A positive association between a polymorphism in the HTR2B gene and cocaine-crack in a French Afro-Caribbean population

Objectives: Cocaine dependence has a strong heritability component. The aim of this study was to investigate the putative association between the serotonin 2B receptor gene (HTR2B), crack use disorders and impulsivity.

Methods: A French Afro-Caribbean male population of patients with crack use disorders (n = 80) was compared to healthy Afro-Caribbean male controls (n = 60). Comorbid ADHD and impulsivity were assessed. Five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the HTR2B gene were selected: rs643700, rs6736017, rs1549339, rs17586428 and rs3806545. These SNPs were chosen to include most of the linkage disequilibrium blocks in the HTR2B gene. The French translation of the Barratt Impulsivity Scale BIS-11 was used to evaluate impulsivity. Comorbid ADHD was diagnosed using the Wender Utah Rating Scale-25 item for Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder.

Results: We have observed a positive association between the rs6736017 polymorphism and crack use disorders in a French Afro-Caribbean male population.

Conclusions: In our population, the risk effect of HTR2B rs6736017 appeared to be specific to individuals with crack use disorders rather than being driven by impulsivity or ADHD alone.