Polymorphism C in the serotonin transporter gene in depression-free elderly patients with vascular dementia.
BACKGROUND
Genotypes of the solute carrier family 6 (neurotransmitter transporter, serotonin) member 4 (SLC6A4) have been variously associated with depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, memory impairment, and anxiety. Less clear are data regarding their association with severe dementia, in particular with vascular dementia (VaD).


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the possible involvement of different SLC6A4 genotypes/haplotypes in VaD.


METHODS
The analysis of the 3 markers rs3813034, rs140701 and rs4795541 spanning the SLC6A4 locus was made in 541 consecutive patients clinically diagnosed as having VaD (n = 372) or no cognitive impairment (n = 169) attending a geriatric ward. A community-dwelling sample of 353 healthy subjects, as a reference for the genetic frequencies in the recruitment area, was also included in the study. All patients and subjects were free from any symptoms of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and anxiety. A complete neuroimaging documentation was available for all patients.


RESULTS
No important differences were observed in genotype distribution across the study groups. Similarly, no important differences were observed in haplotype distribution when a 3-point analysis was made.


CONCLUSIONS
Our findings suggest that polymorphism C in the promoter region of the SLC6A4 gene plays a minor role, if any, in the pathogenesis of VaD.
Seripa
Davide
D
Geriatric Unit and Gerontology-Geriatrics Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. dseripa @ operapadrepio.it
Matera
Maria Giovanna
MG
D'Onofrio
Grazia
G
Sancarlo
Daniele
D
Bizzarro
Alessandra
A
Cascavilla
Leandro
L
Paris
Francesco
F
Gravina
Carolina
C
Bonghi
Loriana
L
Capurso
Cristiano
C
Solfrizzi
Vincenzo
V
Daniele
Antonio
A
Masullo
Carlo
C
Panza
Francesco
F
Pilotto
Alberto
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D015140:Dementia, Vascular / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D006239:Haplotypes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D004247:DNA