Association between serotonin receptor 2C gene Cys23Ser polymorphism and social behavior in schizophrenia patients and healthy individuals

Abstract

The purpose of this work was to search for associations between the serotonin receptor 2C gene (HTR2C) and the peculiarities of social behavior and social cognition in schizophrenia. To do this, patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and healthy control subjects were genotyped for the Cys23Ser HTR2C marker and underwent psychological examination, including assessment of Machiavellianism, recognition of emotions in facial expression, and theory of mind. In addition, we estimated the trait anxiety level as a potential factor affecting the relationship between the gene HTR2C and social behavior. We found a significant association between the Ser allele and a reduction of estimates on the Mach-LV Machiavellianism scale in the total sample of patients (n = 182) and control subjects (n = 189), which did not reach the confidence level in either of the groups. A tendency towards a HTR2C gene influence on the trait anxiety level was also revealed. The association between HTR2C and Machiavellianism was retained if the anxiety level was taken into account. The results suggest a pleiotropic effect of HTR2Con anxiety and Machiavellianism.