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Expression of Nmda Receptor Subunits in Human Blood Lymphocytes: A Peripheral Biomarker in Online Computer Game Addiction Publisher Pubmed



Sadatshirazi MS1, 9 ; Vousooghi N1, 2, 9 ; Alizadeh B3 ; Makki SM4 ; Zarei SZ5 ; Nazari S1 ; Zarrindast MR1, 6, 7, 8
Authors
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Authors Affiliations
  1. 1. Genetics Laboratory, Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies (INCAS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  2. 2. Research Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  3. 3. Department of Biology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
  4. 4. Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  5. 5. Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
  6. 6. Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
  7. 7. School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Studies in Theoretical Physics and Mathematics, Tehran, Iran
  8. 8. Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran
  9. 9. Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, PO Box 1417755469, Tehran, Iran

Source: Journal of Behavioral Addictions Published:2018


Abstract

Background and aims: Repeated performance of some behaviors such as playing computer games could result in addiction. The NMDA receptor is critically involved in the development of behavioral and drug addictions. It has been claimed that the expression level of neurotransmitter receptors in the brain may be reflected in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs). Methods: Here, using a real-time PCR method, we have investigated the mRNA expression of GluN2A, GluN2D, GluN3A, and GluN3B subunits of the NMDA receptor in PBLs of male online computer game addicts (n = 25) in comparison with normal subjects (n = 26). Results: Expression levels of GluN2A, GluN2D, and GluN3B subunits were not statistically different between game addicts and the control group. However, the mRNA expression of the GluN3A subunit was downregulated in PBLs of game addicts. Discussion and conclusions: Transcriptional levels of GluN2A and GluN2D subunits in online computer game addicts are similar to our previously reported data of opioid addiction and are not different from the control group. However, unlike our earlier finding of drug addiction, the mRNA expression levels of GluN3A and GluN3B subunits in PBLs of game addicts are reduced and unchanged, respectively, compared with control subjects. It seems that the downregulated state of the GluN3A subunit of NMDA receptor in online computer game addicts is a finding that deserves more studies in the future to see whether it can serve as a peripheral biomarker in addiction studies, where the researcher wants to rule out the confusing effects of abused drugs. © 2018 Journal of Behavioral Addictions. All rights reserved.
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