Study on polymorphism of serotonin transporter gene-linked promoter region and cognitive function in patients with subcortical ischemic depression / 中华老年医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To explore the polymorphisms of serotonin transporter gene-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) and cognitive function in patients with subcortical ischemic depression (SID). Methods A battery of neuropsychological tests including Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to evaluate depression and cognitive function for all enrolled subjects. And the distribution frequency of 5-HTTLPR-promoter region polymorphism was detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 60 SID patients and 60 health controls. Results There were significant differences in 5-HTTLPR genotypes and alleles between SID group and control group (χ2=7.833, χ2=6.290, both P＜0.05).The SID group showed higher genotype SS than did the control group (58.3% vs. 23.3%) and higher allele S (68.3% vs. 52.5%) but lower genotype LL (16.7% vs. 23.3%) and allele L (31.7% vs. 47.5%). SID group had lower MoCA score than did the control group [(23.63±1.59) scores vs. (27.25±1.59) scores, t=12.44, P＜0.01]. Conclusions The polymorphism of 5-HTTLPR gene may play an important role as a nosogenesis of SID. The frequency of SS genotype may be associated with SID especially in females, having more cognitive impairment. The genotype LL and allele L may be a protective factor for depression symptoms of SID.