DRD2 rs6276 polymorphism and trait impulsivity in individuals with mixed behavioral and substance addictions

Authors

Gabriela Zdunek, Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, PolandFollow
Remigiusz Recław, Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, PolandFollow
Aleksandra Suchanecka, Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, PolandFollow
Krzysztof Chmielowiec, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, PolandFollow
Dariusz Larysz, 109th Military Hospital with Polyclinic, Ministry of National Defense, Szczecin, PolandFollow
Patryk Ilków, Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Szczecin, PolandFollow
Kinga Łosińska, Faculty of Physical Culture, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, PolandFollow
Jolanta Chmielowiec, Department of Nursing, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, PolandFollow
Łukasz Jaworski, F. Ceynowa Specialist Hospital in Wejherowo, Poland
Anna Grzywacz, Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Genetics and Epigenetics, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin.Follow

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Impulsivity is a key transdiagnostic trait linked to dysregulated reward processing in both behavioral and substance-related addictions, as recognized in DSM-5. Dopaminergic genes, including DRD2, may modulate individual differences in impulsivity, particularly under conditions of increased addiction vulnerability. This study examined whether the DRD2 Exon 8 rs6276 polymorphism predicts impulsivity levels in men with mixed addictive behaviors compared with healthy controls. Methods: A total of 328 males (128 with mixed behavioral and substance addictions and 200 controls) were assessed. Diagnoses were confirmed using the MINI interview, and impulsivity was measured with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Genotyping of rs6276 was performed using real-time PCR. Statistical analysis included non-parametric tests and two-way ANOVA. Results: There were no significant differences in rs6276 genotype or allele frequencies between groups. However, participants with mixed addictions scored significantly higher on BIS-11 total, motor, and attentional impulsivity scales. A significant interaction between genotype and clinical status was found for motor impulsivity and total scores, with the G allele linked to elevated impulsivity in the clinical group. Conclusions: The DRD2 rs6276 polymorphism may act as a trait-modifying factor, enhancing impulsivity in individuals with mixed addictions. These findings support a gene–environment interaction model and underscore the value of dimensional phenotyping in addiction research.

Recommended Citation

Zdunek G, Reclaw R, Suchanecka A, Chmielowiec K, Larysz D, Ilkow P, Losinska K, Chmielowiec J, Jaworski L, Grzywacz A. DRD2 rs6276 polymorphism and trait impulsivity in individuals with mixed behavioral and substance addictions. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(1):Article10. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.1.10

Author ORCID Identifier

Gabriela ZDUNEK; ORCID: 0009-0000-2445-3651

Remigiusz RECŁAW; ORCID: 0000-0002-7137-1429

Aleksandra SUCHANECKA; ORCID: 0000-0002-7137-1429

Krzysztof CHMIELOWIEC; ORCID: 0000-0003-4254-5466

Dariusz LARYSZ; ORCID: 0009-0007-4267-2250

Patryk ILKÓW; ORCID: 0009-0005-2889-9964

Kinga ŁOSIŃSKA; ORCID: 0009-0009-0227-106X

Jolanta CHMIELOWIEC; ORCID: 0000-0003-3285-5313

Łukasz JAWORSKI; ORCID: 0009-0009-8024-0648

Anna GRZYWACZ; ORCID: 0000-0002-2633-520X

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.