Using Genetic Scores to Assess Alcohol Use Disorder Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Lai Dongbing PhD, Zhang Michael MS, Abreu Marco MS, Schwantes-An Tae-Hwi PhD, Chan Grace PhD, Dick Danielle M. PhD, Kamarajan Chella PhD, Kuang Weipeng MS, Nurnberger John I. MD PhD, Plawecki Martin H. MD PhD, Rice John PhD, Schuckit Marc MD, Porjesz Bernice PhD, Liu Yunlong PhD, Foroud Tatiana PhD
Primary Institution: Indiana University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can a polygenic score (PGS) be used to evaluate the risk of alcohol use disorder (AUD) among populations of European ancestry?
Conclusion
The study suggests that a polygenic score may potentially be used to evaluate the risk of alcohol use disorder.
Supporting Evidence
- The top 5% of samples with the highest PGS were approximately 2 times more likely to develop AUD compared to the remaining 95%.
- The bottom 5% of samples with the lowest PGS had about half the risk of developing AUD.
- PGS had similar estimabilities in both male and female individuals.
- More datasets with similar AUD prevalence are needed to further test the generalizability of PGS.
Takeaway
Scientists are trying to figure out if a special score based on our genes can help tell if someone might have problems with drinking alcohol in the future.
Methodology
The study used a 2-stage design to calculate polygenic scores from genetic data and tested their effectiveness in predicting alcohol use disorder.
Potential Biases
The exclusion of individuals with other substance use disorders from controls may bias the estimated effect sizes.
Limitations
The study's cohorts may not represent the general population, and the prevalence of AUD in the testing cohorts is lower than in general populations.
Participant Demographics
The study included diverse participants from various cohorts, primarily of European ancestry.
Statistical Information
P-Value
4.10×10−43
Confidence Interval
95% CI, 1.78-2.16
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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