The OPRM1 A118G G Allele Is Associated With Poorer Auditory-Verbal Learning and Memory, Executive Functions, and Working Memory in Veterans Undergoing Residential Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder

Alcohol: Clinical & Experimental Research
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Roberto Andrade, M Windy McNerney, Eric P Kraybill, Claudia B Padula, Timothy C Durazzo
BACKGROUND: The neurocognitive dysfunction observed in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is related to a complex interplay between genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. The μ-opioid receptor (MOR), encoded by the OPRM1 gene, modulates reward processing, stress responsivity, and excitatory-inhibitory activity within prefrontal-limbic and hippocampal circuits implicated in neurocognition. The common A118G (Asn40Asp, rs1799971) polymorphism alters MOR expression and signaling, but its contribution to domain-specific cognitive functioning in AUD, particularly among Veterans, has received limited investigation.