Association Between Opioid Receptor Kappa 1 Gene Polymorphism, Kappa Opioid Receptor Level and Dynorphin Level with Non-Suicidal Self-Injury.

Abstract

<b>Background and Objective:</b> Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) is a mental health threat that is a major concern among adolescents and young adults nowadays. It is assumed that NSSI is involved in the mesocortical dopamine reward system, the endogenous opioid system and the overstimulation of the stress system. This study aims to investigate the correlation between Opioid Receptor Kappa 1 (OPRK1) rs7016778 and rs7824175 gene polymorphisms, Kappa Opioid Receptor (KOR) and Dynorphin level with NSSI. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> This research was a cross-sectional comparative study between 84 subjects diagnosed with NSSI and 76 controls. The method used was purposive sampling. The NSSI was determined by using the NSSID and ISAS questionnaire according to DSM-5. The examination of polymorphism of the OPRK-I gene was examined using a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and the level of KOR and Dynorphin was determined using ELISA. <b>Results:</b> The OPRK1 rs7016778 gene polymorphism was more common in the NSSI group. The OPRK1 rs7824175 gene polymorphism was more common in the control group. The KOR and Dynorphin levels were higher in the NSSI group. There were differences in KOR levels between NSSI and the control group. There is a relationship between KOR levels and Dynorphin levels with NSSI. There were no differences in the OPRK1 gene polymorphisms rs7016778 and rs7824175 between NSSI subjects and controls. There was no difference in Dynorphin levels between NSSI subjects and controls. <b>Conclusion:</b> The role of the Kappa Opioid Receptor (KOR) and Dynorphin in the pathophysiology of NSSI can be considered.