Pleiotropic effect of the TPH A779C polymorphism on nicotine dependence and personality. |
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| Authors: | M Reuter J Hennig |
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| Affiliation: | Department of Psychology, Center of Psychobiology and Behavioral Medicine, University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany. martin.reuter@psychol.uni-giessen.de |
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| Abstract: | Recent studies from molecular genetics have suggested an association between the tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1) gene and nicotine addiction indicating a dysfunction of the serotonergic (5-HT) system in smoking behavior. In a sample of 252 healthy subjects, a significant association between variations observed in nicotine dependence and the heterozygous AC-genotype of the TPH A779C polymorphism could be demonstrated. Moreover, the heterozygous genotype was significantly associated with a personality trait of neurotic aggression (indirect hostility, negativism), as measured by the Buss-Durkee-Hostility-Inventory (BDHI). The positive heterosis effects with respect to nicotine addiction and personality support the idea that the TPH1 gene exerts pleiotropic effects. |
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