Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups and age at onset of schizophrenia.
A number of studies support a possible link between mitochondrial dysfunction and schizophrenia. To test the hypothesis of a direct contribution of mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA) in susceptibility to DSM-IV-TR-schizophrenia, we looked for differences in the frequency distribution of the major European haplogroups (hgs) in 142 patients and 190 controls both of Italian origin. A subgroup of patients (N = 37) and healthy counterparts (N = 41) was also analyzed for possible differences in the relative amount of mt-DNA versus nuclear-DNA in blood cells. Patients and controls were comparable for hg frequency distribution and the relative levels of mt-DNA even after stratification by gender and schizophrenia subtype. However, patients harboring the hg J-T showed an anticipated onset of the disorder. These results indicate that the J-T hg of mt-DNA may have a modulator effect on deeper determinants of schizophrenia.
Magri
Chiara
C
Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, Brescia University School of Medicine, Brescia, Italy.
Gardella
Rita
R
Barlati
Stefano Davide
SD
Valsecchi
Paolo
P
Sacchetti
Emilio
E
Barlati
Sergio
S
D000328:Adult; D017668:Age of Onset; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D006239:Haplotypes; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D053208:Kaplan-Meier Estimate; D008297:Male; D010802:Phylogeny; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*
D004272:DNA, Mitochondrial