MK4MDD

Genetic/Epigenetic Locus Search Cross Data Search

Study Report

Reference

Citation	Christiansen, 2007 PubMed
Full Info	Christiansen, L., Tan, Q., Iachina, M., Bathum, L., Kruse, T.A., McGue, M. and Christensen, K. (2007) Candidate gene polymorphisms in the serotonergic pathway: influence on depression symptomatology in an elderly population. Biol Psychiatry, 61, 223-230.

Study

Hypothesis or Background	Depressed mood is a major concern in the elderly, with consequences for morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have demonstrated that genetic factors in depression and subsyndromal depressive symptoms are no less important in the elderly than during other life stages. Variations in genes included in the serotonin system have been suggested as risk factors for various psychiatric disorders but may also serve as candidates for normal variations in mood.
Sample Information	684 elderly Danish twins
Method Detail	This study included 684 elderly Danish twins to investigate the influence of 11 polymorphisms in 7 serotonin system genes on the mean level of depression symptomatology assessed over several years, reflecting individuals' underlying mood level.
Method Keywords	genotyping
Result	A suggestive association of sequence variations in genes responsible for the synthesis (TPH), recognition (5-HTR2A), and degradation (MAOA) of serotonin with depression symptomatology was found, although the effect was generally restricted to men. We also found that a specific haplotype in VMAT2, the gene encoding the vesicular monoamine transporter, was significantly associated with depression symptoms in men (p= .007).
Conclusions	These results suggest that variations in genes encoding the components of serotonin metabolism may influence the basic mood level and that different genetic factors may apply in men and women.

Relationships reported by Christiansen, 2007