The BDNF Val(66)Met x 5-HTTLPR x child adversity interaction and depressive symptoms: An attempt at replication.
Kaufman et al. [2006] reported a higher order interaction effect between specific genetic and environmental factors in a model of depressive symptoms, requiring independent replication. BDNF Val(66)Met and 5-HTTLPR genotypes were determined in female participants pertaining to a large ongoing twin study. Participants also filled in questionnaires on childhood adversity and depressive symptoms. Two- and three-way interactions between genetic polymorphisms and early adversity were examined in models of depressive symptoms. BDNF Met allele(s) moderated the effect of early adversity on depressive symptoms (two-way interaction), and this BDNF Met x childhood adversity interaction in turn was moderated by 5-HTTLPR genotype (three-way interaction). However, a main effect of BDNF Met on childhood adversity was also observed, possibly indicating confounding by gene-environment correlation. Higher order interaction effects involving BDNF Val(66)Met, 5-HTTLPR and childhood adversity may contribute to the etiology of depressive illness.
Wichers
Marieke
M
Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. m.wichers@sp.unimaas.nl
Kenis
Gunter
G
Jacobs
Nele
N
Mengelers
Ron
R
Derom
Catherine
C
Vlietinck
Robert
R
van Os
Jim
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000483:Alleles; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000235:genetics*; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D004777:Environment; D005260:Female; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008715:Methionine / Q000235:genetics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014633:Valine / Q000235:genetics*
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D008715:Methionine; D014633:Valine