A serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) predicts the development of adolescent alcohol use.
BACKGROUND
Because the effects of susceptibility genes on alcohol use may differ as a function of age throughout adolescence and young adulthood, prospective study designs, in addition to cross-sectional ones are needed in genetic association studies. The short, low activity allele of a polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) has been related to alcohol dependence. In the current study we tested whether 5-HTTLPR genotype was associated with adolescent alcohol use both cross-sectionally and longitudinally.


METHODS
Non-regular drinkers (n=202) were selected from Dutch, nationwide sample of adolescents (mean age 13.4 at baseline) who were assessed across five annual waves. Latent growth curve modeling was applied to examine individual development of alcohol use over time, by estimating the initial level of alcohol use at Wave 2 (intercept), and the rate of change in alcohol use across time (slope).


RESULTS
The 5-HTTLPR short allele predicted adolescent's growth (slope) in alcohol use over time. Adolescents with the 5-HTTLPR short allele showed larger increase in alcohol consumption than those without the 5-HTTLPR short allele. 5-HTTLPR genotype was not related to the initial level (intercept) of alcohol consumption. In all analyses we controlled for sex and personality.


CONCLUSIONS
To gain more insight into the etiological role of genetic determinants of adolescent alcohol use, developmental approaches that distinguish between onset and continuation of drinking should be applied.
van der Zwaluw
Carmen S
CS
Behavioural Science Institute, Nijmegen, Radboud University, Nijmegen The Netherlands. C.vanderZwaluw@bsi.ru.nl
Engels
Rutger C M E
RC
Vermulst
Ad A
AA
Rose
Richard J
RJ
Verkes
Robbert J
RJ
Buitelaar
Jan
J
Franke
Barbara
B
Scholte
Ron H J
RH
D000293:Adolescent; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000235:genetics*; D000483:Alleles; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*
C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins