Study of polymorphisms of CNR1 and FAAH genes in patients with epilepsy

Abstract

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that is associated with changes in neuronal excitability. Endocannabinoid system in one of the most important factors involved in neuronal excitability. The system consists of several neurotransmitters, their receptors (CB1, CB2) and enzymes involved in the synthesis and degradation of these neurotransmitters, including FAAH. ECS also mediates the psychoactive effects of cannabis and its derivatives, including cannabis and marijuana, and is involved in various physiological processes such as appetite, pain, mood, memory and addiction, depression and anxiety problems. Animal studies have shown antiepileptic effects of endocannabinoid system. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the polymorphism of two main genes of the endocannabinoid system called FAAH and gene with epilepsy, whose relationship has been identified in several mental and neurological disorders. Materials & Methods: In this genetic association case-control study, cannabinoid receptor polymorphisms CNR1 rs12720071 and FAAH rs324420 were tested for association with epilepsy in 250 patients and 250 healthy controls by RFLP-PCR method. Results: No significant relationship was observed between rs324420 polymorphism and epilepsy (CC/AA: OR=0.926, CI=0.305-2.815; CC/AC: OR=1.398, CI=0.932-2.094). No association was found between rs12720071 polymorphism and epilepsy (AA/GG: OR=4.041, CI=0.448-36.475; AA/AG: OR=0.916, CI=0.569-1.475). No significant genotypic associations with drug resistance epilepsy (DRE) were also observed. The association between FAAH and CNR1 polymorphisms was significant in focal and general seizures(P<0.05).