GABA Receptors,Alcohol Dependence and Criminal Behavior |
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Authors: | Claudio Terranova MD Marianna Tucci PhD Daniela Sartore MD Fabiano Cavarzeran MSc Laura Di Pietra MD Luisa Barzon AP Giorgio Palù FP Santo D Ferrara FP |
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Institution: | 1. Department of Molecular Medicine, Forensic Toxicology Unit ‐ Legal Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Padova, , 35121 Padova, Italy;2. Department of Neuroscience, University Hospital of Padova, , 35128 Padova, Italy;3. Departments of Molecular Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, , 35121 Padova, Italy |
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Abstract: | The aim of this study was to analyze the connection between alcohol dependence and criminal behavior by an integrated genetic–environmental approach. The research, structured as a case–control study, examined 186 alcohol‐dependent males; group 1 (N = 47 convicted subjects) was compared with group 2 (N = 139 no previous criminal records). Genetic results were innovative, highlighting differences in genotype distribution (p = 0.0067) in group 1 for single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs 3780428, located in the intronic region of subunit 2 of the GABA B receptor gene (GABBR2). Some environmental factors (e.g., grade repetition) were associated with criminal behavior; others (e.g., attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous) were inversely related to convictions. The concomitant presence of the genetic and environmental factors found to be associated with the condition of alcohol‐dependent inmate showed a 4‐fold increase in the risk of antisocial behavior. The results need to be replicated on a larger population to develop new preventive and therapeutic proposals. |
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Keywords: | forensic science GABA A receptor GABA B receptor criminal behavior alcohol dependence γ ‐aminobutyric acid violent crime |
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