The short allele of the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism influences relapse in alcohol dependence.
OBJECTIVE
The short (S) allele of the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) contributes to the risk of alcohol dependence and co-occurring clinical features. We studied the putative link between this allele and relapse.


METHODS
48 alcohol-dependent male patients were recruited and genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR. Relapse to alcohol drinking was monitored during 3 months after standardized withdrawal.


RESULTS
The S allele was significantly associated with relapse (p = 0.008) while no other factor that was measured played a significant role.


CONCLUSIONS
The S allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may influence the risk of relapse in abstinent alcohol-dependent patients, possibly through intermediate phenotypes.
Pinto
Emmanuel
E
Department of Psychiatry, University of Liège, CHU Sart Tilman B35, B-4000 Liège, Belgium. epinto@chu.ulg.ac.be
Reggers
Jean
J
Gorwood
Philip
P
Boni
Claudette
C
Scantamburlo
Gabrielle
G
Pitchot
William
W
Ansseau
Marc
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000235:genetics*; D000483:Alleles; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D013695:Temperance
C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins