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Published on: September 23, 2015
[Role of Serotonin Transporter Gene in Eating Disorders]
Sandra Hernández-Muñoz1, Beatriz Camarena-Medellin1
1Departamento de Genética Psiquiátrica, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, México, D.F., México.
Background:
The serotoninergic system has been implicated in mood and appetite regulation, and the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) is a commonly studied candidate gene for eating disorders. However, most studies have focused on a single polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) in SLC6A4.
Objective:
We present the studies published on the association between eating disorders (ED) and 5-HTTLPR polymorphism in anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and eating disorders not otherwise specified (EDNOS).
Method:
Search of databases: MEDLINE, ISI, and PubMed for SLC6A4 and ED.
Conclusions:
From a review of 37 original articles, it was suggested that carriers of S allele is a risk factor for eating disorders, especially for AN. However, BN did not show any association. Also, BMI, impulsivity, anxiety, depression, and age of onset have been associated with S allele in ED patients.
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