TITLE:
Hypothesizing “Reward” Gene Polymorphisms May Predict High Rates of Injury and Addiction in the Workforce: A Nutrient and Electrotherapeutic Based Solution
AUTHORS:
Kenneth Blum, Thomas Simpaatico, Roger L. Waite, Seth H. Blum, Kristina Dushaj, Margaret A. Madigan, Eric R. Braverman, Marlene Oscar-Bermanm
KEYWORDS:
Injuries, Workforce, Reward Gene Polymorphisms, KB220Z, Electrotherapy Device & Program, Iatrogenic Analgesic Addiction, Reward Deficiency System Solution
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.6 No.16,
September
19,
2014
ABSTRACT: We hypothesize that
individuals with genetic predisposition to Substance Use Disorder (SUD) may have
greater likelihood of experiencing work related accidents. We further hypothesize
that high risk populations will carry single or multiple polymorphisms associated
with brain reward circuitry and/or brain reward cascade, including: Dopaminergic
(i.e. DRD2 receptor genes); Serotonergic
(i.e. 5-HTT2 receptor genes); Endorphinergic
(i.e. pre-enkephalin genes); Gabergic
(i.e. GABAA receptor genes);
Neurotransmitter Metabolizing genes (i.e. MAO and COMT genes) among others (GARSRXTM).
Analgesic addiction as well as “pseudoaddiction” must be treated to improve pain
control and its management. We propose that non-pharmacological alternatives to
pain relief, in high risk, addiction-prone individuals, are Electrotherapeutic Device(s)
and Programs. We further propose patented KB220Z, a nutraceutical designed to release
dopamine at the nucleus accumbens, will reduce craving behavior, in genetically
programmed individuals. By utilizing both alternatives in DNA analyzed injured workers,
a reduction in analgesic addiction (genuine or pseudo) leads to improved health
and quicker return to work. We also hypothesize that this novel approach will impact
costs related to injuries in the workforce. Effective management of chronic pain,
especially in high addiction-prone workforce populations, is possible in spite of
being particularly elusive. A series of factors encumber pain assessment and management,
including analgesia addiction, pharmacogenomic response to pain medications, and
genetically inherited factors involving gene polymorphisms. Additional research
is required to test these stipulated hypotheses related to genetic proneness to
addiction, but also proneness to accidents in the workplace and reduction of craving
behavior. Our hypothesis that genotyping coupled with both KB220ZTM and the pharmaceutical-free
Electrotherapy, will reduce iatrogenic induced analgesia addiction. This approach
will achieve attainable effective pain management and quicker return to work. We
propose outcomes such as the Reward Deficiency System SolutionTM may become an adjunct
in the war against iatrogenic pain medication addiction.