Interactions between genotype and depressive symptoms on obesity
Bernard F Fuemmeler1, Tanya Agurs-Collins, F Joseph McClernon
1Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. bernard.fuemmeler@duke.edu
Behavior Genetics
|April 2, 2009
Summary
Genetic variations in MAOA combined with high depressive symptoms reduced obesity risk in males, but not females. This highlights how gender and genetics influence the obesity-depression relationship.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Depression and genetic variations in serotonin and monoamine transmission are linked to body mass index (BMI).
- The interaction between depressive symptoms and genetic factors affecting BMI remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction effects of depressive symptoms and functional polymorphisms in serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genes on BMI categories.
- To explore gender-specific effects on the relationship between depression, gene variants, and obesity risk.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health.
- Employed multiple logistic regression to analyze interactions between candidate genes (SLC6A4, MAOA) and depression in relation to obesity (BMI ≥ 30) and overweight/obesity combined (BMI ≥ 25).
Main Results:
- In males, carrying an MAOA active allele with high depressive symptoms was associated with a decreased risk of obesity (OR 0.22) and overweight/obesity (OR 0.48).
- No significant interaction effects were observed in females, indicating a gender-specific association.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between obesity and depression is influenced by gender and specific genetic polymorphisms, particularly MAOA activity.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between genetics, depression, gender, and body mass index.
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