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Bruzzone SEP, Nasser A, Aripaka SS, Spies M, Ozenne B, Jensen PS, Knudsen GM, Frokjaer VG, Fisher PM. Genetic contributions to brain serotonin transporter levels in healthy adults. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16426. [PMID: 37777558 PMCID: PMC10542378 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43690-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) critically shapes serotonin neurotransmission by regulating extracellular brain serotonin levels; it remains unclear to what extent 5-HTT levels in the human brain are genetically determined. Here we applied [11C]DASB positron emission tomography to image brain 5-HTT levels and evaluated associations with five common serotonin-related genetic variants that might indirectly regulate 5-HTT levels (BDNF rs6265, SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR, HTR1A rs6295, HTR2A rs7333412, and MAOA rs1137070) in 140 healthy volunteers. In addition, we explored whether these variants could predict in vivo 5-HTT levels using a five-fold cross-validation random forest framework. MAOA rs1137070 T-carriers showed significantly higher brain 5-HTT levels compared to C-homozygotes (2-11% across caudate, putamen, midbrain, thalamus, hippocampus, amygdala and neocortex). We did not observe significant associations for the HTR1A rs6295 and HTR2A rs7333412 genotypes. Our previously observed lower subcortical 5-HTT availability for rs6265 met-carriers remained in the presence of these additional variants. Despite this significant association, our prediction models showed that genotype moderately improved prediction of 5-HTT in caudate, but effects were not statistically significant after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Our observations provide additional evidence that serotonin-related genetic variants modulate adult human brain serotonin neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Elisabetta Portis Bruzzone
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Arafat Nasser
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Sagar Sanjay Aripaka
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marie Spies
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Brice Ozenne
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Steen Jensen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte Moos Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Vibe Gedsoe Frokjaer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Patrick MacDonald Fisher
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Moura Alves Seixas G, de Souza Freitas R, Ferreira Fratelli C, de Souza Silva CM, Ramos de Lima L, Morato Stival M, Schwerz Funghetto S, Rodrigues da Silva IC. MAOA uVNTR Polymorphism Influence on Older Adults Diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus/Systemic Arterial Hypertension. J Aging Res 2023; 2023:8538027. [PMID: 37533936 PMCID: PMC10393510 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8538027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Monoamine oxidase (MAO) is involved in several biological processes associated with well-being and mental health, and alterations in its function might directly impact various mental disorders. Some mental disorders concomitantly occur in individuals with clinical characteristics, such as substance abuse and diabetes. Objective To analyze the functional MAOA uVNTR polymorphism genotype frequency in an older adult population with diabetes mellitus/arterial hypertension and associate this frequency with clinical characteristics impacting daily life. Methodology. Older adults diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, systemic arterial hypertension, or both (DM/SAH) were selected and had their MAOA gene genotyped for uVNTR polymorphism. The revised Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and a questionnaire were also applied to determine their mental health and clinical characteristics. Results The allelic variants detected among the participants were the 2R, 3R, 4R, and 3R/4R heterozygous genotypes. Genotypes solely containing the 3R allele had patients who marked yes for smoking and alcoholism, and only those with the 3R genotypes (female 3R/3R homozygote or male 3R∗ hemizygote) were significant. Although not statistically significant, only 3R and 3R/4R genotypes presented cases of severe depression per the revised BDI interpretations. Conclusion The MAOA uVNTR polymorphism's low-activity 3R allele presence in an older adult population diagnosed with DM/SAH may represent a risk for developing substance use (alcohol and smoking) dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Moura Alves Seixas
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Renata de Souza Freitas
- University Center of Brasília (UniCEUB), Brasília, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Genomic Sciences and Biotechnology, Catholic University of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Caroline Ferreira Fratelli
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marina Morato Stival
- Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasilia, Federal District, Brasília, Brazil
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Castro Gonçalves AB, Ferreira Fratelli C, Saraiva Siqueira JW, Canongia de Abreu Cardoso Duarte L, Ribeiro Barros A, Possatti I, Lima dos Santos M, de Souza Silva CM, Rodrigues da Silva IC. MAOA uVNTR Genetic Variant and Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review. Cells 2022; 11:cells11203267. [PMID: 36291132 PMCID: PMC9600429 DOI: 10.3390/cells11203267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent multifactorial psychopathology affected by neurotransmitter levels. Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA) influences several neural pathways by modulating these levels. This systematic review (per PRISMA protocol and PECOS strategy) endeavors to understand the MAOA uVNTR polymorphism influence on MDD and evaluate its 3R/3R and 3R* genotypic frequencies fluctuation in MDD patients from different populations. We searched the Web of Science, PubMed, Virtual Health Library, and EMBASE databases for eligible original articles that brought data on genotypic frequencies related to the MAOA uVNTR variant in patients with MDD. We excluded studies with incomplete data (including statistical data), reviews, meta-analyses, and abstracts. Initially, we found 43 articles. After removing duplicates and applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria, seven articles remained. The population samples studied were predominantly Asians, with high 3R and 4R allele frequencies. Notably, we observed higher 3R/3R (female) and 3R* (male) genotype frequencies in the healthy control groups and higher 4R/4R (female) and 4R* (male) genotype frequencies in the MDD groups in the majority of different populations. Despite some similarities in the articles analyzed, there is still no consensus on the MAOA uVNTR variant’s role in MDD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Beatriz Castro Gonçalves
- Pharmacy Course, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília—Federal District (DF), Brasília 72220-900, Brazil
| | - Caroline Ferreira Fratelli
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília—Federal District (DF), Brasília 72220-900, Brazil
| | - Jhon Willatan Saraiva Siqueira
- Pharmacy Course, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília—Federal District (DF), Brasília 72220-900, Brazil
| | - Ligia Canongia de Abreu Cardoso Duarte
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília—Federal District (DF), Brasília 72220-900, Brazil
| | - Aline Ribeiro Barros
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília—Federal District (DF), Brasília 72220-900, Brazil
| | - Isabella Possatti
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília—Federal District (DF), Brasília 72220-900, Brazil
| | - Maurício Lima dos Santos
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Molecular Pathology Sector, Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília—Federal District (DF), Brasília 72220-900, Brazil
| | - Calliandra Maria de Souza Silva
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Molecular Pathology Sector, Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília—Federal District (DF), Brasília 72220-900, Brazil
| | - Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da Silva
- Clinical Analysis Laboratory, Molecular Pathology Sector, Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Ceilândia, University of Brasília (UnB), Brasília—Federal District (DF), Brasília 72220-900, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(61)-3107-8400
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Rafikova EI, Ryskov AP, Vasilyev VA. Genetics of Depressive Disorders: Candidate Genes and Genome-Wide Association Studies. RUSS J GENET+ 2020. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795420080116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Perry LM, Goldstein-Piekarski AN, Williams LM. Sex differences modulating serotonergic polymorphisms implicated in the mechanistic pathways of risk for depression and related disorders. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:737-762. [PMID: 27870440 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite consistent observations of sex differences in depression and related emotional disorders, we do not yet know how these sex differences modulate the effects of genetic polymorphisms implicated in risk for these disorders. This Mini-Review focuses on genetic polymorphisms of the serotonergic system to illustrate how sex differences might modulate the neurobiological pathways involved in the development of depression. We consider the interacting role of environmental factors such as early-life stress. Given limited current knowledge about this topic, we highlight methodological considerations, challenges, and guidelines for future research. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeeAnn M Perry
- Neurosciences Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Andrea N Goldstein-Piekarski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.,Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Leanne M Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.,Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
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Luo X, Stavrakakis N, Penninx BW, Bosker FJ, Nolen WA, Boomsma DI, de Geus EJ, Smit JH, Snieder H, Nolte IM, Hartman CA. Does refining the phenotype improve replication rates? A review and replication of candidate gene studies on Major Depressive Disorder and Chronic Major Depressive Disorder. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171B:215-36. [PMID: 26566975 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Replication has been poor for previously reported candidate genes involved in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). One possible reason is phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity. The present study replicated genetic associations with MDD as defined in DSM-IV and with a more narrowly defined MDD subtype with a chronic and severe course. We first conducted a systematic review of genetic association studies on MDD published between September 2007 and June 2012 to identify all reported candidate genes. Genetic associations were then tested for all identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and the entire genes using data from the GAIN genome-wide association study (MDD: n = 1,352; chronic MDD subsample: n = 225; controls: n = 1,649). The 1,000 Genomes database was used as reference for imputation. From 157 studies identified inthe literature, 81 studies reported significant associations with MDD, involving 245 polymorphisms in 97 candidate genes, from which we were able to investigate 185 SNPs in 89 genes. We replicated nine candidate SNPs in eight genes for MDD and six in five genes for chronic MDD. However, these were not more than expected by chance. At gene level, we replicated 18 genes for MDD and 17 genes for chronic MDD, both significantly more than expected by chance. We showed that replication rates were improved for MDD compared to a previous, highly similar, replication study based on studies published before 2007. Effect sizes of the SNPs and replication rates of the candidate genes were improved in the chronic subsample compared to the full sample. Nonetheless, replication rates were still poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Luo
- Interdisciplinary Centre Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nikolaos Stavrakakis
- Interdisciplinary Centre Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda W Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fokko J Bosker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Willem A Nolen
- Interdisciplinary Centre Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eco J de Geus
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johan H Smit
- Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harold Snieder
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ilja M Nolte
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina A Hartman
- Interdisciplinary Centre Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Won E, Ham BJ. Imaging genetics studies on monoaminergic genes in major depressive disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 64:311-9. [PMID: 25828849 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Although depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, current understanding of the neurobiology of depression has failed to be translated into clinical practice. Major depressive disorder (MDD) pathogenesis is considered to be significantly influenced by multiple risk genes, however genetic effects are not simply expressed at a behavioral level. Therefore the concept of endophenotype has been applied in psychiatric genetics. Imaging genetics applies anatomical or functional imaging technologies as phenotypic assays to evaluate genetic variation and their impact on behavior. This paper attempts to provide a comprehensive review of available imaging genetics studies, including reports on genetic variants that have most frequently been linked to MDD, such as the monoaminergic genes (serotonin transporter gene, monoamine oxidase A gene, tryptophan hydroxylase-2 gene, serotonin receptor 1A gene and catechol-O-methyl transferase gene), with regard to key structures involved in emotion processing, such as the hippocampus, amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex and orbitofrontal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunsoo Won
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Joo Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Won E, Choi S, Kang J, Lee MS, Ham BJ. Regional cortical thinning of the orbitofrontal cortex in medication-naïve female patients with major depressive disorder is not associated with MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2016; 15:26. [PMID: 27752275 PMCID: PMC5062832 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-016-0116-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orbitofrontal cortex alterations have been suggested to underlie the impaired mood regulation in depression. MAOA-uVNTR (monoamine oxidase A-upstream variable number of tandem repeats) polymorphism has been reported to be associated with major depressive disorder by various studies. The influence of MAOA-uVNTR genotype on function and structure of the orbitofrontal cortex has previously been reported. In this study, we investigated the difference in orbitofrontal cortex thickness between medication-naïve female patients with major depressive disorder and healthy controls, and the influence of MAOA-uVNTR genotype on orbitofrontal cortex thickness in depression. METHODS Thirty-one patients with major depressive disorder and 43 healthy controls were included. All participants were subjected to T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging and genotyped for MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism. An automated procedure of FreeSurfer was used to analyze difference in orbitofrontal cortex thickness. RESULTS Patients showed a significantly thinner left orbitofrontal cortex (F(1,71) = 7.941, p = 0.006) and right orbitofrontal cortex (F(1,71) = 17.447, p < 0.001). For the orbitofrontal cortex sub-region analysis, patients showed a significantly thinner left medial orbitofrontal cortex (F(1,71) = 8.117, p = 0.006), right medial orbitofrontal cortex (F(1,71) = 21.795, p < 0.001) and right lateral orbitofrontal cortex (F(1,71) = 9.932, p = 0.002) compared to healthy controls. No significant interaction of diagnosis and MAOA-uVNTR genotype on orbitofrontal cortex thickness was revealed. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that structural alterations of the orbitofrontal cortex may be associated with the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder. Future studies with larger sample sizes are needed to detect a possible association between MAOA-uVNTR genotype and orbitofrontal cortex thickness in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunsoo Won
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-705 Republic of Korea
| | - Sunyoung Choi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - June Kang
- Department of Biomedical Science, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Soo Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Joo Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, Korea University Anam Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, 73, Inchon-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul, 136-705 Republic of Korea
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MAOA Variants and Genetic Susceptibility to Major Psychiatric Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:4319-27. [PMID: 26227907 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9374-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is a mitochondrial enzyme involved in the metabolism of several biological amines such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are important neurochemicals in the pathogenesis of major psychiatric illnesses. MAOA is regarded as a functional plausible susceptibility gene for psychiatric disorders, whereas previous hypothesis-driven association studies obtained controversial results, a reflection of small sample size, genetic heterogeneity, or true negative associations. In addition, MAOA is not analyzed in most of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on psychiatric disorders, since it is located on Chromosome Xp11.3. Therefore, the effects of MAOA variants on genetic predisposition to psychiatric disorders remain obscure. To fill this gap, we collected psychiatric phenotypic (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder) and genetic data in up to 18,824 individuals from diverse ethnic groups. We employed classical fixed (or random) effects inverse variance weighted methods to calculate summary odds ratios (OR) and 95 % confidence intervals (CI). We identified a synonymous SNP rs1137070 showing significant associations with major depressive disorder (p = 0.00067, OR = 1.263 for T allele) and schizophrenia (p = 0.0039, OR = 1.225 for T allele) as well as a broad spectrum of psychiatric phenotype (p = 0.000066, OR = 1.218 for T allele) in both males and females. The effect size was similar between different ethnic populations and different gender groups. Collectively, we confirmed that MAOA is a risk gene for psychiatric disorders, and our results provide useful information toward a better understanding of genetic mechanism involving MAOA underlying risk of complex psychiatric disorders.
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Genestine M, Lin L, Durens M, Yan Y, Jiang Y, Prem S, Bailoor K, Kelly B, Sonsalla PK, Matteson PG, Silverman J, Crawley JN, Millonig JH, DiCicco-Bloom E. Engrailed-2 (En2) deletion produces multiple neurodevelopmental defects in monoamine systems, forebrain structures and neurogenesis and behavior. Hum Mol Genet 2015. [PMID: 26220976 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many genes involved in brain development have been associated with human neurodevelopmental disorders, but underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain undefined. Human genetic and mouse behavioral analyses suggest that ENGRAILED-2 (EN2) contributes to neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorder. In mouse, En2 exhibits dynamic spatiotemporal expression in embryonic mid-hindbrain regions where monoamine neurons emerge. Considering their importance in neuropsychiatric disorders, we characterized monoamine systems in relation to forebrain neurogenesis in En2-knockout (En2-KO) mice. Transmitter levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine (NE) were dysregulated from Postnatal day 7 (P7) to P21 in En2-KO, though NE exhibited the greatest abnormalities. While NE levels were reduced ∼35% in forebrain, they were increased 40 -: 75% in hindbrain and cerebellum, and these patterns paralleled changes in locus coeruleus (LC) fiber innervation, respectively. Although En2 promoter was active in Embryonic day 14.5 -: 15.5 LC neurons, expression diminished thereafter and gene deletion did not alter brainstem NE neuron numbers. Significantly, in parallel with reduced NE levels, En2-KO forebrain regions exhibited reduced growth, particularly hippocampus, where P21 dentate gyrus granule neurons were decreased 16%, suggesting abnormal neurogenesis. Indeed, hippocampal neurogenic regions showed increased cell death (+77%) and unexpectedly, increased proliferation. Excess proliferation was restricted to early Sox2/Tbr2 progenitors whereas increased apoptosis occurred in differentiating (Dcx) neuroblasts, accompanied by reduced newborn neuron survival. Abnormal neurogenesis may reflect NE deficits because intra-hippocampal injections of β-adrenergic agonists reversed cell death. These studies suggest that disruption of hindbrain patterning genes can alter monoamine system development and thereby produce forebrain defects that are relevant to human neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Genestine
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Lulu Lin
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Madel Durens
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Yan Yan
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers
| | - Yiqin Jiang
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Smrithi Prem
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Kunal Bailoor
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Brian Kelly
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Patricia K Sonsalla
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers
| | - Paul G Matteson
- Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Jill Silverman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - James H Millonig
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Center for Advanced Biotechnology and Medicine, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Emanuel DiCicco-Bloom
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Rutgers, Department of Pediatrics, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA and
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Xie B, Li D, London SJ, Palmer PH, Johnshon CA, Li Y, Shih J, Bergen AW, Nishita D, Swan GE, Ahn R, Conti DV. Gender difference in interactions between MAOA promoter uVNTR polymorphism and negative familial stressors on body mass index among Chinese adolescents. Pediatr Obes 2014; 9:e80-90. [PMID: 23761378 PMCID: PMC4159439 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-6310.2013.00181.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Revised: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) modulates metabolism of serotonin and dopamine metabolism, neurotransmitters involved in regulation of appetite and food intake. The gene coding for MAOA contains a 30-bp tandem repeat (uVNTR) polymorphism in its promoter region that has been previously identified to be associated with obesity with mixed findings in the literature. Our goals were to replicate the population effects of this functional polymorphism on obesity risk, and to further explore gender differences and interaction effects with negative stressors. METHODS Analyses were conducted with data on genotypes, measured weight and height, and self-reported behavioural characteristics among 1101 Chinese adolescents 11-15 years old living in Wuhan, China. RESULTS Girls with the high-activity allele had significantly lower body mass index (BMI; β = -0.25 ± 0.98, P = 0.011) compared to those with the low activity allele. Experience of negative familial stressors (e.g., death or illness of family members, hit or scolded by parents and increased quarrelling with parents, parents argued frequently) significantly weakened this protective genetic effect on BMI (P for interaction = 0.043). Stratified analyses showed a significant protective genetic effect on BMI only within the stratum of low stress level (β = -0.44 ± 0.14, P = 0.002). No similar effect was observed among boys. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the genetic effects of MAOA uVNTR polymorphism on BMI in a Chinese adolescent population and suggest potential genetic interactions with negative familial stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Xie
- School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA 91711
| | - Dalin Li
- Medical Genetics Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center/University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90048
| | - Stephanie J. London
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709
| | - Paula H. Palmer
- School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA 91711
| | - C. Anderson Johnshon
- School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA 91711
| | - Yan Li
- Wuhan City Food and Drug Administration, Wuhan, P. R. China
| | - Jean Shih
- School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Andrew W. Bergen
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025
| | - Denise Nishita
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025
| | - Gary E. Swan
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA 94025
| | - Rosa Ahn
- Joint Science Program, Scripps College, Claremont, CA 91711
| | - David V. Conti
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033
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12
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Association study between monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia: lack of association with schizophrenia and possible association with affective disturbances of schizophrenia. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:3457-64. [PMID: 24510409 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3207-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) catalyzes monoamine neurotransmitters including dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin), and norepinephrine. MAOA also plays a key role in emotional regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MAOA gene located on the X chromosome and schizophrenia. We also analyzed the relationships between these SNPs and the common clinical symptoms of schizophrenia such as persecutory delusion, auditory hallucinations, affective disturbances, and poor concentration. Two hundred seventy five Korean schizophrenia patients and 289 control subjects were recruited. Three SNPs [rs6323 (Arg294Arg), rs1137070 (Asp470Asp), and rs3027407 (3'-untranslated region)] of the MAOA gene were selected and genotyped by direct sequencing. The common clinical symptoms of schizophrenia according to the Operation Criteria Checklist were analyzed. Three examined SNPs showed no associations with male and female schizophrenia, respectively (p>0.05). In the analysis of the common clinical symptoms of schizophrenia patients, three examined SNPs were associated with affective disturbances, especially restricted affect and blunted affect in male schizophrenia, respectively (restricted affect, p=0.002, OR=2.71, 95% CI 1.45-5.00; blunted affect, p=0.009, OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.22-4.12). The SNPs were not associated with other clinical symptoms of schizophrenia (persecutory delusion, auditory hallucinations, and poor concentration). These results suggest that exonic SNPs (rs6323, rs1137070, and rs3027407) of the MAOA gene may be contributed to affective disturbances of Korean males schizophrenia, especially restricted affect and blunted affect.
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Genetic and epigenetic associations of MAOA and NR3C1 with depression and childhood adversities. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2013; 16:1513-28. [PMID: 23449091 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145713000102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) harbours a polymorphic upstream variable-number tandem repeat (u-VNTR). The MAOA-L allele of the u-VNTR leads to decreased gene expression levels in vitro and has been found to increase the risk of conduct disorder in males with childhood adversities. Early-life adversities have been associated with hypermethylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1). In this study, we first performed a genetic association analysis of the MAOA u-VNTR using individuals with depression (n = 392) and controls (n = 1276). Next, DNA methylation analyses of MAOA and NR3C1 were performed using saliva samples of depressed and control subgroups. Adult MAOA-L females with childhood adversities were found to have a higher risk of developing depression (p = 0.006) and overall MAOA methylation levels were decreased in depressed females compared to controls (mean depressed, 42% vs. mean controls, 44%; p = 0.04). One specific childhood adversity [early parental death (EPD)] was associated with hypermethylation of NR3C1 close to an NGFI-A binding site (mean EPD, 19% vs. mean non-EPD, 14%; p = 0.005). Regression analysis indicated that this association may be mediated by the MAOA-L allele (adjusted R² = 0.24, ANOVA: F = 23.48, p < 0.001). Conclusively: (1) depression in females may result from a gene × childhood-adversity interaction and/or a dysregulated epigenetic programming of MAOA; (2) childhood-adversity subtypes may differentially impact DNA methylation at NR3C1; (3) baseline MAOA-genotypic variations may affect the extent of NR3C1 methylation.
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14
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Deftereos SN, Dodou E, Andronis C, Persidis A. From depression to neurodegeneration and heart failure: re-examining the potential of MAO inhibitors. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2013; 5:413-25. [PMID: 22943121 DOI: 10.1586/ecp.12.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Initially introduced in the 1950s for treating depression, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors were gradually abandoned, mainly owing to their potential for drug-drug and drug-food interactions, the most widely known being with tyramine-containing food (the 'cheese' effect). Since then, more selective MAO-A or MAO-B inhibitors have been developed with substantially reduced risks, and have been approved for the treatment of depression and Parkinson's disease, respectively. Recent research suggests that some of these drugs also have neuroprotective properties, while preclinical evidence expands the spectrum of potential indications to heart failure, renal diseases and multiple sclerosis. In this article, the authors review the relevance of MAO isoforms to disease, and they also outline current research and development efforts in this class of drugs, including newer multipotent compounds.
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Ziermans T, Dumontheil I, Roggeman C, Peyrard-Janvid M, Matsson H, Kere J, Klingberg T. Working memory brain activity and capacity link MAOA polymorphism to aggressive behavior during development. Transl Psychiatry 2012; 2:e85. [PMID: 22832821 PMCID: PMC3309555 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2012.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A developmental increase in working memory capacity is an important part of cognitive development, and low working memory (WM) capacity is a risk factor for developing psychopathology. Brain activity represents a promising endophenotype for linking genes to behavior and for improving our understanding of the neurobiology of WM development. We investigated gene-brain-behavior relationships by focusing on 18 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in six dopaminergic candidate genes (COMT, SLC6A3/DAT1, DBH, DRD4, DRD5, MAOA). Visuospatial WM (VSWM) brain activity, measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging, and VSWM capacity were assessed in a longitudinal study of typically developing children and adolescents. Behavioral problems were evaluated using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). One SNP (rs6609257), located ~6.6 kb downstream of the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) on human chromosome X, significantly affected brain activity in a network of frontal, parietal and occipital regions. Increased activity in this network, but not in caudate nucleus or anterior prefrontal regions, was correlated with VSWM capacity, which in turn predicted externalizing (aggressive/oppositional) symptoms, with higher WM capacity associated with fewer externalizing symptoms. There were no direct significant correlations between rs6609257 and behavioral symptoms. These results suggest a mediating role of WM brain activity and capacity in linking the MAOA gene to aggressive behavior during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ziermans
- Neuroscience Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Neuroscience, Retzius väg 8, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden. E-mail:
| | - I Dumontheil
- Neuroscience Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Roggeman
- Neuroscience Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Peyrard-Janvid
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - H Matsson
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - J Kere
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden,Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition at Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden,Department of Medical Genetics, Haartman Institute, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - T Klingberg
- Neuroscience Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Sun Y, Zhang J, Yuan Y, Yu X, Shen Y, Xu Q. Study of a possible role of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene in paranoid schizophrenia among a Chinese population. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2012; 159B:104-11. [PMID: 22162429 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) is the enzyme responsible for degradation of several monoamines, such as dopamine and serotonin that are considered as being two of the most important neurotransmitters involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. To study a possible role of the MAOA gene in conferring susceptibility to schizophrenia, the present study genotyped the variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphism and 41 SNPs across this gene among 555 unrelated patients with paranoid schizophrenia and 567 unrelated healthy controls. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis was employed to quantify expression of MAOA mRNA in 73 drug-free patients. While none of these genotyped DNA markers showed allelic association with paranoid schizophrenia, haplotypic association was found for the VNTR-rs6323, VNTR-rs1137070, and VNTR-rs6323-rs1137070 haplotypes in female subjects. Nevertheless, no significant change of the expression of MAOA mRNA was detected in either female or male patients with paranoid schizophrenia. Our study suggests that the interaction between genetic variants within the MAOA gene may contribute to an increased risk of paranoid schizophrenia, but the precise mechanism needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhui Sun
- National Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine & Peking Union Medical College, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Xu Z, Zhang Z, Shi Y, Pu M, Yuan Y, Zhang X, Li L. Influence and interaction of genetic polymorphisms in catecholamine neurotransmitter systems and early life stress on antidepressant drug response. J Affect Disord 2011; 133:165-73. [PMID: 21680027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2011.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Revised: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catecholamine neurotransmission plays an important role in major depression. Variation in genes implicated in the synthesis and signal transduction of catecholamines (norepinephrine and dopamine) may interact with environmental factors to affect the outcome of antidepressant treatment. We aimed to determine how a range of polymorphisms in noradrenergic and dopaminergic genes influence this response to treatment and how they interact with childhood trauma and recent life stress in a Chinese sample. METHODS In a sample of 308 Chinese Han patients with major depressive disorder, 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coding regions of six genes (MAOA, SLC6A2, TH, COMT, DRD2, DRD3) with minor allele frequencies >5% were successfully genotyped from an initial series of 35 SNPs in 11 candidate genes associated with catecholamine neurotransmission. The responses to 6 weeks' treatment with antidepressant drugs was determined by changes in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) score, and previous stressful events were evaluated by the Life Events Scale (LES) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF). Single SNP and haplotype associations with treatment response were analysed by UNPHASED 3.0.13, gene-gene interactions were analysed by generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) and gene-environment interactions by logistic regression. RESULTS A haplotype in MAOA (rs1137070 and rs6323) was significantly associated with antidepressant response in the total group, the nonSSRI subgroup and the female subgroup. Two haplotypes in COMT (involving rs4633, rs4818 and rs769224) were significantly associated with antidepressant response in the nonSSRI subgroup. The SLC6A2 SNPs interacted with childhood trauma to influence antidepressant response. CONCLUSIONS A haplotype in MAOA and two haplotypes in COMT are found to be associated with antidepressant treatment response in this sample. Stressors in early life may interact with polymorphisms in SLC6A2 to influence response to antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xu
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Lung FW, Tzeng DS, Huang MF, Lee MB. Association of the MAOA promoter uVNTR polymorphism with suicide attempts in patients with major depressive disorder. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2011; 12:74. [PMID: 21605465 PMCID: PMC3127823 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-12-74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background The MAOA uVNTR polymorphism has been documented to affect the MAOA gene at the transcriptional level and is associated with aggressive impulsive behaviors, depression associated with suicide (depressed suicide), and major depressive disorder (MDD). We hypothesized that the uVNTR polymorphism confers vulnerability to MDD, suicide or both. The aim of this study was to explore the association between the MAOA uVNTR and depressed suicide, using multiple controls. Methods Four different groups were included: 432 community controls, 385 patients with MDD who had not attempted suicide, 96 community subjects without mental disorders who had attempted suicide, and 109 patients with MDD who had attempted suicide. The MAOA uVNTR polymorphism was genotyped by a PCR technique. The symptom profiles and personal characteristics in each group were also compared. Results The MAOA 4R allele was more frequent in males with MDD than in male community controls (χ2 = 4.182, p = 0.041). Logistic regression analysis showed that, among the depressed subjects, those younger in age, more neurotic or who smoked had an increased risk of suicide (β = -0.04, p = 0.002; β = 0.15, p = 0.017; β = 0.79, p = 0.031, respectively). Moreover, among those who had attempted suicide, those younger in age, with more paternal overprotection, and more somatic symptoms were more likely to be in the MDD group than in the community group (β = -0.11, p < 0.001; β = 0.15, p = 0.026; β = 1.11, p < 0.001). Structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that nongenetic factors, such as age, paternal overprotection, and somatic symptoms, were associated with MDD, whereas depressed suicide were associated with severity of depression, personality traits, age, marital status, and inversely associated with anxiety symptoms. However, depression did not affect suicidal behavior in the community group. Conclusion The MAOA 4R allele is associated with enhanced vulnerability to suicide in depressed males, but not in community subjects. The MAOA 4R allele affects vulnerability to suicide through the mediating factor of depressive symptoms. Further large-scale studies are needed to verify the psychopathology of the relationships among MAOA uVNTR polymorphism, symptom profiles, and suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- For-Wey Lung
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Armed Forces General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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