Correlation of 5-HTTLPR genetype and behavioral problems in school-age twins

Abstract

Objective To analyze the correlation between 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter gene linked polymorphic region(5-HTTLPR) and twin children's behavioral problems and its interaction with environmental factors. Methods A total of 147 pairs of school-age twins aged 6-12 years were enrolled. The behavioral problems were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The genotype of 5-HTTLPR was detected by the method of PCR. The correlation of 5-HTTLPR and children's behavioral problems was performed using generalized estimating equation. Results (1)The overall incidence rate of behavioral problems in school-age twins was 24.15% (27.94% in the boys; 20.89% in the girls), in which the rate of thinking problems (15.31%) was the highest, and the rates of other problems were lower (3.40%-8.16%). (2) The results of correlation analysis showed that 5-HTTLPR was only related to the social problems (P<0.05). The S allele of 5-HTTLPR maybe associated with the social problems. (3) The results of interaction of 5-HTTLPR with twin factors of themselves and family environmental factors showed that 5-HTTLPR was the main effect of the anxious/depressed problems, and S allele carriers were easier to occur anxious/depressed problems. Gender was the main effect of the social problems, and boys were easier to occur social problems. There was no significant interaction between 5-HTTLPR and twin factors of themselves and family environmental factors. Conclusion 5-HTTLPR genetype may have some relevance to the social and anxious/depressed problems, and S allele may be a susceptibility gene of social and anxious/depressed problems. Key words: 5-HTTLPR; School-age twins; Behavioral problems