The effect of Ecstasy on memory is moderated by a functional polymorphism in the cathechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene

Abstract There is ample evidence for decreased verbal memory in heavy Ecstasy users. However, findings on the presence of a dose–response relation are inconsistent, possibly due to individual differences in genetic vulnerability. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is involved in the catabolism of E...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European neuropsychopharmacology 2009-02, Vol.19 (2), p.116-124
Main Authors: Schilt, Thelma, Koeter, Maarten W.J, de Win, Maartje M.L, Zinkstok, Janneke R, van Amelsvoort, Thérèse A, Schmand, Ben, den Brink, Wim van
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine
Adolescent
Adult
Catechol O-methyltransferase
Catechol O-Methyltransferase - genetics
Drug abuse
Female
Follow-Up Studies
Gene polymorphism
Genotype
Humans
Intelligence Tests
Internal Medicine
Learning
Male
MDMA
Memory
Memory - drug effects
Mental Recall - drug effects
N-Methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine - pharmacology
Neuropsychological Tests
Neuropsychology
Polymorphism, Genetic - genetics
Psychiatry
Risk factors
Serotonin Agents - pharmacology
Socioeconomic Factors
Statistical analysis
Substance-Related Disorders - psychology
Verbal Learning - drug effects
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract There is ample evidence for decreased verbal memory in heavy Ecstasy users. However, findings on the presence of a dose–response relation are inconsistent, possibly due to individual differences in genetic vulnerability. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is involved in the catabolism of Ecstasy. Therefore, COMT gene polymorphisms may moderate this vulnerability. We prospectively assessed verbal memory in subjects with a high risk for future Ecstasy use, and compared 59 subjects after first Ecstasy use with 60 subjects that remained Ecstasy-naive. In addition, we tested the interaction effect of Ecstasy and the functional val158 met polymorphism on verbal memory. Met -allele carriers were somewhat more sensitive to the effects of Ecstasy on verbal learning than homozygous val -subjects. After correction for the use of other substances this effect was no longer statistically significant. The findings suggest that the COMT gene moderates the negative effect of Ecstasy on memory, but also other drug use seems to play a role.
ISSN:0924-977X
1873-7862
DOI:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.10.004