The association study between polymorphisms of catechol-O-methyltransferase gene and major depressive disorder

Abstract

Objective To explore the association between catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met gene (rs4680) polymorphisms and major depressive disorder (MDD) in Han Chinese. Methods Genotypes and allele frequencies of Val158Met polymorphisms of COMT gene were examined in 250 patients and 300 healthy controls by the method of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). t-test, Hardy Weinberg equilibrium and chi-square test were used to conduct statistical analysis. Results There were significant differences between patients and control group in COMT Val158Met genotypes and allele frequency distribution (χ2=20.268, 12.611, P<0.01). Subjects with Met allele had a higher risk than those with Val allele to develop MDD (OR=1.725, 95%CI 1.274-2.335). Conclusion This research suggests that COMT Val158Met polymorphisms are associated with the onset of MDD. Met allele is a risk factor of MDD. Key words: Major depressive disorder; Catechol-O-methyltransferase; Gene polymorphism