Relationship between DRD4 polymorphism and lipid metabolism: what is the role of novelty seeking?
OBJECTIVE
This study examined the association of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene polymorphism with the temperament dimension of novelty seeking (NS) on cardiovascular heart disease risk factors [the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides].


METHODS
From the ongoing population-based study of 'Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns', 125 participants were DRD4 genotyped in 1997 and responded to the NS scale of the Temperament and Character Inventory in 2001. Their cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were assessed in 2001.


RESULTS
Having a 2- or 5-allele DRD4 polymorphism was related to high HDL cholesterol levels in men, but to low HDL cholesterol levels in women. NS was related to triglycerides in men and to LDL in women, but this was mediated by behavioral, age, and weight factors, and NS was not the underlying factor for the association between the polymorphism and lipids.


CONCLUSIONS
Our preliminary findings suggest that there is a link between the dopaminergic receptor gene DRD4 and lipid metabolism, but this link is dependent on gender.
Elovainio
Marko
M
Department of Psychology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland. melovain@mappi.helsinki.fi
Puttonen
Sampsa
S
Heponiemi
Tarja
T
Reuter
Martin
M
Kivimaki
Mika
M
Viikari
Jorma
J
Keltikangas-Jarvinen
Liisa
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D000483:Alleles; D015992:Body Mass Index; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D018672:Community Health Planning; D005106:Exploratory Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2 / Q000235:genetics*; D050638:Receptors, Dopamine D4; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
C493599:DRD4 protein, human; D008055:Lipids; D017448:Receptors, Dopamine D2; D050638:Receptors, Dopamine D4