Neurogenetics and Nutrigenomics of Neuro-Nutrient Therapy for Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS): Clinical Ramifications as a Function of Molecular Neurobiological Mechanisms

Abstract

In accord with the new definition of addiction published by American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) it is well-known that individuals who present to a treatment center involved in chemical dependency or other documented reward dependence behaviors have impaired brain reward circuitry. They have hypodopaminergic function due to genetic and/or environmental negative pressures upon the reward neuro-circuitry. This impairment leads to aberrant craving behavior and other behaviors such as Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Neurogenetic research in both animal and humans revealed that there is a well-defined cascade in the reward site of the brain that leads to normal dopamine release. This cascade has been termed the “Brain Reward Cascade” (BRC). Any impairment due to either genetics or environmental influences on this cascade will result in a reduced amount of dopamine release in the brain reward site. Manipulation of the BRC has been successfully achieved with neuro-nutrient therapy utilizing nutrigenomic principles. After over four decades of development, neuro-nutrient therapy has provided important clinical benefits when appropriately utilized. This is a review, with some illustrative case histories from a number of addiction professionals, of certain molecular neurobiological mechanisms which if ignored may lead to clinical complications.

The Trace of Non-classical Biogenic Amines: A New Road to Addiction Recovery

“…The state-dependent regulation of DA physiology and metabolism by TAAR1 provides a unique opportunity to regularise DA transmission in the different stages of the addiction cycle, including not only the abuse or "high" phase (high DA, euphoria) but also the withdrawal phase (low DA, dysphoria). Given that the metabolites considered by most to be trace amines derive from standard aromatic amino acids, our hypothesis is consistent with allied views supporting a role for amino acid therapy (i.e., the KB220Z neuroadaptogen amino acid therapy) in addiction [30].…”

Are Environmental Contaminants Responsible for ‘Globesity’?

“…In healthy people, neurotransmitters work together in a pattern of stimulation or inhibition, the effects spreading downward like a cascade from stimulus input to complex patterns of response leading to feelings of well-being [28]. Any variations within this pathway, whether genetic or environmental (epigenetic), may result in addictive behaviors or Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS), which was coined to define addictive behaviors and their genetic components [29][30]. RDS predisposes individuals to high risk for multiple addictive, impulsive, and compulsive behaviors.…”

Should We Embrace Vaccines for Treating Substance- Related Disorder, A Subset of Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS)?

“…Scientists must initiate more clinical research into many options, especially for the long-term dopamine agonistic rather than antagonistic therapy [20][21][22][23][24][25][26]. Further research is required, and this worthwhile exploration must continue before we can embrace the use of anti-drug abuse vaccines in chemical dependency programs for the treatment of RDS.…”