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Leptin polymorphism rs3828942: risk for anxiety disorders?
Pamela Silva Vitória Salerno1, Clarissa Ribeiro Bastos1, Ariadni Peres1
1Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Health and Behavior, Catholic University of Pelotas - UCPel, Rua Gonçalves Chaves 373, Sala 324, Pelotas, RS, 96010-280, Brazil.
European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience
|August 18, 2019
Summary
Leptin hormone levels and LEP gene rs3828942 polymorphism were studied in relation to anxiety disorders. The A-allele of LEP rs3828942 is linked to increased generalized anxiety disorder risk in women, while leptin levels interact with GAD in men.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Leptin, an energy homeostasis hormone, shows antidepressant and anxiolytic effects.
- Recent studies link leptin to psychiatric disorders, including anxiety.
- Sex differences in leptin's role in anxiety are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between leptin levels, LEP gene rs3828942 polymorphism, and anxiety disorders.
- To explore potential sex differences in these associations.
- To clarify leptin's role in the neurobiology of anxiety.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional population-based study of 1067 young adults.
- Diagnosis of anxiety disorders using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI 5.0).
- Genotyping of LEP rs3828942 via real-time PCR and leptin levels via ELISA.
Main Results:
- Leptin levels were not significantly associated with anxiety disorders overall.
- The LEP rs3828942 polymorphism was not associated with anxiety disorders in the general population.
- The A-allele of LEP rs3828942 was associated with increased risk for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) in women.
- An interaction between GAD diagnosis and genotypes on leptin levels was observed in men.
Conclusions:
- Leptin's relationship with anxiety disorders appears to be sex-dependent.
- Women with the A-allele of LEP rs3828942 have a higher risk for GAD.
- Leptin levels may be lower in men with GAD carrying the A-allele, suggesting a complex role in anxiety neurobiology.
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