MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism in a Brazilian sample: Further support for the association with impulsive behaviors and alcohol dependence
✍ Scribed by Verônica Contini; Francine Z.C. Marques; Carlos E.D. Garcia; Mara H. Hutz; Claiton H.D. Bau
- Publisher
- John Wiley and Sons
- Year
- 2006
- Tongue
- English
- Weight
- 58 KB
- Volume
- 141B
- Category
- Article
- ISSN
- 1552-4841
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✦ Synopsis
Abstract
The enzyme monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) plays an important role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters. The MAOA gene presents several polymorphisms, including a 30‐bp VNTR in the promoter region (MAOA‐uVNTR). Alleles with 3.5 and 4 repeats are 2–10 times more efficient than the 3‐repeat allele. Several studies have shown an association between the 3‐repeat allele and a cluster of externalizing behaviors including alcoholism, antisocial personality, and impulsivity. The objective of the present study is to replicate in a different culture the associations between the MAOA‐uVNTR with alcoholism and other phenotypes. The sample comprises 125 Brazilian alcoholics of European descent and 235 controls. The results suggest that the 3‐repeat allele is associated to: (1) alcohol dependence (P < 0.05); (2) an earlier onset of alcoholism (P < 0.01); (3) comorbid drug abuse among alcoholics (P < 0.05); and (4) a higher number of antisocial symptoms (P < 0.02). Our results confirmed previous reports showing an association of the low activity 3‐repeat allele of MAOA‐uVNTR polymorphism with substance dependence and impulsive/antisocial behaviors. These findings in a different culture further support the influence of the MAOA‐uVNTR in psychiatric disorders. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.