Neurogenetic Impairments of Brain Reward Circuitry Links to Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS): Potential Nutrigenomic Induced Dopaminergic Activation

Abstract

Work from our laboratory in both in-patient and outpatient facilities utilizing the Comprehensive Analysis of Reported Drugs (CARD)™ found a significant lack of compliance to prescribed treatment medications and a lack of abstinence from drugs of abuse during active recovery. This unpublished, ongoing research provides an impetus to develop accurate genetic diagnosis and holistic approaches that will safely activate brain reward circuitry in the mesolimbic dopamine system. This editorial focuses on the neurogenetics of brain reward systems with particular reference to genes related to dopaminergic function. The terminology “Reward Deficiency Syndrome” (RDS), used to describe behaviors found to have an association with gene-based hypodopaminergic function, is a useful concept to help expand our understanding of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), process addictions, and other obsessive, compulsive and impulsive behaviors. This editorial covers the neurological basis of pleasure and the role of natural and unnatural reward in motivating and reinforcing behaviors. Additionally, it briefly describes the concept of natural dopamine D2 receptor agonist therapy coupled with genetic testing of a panel of reward genes, the Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS). It serves as a spring-board for this combination of novel approaches to the prevention and treatment of RDS that was developed from fundamental genomic research. We encourage further required studies.

Genetic Addiction Risk and Psychological Profiling Analyses for “Preaddiction” Severity Index

“…Previously, our laboratory started with the mindset of designing a study with which to evaluate DNA customization with nutritional solutions for both wellness and especially weight management, as one RDS example. In terms of nutrigenomics, a number of studies should be mentioned to serve as the rationale for developing customized DNS-guided pro-dopamine regulation utilizing KB220 as a basis [104][105][106][107][108][109]. In a series of experiments, Blum's laboratory genotyped 1058 subjects and administered KB220 (formerly LG8839, Recomposize, and Genotrim).…”

“…In this particular group, 53% lost, on average, over 2.5% of their starting weight. These studies in obesity are presented to provide some idea of the potential success of utilizing customized nutrigenomic-based solutions, which may pave the way to treating and preventing RDS-like behaviors in the future [104][105][106][107][108][109].…”

Should the United States Government Repeal Restrictions on Buprenorphine/Naloxone Treatment?

“…For patients addicted to opioids, the buprenorphine/naloxone option is currently a first line treatment (Shapiro et al, 2013). Some addiction specialists may think that the concerns with genetic testing (Blum, 2012; Blum et al, 2013; Blum et al, 2015; Blum et al, 2012; Blum, Febo, Giordano, Hauser, Oscar-Berman, et al, 2013; Blum et al, 2010; Blum, 2015; Blum, Badgaiyan, & Gold, 2015) and psychological blunting (Rowe et al, 2015) contained within this proposal may be a barrier to treatment. These proposals are very important for the prevention of a continued rise in illegal opiate/opioid abuse and should not be ignored.…”