title: The BDNF Val(66)Met x 5-HTTLPR x child adversity interaction and depressive symptoms: An attempt at replication.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. m.wichers@sp.unimaas.nl
authors.forename: Marieke
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wichers
authors.forename: Gunter
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Kenis
authors.forename: Nele
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Jacobs
authors.forename: Ron
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mengelers
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Derom
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Vlietinck
authors.forename: Jim
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van Os
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D008715:Methionine; D014633:Valine