Serotonin transporter polymorphism and depressive‐related symptoms in schizophrenia

Abstract

A role for the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene polymorphism in mental illnesses and anxiety-traits has been implicated. The contribution of genetic factors in personality traits and the manifestation of specific symptoms in psychiatric illnesses have yet to be elucidated. Anxious-depressive symptoms are a significant component in a pattern of schizophrenic symptoms. This study focused on the relation between 5-HTT polymorphism and clinical presentations of schizophrenia, specifically those related to the affective spectrum. Using clinical and psychological analyses, we tested the genetic association between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism (5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic region) and anxiety- and depressive-related symptoms emerged in schizophrenia. In 260 patients with an ICD-10 diagnosis of schizophrenia (broad definition), we studied the 5-HTTLPR genotype (insertion-deletion polymorphism), the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and self-rated inventories (EPI, MMPI, STAI) scores. Patients with the "ss" genotype (deletion variant) scored significantly higher on "Guilt feelings" and "Depression" items, as compared with those of the "ll" genotype (insertion variant) (P = 0.016, 0.039, respectively). The frequency of the "ss" genotype was reduced in patients with no depression or guilt feelings, or in those patients exhibiting questionable symptoms. In contrast, the "ss" genotype carriers prevailed among the patients with mild, moderate, or severe ratings of the symptoms. The scores on all anxiety- and depression-related traits, self-rated by the patients, did not significantly differ by genotype. Our finding may contribute to understanding of molecular genetic features underlying an appearance of psychopathological symptoms emerged in schizophrenia.

Clinical Manifestation of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Related to Genetic Polymorphisms of Two Serotonin Receptors and Serotonin Transporter

“…Malhotra et al [41] documented the correlation between the LL genotype and hallucination in neuroleptic-free schizophrenics. Conversely, Golimbet et al [42] reported that the LL genotype is not related to auditory hallucinations. Further studies on the relationship between the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and hallucination are needed to confirm these results.…”

Serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and emotional response to auditory hallucinations in schizophrenia

“…For example, some studies have pointed out that the main effect of antipsychotic medication and cognitive therapy would be to reduce the anxiety triggered by voices rather than the experience of the voices per se (Shergill et al, 1998). Although some studies have centred on 5-HTTLPR in schizophrenia, results have been contradictory as far as hallucination is concerned (Golimbet et al, 2004;Malhotra et al, 1998). To our knowledge, there are no genetic studies about the emotional response to AH.…”

Mapping genes of complex psychiatric diseases in Daghestan genetic isolates

“…6007 (ethnic Tindals) a few founder's alleles are shared among all affected pairs as measured by their IBD kinship coefficient (Table II). The pathophysiological mechanisms of the linkages found in this region of chromosome 17 may be related to the serotonin transporter gene 5-HTT polymorphism in depression and anxiety-traits that are a significant component in a pattern of schizophrenic symptoms [Heils et al, 1995;Lesch et al, 1996;Golimbet et al, 2004]. However, data reported by different researchers on the existence of this linkage or association is contradictory; and the association, if any, is weak [Prasad et al, 2002].…”