OBJECTIVES: Dysfunctions of the "social brain" belong to the core features of schizophrenia. The neurohormone oxytocin (OXT), mediated through its specific receptor (OXTR), is involved in the regulation of social behaviour and social cognition. Previous research has suggested a role of OXT system genes in disorders of social reciprocity. Preliminary evidence points to an association of peripheral OXT levels as well as OXT and OXTR gene polymorphisms with psychotic symptoms and treatment response in schizophrenia. This study aims to determine a possible contribution of OXT and OXTR genetic variations to schizophrenia susceptibility. METHODS: Using n = 406 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV and n = 406 healthy controls matched for age and gender in a case-control design, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the OXT gene (rs2740204, rs2740210) and four SNPs within the OXTR gene (rs53576, rs237880, rs237885, rs237902) that were previously investigated in other studies were genotyped. RESULTS: Chi(2)-testing suggested significant associations of OXTR SNPs rs53576(A > G) (P = 0.008) and rs237885(T > G) (P = 0.025) with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Post-hoc ANCOVA revealed significant associations of OXTR SNPs rs53576 with general psychopathology and rs237902 with negative symptom scores in schizophrenic patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support hypotheses about an involvement of oxytocinergic gene variants in schizophrenia vulnerability and warrant independent replication.
OBJECTIVES: Dysfunctions of the "social brain" belong to the core features of schizophrenia. The neurohormone oxytocin (OXT), mediated through its specific receptor (OXTR), is involved in the regulation of social behaviour and social cognition. Previous research has suggested a role of OXT system genes in disorders of social reciprocity. Preliminary evidence points to an association of peripheral OXT levels as well as OXT and OXTR gene polymorphisms with psychotic symptoms and treatment response in schizophrenia. This study aims to determine a possible contribution of OXT and OXTR genetic variations to schizophrenia susceptibility. METHODS: Using n = 406 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia according to DSM-IV and n = 406 healthy controls matched for age and gender in a case-control design, two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the OXT gene (rs2740204, rs2740210) and four SNPs within the OXTR gene (rs53576, rs237880, rs237885, rs237902) that were previously investigated in other studies were genotyped. RESULTS: Chi(2)-testing suggested significant associations of OXTR SNPs rs53576(A > G) (P = 0.008) and rs237885(T > G) (P = 0.025) with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Post-hoc ANCOVA revealed significant associations of OXTR SNPs rs53576 with general psychopathology and rs237902 with negative symptom scores in schizophrenicpatients. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support hypotheses about an involvement of oxytocinergic gene variants in schizophrenia vulnerability and warrant independent replication.
Authors: Daniela Ávila-González; Larry J Young; Francisco Camacho; Raúl G Paredes; Néstor F Díaz; Wendy Portillo Journal: J Vis Exp Date: 2020-06-10 Impact factor: 1.355
Authors: Minji Bang; Jee In Kang; Se Joo Kim; Jin Young Park; Kyung Ran Kim; Su Young Lee; Kyungmee Park; Eun Lee; Seung-Koo Lee; Suk Kyoon An Journal: Schizophr Bull Date: 2019-10-24 Impact factor: 9.306
Authors: Orna Levran; Matthew Randesi; Yi Li; John Rotrosen; Jurg Ott; Miriam Adelson; Mary Jeanne Kreek Journal: Ann Hum Genet Date: 2014-04-26 Impact factor: 1.670
Authors: Teodor T Postolache; Laura Del Bosque-Plata; Serge Jabbour; Michael Vergare; Rongling Wu; Claudia Gragnoli Journal: Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet Date: 2019-02-06 Impact factor: 3.568
Authors: Sara M Freeman; Julie Ngo; Bhavdeep Singh; Megan Masnaghetti; Karen L Bales; James E Blevins Journal: Neuroscience Date: 2018-07-31 Impact factor: 3.590