In patients with methamphetamine use disorder investigation of the relationship between VMAT-2 and dat gene expression and clinical parameters

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: In our study, we aimed to examine the relationship between DAT and VMAT-2 gene expression and protein levels with psychic experiences and other clinical parameters in individuals with Methamphetamine Use Disorder (MUD). METHODS: The study included, 50 male patients diagnosed with MUD and 100 healthy individuals (50 smokers, 50 non-smokers). After the patients and healthy individuals in the groups were evaluated according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the sociodemographic data form was applied to each person. Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE) was administered to patients and healthy volunteers, Addiction Profile Index (API), Treatment Motivation Questionnaire (TMQ), Substance Craving Scale (SCS), and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were administered only to the patient group. Dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT-2) gene expression and protein levels were determined in blood obtained from healthy control and patient groups. RESULTS: CAPE positive, depressive, total and distress level scores were significantly higher in the patient group. DAT gene mRNA and protein levels and VMAT-2 gene mRNA levels were significantly different between the groups. In the regression model with groups as the dependent variable, DAT and VMAT-2 gene expression and protein levels were found to be %87 predictive of whether a person used methamphetamine or not. CONCLUSION: The patient group showed more psychic experiences than the control group. DAT protein level, VMAT-2 gene expression and protein level were found to be lower in the patient group compared to the substance and non-smoking control group. DAT gene expression level was found to be higher in the patient group compared to the substance and non-smoking control group. Smoking seems to be a confounding factor in gene expression and protein levels. Expression levels may be informative in terms of MUD. Keywords: Dopamine transporter, gene expression, methamphetamine, psychic experiences, vesicular monoamine transporter