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Development and persistence of posttraumatic stress disorder and the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism
Geeta A Thakur1, Ridha Joober, Alain Brunet
1Douglas Mental Health University Institute and Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR)
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition with complex genetic underpinnings.
- The serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) has been implicated in stress-related disorders.
- Previous research on 5-HTTLPR and PTSD has yielded conflicting results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate the association between 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and the development and persistence of PTSD.
- To examine the role of different 5-HTTLPR genotypes in acute and chronic PTSD following motor-vehicle accidents.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study involving 41 motor-vehicle accident victims.
- DNA extraction and genotyping for 5-HTTLPR polymorphism.
- PTSD assessment at 1 month (acute) and 12 months (chronic) posttrauma.
Main Results:
- A trend for higher acute PTSD rates in ll homozygotes (82%) versus ss/sl genotypes (50%) was observed.
- Significantly higher chronic PTSD rates were found in ll homozygotes (55%) compared to ss/sl genotypes (20%) at 12 months.
- An odds ratio of 4.8 indicated increased risk for chronic PTSD in ll homozygotes.
Conclusions:
- The s allele of 5-HTTLPR may play a protective role against the development of chronic PTSD.
- These findings suggest a differential genetic influence on acute versus persistent PTSD.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying this association.
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