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The short allele of the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism influences relapse in alcohol dependence

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

E. Pinto
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, CHU Sart Tilman, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
P. Gorwood
Affiliation:
INSERM U675, Faculte Xavier Bichat, University Paris VII, Paris, France
J. Reggers
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, CHU Sart Tilman, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
D. Vaira
Affiliation:
AIDS Reference Laboratory, CHU Sart Tilman, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
G. Scantamburlo
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, CHU Sart Tilman, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
W. Pitchot
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, CHU Sart Tilman, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium
M. Ansseau
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, CHU Sart Tilman, University of Liege, Liege, Belgium

Abstract

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Background and Aims

Allelic variation in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter (5-HTTpro) contributes for the risk of alcohol dependence (AD). The short allele (S) of this polymorphism has been associated with co-occurring clinical features in severe AD such as depression, early onset or impulsivity. We studied the putative link between this allele and relapse in AD.

Methods

60 male alcohol dependent patients were followed for 3 months after withdrawal. Persistent abnormalities in lab tests (GGT and CDT) or failure to show up at scheduled interviews were considered as relapse. PCR amplifying the 5-HTTpro polymorphism from genomic DNA were performed. The impact of the S allele on relapse was assessed by a non-parametric Pearson χ2 test.

Results

67.27 % of the patients relapsed during follow-up. The S allele of the 5-HTTpro was significantly associated with relapse (χ2 = 7.66 ; p < .006) while no other factor influenced relapse.

Conclusions

Responsible for a 5-HT hypo-functioning, the S allele of the 5-HTTpro may be associated with relapse in abstinent alcohol dependent patients, possibly through intermediate phenotypes such as personality features or lack of behavioral inhibition.

Type
FC02. Free Communications: Mental Health, Social Psychiatry and Addictions 1
Copyright
Copyright © European Psychiatric Association 2007
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