Although the allelic and genotypic distribution of rs348449 was not significantly different between controls and treated alcohol-dependent subjects, it may play a role in alcohol dependence. If Babor et al. [14] are correct in their assertion that an AUDIT score ≥ 20 indicates alcohol dependence, rs348449 may be associated with the transition from harmful alcohol consumption to alcohol dependence: the mean AUDIT scores were 19.2 and 24.2 for the A and G alleles, respectively, and on average a subject's AUDIT score increased from 18.8 to 24.4 and 22.0 with zero, one and two G alleles, respectively. Additionally, Finns with a G allele were 5.2-fold more likely to have been treated for alcohol dependence or have scored ≥ 20 on the AUDIT. We have reservations with respect to the validity of the observed associations between this SNP and the two alcohol-related phenotypes, however; the low minor allele frequency (MAF) in the three drinking groups (1-7 per cent) and the absence of G/G homozygotes among the control and treated alcohol dependent drinkers means that there is a high risk of false-positive finding with this SNP.
