The effects of MAOA genotype, childhood trauma, and sex on trait and state‐dependent aggression

Abstract

Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genotypic variation has been associated with variation in aggression, especially in interaction with childhood trauma or other early adverse events. Male carriers of the low-expressing variant (MAOA-L) with childhood trauma or other early adverse events seem to be more aggressive, whereas female carriers with the high-expressing variant (MAOA-H) with childhood trauma or other early adverse events may be more aggressive. We further investigated the effects of MAOA genotype and its interaction with sex and childhood trauma or other early adverse events on aggression in a young adult sample. We hypothesized that the association between genotype, childhood trauma, and aggression would be different for men and women. We also explored whether this association is different for dispositional (trait) aggression versus aggression in the context of dysphoric mood. In all, 432 Western European students (332 women, 100 men; mean age 20.2) were genotyped for the MAOA gene. They completed measures of childhood trauma, state and trait measures of aggression-related behaviors (STAXI), and cognitive reactivity to sad mood (LEIDS-R), including aggression reactivity. Women with the MAOA-H had higher aggression reactivity scores than women with the MAOA-L. This effect was not observed in men, although the nonsignificant findings in men may be a result of low power. Effects on the STAXI were not observed, nor were there gene by environment interactions on any of the aggression measures. A protective effect of the low-expression variant in women on aggression reactivity is consistent with previous observations in adolescent girls. In females, the MAOA-H may predispose to aggression-related problems during sad mood.

Cognitive Reactivity, Implicit Associations, and the Incidence of Depression: A Two-Year Prospective Study

“…The LEIDS-r has a total score, and six subscales assessing cognitive reactivity related to Aggression, Hopelessness/Suicidality, Acceptance/Coping, Control/Perfectionism, Risk Aversion, and Rumination on Sadness. LEIDS-r scores were found to be associated with depression history over and above rumination [36], to be associated with genetic markers of depression [23], [37], [38], and with response to tryptophan depletion, reflecting biological vulnerability to depression [22]. Moreover, treatment and other longitudinal studies support the validity of the LEIDS-r as a measure of depression vulnerability [39], [40], [41], [42].…”

The role of monoamine oxidase A in aggression: Current translational developments and future challenges

“…Indeed, most lines of evidence have shown that, in women, high-activity MAOA variants and their interactions with early adversities, predict for externalizing behaviors and aggression (Kinnally et al, 2009; Beach et al, 2010; Åslund et al, 2011; Verhoeven et al, 2012; McGrath et al, 2012; Holz et al, 2014; but see also Ducci et al, 2008 for evidence pointing to homozygous low-activity genotype as a risk factor for antisocial behavior in females). Further studies are warranted to examine how MAOA may impact aggression risk in a sex-dependent fashion.…”

Emotional stability is associated with the MAOA promoter uVNTR polymorphism in women

“…In this manner, males with low MAO-A activity genotype who have been exposed to maltreatment tend to show more antisocial and aggressive behaviors. Simultaneously, recent evidence has suggested that this tendency would happen also in women but in those with high MAO-A activity genotype (Aslund et al, 2011;Byrd & Manuck, 2014;McGrath et al, 2012;Prom-Wormley et al, 2009;Sjöberg et al, 2007;Verhoeven et al, 2012;Wakschlag et al, 2010). MAOA has been related to other mental health problems in addition to antisocial behaviors.…”