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Association between -G308A tumor necrosis factor alpha gene polymorphism and schizophrenia
1Genetics Unit, IRCCS 'S Giovanni di Dio', Fatebenefratelli, Via Pilastroni 4, 25100 Brescia, Italy. boin.francesco@mayo.edu
Molecular Psychiatry
|March 13, 2001
Summary
Schizophrenia may be linked to immune system dysregulation. A specific tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) gene variant (TNF2) was more frequent in patients, suggesting a genetic component to schizophrenia susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Genetics
Background:
- Inflammatory response system dysregulation is implicated in schizophrenia pathophysiology.
- Elevated proinflammatory cytokines and receptors are observed in schizophrenic patients.
- Cytokines influence central nervous system (CNS) development and neuro-psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the -G308A tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) gene polymorphism and schizophrenia susceptibility.
- To determine if this polymorphism affects TNFalpha plasma levels and schizophrenia risk.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study was conducted comparing 84 schizophrenic patients and 138 healthy volunteers.
- The distribution of the -G308A TNFalpha gene polymorphism was analyzed.
- Allele and genotype frequencies were compared between the patient and control groups.
Main Results:
- The frequency of the TNF2(A) allele was significantly higher in schizophrenic patients compared to controls (P = 0.0042).
- Genotype distribution also differed significantly between groups (P = 0.0024).
- TNF2 homozygotes were exclusively found in the schizophrenic patient group (P = 0.002).
Conclusions:
- The TNFalpha gene, specifically the TNF2 allele, may play a role in genetic susceptibility to schizophrenia.
- Immune dysregulation in schizophrenia could have a genetic basis linked to TNFalpha.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of TNFalpha in schizophrenia pathogenesis.