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5HTT polymorphisms are associated with job stress in Japanese workers
Hironobu Katsuyama1, Masafumi Tomita, Toshiko Okuyama
1Department of Public Health, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki 701-0192, Japan. katsu@med.kawasaki-m.ac.jp
Legal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|March 3, 2009
Summary
Job stress increases depressed mood, particularly in individuals with the 5HTT gene polymorphism. However, strong supervisor support can mitigate these effects, regardless of genetic factors.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Psychiatric Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Rising job stress in Japan linked to economic and demographic shifts.
- Genetic predispositions for depression and alcoholism are known.
- The interplay between job stress and genetic factors requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between job stress and specific gene polymorphisms.
- To identify genetic risk factors contributing to depressed mood under job stress.
- To explore the moderating effect of social support on job stress and mental health.
Main Methods:
- Assessed job stress using a brief questionnaire in 243 Japanese employees.
- Collected lifestyle data on alcohol consumption and smoking.
- Analyzed DNA for polymorphisms in 5HTT, ALDH2, DRD2, and CYP2A6 genes.
Main Results:
- Higher depressed mood levels observed in 5HTT s/s allele carriers compared to other genotypes.
- The 5HTT s/s allele showed a tendency towards increased risk for depressed mood.
- High supervisor support significantly reduced depressed mood, independent of 5HTT genotype.
Conclusions:
- Job stress may trigger biological responses influencing depressed mood, potentially mediated by 5HTT polymorphism.
- Social support, specifically from supervisors, plays a crucial role in buffering the negative mental health impacts of job stress.
- Further research into gene-environment interactions in occupational stress is warranted.
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