The 5HTTLPR polymorphism, psychopathologic symptoms, and platelet [3H-] paroxetine binding in bulimic syndromes.
BACKGROUND
A short (s) allele in the promoter region of the 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) transporter gene (5HTTLPR) has been associated with low transcription of the 5-HT transporter protein, and with clinical manifestations including impulsivity, affective disorder, and bulimia nervosa.


METHODS
We studied implications of the 5HTTLPR s allele for eating symptoms, psychopathologic traits, and platelet [3H-] paroxetine binding in 59 women with bulimia spectrum syndromes.


RESULTS
Compared with those without it, carriers of the s allele of 5HTTLPR showed significantly more affective instability, behavioral impulsivity, interpersonal insecurity, comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD), and lower density (Bmax) of paroxetine-binding sites.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that proneness to impulsivity, affective dysregulation, and reduced central 5-HT reuptake may (in part) be codetermined by the 5HTTLPR polymorphism. However, given inconsistent 5HTTLPR expression in different populations, we speculate that we may be observing a phenotype (i.e., eating disorder)-dependent manifestation.
Steiger
Howard
H
Eating Disorders Program, Douglas Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Joober
Ridha
R
Israël
Mimi
M
Young
Simon N
SN
Ng Ying Kin
Ng Mien Kwong
NM
Gauvin
Lise
L
Bruce
Kenneth R
KR
Joncas
Jasmine
J
Torkaman-Zehi
Adam
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D002032:Bulimia / Q000235:genetics* / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000494:pharmacology; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000378:metabolism*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*
D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D009419:Nerve Tissue Proteins; D017374:Paroxetine; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human