Molecular-genetic correlates of self-harming behaviors in eating-disordered women: findings from a combined Canadian-German sample.
Across populations, findings suggest that rates of self-mutilation, suicidal acts, and other self-harming behaviors (SHBs) may be influenced by polymorphisms that code for activity of the serotonin transporter (e.g., 5HTTLPR) and the enzyme, monoamine oxidase A (e.g., MAOAuVNTR). SHBs being common in patients with Eating Disorders (EDs), we evaluated (in a large sample of eating-disordered women) relationships between triallelic 5HTTLPR and MAOAuVNTR variants, on the one hand, and SHBs, on the other. We had 399 eating-disordered women report on eating symptoms and lifetime history of SHBs, and provide blood samples for genotyping. Individuals carrying high-function MAOAuVNTR alleles reported a history of SHBs about twice as often as did carriers of low-function alleles. We obtained no comparable main effect of 5HTTLPR, or MAOAuVNTR×5HTTLPR interaction effect. Genetic variations did not predict severity of eating symptoms. As in other populations, our findings link the MAOAuVNTR high-function alleles with increased risk of self-directed harm in bulimic females. We discuss theoretical and clinical ramifications of our results.
Steiger
Howard
H
Eating Disorders Program, Douglas University Institute, Montreal, Canada. stehow@douglas.mcgill.ca
Fichter
Manfred
M
Bruce
Kenneth R
KR
Joober
Ridha
R
Badawi
Ghislaine
G
Richardson
Jodie
J
Groleau
Patricia
P
Ramos
Cinthia
C
Israel
Mimi
M
Bondy
Brigitta
B
Quadflieg
Norbert
N
Bachetzky
Nadine
N
D000328:Adult; D002170:Canada; D001068:Feeding and Eating Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005787:Gene Frequency; D005838:Genotype; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D018598:Minisatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics*; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000235:genetics*; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics; D011401:Promoter Regions, Genetic / Q000235:genetics*; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics*; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D055815:Young Adult
D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase