Frontiers in Psychiatry (Feb 2021)

Interactions Between Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Gene Polymorphisms, Negative Life Events, and Susceptibility to Major Depressive Disorder in a Chinese Population

  • Jiarun Yang,
  • Siyuan Ke,
  • Zhengxue Qiao,
  • Xiuxian Yang,
  • Xiaohui Qiu,
  • Xuejia Song,
  • Erying Zhao,
  • Jiawei Zhou,
  • Mingzhe Zhao,
  • Yanjie Yang,
  • Deyu Fang,
  • Depin Cao

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.503477
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11

Abstract

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Background: Recent studies suggest that glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β is involved in the development of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between GSK-3β polymorphism (rs6438552, rs334558, and rs2199503) and negative life events in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD).Methods: DNA genotyping was performed on peripheral blood leukocytes in 550 patients with MDD and 552 age- and gender-matched controls. The frequency and severity of negative life events were assessed by the Life Events Scale (LES). A chi-square method was employed to assess the gene-environment interaction (G × E).Results: Differences in rs6438552, rs334558, and rs2199503 genotype distributions were observed between MDD patients and controls. Significant G × E interactions between allelic variation of rs6438552, rs334558, and rs2199503 and negative life events were observed. Individuals with negative life events and carrying genotypes of rs6438552 A+, rs334558 A+, and rs2199503G+ have increased the risk of depression.Conclusions: These results indicate that interactions between the GSK-3β rs6438552, rs334558, and rs2199503 polymorphisms and environment increases the risk of developing MDD.

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