Polymorphisms in the SLC6A4 and HTR2A genes influence treatment outcome following antidepressant therapy

Wilkie, M.J.V., Smith, G., Day, R.K., Matthews, K., Smith, D.J. , Blackwood, D., Reid, I.C. and Wolf, C.R. (2009) Polymorphisms in the SLC6A4 and HTR2A genes influence treatment outcome following antidepressant therapy. Pharmacogenomics Journal, 9(1), pp. 61-70. (doi: 10.1038/sj.tpj.6500491)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Abstract

The majority of antidepressant drugs act by increasing synaptic serotonin levels in the brain. Genetic variation in serotonin-related genes may therefore influence antidepressant efficacy. In this study, nine polymorphisms in four serotonin receptor genes (HTR1B, HTR2A, HTR5A and HTR6) and the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) were analysed to investigate their influence on antidepressant response in a well-characterized unipolar depressive population (n=166) following a protocolized treatment regimen. 5-HTTLPR short-allele homozygotes were significantly associated with both remission (odds ratios (OR)=4.00, P=0.04) and response (OR=5.06, P=0.02) following second switch treatment, with a similar trend observed following initial treatment and paroxetine therapy. Following initial treatment, unipolar patients homozygous for the SLC6A4 intron 2 repeat polymorphism were significantly associated with lack of remission (OR=0.38, P=0.02) and lack of response (OR=0.42, P=0.01). Additionally, the HTR2A C(1354)T polymorphism showed an association with remission (OR=7.50, P=0.002) and response (OR=5.25, P=0.01) following paroxetine therapy. These results suggest that genetically determined variation in serotonin receptor genes makes a significant contribution to the efficacy of commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Smith, Professor Daniel
Authors: Wilkie, M.J.V., Smith, G., Day, R.K., Matthews, K., Smith, D.J., Blackwood, D., Reid, I.C., and Wolf, C.R.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Mental Health and Wellbeing
Journal Name:Pharmacogenomics Journal
ISSN:1470-269X
ISSN (Online):1473-1150

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record