds ratio 2.51; 95% Cl (1.575–3.994), compared to healthy volunteers. A significant association was observed between A118G polymorphism in μ opioid receptor gene and drug addiction.