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(AAT)n repeat in the cannabinoid receptor gene, CNR1: association with schizophrenia in a Spanish population

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Abstract

The cannabinoid receptor 1 gene (CNR1) has been associated with addictive disorders and schizophrenia in different studies. We have compared the frequencies of the alleles for the 3′-UTR CNR1 microsatellite in a sample of 113 Spanish schizophrenic patients, including 68 with comorbid substance abuse, and 111 healthy controls. We report that the frequency of the allele 4 of this microsatellite is significantly lower in schizophrenia patients when compared with controls (χ2 = 7.858; df 1; P = 0.005). No differences have been found with respect to substance abuse.

Thus, the allele 4 represents, in our sample, a protective factor against schizophrenia (odds ratio 0.468, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27–0.79). The population attributable genetic risk for the allele 4 absence is 30% (95% CI = 17–41%) and the attributable risk for the allele 4 absence in those with schizophrenia is 53% (95% CI = 20–73%). Our results suggest that, independent of substance abuse, differences in the cannabinoid system function could be involved in the vulnerability to schizophrenia in Spanish population.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by “Fondo para Investigaciones Sanitarias” (FIS) grant no.99/0411 and 01/1442, and “Fundación Cerebro y Mente”, Madrid, Spain.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Retiro Mental Health Service, C/ Lope de Rueda n° 43, 28007, Madrid, Spain

    Isabel Martínez-Gras & Gabriel Rubio

  2. Psychiatry Service, “12 de Octubre” University Hospital, Madrid, Spain

    Janet Hoenicka, Guillermo Ponce, Roberto Rodríguez–Jiménez, Miguel Angel Jiménez-Arriero & Tomas Palomo

  3. Basic Psychology II Department, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain

    Elena Pérez-Hernandez

  4. Biochemistry Department, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain

    Israel Ampuero & Jose Antonio Ramos-Atance

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  1. Isabel Martínez-Gras
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Correspondence to Isabel Martínez-Gras.

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Drs. Martínez-Gras and Hoenicka contributed equally to this work

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Martínez-Gras, I., Hoenicka, J., Ponce, G. et al. (AAT)n repeat in the cannabinoid receptor gene, CNR1: association with schizophrenia in a Spanish population. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 256, 437–441 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-006-0665-3

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