title: [Association between the MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism and antisocial personality traits in alcoholic men].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We have analysed the MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism in the promoter region of the X-chromosomal monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene. The first aim was to examine the association between the MAOA genotype and the alcoholic phenotype. In the second part of the paper we have analysed the association of the MAOA genotype with impulsive and aggressive behaviour. Genotypes with 3 or 5-repeat alleles (MAOA-L-genotype) were reported to be associated with impulsive and aggressive traits.
  
  
  METHODS
  The MAOA genotype was determined in 371 male alcohol-dependent subjects and 236 male controls all of German descent. Behavioural and personality traits were evaluated using the self-report questionnaires Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS), Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory (BDHI), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and NEO-Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). A median split in BIS, Buss Durkee Physical Assault, Buss Durkee Irritability, TCI and NEO-FFI was conducted.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No association could be detected between the MAOA genotype and the alcoholic phenotype. Based on the results of the BIS questionnaire, we were able to make out an association between the MAOA-L genotype and higher levels of impulsivity (p = 0.043). Furthermore - without reaching statistical significance - we detected a very slight association between the MAOA-L genotype and higher scores in the BDHI subcategory physical aggression (p = 0.058).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Taken together, these findings suggest that the MAOA-L genotype is to some extent associated with impulsive and antisocial personality traits in alcoholic men. Further studies on that question are needed.
authors: Psychiatrische Klinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München.
authors: C
authors: C
authors: Laqua
authors: Psychiatrische Klinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München.
authors: P
authors: P
authors: Zill
authors: Psychiatrische Klinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München.
authors: G
authors: G
authors: Koller
authors: Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie und Psychosomatik, Krankenhaus Perleberg.
authors: U
authors: U
authors: Preuss
authors: Psychiatrische Klinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, München.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Soyka
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000374:Aggression / Q000523:psychology; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D000987:Antisocial Personality Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000523:psychology; D005838:Genotype; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006791:Hostility; D006801:Humans; D007175:Impulsive Behavior; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018598:Minisatellite Repeats / Q000235:genetics; D008995:Monoamine Oxidase / Q000235:genetics*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010556:Personality Tests; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic / Q000235:genetics
chemical_list: D008995:Monoamine Oxidase