Potential role of the estrogen receptor gene (ESR1) in anxiety.
In addition to neurotransmitters, hormones, acting through the blood stream, also play a role in behavior. To test the potential contribution of genetic variations in hormone receptors we have examined the association between the alleles of the dinucleotide repeat of the estrogen receptor 1 gene (ESR1) and the nine subscores and total score of the SCL-90 in a group of 179 adult males treated for substance abuse. Based on our prior hypothesis that the length of repeat polymorphisms may play a direct role in gene regulation, the alleles were divided into two groups, short (S) and long (L). ANOVA of the SS, LS, and LL genotypes showed a significant association at alpha </=0.05 for three of the SCL-90 scores: anxiety, phobic anxiety, and total symptoms. Of these the anxiety score remained significant at a Bonferroni corrected alpha of </=0.005. By regression analysis, the ESR1 gene accounted for 7% of the variance of the anxiety score (P </= 0.0004). These results are consistent with a role of the ESR1gene in human behavior. Since estrogen levels are much higher in women than men, this could account for the increased frequency of anxiety in women.
Comings
D E
DE
Department of Medical Genetics, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA.
Muhleman
D
D
Johnson
P
P
MacMurray
J P
JP
D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001007:Anxiety / Q000235:genetics*; D018900:Dinucleotide Repeats; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000235:genetics*; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology*
D011960:Receptors, Estrogen