OXTR polymorphism in depression and completed suicide-A study on a large population sample.

Area of Science:

• Genetics
• Neuroscience
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Contradictory findings exist regarding the association between OXTR polymorphism rs53576 and depression.
• The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene plays a role in social behavior and mood regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between OXTR rs53576 polymorphism and depression in a large, ethnically homogenous sample.
• To examine the relationship between rs53576 genotype and suicide in a sample of suicide victims.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping for OXTR rs53576 polymorphism.
• Administration of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) to assess depressive symptoms.
• Analysis of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) in suicide victims.

Main Results:

• In the general population sample, males with the AA genotype showed significantly lower BDI scores, particularly in the non-depressed range (BDI 0-9).
• No significant association was found between rs53576 genotype and depression (BDI > 9) in the general population or with suicide in the suicide victim sample.
• Exploratory analysis in male suicide victims indicated higher BAC in individuals with AA or GA genotypes compared to GG.

Conclusions:

• The OXTR rs53576 variant may modulate mood in males, especially in individuals with mild or no depressive symptoms.
• This polymorphism is not directly associated with depression or suicide but might be linked to alcohol consumption patterns in male suicide decedents.
• Findings contribute to understanding the nuanced role of OXTR rs53576 in psychological and behavioral traits.