Roles of Hostility and Depression in the Association between the MAOA Gene Polymorphism and Internet Gaming Disorder.

Ju-Yu Yen,Wen-Xiang Tsai,Hung-Chi Wu,Wei-Po Chou,Chih-Hung Ko,Huang-Chi Lin

doi:10.3390/ijerph18136910

Abstract

The metabolism of bioamine in the central nervous system contributes to the development of addiction. We examined the roles of hostility and depression in the association between internet gaming disorder (IGD) and monoamine oxidase-A (MAOA) EcoRV polymorphism (rs1137070). A total of 69 adults with IGD and 138 without IGD were recruited through diagnostic interviewing. We evaluated participants for rs1137070, depression, and hostility. The participants with the TT genotype of rs1137070 had a higher odds ratio of 2.52 (1.37–4.64) for IGD compared with the C carriers. Expressive hostility behavior and hostility cognition mediated the association between rs1137070 and IGD. Indicating lower MAOA activity, the TT genotype predicted IGD and higher expressive hostility behavior and hostility cognition. Expressive hostility behavior and hostility cognition may underline the association between rs1137070 and IGD. Assessment of and intervention for hostility behavior and cognition should be provided to attenuate the risk of IGD, particularly in those with the TT genotype. Further brain imaging or neurobiological studies are required to elucidate the possible mechanism underlying the association between MAOA activity and IGD.

Highlights

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published in 2003, includes internet gaming disorder (IGD)
Further research to evaluate the associations between polymorphisms and their associated factors is necessary for intervention design
Controlling for expressive hostility behavior and hostility cognition, the odds ratio (OR) for IGD in the participants with the TT genotype was minimized and was significant (OR = 2.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.002–4.234, p = 0.049; Table 3, model 2)

Summary

Introduction

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), published in 2003, includes internet gaming disorder (IGD). IGD results in impairments in daily functioning such as career, academic, job, and social functions [1], and deserves further evaluation and intervention. Considering the heterogeneity of IGD, a personalized intervention to meet individual patient preferences is essential. Studies determining the genetic factors of GD for a designed intervention are scarce. Only two studies have demonstrated associations of the C allele of rs1044396 in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor alpha 4 subunit (CHRNA4) [2] and rs2229910 of NTRK3 [3] with IGD. Further research to evaluate the associations between polymorphisms and their associated factors is necessary for intervention design

Results

Discussion

Conclusion