Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Otte, C. Articles by Whooley, M. A. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Otte, C. Articles by Whooley, M. A. Neurotransmitters Depression Stress Genetics Related Article

Association of a Serotonin Transporter Polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) With Depression, Perceived Stress, and Norepinephrine in Patients With Coronary Disease: The Heart and Soul Study

OBJECTIVE: The short allele of a functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) has been shown to interact with stressful life events to predict depression in otherwise healthy individuals. Whether the short allele increases risk for depression associated with the stress of a chronic illness has not been established. METHOD: In a cross-sectional genetic association study, the authors examined the association of 5-HTTLPR with current depression (measured by the Computerized Diagnostic Interview Schedule), perceived stress (measured by the Perceived Stress Scale), and 24-hour urinary norepinephrine excretion in 557 outpatients with chronic coronary disease. RESULTS: Among individuals carrying an s allele, 25% (97 of 383) had current depression, compared with 17% (29 of 174) of l/l homozygotes. The unadjusted odds ratio was 1.6, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.0–2.6; the age- and gender-adjusted odds ratio was also 1.6 (95% CI=1.0–2.5). Participants carrying an s allele had a higher mean score for perceived stress than l/l homozygotes (5.4 versus 4.7) and a higher rate of moderate or high perceived stress (adjusted odds ratio=1.6, 95% CI=1.1–2.3). Mean 24-hour norepinephrine excretion was higher in s allele carriers (55.6 versus 50.2 mg/day), who were more likely to have norepinephrine values in the highest quartile (adjusted odds ratio=1.7, 95% CI=1.0–3.0). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with chronic illness, carriers of the s allele of 5-HTTLPR are more vulnerable to depression, perceived stress, and high norepinephrine secretion. These factors may contribute to worse cardiovascular outcomes in these patients.

Related Article:

In This Issue
Am J Psychiatry 2007 164: A36. [Full Text] [PDF]

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. Dickens, L. McGowan, C. Percival, B. Tomenson, L. Cotter, A. Heagerty, and F. Creed New Onset Depression Following Myocardial Infarction Predicts Cardiac Mortality Psychosom Med, May 1, 2008; 70(4): 450 - 455. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. G. BAYLES, T. DAWOOD, E. A. LAMBERT, M. P. SCHLAICH, and G. W. LAMBERT Elevated Cardiac Risk in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Am J Psychiatry, January 1, 2008; 165(1): 137 - 137. [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2007 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us