08/05/2010 Not all people tolerate coffee, and for some, caffeine can even trigger anxiety symptoms. Responsible for a small variation in the genome. Their effect can be offset somewhat by regular coffee.
coffee is and remains the favorite drink the Germans. 1.3 billion cups they have, according to the German Coffee Association drunk last year. In other words, on average, every German has come up with 150 liters of coffee taste distributed throughout the year.
What beverages such as coffee and tea, cola and cocoa but also worldwide is so popular, especially their stimulating effect. That makes other people but to create: you feel after drinking caffeinated beverages palpitations, sweating, restlessness and difficulty falling asleep, many of whom also experience a vague fear. Particularly patients who suffer from anxiety disorders drink, so often no more coffee or reduce consumption.
Würzburg scientists under the direction of psychiatrist Professor Jürgen Deckert have a working group led by Peter Rogers of Bristol University found out that the degree of anxiety depends also on the regularity of coffee enjoyment. Through its work, the journal Neuropsychopharmacology reports in its latest issue.
changes in the genetic material of the shutter
are changes in the genome are responsible for ensuring that some people react with fear to a cup of coffee or tea. "We have shown that a variant in the gene of adenosine A2A receptors play a major role in this process plays, "said Jürgen Deckert. Normally, the adenosine docks in certain areas of the brain to the receptor and triggers a calming reaction. If the receptor gene is altered, caffeine can suppress the adenosine and thus prevent its calming effect.
Therefore, those involved must carry the gene, however, both the paternal and the maternal chromosome. "We have noted in a study of volunteers in cooperation with the group of Harriet de Wit of the University of Chicago, that only the subjects who were on the long arm of both chromosomes had 22 each, the same gene variants to a mean dose of caffeine responded with fear, "said Deckert. This effect was - just as the stimulating effect of caffeine - temporarily, with the time it subsided after a few hours and was completely worn off.
comes on the dose it to
The fear response was, however, only if the test subjects a mean dose of caffeine increased - namely 150 milligrams, the equivalent of two cups of coffee. At a lower dose (50 milligrams), none of the subjects responded with fear, at a high dose (400 milligrams), however, all subjects showed an increased anxiety - as the result of another investigation with scientists from the University of Chicago. The genetic variation is thus only in the mid-dose range for the development of anxiety relevant.
"The result is not surprising. Similar trends are also found in other areas, "said Deckert. An example: A love story is afraid normally not a spectator in a horror film for each. In the "medium dose" - a thriller - only those who feel fear, which are sensitive to it.
regular consumption desensitizes
Anyone who reacts with fear to coffee, but this must not do all his life. "We are in our recent investigation together Peter Rogers of Bristol University examine the question whether the levels of daily caffeine consumption of the subjects on the genetic effects impact, "said Deckert. The results showed: For people who regularly took a medium or high dose of caffeine, the gene effects is weaker. In other words, "can probably make back the plant-specific intolerance while gradually increasing the dose and regular use," says the doctor. Deckert evaluates the results of this study as further proof of how complex can be gene-environment interactions.
The relationship with anxiety disorders
same genetic variant, which leads to an increased anxiety after the consumption of caffeine could lead to Würzburg researchers in collaboration with researchers at the University of Bonn Mark Nöthen several years ago identified as a genetic risk variant for anxiety disorders. Alone, they may well not be the cause of an anxiety disorder. "It certainly needs additional environmental factors such as the consumption of caffeine or traumatic life events," said Jürgen Deckert.
subjects searched
These complex interactions of caffeine and other indirectly acting on the adenosine A2A receptor substances at the time of the Würzburg researchers in cooperation with a Münster Katharina Domschke working group under the Collaborative Research Center SFB TRR 58 "Fear, fear, anxiety disorders" investigated. Are still looking for volunteer participants. The subjects should be healthy and between 18 and 65 years old. You can register with interest on T: (0931) 312687 or e-mail: mega@psychologie.uni-wuerzburg.de. "
source Würzburg University
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