Case report on the analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the serotonergic pathway and array-based...

Slovenia, with its population of 2 million, has one of the highest suicide rates in Europe (around 30 per 100,000). It has been determined by twin studies that up to 45% of the variance in suicidal ideation and behaviour may be attributable to genetic variables. In the present paper we report on a case of a male suicide victim. Before the psychological autopsy was performed we genotyped this person for 15 genetic polymorphisms of the serotonergic pathway, since molecular-genetic studies of neurotransmitters from brain and blood samples of suicide victims have shown that the serotonergic system might be implicated in suicide. This case report evaluated by psychological autopsy and serotoninergic gene polymorphisms determination indicates the influence of genetic and environmental factors contributing to the suicidal behaviour of the individual person. Probably the interplay between genes and stressful events jut before suicide, together with mental disorder lead to suicide in the case described.