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A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
Published on: July 10, 2017
Sex-specific association between the 5-HTT gene-linked polymorphic region and basal cortisol secretion
Stefan Wüst1, Robert Kumsta, Jens Treutlein
1Department of Theoretical and Clinical Psychobiology, University of Trier, Johanniterufer 15, 54290 Trier, Germany. stefan.wuest@zi-mannheim.de
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|March 3, 2009
Summary
The serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5HTTLPR) is linked to HPA axis regulation in a sex-specific manner. This finding may explain gender differences in depression vulnerability.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) regulates serotonergic neurotransmission.
- The 5-HTT gene promoter polymorphism (5HTTLPR) is linked to anxiety and depression phenotypes.
- The serotonergic system modulates hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, implicated in psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the 5-HTTLPR and HPA axis regulation.
- To explore potential sex-specific effects in this relationship.
Main Methods:
- Endophenotyping of 216 healthy subjects (126 females on oral contraceptives).
- Assessment of HPA axis activity via psychosocial stress (Trier Social Stress Test), cortisol awakening response, and dexamethasone suppression test.
- Analysis incorporating the 5-HTT A/G polymorphism (rs25531).
Main Results:
- No significant association between 5HTTLPR and ACTH or cortisol responses to acute stress.
- A significant, sex-specific association was found between 5HTTLPR and the cortisol awakening response.
- A sex-specific association was also observed with ACTH levels post-dexamethasone administration.
- Including the 5-HTT A/G polymorphism did not alter the main findings.
Conclusions:
- The 5HTTLPR is associated with a key neuroendocrine stress system (HPA axis).
- The observed sex-specific association may contribute to gender differences in depression vulnerability.
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