Background: ANKK1 (ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1) gene is a member of the serine/threonine kinase family. This family involved in signal transduction pathways. This gene contains Taq1A (rs1800497) single nucleotide polymorphism. The A1 allele carriers of TaqIA polymorphism have shown reduced DRD2 (Dopamine Receptor D2) receptors. This decrease predisposes individuals to seek for addictive substances to compensate this deficiency in dopaminergic system. The present study investigated TaqIA (rs1800497) polymorphism in heroin and methamphetamine addiction.

Materials and Methods: In this case-control study, 91 male methadone-maintained heroin and methamphetamine addicts and 100 male healthy controls were studied. Genomic DNA extraction was carried out from peripheral blood through salting-out method and individuals were genotyped for TaqIA polymorphism by RFLP-PCR technique and TaqI enzyme was used for RFLP.

Results: This survey revealed the significantly higher frequency of the A1 allele of TaqIA polymorphism in patients than control individuals (p<0.001). The frequency of A1 allele in patient and control individuals was %51 and %22.5, respectively. The A1A1 genotype was detected in 25% of patients and 7% of controls (p<0.001, OR=9.7, 95% CI=3.64-25.85).

Conclusion: The results of this study revealed that the A1 allele of TaqIA polymorphism is significantly associated with heroin and methamphetamine addiction.