Experiences of ethnic discrimination and COMT rs4680 polymorphism are associated with depressive symptoms in Latinx adults at risk for cardiovascular disease

Abstract

BackgroundEthnic discrimination is frequently experienced among U.S. Latinx communities, and is linked to CVD risk factors, such as depression. Genetic variants may influence this relationship. ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to examine associations between experiences of discrimination, rs4680 genotype, and depressive symptoms in Latinx adults. MethodsWe analyzed data from 124 Latinx adults with two or more CVD risk factors, and conducted hierarchical linear regression, adjusting for sex, age, income, education, and acculturation. ResultsParticipants were predominately female (74.2%) and aged 40.2 ± 9.3 years. More experiences of discrimination were associated with higher depressive symptoms (p = 0.041). Those with Met-Met-and Val-Met-genotypes had increased depressive symptoms than those with Val-Val-genotype (p = 0.049). Rs4680 was not a moderator. ConclusionFindings suggest discrimination and rs4680 genotype are associated with depressive symptoms in Latinx adults, which may increase CVD risk. Further research is needed to better understand biological mechanisms of these relationships.