The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and eating disorders: a meta-analysis.
OBJECTIVE
Eating disorders are influenced by both environmental factors and genes. The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism of serotonin transporter gene has been suggested as a good candidate. This meta-analysis was undertaken: (1) to investigate the association between 5-HTTLPR and eating disorders considered as a whole, including anorexia (AN), bulimia (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED); (2) to extend recently reported findings on the association between 5-HTTLPR and AN-BN.


METHODS
PubMed, ISI, and PsycINFO databases were searched for studies published until October 2009. Fifteen studies have been included. Data were analyzed with the Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager Software. Quality of studies and publication bias were assessed.


RESULTS
An association between S allele and eating disorders, in particular AN, has been found.


CONCLUSIONS
To be carrier of the 5-HTTLPR S allele seem to represent a risk factor for eating disorders, especially for AN. However, considering the reported high between-study heterogeneity, future studies should focus on more homogeneous endophenotype.
Calati
Raffaella
R
Institute of Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Italy.
De Ronchi
Diana
D
Bellini
Maurizio
M
Serretti
Alessandro
A
D000483:Alleles; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins