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A case-control and family-based association study of the 5-HTTLPR in pediatric-onset depressive disorders

Maria Nobile1, Maria Giulia Cataldo, Roberto Giorda

  • 1Child Psychiatry Unit, Eugenio Medea Scientific Institute, Bosisio, Parini, Italy. mnobile@bp.lnf.it

Biological Psychiatry
|August 18, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) SS-genotype and S-allele are linked to childhood depressive disorders (DD). This suggests a potential genetic role for 5-HTTLPR in pediatric depression, requiring further research.

Area of Science:

  • Genetics
  • Psychiatry
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Pediatric depression offers insights into mood disorder etiology.
  • Understanding genetic factors in early-onset depression is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the serotonin transporter-linked promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and childhood- and early-adolescent-onset depressive disorders (DD).

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study included 68 patients with DD and 68 matched healthy controls.
  • A family-based study involved 41 triads and 11 dyads.

Main Results:

  • An excess of the SS-genotype and S-allele was observed in children with DD.
  • Family studies indicated preferential transmission of the S-allele to depressed children.

Conclusions:

  • The 5-HTTLPR locus is suggested to play a role in childhood DD.
  • Replication in larger cohorts is needed to confirm these findings.
Abstract

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