Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 17, 2025
11:31
Rapid Fractionation and Isolation of Whole Blood Components in Samples Obtained from a Community-based Setting
Published on: November 30, 2015
16.2K
Exploring the shared genetic architecture between testosterone traits and major depressive disorder
Wen Lu1, Xiaoyan He1, Huan Peng2
1Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China.
BMC Psychiatry
|July 2, 2025
Summary
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and testosterone levels show significant genetic overlap, with testosterone variants influencing MDD risk. Shared genomic loci and immune pathways were identified, suggesting common biological mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Endocrinology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The relationship between major depressive disorder (MDD) and testosterone levels is debated.
- Genetic correlation between MDD and testosterone traits is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the shared genetic architecture between MDD and three testosterone traits.
- Identify specific genetic loci and biological pathways involved in the interplay between MDD and testosterone.
Main Methods:
- Utilized genome-wide association study datasets for MDD and testosterone traits.
- Applied bivariate causal mixture modeling (MiXeR) to assess polygenic overlap.
- Employed conjunctional false discovery rate (conjFDR) to detect shared genomic loci.
Main Results:
- Total testosterone (TT) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) showed negative genetic correlation with MDD.
- Bioavailable testosterone (BT) exhibited a negligible correlation with MDD.
- Over 47% of testosterone-associated variants potentially impact MDD, with 28-79 shared genomic loci identified, including NT5C2.
- Enrichment analysis pointed to immune-related pathways.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrated substantial polygenic overlap between MDD and testosterone traits.
- Identified specific genes and pathways underlying shared biological mechanisms.
- Highlighted the involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in MDD pathophysiology and testosterone regulation.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Human Genetics
738
Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
738
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
173
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
173
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
225
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
225
01:18Depression: Overview
361
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
361
01:30Bipolar Disorder
150
Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
150
01:27Panic Disorder
184
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
184