Serotonin 1A receptor genetic variations, suicide, and life events in the Iranian population

Abstract

The association of serotonin 1A receptor (5-HTR1A) gene polymorphisms with suicidal behavior has been reported in several previous studies, but the results have been inconsistent, which might be due to ethnic differences. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the association between polymorphisms -1019C>G, 47C>T (Pro16Leu) and 815G>A (Gly272Asp) and suicidal behavior, taking into account age, gender, and the presence of stressful life and loss events in 1 year prior to suicide. A total of 191 suicide victims and 218 healthy control subjects were included in the present study. 5-HT1RA gene polymorphisms were determined on polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The distribution of -1019C>G genotypes was significantly different in suicide victims and healthy controls (P = 0.002), and the GG genotype was associated with a significantly higher number of more stressful life and loss events in the suicide victims (P = 0.017, P = 0.037, respectively). The distribution of 47C>T (Pro16Leu) and 815G>A (Gly272Asp) genotypes was not significantly different in the suicide victims and control subjects (P > 0.05). Moreover, these genotypes were not associated with stressful life and loss events (P > 0.05). The frequency of the -1019G allele in the 5-HTR1A gene was higher in suicide victims (with stressful life events) as compared with the control group. In contrast, neither 47C>T (Pro16Leu) nor 815G>A (Gly272Asp) polymorphisms were related with suicide and stressful life events.