Neuropeptide S receptor gene variant and environment: contribution to alcohol use disorders and alcohol consumption

The functional polymorphism Asn107Ile (rs324981, A > T) of the neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR1) gene is involved in the modulation of traits that affect alcohol use. Hence, we have examined whether the NPSR1 A/T polymorphism is associated with alcohol use disorders (AUD) and alcohol use in a population‐representative sample. Lifetime AUD were assessed by the MINI psychiatric interview (n = 501) in the older cohort of the longitudinal Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study at age 25. Alcohol use, environmental adversities and personality were reported by both the younger (original n = 583) and the older cohort (original n = 593) in three study waves. NPSR1 associations with AUD and alcohol use differed by sex. In females, both AUD [odds ratio (OR) = 7.20 (0.94–55.0), P = 0.029] and harmful alcohol use were more prevalent in A‐allele carriers. In contrast, in males, AUD was more frequent in T‐allele carriers [OR = 2.75 (1.19–6.36), P = 0.017], especially if exposed to adverse environments at age 15 [OR = 10 (1.18–84.51), P = 0.019]. Alcohol use was higher in male T‐allele carriers at ages 15 and 18 as well. Similarly to females, however, the risk allele for higher alcohol use for males at age 25 was the A‐allele. Many of the effects on alcohol use were explained by genotype effects on measures of personality. In the general population, the NPSR1 Asn107Ile polymorphism is associated with AUD and alcohol consumption, dependent on sex, environment and age. The results are in line with the impulsivity and personality regulating role of the NPSR1. Proposed pathways to alcohol use disorders (AUD) by NPSR1 genotype. In females, lower NPS‐ergic activity in A‐allele carriers bears a risk for affective dysregulation that also renders them vulnerable to alcohol use. Consequently, some females carrying the A‐allele develop AUD. In males, an impulsivity‐related early‐onset pathway to AUD occurs in T‐allele carriers. A delayed‐onset pathway to AUD is also suggested for male AA homozygotes: the increase of adaptive impulsivity, extraversion and openness to experience could make them vulnerable to alcohol.