Abstract |
Perinatal mood disorders, such as postpartum depression ( PPD), are costly for society, with potentially serious consequences for mother and child. While multiple genes appear to play a role in PPD susceptibility, the contributions of specific genetic variations remain unclear. Previously implicated as a candidate gene, the estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1) is a key player in mediating hormonal differences during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This study addresses genetic factors in perinatal mood disorders, testing nine polymorphisms in ESR1. Two hundred fifty-seven postpartum women were screened for mood disorders, including 52 women with PPD and 32 without any symptoms of mood disorders. We detected a significant association for the upstream TA microsatellite repeat with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores (p = 0.007). The same variant was also associated with the occurrence of PPD. Separately, 11 candidate functional polymorphisms in 7 additional genes were genotyped to investigate gene-gene interaction with the ESR1 TA repeat, identifying a potential interaction with the serotonin transporter. Our results support a role for ESR1 in the etiology of PPD, possibly through the modulation of serotonin signaling. Our findings for ESR1 could have broad implications for other disorders and therapies that involve estrogens.
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Authors | Julia K Pinsonneault, Danielle Sullivan, Wolfgang Sadee, Claudio N Soares, Elizabeth Hampson, Meir Steiner |
Journal | Archives of women's mental health
(Arch Womens Ment Health)
Vol. 16
Issue 6
Pg. 499-509
(Dec 2013)
ISSN: 1435-1102 [Electronic] Austria |
PMID | 23917948
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- ESR1 protein, human
- Estrogen Receptor alpha
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Topics |
- Adult
- Case-Control Studies
- Depression, Postpartum
(diagnosis, genetics)
- Estrogen Receptor alpha
(genetics)
- Female
- Genetic Variation
- Genotype
- Humans
- Interview, Psychological
- Interviews as Topic
- Logistic Models
- Mothers
(psychology)
- Pilot Projects
- Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
- Pregnancy
- Risk Factors
- Young Adult
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