GABA Receptors, Alcohol Dependence and Criminal Behavior. Issue 5 (3rd July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Terranova, Claudio; Tucci, Marianna; Sartore, Daniela; Cavarzeran, Fabiano; Di Pietra, Laura; Barzon, Luisa; Palù, Giorgio; Ferrara, Santo D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic sciences. Volume 58:Issue 5(2013)
• Page Start: 1227
• Page End: 1232
• Publication Date: 2013-07-03
• Subjects: forensic science -- GABA A receptor -- GABA B receptor -- criminal behavior -- alcohol dependence -- γ‐aminobutyric acid -- violent crime; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Gerechtelijke geneeskunde; Gerechtelijke chemie; Gerechtelijke psychiatrie; 363.2505
• DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.12201
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-1198

Abstract

Abstract: The aim of this study was to analyze the connection between alcohol dependence and criminal behavior by an integrated genetic–environmental approach. The research, structured as a case–control study, examined 186 alcohol‐dependent males; group 1 ( N = 47 convicted subjects) was compared with group 2 ( N = 139 no previous criminal records). Genetic results were innovative, highlighting differences in genotype distribution ( p = 0.0067) in group 1 for single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs 3780428, located in the intronic region of subunit 2 of the GABA B receptor gene (GABBR2). Some environmental factors (e.g., grade repetition) were associated with criminal behavior; others (e.g., attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous) were inversely related to convictions. The concomitant presence of the genetic and environmental factors found to be associated with the condition of alcohol‐dependent inmate showed a 4‐fold increase in the risk of antisocial behavior. The results need to be replicated on a larger population to develop new preventive and therapeutic proposals.