Association of an interleukin-1beta genetic polymorphism with altered brain structure in patients with schizophrenia
E M Meisenzahl1, D Rujescu, A Kirner
1Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Maximilians University, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336 Munich, Germany.
Objective:
This study investigated the effect on brain morphology of an interleukin-1beta genetic polymorphism (C-->T transition at position -511) in patients with schizophrenia.
Method:
In vivo magnetic resonance imaging and genotype analysis were used in the examination of 44 male schizophrenic patients and 48 healthy male comparison subjects.
Results:
No association between the interleukin-1beta polymorphism and schizophrenia was detected. Within the patient group, bifrontal-temporal gray matter volume deficits and generalized white matter tissue deficits in allele 2 carriers (genotype T/T or C/T) were found. In contrast, the interleukin-1beta polymorphism had no influence on brain morphology within the healthy subjects.
Conclusions:
The data suggest that allele 2 within the promoter region of the interleukin-1beta gene at position -511 contributes to structural brain alterations in patients with schizophrenia.
Related Concept Videos
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin studies.
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia
Neural Regulation
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
