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Association of HTR3B gene polymorphisms with depression and its executive dysfunction: a case-control study
Lina Wang1,2, Miao Wang3, Chaoben Zhao3
1Department of Psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, 250358, Shandong, China.
Insights
Genetic variations in the HTR3B gene are linked to depression and executive dysfunction. The A allele of rs1176744 may increase depression risk, while C alleles offer protection.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Previous research indicates a link between the HTR3B gene and depression.
- This study explores the association between HTR3B gene polymorphisms and depression with executive dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between HTR3B gene polymorphisms and depression.
- To examine the impact of these polymorphisms on executive function in a Chinese Han population.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of six Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) sites in the HTR3B gene (rs10789970, rs4938056, rs12421126, rs1176744, rs2276305, rs12795805) in 229 patients with depressive disorder and 202 healthy controls.
- Assessment of depression severity using the 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD).
- Evaluation of executive function through cognitive tests including Maze Test, Symbolic Coding Test, Spatial Span Inverse Order Test, Linking Test, and Emotional Management Test.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in genotypic and allelic distributions of rs1176744 were observed between patients and controls (P < 0.01).
- The A allele of rs1176744 was positively correlated with depression, with higher A allele carrier frequency in patients.
- Carriers of the A allele at rs1176744 showed lower Spatial Span Inverse Order Test scores, while carriers of C alleles at rs1176744 and rs12795805 had higher scores.
Conclusions:
- HTR3B gene polymorphisms may be associated with depression in the Chinese Han population.
- The A allele of rs1176744 is potentially linked to increased risk for depression and executive dysfunction.
- C alleles at rs1176744 and rs12795805 may act as protective factors against executive dysfunction in depressed patients.
Background:
Previous studies have shown that depression was associated with HTR3B gene. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of the HTR3B gene and depression and its executive dysfunction in Chinese Han population.
Methods:
A total of 229 patients with depressive disorder and 202 healthy controls were enrolled. Six Single nucleotide polymorphism sites (SNPs) including rs10789970, rs4938056, rs12421126, rs1176744, rs2276305 and rs12795805 were genotyped by Snapshot. Clinical features were collected using a general demographic questionnaire. The 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) was used to assess the symptoms' severity of the patients. The patients' executive function was assessed using a series of cognitive tests including Maze Test, Symbolic Coding Test, Spatial Span Inverse Order Test, Linking Test, and Emotional Management Test.
Results:
The genotypic and allelic distributions of rs1176744 in HTR3B gene were significantly different (χ2 = 11.129, P = 0.004, χ2 = 9.288, P = 0.002, respectively) between patients and controls. The A allele was positively correlated with depression. The proportion of A carriers was significantly higher and that of C carriers was lower in patients than those in controls. Patients had significantly lower scores of Spatial Span Inverse Order Test in carriers of A allele at locus rs1176744 and higher scores in carriers of C alleles at locus rs1176744 and rs12795805.
Conclusions:
The polymorphisms of HTR3B gene may be associated with depression in Chinese Han population. The A allele of rs1176744 may increase the risk of developing depression and executive dysfunction while C alleles of rs1176744 and rs12795805 may be the protective factors for executive dysfunction in patients with depression.
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