Association between serotonin transporter gene polymorphism and eating disorders: a meta-analytic study.
OBJECTIVE
Compelling evidence has suggested a role for serotonin system dysfunction in the pathogenesis of eating disorders (EDs), including anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN). Studies have examined the association between EDs and a functional polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene promoter (5-HTTLPR). These studies have yielded inconsistent results. The present study aimed to determine conclusively whether there is an association by using a meta-analytic method.


METHODS
Data of over 2,000 participants from eight independent case-controlassociation studies were pooled by using a random effects model.


RESULTS
AN was found to be significantly associated with the S allele (p < .001) and S carrier (SS + LS) genotype (p = .007). However, BN was associated neither with the S allele (p = .49) nor with the S carrier genotype (p = .33).


CONCLUSIONS
These results suggested that the genetic variance of the serotonin transporter gene promoter contributed to the susceptibility of AN.
Lee
Yu
Y
Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital- Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
Lin
Pao-Yen
PY
D000483:Alleles; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D056726:Genetic Association Studies; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins