Cholesterol and serotonin transporter polymorphism interactions in late-life depression.
BACKGROUND
It has been suggested that the functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) modifies associations between vascular diseases (coronary artery syndrome or stroke) and depression. This study investigated whether the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism has modifying effects on previously identified associations between cholesterol levels and prevalence/incidence of late-life depression.


METHODS
In 732 community residents aged 65+, depression was ascertained (Geriatric Mental State Schedule) at baseline and after 2 years. 5-HTTLPR genotype and lipid levels (total, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides) were assayed. Covariates were age, sex, education, disability, and cognitive function.


RESULTS
Significant associations between lower baseline HDL cholesterol levels with prevalent and incident depression were also modified by 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, and were only significant in the presence of one or more copies of the s allele.


CONCLUSIONS
A more atherogenic lipid profile, as indicated by lower HDL cholesterol is a risk factor for late-life depression and this risk is modified by a gene implicated in serotonin transport.
Kim
Jae-Min
JM
Department of Psychiatry and Depression Clinical Research Center, Chonnam National University Medical School, Kwangju 501-757, Republic of Korea.
Stewart
Robert
R
Kim
Sung-Wan
SW
Shin
Il-Seon
IS
Yang
Su-Jin
SJ
Yoon
Jin-Sang
JS