Evidence map›Paper›PMID 40993075›Full record

ReviewExpert reviews in molecular medicine2025

Genetic and Epigenetic Approaches to Opioid Use Disorder.

Nadeeka Dimuthu Ranadeva, Praba Jalini Wijekumar, Caroline Anastasia Fernando, Akila Randika Jayamaha, Nafeesa Noordeen, Sureka Chackrewarthy, Neluka Fernando

Abstract readReview
In one paragraph

Review in Expert reviews in molecular medicine, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed, 1 pooled it
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it.

  1. Pooled it
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Nadeeka Dimuthu RanadevaDepartment of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, KIU, Sri Lanka.ORCID 0000-0002-6971-674X
Praba Jalini WijekumarDepartment of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, KIU, Sri Lanka.ORCID 0000-0003-1840-6757
Caroline Anastasia FernandoResearch and Innovation Division, KIU, Sri Lanka.ORCID 0000-0002-7581-7838
Akila Randika JayamahaResearch and Innovation Division, KIU, Sri Lanka.ORCID 0000-0002-3372-4537
Nafeesa NoordeenFaculty of Medicine, https://ror.org/02phn5242University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.ORCID 0000-0002-8355-2251
Sureka ChackrewarthyFaculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka.
Neluka FernandoFaculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka.ORCID 0000-0001-7551-8224

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundOpioid use disorder (OUD) is a major global-scale social issue affecting public health. The high potential for addiction and dependence makes opioid use a significant concern, contributing to substance-related disorders. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to the predisposition to OUD, with the opioidergic, dopaminergic, and GABAergic systems playing primary roles in itsonset.

methodsThis narrative review documents the association between genes and their variants related to these three systems, along with current evidence on epigenetic interventions in OUD. Relevant studies investigating candidate-gene associations and molecular mechanisms were synthesized to highlight genetic variants and epigenetic processes linked to OUD.

resultsGenetic associations play a prominent role in OUD, with several single-nucleotide variants identified in affected populations. Key genes implicated include OPRM1, OPRD1, OPRK1, PDYN, OPRL1, and POMC from the opioidergic system; DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, ANKK1, and COMT from the dopaminergic system; and GABRA2, GABRB3, GABRG2, GAD1, and GAD2 from the GABAergic system. Evidence also indicates that chronic opioid use is associated with epigenetic changes through posttranslational histone modifications and DNA methylation. However, limitations in existing studies include small sample sizes, limited replication, and potential stratification biases.

conclusionsAlthough many candidate-gene associations have been proposed for OUD, robust evidence remains limited. Large, ancestrally diverse genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and systematic replication studies are urgently needed. A deeper understanding of the genetic, epigenetic, and neurobiological bases of addiction will be essential for the development of precisely targeted medications to improve prevention and treatment outcomes for OUD.

Indexed as

Epigenesis, GeneticGenetic Predisposition to DiseaseOpioid-Related DisordersAnimalsHumansPolymorphism, Single NucleotideDRD2epigeneticsGAD1heroinopioid addictionopioid use disorderOPRM1

Identifiers

PMID40993075
PMCPMC12571026

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY
Read underepoch 390

Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.