Serotonin gene polymorphisms in patients with panic disorder.
BACKGROUND
The objective is to investigate the possible association between four serotonin gene polymorphisms (T102C, A-1438G, 5-HTTLPR and VNTR-5HTT) and panic disorder (PD).


METHODS
92 PD outpatients (DSM-IV criteria) and 174 healthy volunteers from Asturias (control group) were included. Polymorphisms were determined after polymerase chain reaction amplification followed by digestion with restriction enzymes and electrophoresis on an agarose gel.


RESULTS
Both 5-HT2A polymorphisms are in complete linkage disequilibrium in our population. No statistically significant differences in genotype frequencies of serotonin gene polymorphisms (T102C, A-1438G, 5HTTLPR and VNTR-5HTT) were found between patients and control subjects. Allele frequencies did not differ between both groups. No differences were found according to gender.


CONCLUSIONS
The polymorphisms studied were not associated with PD in our population. However, larger patient samples are necessary to confirm or reject these findings.
Martínez-Barrondo
S
S
Medicine Department, University of Oviedo, Spain. s.barrondo@terra.es
Saiz
P A
PA
Morales
B
B
García-Portilla
M P
MP
Coto
E
E
Alvarez
V
V
Bobes
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D017931:DNA Primers / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018598:Minisatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics; D016584:Panic Disorder / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D012701:Serotonin / Q000235:genetics*
D017931:DNA Primers; D012701:Serotonin