Monoamine oxidase (MAO) intron 13 polymorphism and platelet MAO-B activity in combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involves alterations in multiple neuroendocrine and neurotransmitter systems. Platelet monoamine oxidase (MAO-B) has been associated with susceptibility to various psychiatric disorders, personality traits and behaviors.

METHODS:

Platelet MAO-B activity and MAO-B intron 13 polymorphism (a G/A substitution) were determined in male war veterans (n=106) with DSM-IV diagnosed current and chronic PTSD, divided into subgroups of PTSD patients with (n=28) or without (n=78) psychotic features, combat exposed veterans (n=41) who did not develop PTSD, and healthy control men (n=242).

RESULTS:

Two-way ANOVAs revealed a significant effect of diagnosis and smoking, a significant effect of smoking, no significant effect of genotype, and no significant interaction between genotype, smoking or diagnosis, on platelet MAO-B activity. One-way ANOVAs showed significantly lower platelet MAO-B activity in smokers than in nonsmokers. After controlling for smoking, veterans with psychotic PTSD had significantly higher platelet MAO-B activity than veterans with or without PTSD, or healthy subjects.

LIMITATIONS:

The results were obtained on peripheral biochemical marker, i.e. platelet MAO activity.

CONCLUSIONS:

The MAO-B intron 13 polymorphism was not functional, and did not affect platelet MAO-B activity. The allele frequencies of the MAO-B genotype were similarly distributed among healthy controls and veterans with or without PTSD and/or psychotic symptoms. The results suggest that platelet MAO-B activity, controlled for smoking status, might be used as a peripheral marker of the psychotic symptoms in PTSD.

• Authors: Nela Pivac, Jelena Knezevic, Dragica Kozaric-Kovacic, Martina Dezeljin, Maja Mustapic, Davor Rak, Tanja Matijevic, Jasminka Pavelic, Dorotea Muck-Seler
• Journal: Journal of affective disorders (J Affect Disord) Vol. 103 Issue 1-3 Pg. 131-8 (Nov 2007) ISSN: 0165-0327 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 17289152 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Genetic Markers
• Monoamine Oxidase

Topics

• Adult
• Blood Platelets (enzymology)
• Combat Disorders (enzymology, genetics)
• Croatia
• Genetic Markers (genetics)
• Genetic Predisposition to Disease (genetics)
• Genotype
• Humans
• Introns (genetics)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Monoamine Oxidase (blood, genetics)
• Polymorphism, Genetic (genetics)
• Psychotic Disorders (enzymology, genetics)
• Veterans (psychology)