Molecular-genetic correlates of self-harming behaviors in eating-disordered women: findings from a combined Canadian-German sample.

Abstract

Across populations, findings suggest that rates of self-mutilation, suicidal acts, and other self-harming behaviors (SHBs) may be influenced by polymorphisms that code for activity of the serotonin transporter (e.g., 5HTTLPR) and the enzyme, monoamine oxidase A (e.g., MAOAuVNTR). SHBs being common in patients with Eating Disorders (EDs), we evaluated (in a large sample of eating-disordered women) relationships between triallelic 5HTTLPR and MAOAuVNTR variants, on the one hand, and SHBs, on the other. We had 399 eating-disordered women report on eating symptoms and lifetime history of SHBs, and provide blood samples for genotyping. Individuals carrying high-function MAOAuVNTR alleles reported a history of SHBs about twice as often as did carriers of low-function alleles. We obtained no comparable main effect of 5HTTLPR, or MAOAuVNTR×5HTTLPR interaction effect. Genetic variations did not predict severity of eating symptoms. As in other populations, our findings link the MAOAuVNTR high-function alleles with increased risk of self-directed harm in bulimic females. We discuss theoretical and clinical ramifications of our results.

• Authors: Howard Steiger, Manfred Fichter, Kenneth R Bruce, Ridha Joober, Ghislaine Badawi, Jodie Richardson, Patricia Groleau, Cinthia Ramos, Mimi Israel, Brigitta Bondy, Norbert Quadflieg, Nadine Bachetzky
• Journal: Progress in neuro-psychopharmacology & biological psychiatry (Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry) Vol. 35 Issue 1 Pg. 102-6 (Jan 15 2011) ISSN: 1878-4216 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 20869421 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
• Monoamine Oxidase

Topics

• Adult
• Canada
• Feeding and Eating Disorders (complications, genetics)
• Female
• Gene Frequency
• Genotype
• Germany
• Humans
• Minisatellite Repeats (genetics)
• Monoamine Oxidase (genetics)
• Polymorphism, Genetic (genetics)
• Promoter Regions, Genetic (genetics)
• Self-Injurious Behavior (etiology, genetics)
• Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins (genetics)
• Young Adult