Personality traits as mediators in the association between SIRT1 rs12415800 polymorphism and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students

Abstract

BackgroundPrevious research has linked polymorphisms in the SIRT1 gene to depressive symptoms, particularly in Chinese individuals. However, it is not clear how personality traits may contribute to this association.MethodsTo explore the potential mediating effect of personality traits, we utilized a mediation model to examine the relationship between the SIRT1 rs12415800 polymorphism and depressive symptoms in 787 Chinese college students. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, while personality traits were measured using the Big Five Inventory (BFI).ResultsOur analysis indicated a significant association between the SIRT1 rs12415800 polymorphism and depressive symptoms, with this relationship partially mediated by the personality traits of neuroticism and conscientiousness. Specifically, individuals who were heterozygous for the rs12415800 polymorphism and had higher levels of conscientiousness were less likely to experience depressive symptoms. Conversely, those who were homozygous for the rs12415800 polymorphism and had higher levels of neuroticism were more likely to experience depressive symptoms.ConclusionOur results suggest that personality traits, particularly neuroticism and conscientiousness, may play a critical role in the association between the SIRT1 rs12415800 polymorphism and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students. These findings highlight the importance of considering both genetic factors and personality traits when exploring the etiology of depressive symptoms in this population.

The Thr92Ala polymorphism in the type 2 deiodinase gene is linked to depression in patients with COVID-19 after hospital discharge

“…A recent study found a significant link between the SIRT1 rs12415800 polymorphism, a gene associated with longevity, cellular defense against oxidative stress, and depressive symptoms in university students ( 46 ). This association was evident in both codominant ( p = 0.0437) and overdominant ( p = 0.0147) genetic models, demonstrating the heterozygous advantage (similar to our study) of this polymorphism against depressive symptoms ( 47 ).…”