Illicit drug use and the genetic overlap with Cannabis use

Jacqueline M. Vink, Laura Veul, Abdel Abdellaoui, Jouke-jan Hottenga, Dorret I. Boomsma, Karin J.h. Verweij

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Background: The use of illicit substances is correlated, meaning that individuals who use one illicit substance are more likely to also use another illicit substance. This association could (partly) be explained by overlapping genetic factors. Genetic overlap may indicate a common underlying genetic predisposition, or can be the result of a causal association. Methods: Polygenic scores for lifetime cannabis use were generated in a sample of Dutch participants (N = 8348). We tested the association of a PGS for cannabis use with ecstasy, stimulants and a broad category of illicit drug use. To explore the nature of the relationship: (1) these analyses were repeated separately in cannabis users and non-users and (2) monozogytic twin pairs discordant for cannabis use were compared on their drug use. Results: The lifetime prevalence was 24.8 % for cannabis, 6.2 % for ecstasy, 6.5 % for stimulants and 7.1 % for any illicit drug use. Significant, positive associations were found between PGS for cannabis use with ecstasy use, stimulants and any illicit drug use. These associations seemed to be stronger in cannabis users compared to non-users for both ecstasy and stimulant use, but only in people born after 1968 and not significant after correction for multiple testing. The discordant twin pair analyses suggested that cannabis use could play a causal role in drug use. Conclusions: The genetic liability underlying cannabis use significantly explained variability in ecstasy, stimulant and any illicit drug use. Further research should further explore the underlying mechanism to understand the nature of the association.

Original languageEnglish
Article number108102
Pages (from-to)108102
JournalDrug and Alcohol Dependence
Volume213
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2020

Funding

This study was supported by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant 284167 PI Vink, survey 10), ZonMW (grant 31160008 , survey 8), NWO (grant 985-10-002 , survey 5), VU-USF (grant 96/22 , survey 2 and 3). AA and KJHV are supported by the Foundation Volksbond Rotterdam . Furthermore, support was received for genotyping and phenotyping from: NWO-Groot 480−15-001/674 (Netherlands Twin Registry Repository); Spinozapremie (NWO- 56−464-14,192), KNAW Academy Professor Award (PAH/6635 to DIB); Genetics of Mental Illness (ERC Advanced, 230,374 PI Boomsma); the Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository cooperative agreement (NIMH U24 MH068457−06); Collaborative study of the genetics of DZ twinning (NIH R01D0042157−01A1); Developmental Study of Attention Problems in Young Twins (NIMH, RO1 MH58799−03); Major depression: stage 1 genome-wide association in population-based samples (MH081802); Grand Opportunity grants Integration of genomics and transcriptomics in normal twins and major depression (NIMH 1RC2MH089951−01) and Developmental trajectories of psychopathology (NIMH 1RC2 MH089995); and the Avera Institute for Human Genetics , Sioux Falls, South Dakota (USA). This study was supported by the European Research Council (ERC Starting Grant 284167 PI Vink, survey 10), ZonMW (grant 31160008, survey 8), NWO (grant 985-10-002, survey 5), VU-USF (grant 96/22, survey 2 and 3). AA and KJHV are supported by the Foundation Volksbond Rotterdam. Furthermore, support was received for genotyping and phenotyping from: NWO-Groot 480?15-001/674 (Netherlands Twin Registry Repository); Spinozapremie (NWO- 56?464-14,192), KNAW Academy Professor Award (PAH/6635 to DIB); Genetics of Mental Illness (ERC Advanced, 230,374 PI Boomsma); the Rutgers University Cell and DNA Repository cooperative agreement (NIMH U24 MH068457?06); Collaborative study of the genetics of DZ twinning (NIH R01D0042157?01A1); Developmental Study of Attention Problems in Young Twins (NIMH, RO1 MH58799?03); Major depression: stage 1 genome-wide association in population-based samples (MH081802); Grand Opportunity grants Integration of genomics and transcriptomics in normal twins and major depression (NIMH 1RC2MH089951?01) and Developmental trajectories of psychopathology (NIMH 1RC2 MH089995); and the Avera Institute for Human Genetics, Sioux Falls, South Dakota (USA).

FundersFunder number
Avera Institute for Human Genetics
Developmental Trajectories of Psychopathology1RC2 MH089995
Foundation Volksbond Rotterdam
Genetics of Mental Illness
NWO-Groot15-001/674
Rutgers University
Spinozapremie- 56−464-14,192
VU-USF96/22
National Institutes of HealthRO1 MH58799−03, 1RC2MH089951−01, R01D0042157, R01D0042157−01A1, RO1 MH58799, 01A1, MH081802
National Institute of Mental HealthU24 MH068457−06
Seventh Framework Programme284167
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
European Research Council
Koninklijke Nederlandse Akademie van WetenschappenPAH/6635
ZonMw31160008
Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek985-10-002

    Cohort Studies

    • Netherlands Twin Register (NTR)

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