title: Emerging risk factors for postpartum depression: serotonin transporter genotype and omega-3 fatty acid status.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Depression is a leading cause of disability and hospitalization. Women are at the highest risk of depression during their childbearing years, and the birth of a child may precipitate a depressive episode in vulnerable women. Postpartum depression (PPD) is associated with diminished maternal somatic health as well as health and developmental problems in their offspring. This review focuses on 2 PPD risk factors of emerging interest: serotonin transporter (5-HTT) genotype and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (n-3 PUFA) status.
  
  
  METHODS
  The MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were searched using the key words postpartum depression, nutrition, omega-3 fatty acids, and serotonin transporter gene. Studies were also located by reviewing the reference lists of selected articles.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seventy-five articles were identified as relevant to this review. Three carefully conducted studies reported associations between the 5-HTT genotype and PPD. As well, there is accumulating evidence that n-3 PUFA intake is associated with risk of PPD. Preliminary evidence suggests that there could be an interaction between these 2 emerging risk factors. However, further studies are required to confirm such an interaction and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Evidence to date supports a research agenda clarifying the associations between n-3 PUFAs, the 5-HTT genotype, and PPD. This is of particular interest owing to the high prevalence of poor n-3 PUFA intake among women of childbearing age and the consequent potential for alternative preventive measures and treatments for PPD.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Université de Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
authors.forename: Gabriel D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Shapiro
authors.forename: William D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Fraser
authors.forename: Jean R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Séguin
mesh_terms: D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000235:genetics; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D012737:Sex Factors; D013223:Statistics as Topic
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; C493230:SLC6A4 protein, human; D050486:Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins