Abstract
OBJECTIVE: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are involved in the development of opioid use disorder. The (GT)n polymorphism (rs3219790) in the NMDA receptor 2A subunit gene (GRIN2A) has been proposed as a potential biomarker for risk of opioid use disorder. In this case-control study, we investigated the association between rs3219790 and opioid use disorder in a Chinese Han population. METHODS: A total of 538 heroin dependent patients and 400 healthy controls were recruited. The genotypes of (GT)n repeats were determined using a polymerase chain reaction-amplifying fragment length polymorphism assay. The association of the (GT)n polymorphism with opioid use disorder and cravings was assessed. RESULTS: The frequency of the (GT)26 allele in patients with opioid use disorder was significantly greater than that in the controls (p=0.029, odds ratio=1.264, 95% confidence interval=1.025-1.560), consistent with previous findings. Compared with homozygous carriers of short alleles, carriers of long alleles demonstrated significantly stronger drug cravings (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results confirm that the (GT)26 allele of rs3219790 in the GRIN2A promoter is associated with opioid use disorder. Additionally, a longer rs3219790 allele is correlated with stronger drug cravings.