Association of a functional serotonin transporter gene polymorphism with binge eating disorder.

The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying binge eating disorder (BED) are poorly understood. There is evidence that abnormalities in brain serotonin (5HT) play an important role in binge eating behavior, therefore genes involved in 5HT transmission, such as the 5HT transporter (5HTT) gene, may contribute to the biological vulnerability to BED. We examined whether the polymorphism of the promoter of the 5HTT gene, consisting of a long (L) and a short (S) variant, was associated with BED. Seventy-seven obese or non-obese women with BED, and 61 normal weight control women were genotyped at the 5HTT gene linked polymorphism (5HTTLPR). Statistical analysis showed that both the LL genotype and the L allele of the 5HTTLPR were significantly more frequent in BED subjects. Moreover, the L allele was associated with a moderate but significant risk to develop BED (OR = 2.01, CI = 1.33-3.57). Although these data should be regarded as preliminary because of the small size of our sample, they suggest that the 5HTTPRL may contribute to the genetic susceptibility to BED.     

Association study of serotonin transporter gene regulatory region polymorphism and alcoholism

Previous studies have indicated associations between a functional biallelic repetitive element in the 5′ regulatory region of the serotonin transporter gene (5‐HTTLPR) and alcoholic subjects who have either dissocial personality disorder or severe withdrawal symptoms. To replicate these associations under the hypothesis that genetic polymorphism plays some role in the susceptibility or vulnerability of some subgroup of alcoholics, the associations between alcoholic subjects' genetic polymorphisms, clinical characteristics, and personality traits were examined. This case control study comprised 697 alcoholic and 270 control subjects. A questionnaire focusing on family and social background, history of drinking and alcohol withdrawal, DSM‐III‐R criteria for the evaluation of psychiatric conditions, and Feighner's criteria for the lifetime diagnosis and assessment of overall severity of alcoholism was administered to 373 alcoholic subjects. Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) were used to evaluate the other 324 alcoholics. The frequency of the homozygous short allele was significantly higher in alcoholic binge drinkers than in nonbinge drinking alcoholics. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of either the 5‐HTTLPR genotype or the short vs. long allele in alcoholic and control subjects. The alcoholics' 5‐HTTLPR genotype and allele frequencies did not differ significantly by the severity of withdrawal symptoms or by the number of positive Feighner's diagnostic criteria. Although these results indicate an association between 5‐HTTLPR and a subgroup of alcoholics characterized by binge drinking, the authors found no differences in SSS and TCI subscale scores for alcoholics with different 5‐HTTLPR genotypes. Future studies of the association in other alcoholic population should take into account personality traits. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Association study of serotonin transporter gene regulatory region polymorphism and alcoholism.

Previous studies have indicated associations between a functional biallelic repetitive element in the 5' regulatory region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) and alcoholic subjects who have either dissocial personality disorder or severe withdrawal symptoms. To replicate these associations under the hypothesis that genetic polymorphism plays some role in the susceptibility or vulnerability of some subgroup of alcoholics, the associations between alcoholic subjects' genetic polymorphisms, clinical characteristics, and personality traits were examined. This case control study comprised 697 alcoholic and 270 control subjects. A questionnaire focusing on family and social background, history of drinking and alcohol withdrawal, DSM-III-R criteria for the evaluation of psychiatric conditions, and Feighner's criteria for the lifetime diagnosis and assessment of overall severity of alcoholism was administered to 373 alcoholic subjects. Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and Sensation Seeking Scale (SSS) were used to evaluate the other 324 alcoholics. The frequency of the homozygous short allele was significantly higher in alcoholic binge drinkers than in nonbinge drinking alcoholics. There were no significant differences in the frequencies of either the 5-HTTLPR genotype or the short vs. long allele in alcoholic and control subjects. The alcoholics' 5-HTTLPR genotype and allele frequencies did not differ significantly by the severity of withdrawal symptoms or by the number of positive Feighner's diagnostic criteria. Although these results indicate an association between 5-HTTLPR and a subgroup of alcoholics characterized by binge drinking, the authors found no differences in SSS and TCI subscale scores for alcoholics with different 5-HTTLPR genotypes. Future studies of the association in other alcoholic population should take into account personality traits.     

多巴胺突触前膜转运载体基因多态性与帕金森病

目的 研究多巴胺突触前膜转运载体（dopamine transporter,DAT)的基因多态性与帕金森病（Parkinson's disease,PD)的关系。方法 比较了85名健康对照和128例PD患者（包含发病年龄小于或等于50岁的早发型PD亚组和发病年龄大于50岁的晚发型PD亚组）的DAT基因串联重复可变数（variable number of tandem repeat,VNTR)多态性分布。结果 该多态性位点的基因型和等位基因分布,在对照组和PD患者之间差异有显著性;晚发型PD与7拷贝等位基因强相关,与11拷贝等位基因弱相关,早发型PD主要与9拷贝等位基因相关。结论 该结果不仅支持DAT与PD相关的假说,而且提示了DAT基因VNTR多态性与PD发病年龄的可能关系。     

Association between serotonin transporter genotype and extraversion

Despite the long-standing recognition that extraversion is partially heritable, few specific genes have been found to be associated significantly with this personality trait. The purpose of this study was to examine the association between a functional genetic polymorphism of the serotonin transporter promoter region (5-HTTLPR) and extraversion. Caucasian participants (N=183) were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR; extraversion scores for participants homozygous for the short allele (s/s) were compared with those participants carrying at least one long allele (s/l and l/l). An s/s genotype at 5-HTTLPR was significantly associated with self ratings of reduced extraversion (P=0.012); presence versus absence of the long allele explained 3.4% of the variance in extraversion. These findings provide support for the effect of the 5-HTTLPR, and for the serotonergic system more broadly, on behaviors related to extraversion.     

Association between the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism and personality traits in a primarily female population sample

The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) regulates serotonergic neurotransmission and is thought to influence emotion. A 5-HTT-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has two common variants, short (s) and long (l). We previously found population and within-family associations between the lower-expressing s allele and neuroticism, a trait related to anxiety, hostility, and depression, on a standard measure (the NEO Personality Inventory, Revised [NEO-PI-R]) in a primarily male population (n=505), and that the s allele was dominant. We investigated this association in a new sample (n=397, 84% female, primarily sib-pairs). The results robustly replicated the 5-HTTLPR neuroticism association, and the dominance of the s allele. Combined data from the two studies (n=902) showed a highly significant association between the s allele and higher NEO Neuroticism both across individuals and within families. Association between genotype and a related measure, Anxiety on the 16PF inventory, was replicated in the new population and within families in the combined sample. Association to another trait, estimated TPQ Harm Avoidance, was not replicated in the new sample but found only within the combined sibship group. Another association found in our original study, between the s allele and lower scores on NEO-PI-R Agreeableness, was also replicated and was more robust in the current and the combined samples. Associations between the functional 5-HTTLPR polymorphism were similar in women and men. These results help to define specific personality features reproducibly associated with 5-HTTLPR genotype. Such associations were strongest for traits defined by the NEO, enhancing the attractiveness of the five-factor personality model in genetic research on complex behavioral dimensions. Am. J. Med. Genet. (Neuropsychiatr. Genet.) 96:202-216, 2000. Published 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Association of verbal and figural creative achievement with polymorphism in the human serotonin transporter gene

The purpose of this study was to examine the potential association between the S (short) and L (long) alleles of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene and verbal and figural creative ability. Sixty-two unrelated Caucasian university students (29 men and 33 women) participated in the experiment. The results showed a significant association between verbal and figural creativity scores and the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism. The subjects with S/S and L/S genotypes demonstrated higher verbal creativity scores in comparison with the L/L genotype carriers. The carriers of S/S genotype demonstrated also higher figural creativity scores in comparison with the carries of L/S and L/L genotypes. Thus, it is the first report on a significant association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and creative achievements. As the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is associated with genetically defined alteration in the brain serotonergic neurotransmission our result provides an evidence of the involvement of the central serotonin system in creativity regulation.     

Association between the serotonin transporter gene and alcohol consumption in social drinkers.

Relatively few studies have investigated the role of the 5HTT gene in intermediate phenotypes such as alcohol consumption in non-alcohol dependent populations. A recent study reported an association with alcohol consumption in a student population. We attempted to replicate these findings and extend on this work in a representative, ethnically homogenous, non-alcohol dependent sample of social drinkers in the United Kingdom. The short allele of the 5HTT gene was significantly associated with increased alcohol consumption (P = 0.03). There was suggestive evidence of a genotype-sex interaction (P = 0.04). Post-hoc tests indicated higher alcohol consumption in men with one or more copies of the short allele, while in women consumption was highest among heterozygotes compared to both homozygote groups. Age at time of data collection and cigarette consumption were entered as covariates. These results replicate recent previous findings and suggest a possibility that this association may differ in men and women.     

5-羟色胺转运蛋白基因多态性与脑卒中后抑郁的关联

目的:探讨5-羟色胺转运体连锁启动区(5-hydroxytryptamine transporter linked promoter region,5-HTTLPR)基因多态性与脑卒中后抑郁发病、自杀行为是否相关。方法:应用聚合酶链反应(PCR)扩增技术测定中国汉族脑卒中抑郁(poststroke depression,PSD)患者90例(PSD组)和无抑郁脑卒中患者90例(非PSD组)的5-HTTLPR基因型及等位基因,分别验证各种基因型与脑卒中抑郁症发病及自杀行为的相关性。结果:PSD组SS基因型及S等位基因频率(64.4%,75.6%)明显高于非PSD组(38.9%,58.3%),S等位基因携带者PSD患病率为LL型纯合子的1.29倍(OR=1.29,P<0.001,95%CI:1.11～1.50);对PSD组自杀行为分层比较,有自杀行为组SS基因型及S等位基因频率(76.8%,75.6%)明显高于无自杀行为组(44.1%,58.3%),PSD患者中,S等位基因携带者自杀行为发生概率为LL纯合子的1.3倍(OR=1.3,P<0.01,95%CI:1.08～1.6)。结论:5-HTTLPR基因可能是PSD的易感基因,S等位基因可能与PSD及自杀行为相关。     

Working conditions,serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and anxiety disorders: A prospective cohort study

Background

The etiology and pathology of anxiety disorders involve both genetic and environmental influences. Adverse working conditions may contribute to the development of anxiety. The serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has been implicated in stress sensitivity. Therefore, we investigated the potential interplay between 5-HTTLPR and job-related risk factors in the prediction of the occurrence of anxiety.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study using the first two waves of a Swedish population-based cohort. At Wave I, 1585 individuals without anxiety, depression or dysthymia who were active in the labor market during both waves were included. Information on job demands, skill discretion, decision authority and social climate was collected at Wave I. After a three year interval, the presence of anxiety disorders was determined at Wave II. All 1585 participants were genotyped for 5-HTTLPR. Both additive and multiplicative models were considered in examining the potential interaction between 5-HTTLPR and adverse working conditions on the development of anxiety.

Results

Anxiety was associated with high job demands but not with 5-HTTLPR. An interaction was observed between 5-HTTLPR and high job demands among females. Individuals with 5-HTTLPR high expression genotype (LL) developed anxiety disorders more frequently when exposed to high job demands compared to ‘LS/SS’ carriers.

Limitations

A limited number of participants developed anxiety.

Conclusions

High job demands predict the development of anxiety. The 5-HTT polymorphism has a moderating effect on the relationship between high job demands and anxiety among females.     

睡眠呼吸暂停综合征与5-羟色胺转运体基因多态性的关联分析

目的 初步探讨睡眠呼吸暂停综合征（sleep apnea syndrome，SAS）的遗传易感因素。方法 采用聚合酶链反应技术，检测104例SAS患者和150名健康对照者的5．羟色胺转运体（5-hydroxytryptamine transporter，5-HTT）基因启动子的基因连锁多态区（gene-hnked polymorphic region，LRR）和第2内含子的可变数目串联重复区（variable number tandem repeat，VNTR）多态性，分别对所得基因型和等位基因的频率进行相关统计学分析。结果 SAS患者5-HTT LPR多态性的基因型和等位基因频率与正常对照组之间的差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。SAS患者的5-HTT-VNWR的基因型10／10、12／10频率高于正常对照组（P〈0．05），其等位基因10的频率高于正常对照组（P〈0.01，OR=2.536，95％ CI：1．071～6．783）。结论 5-HTILPR可能不是SAS患者的遗传位点，第2内含子VNTR的等位基因10可能与SAS有一定的关联。     

Association between CTLA-4 gene polymorphism and ankylosing spondylitis: a case-control study

Aims: The aim of our study was to evaluate the association between CTLA-4 polymorphisms (+49A/G, -318C/T and CT60A/G) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) susceptibility. Methods: A total of 120 AS cases and healthy controls, matched on the age and gender, were enrolled in the study. Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphisms (PCR-RFLP) were used to determine the gentypes of +49A/G, -318C/T and CT60A/G polymorphisms. Genotype distribution in control group was assessed by Hardy Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) test. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) were adopted to evaluate the relationship of CTLA-4 polymorphisms and AS susceptibility. Results: In our study, genotype distribution of the three polymorphisms in control group was consistent with the HWE (P > 0.05). The genotype analysis showed that AA genotype of + 49A/G polymorphism could increase the risk for AS (OR=2.357, 95% CI=1.127-4.930). Moreover, the frequency of A allele was also presented as a risk factor for AS. Additionally, AA genotype and A allele of CT60A/G appeared to be related with AS susceptibility (OR=2.610, 95% CI=1.047-6.510; OR=1.751, 95% CI=1.160-2.641). However, the T allele of -318C/T appeared to be a protective factor for AS (OR=0.383, 95% CI=0.228-0.643). Conclusion: In summary, there existed significant association between CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms and increased or decreased risk for AS.     

Bipolar disorder and the serotonin transporter gene: a family-based association study

BACKGROUND: The human serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT) is a strong candidate for involvement in the pathogenesis of mood disorders. Two common polymorphisms have been identified in the gene: a VNTR in intron 2 and a functional deletion/insertion in the promoter region. In previous studies we proposed that allele 12 of the VNTR might increase susceptibility for bipolar disorder. METHODS: We have genotyped 122 parent-offspring trios of British Caucasian origin where the proband had DSM-IV Bipolar I disorder (BPI). The results were analysed with the transmission/ disequilibrium test (TDT), which examines whether particular alleles are preferentially transmitted from heterozygous parents to affected offspring. RESULTS: The 12 repeat in the VNTR in intron 2 was transmitted 72 times and not transmitted 56 times (chi2 = 2.0, 1 df, P = 0.16). If we exclude 24 families in which the proband was a case in our published case-control studies (Collier et al. 1996a; Rees et al. 1997), the excess transmission of allele 12 reaches conventional levels of statistical significance: chi2 = 3.85, 1 df, P < 0.05. The deletion/insertion polymorphism in the promoter region was not associated with BPI: 66 parents transmitted the inserted (L) allele and 59 parents transmitted the deleted (S) allele (chi2 = 0.39, 1 df, P = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: The 12 repeat of the VNTR in intron 2 of the serotonin transporter gene might be a susceptibility factor in bipolar affective disorder. The genetic effect, if true, is likely to be small, and requires confirmation in further studies using parental controls.     

No association between polymorphism of serotonin transporter gene and depression in Parkinson's disease in Chinese

Depressive symptoms affect 40% to 50% of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, and adversely impact their quality of life. The decrease of serotonin (5-HT) in the synaptic cleft is commonly considered as the cause of depression. The reuptake of 5-HT released into the synaptic cleft is mediated by the 5-HT transporter (5-HTT). Many studies have focused on the relationship between the 5-HTT-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and depression. The present study is to investigate the association between the polymorphisms in the promoter of the 5-HTT gene (including 5-HTTLPR and rs25531), which determine either a higher or lower 5-HT uptake, and risk for depression of PD. Three hundred six idiopathic PD patients were recruited randomly from hospital clinic and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was used as the diagnosis or rating scale for depression. Polymerase Chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method was used and the patients’ genotypes were divided as L_A, L_G, S_A, and S_G. We found no evidence for an association between variants of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 alleles, and depressive symptoms in Chinese PD patients.