Symposium
Session Room 213
Session Room 213
Wednesday, June 18, 10:50 AM – 12:05 PM
Symposium 14: Genetic Insights into Individual Variability in the Effects of Addictive Substances
Addictive substances such as cannabis, alcohol, and opioids continue to present significant public health challenges worldwide. This symposium explores how genetic factors contribute to individual differences in the effects of these substances, including addiction, cognitive decline, and treatment-related side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
Prof. Joel Gelernter will present his cutting-edge research on the genetic underpinnings of cannabis use and use disorder. His work has identified specific genetic variants that contribute to differences in susceptibility to cannabis use and cannabis use disorder, and allow insights into the genetic differences and similarities between these two cannabis-related traits(Levey et al 2023 PMID: 37985822; Galimberti al 2024). By understanding the genetic architecture of substance use disorders, his findings open new doors for developing personalized approaches to addiction treatment, for example in cannabis use disorder and problematic alcohol use (Zhou et al., 2023). Prof. Gelernter will discuss the implications of this research for targeting interventions based on individual genetic profiles.
Dr. Anya Topiwala will examine the role of alcohol in cognitive decline and dementia. Her research explores the relationship between alcohol consumption and brain health, using advanced neuroimaging techniques and large population cohorts in the UK and USA. Dr. Topiwala will present evidence that moderate alcohol consumption plays a causal role in the development of dementia, with significant implications for public health and dementia prevention (Topiwala et al., 2022a; Topiwala et al., 2022b; Topiwala et al., 2024). Her presentation will provide key insights into the cognitive effects of alcohol and its long-term impact on brain function.
Dr. Daisuke Nishizawa will focus on individual variability in opioid sensitivity, particularly in the context of palliative care and general anesthesia. His genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic polymorphisms that influence opioid sensitivity and the occurrence of side effects such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Dr. Nishizawa’s findings offer potential genetic markers for tailoring opioid use in clinical settings, with a focus on improving pain management while minimizing adverse effects (Nishizawa et al., 2022; Nishizawa et al., 2023).
This symposium aims to highlight how genetic differences can shape individuals' responses to addictive substances, whether in the form of addiction, cognitive impairment, or treatment-related complications. Through interdisciplinary discussion, this session will advance the understanding of these complex interactions and help pave the way for personalized therapeutic strategies.
Prof. Joel Gelernter will present his cutting-edge research on the genetic underpinnings of cannabis use and use disorder. His work has identified specific genetic variants that contribute to differences in susceptibility to cannabis use and cannabis use disorder, and allow insights into the genetic differences and similarities between these two cannabis-related traits(Levey et al 2023 PMID: 37985822; Galimberti al 2024). By understanding the genetic architecture of substance use disorders, his findings open new doors for developing personalized approaches to addiction treatment, for example in cannabis use disorder and problematic alcohol use (Zhou et al., 2023). Prof. Gelernter will discuss the implications of this research for targeting interventions based on individual genetic profiles.
Dr. Anya Topiwala will examine the role of alcohol in cognitive decline and dementia. Her research explores the relationship between alcohol consumption and brain health, using advanced neuroimaging techniques and large population cohorts in the UK and USA. Dr. Topiwala will present evidence that moderate alcohol consumption plays a causal role in the development of dementia, with significant implications for public health and dementia prevention (Topiwala et al., 2022a; Topiwala et al., 2022b; Topiwala et al., 2024). Her presentation will provide key insights into the cognitive effects of alcohol and its long-term impact on brain function.
Dr. Daisuke Nishizawa will focus on individual variability in opioid sensitivity, particularly in the context of palliative care and general anesthesia. His genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic polymorphisms that influence opioid sensitivity and the occurrence of side effects such as postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Dr. Nishizawa’s findings offer potential genetic markers for tailoring opioid use in clinical settings, with a focus on improving pain management while minimizing adverse effects (Nishizawa et al., 2022; Nishizawa et al., 2023).
This symposium aims to highlight how genetic differences can shape individuals' responses to addictive substances, whether in the form of addiction, cognitive impairment, or treatment-related complications. Through interdisciplinary discussion, this session will advance the understanding of these complex interactions and help pave the way for personalized therapeutic strategies.
11:15 AM – 11:40 AM
25 min
25 min