Associations of FKBP5 Polymorphisms and Methylation and Parenting Style With Depressive Symptoms Among Chinese Adolescents

Abstract

Background Genetic factors may interplay with environmental stressors to contribute to risks of depressive symptoms. This study aimed to investigate the association of FKBP5 polymorphisms and DNA methylation with depressive symptoms among Chinese adolescents, considering the role of parenting style. Methods This study used a nested case-control study design based on a cohort study, and the case (n = 120) and control groups (n = 118) were matched with age. Depressive symptoms, parenting style, and other demographics were measured. Fourteen potential polymorphisms and one promoter region in the FKBP5 gene were selected for genotyping and methylation analysis. Results In the adjusted models, a significant association between FKBP5 rs7757037 and depressive symptoms was found in the codominant model (AG vs. GG; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.07–5.28) and dominant model (AA + AG vs. GG; AOR = 2.22, 95% CI = 1.05–4.69); rs2817032 polymorphism was associated with depressive symptoms in the codominant model and dominant model. Significant interactions between rs7757037 and the father’s parenting style were found in the codominant model (P = 0.037) and dominant model (P = 0.038), but the gene-environment interactions were not significant after correcting for multiple testing. The main and interactive effects of FKBP5 methylation status on depressive symptoms were not observed, and no significant mediations were found in the association between FKBP5 polymorphisms and depressive symptoms through the methylation mechanism. Conclusions Further studies are required to confirm the effect of FKBP5 polymorphisms and methylation as well as their interactions with parenting styles in larger samples.