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08:49
Rapid In Situ Hybridization using Oligonucleotide Probes on Paraformaldehyde-prefixed Brain of Rats with Serotonin Syndrome
Published on: September 23, 2015
Antidepressant response and the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region
Matthew J Taylor1, Srijan Sen, Zubin Bhagwagar
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, United Kingdom. matthew.taylor@psych.ox.ac.uk
Biological Psychiatry
|July 10, 2010
Summary
The serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism does not reliably predict antidepressant response or remission rates. Initial findings suggesting an effect on remission were attributed to publication bias, highlighting the need for further research into interacting factors.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacogenetics
- Genetics
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- The serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) influences serotonin transporter expression.
- The short (S) allele is associated with reduced transporter expression compared to the long (L) allele.
- 5-HTTLPR has been investigated as a potential predictor of antidepressant treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the effect of 5-HTTLPR genotypes on antidepressant response and remission rates.
- To clarify the predictive value of 5-HTTLPR in antidepressant efficacy.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of 28 studies.
- Inclusion of 5408 participants.
- Analysis of three genotype comparisons: SS vs. (SL or LL), (SS or SL) vs. LL, and SS vs. LL.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant association was found between 5-HTTLPR and antidepressant response.
- An initial significant association between the SS genotype and remission rate was observed (RR: 0.88, CI: 0.79-0.98, p=0.02).
- This association disappeared after trim and fill correction (RR: 0.92, CI: 0.81-1.05, p=0.23), suggesting publication bias. No other significant genotype effects on remission were detected. Substantial heterogeneity was noted across studies.
Conclusions:
- The 5-HTTLPR biallelic polymorphism alone is not a useful predictor of antidepressant response.
- Publication bias may have influenced initial findings regarding remission rates.
- Additional interacting genetic or environmental factors likely contribute to observed associations in specific studies.
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