The international journal of neuropsychopharmacology
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Int. J. Neuropsychopharmacol. · Aug 2007
Interaction between serotonin transporter gene, catechol-O-methyltransferase gene and stressful life events in mood disorders.
It is well established that stress is a risk factor for onset of mood disorders. Emerging evidence suggests that genetic vulnerability may also moderate individual responsiveness to stress. The most compelling evidence regards the polymorphism within the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (SERTPR), which has been reported to moderate the risk for depression, in conjunction with life stressors. ⋯ The interaction between COMT and SERTPR was also significant (p=0.0005). In our retrospective study SERTPR is hypothesized to lead to the onset of major depression via its influence on reaction to adversities, particularly in females. Moreover, COMT was risk factor for onset of both major depression and bipolar disorder, in conjunction with adversities.