Catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in individuals with substance use disorders: a case control study

Autores da FMUP

• Maria Paula De Valadares Souto Pinto Serrão

  Autor

• Margarida Maria Carvalho De Figueiredo Ferreira Braga

  Autor

• Maria Augusta Vieira Coelho

  Autor

Participantes de fora da FMUP

• Azevedo, J.
• Carvalho, C
• Coelho, R

Unidades de investigação

• Biomedicina

• Neurociências Clínicas e Saúde Mental

Abstract

Background: Impulsivity and substance use disorders (SUD) have been both associated with changes in dopaminergic processes. In this study, we intended to evaluate the dopaminergic function in imprisoned SUD offenders through the determination of s-COMT activity. Methods: The study included 46 male individuals from a Portuguese penal institution. The participants were assessed through a battery of standardised instruments: Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R), Barratt Impulsivity Scale Version 11 (BIS-11), and the European version of the Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI). In addition, s-COMT erythrocyte activity was evaluated. Results: Overall, 73.9% (n = 34) of the individuals had Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and 58.7% (n = 27) presented SUD. We evidenced, for the first time, that, in individuals with SUD, s-COMT activity was correlated with the severity of drug dependence (EuropASI) (p = 0.009), and with BIS-11 factors self-control (p < 0.0001) and non-planning (p = 0.002). Conclusions: This study opens new perspectives regarding the pharmacological intervention on substance dependence through the interference on dopamine pathways.

Keywords

• Impulsivity; Substance use disorders (SUD); S-COMT activity; Case-control study