Interaction between SERTPR and stressful life events on response to antidepressant treatment

Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2009 Jan;19(1):64-7. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.08.005. Epub 2008 Sep 23.

Abstract

A polymorphism within the serotonin transporter gene (SERTPR) has been repeatedly associated to mood disorders and response to SSRIs treatment. Recent evidence suggested that influence of genetic effect of SERTPR might be modulated by stress, particularly as regard the development of anxious-depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, there is no information about the role of stressors as potential modulator of SERTPR effects on depressive outcome during pharmacological treatment. In a sample of 159 mood disorder patients treated with fluvoxamine, we found stressors preceding the onset of the illness significantly influencing the genetic effect exerted by SERTPR on response after 6 weeks of treatment. This preliminary finding supports the idea of complex interaction between biological and environmental factors underlying the efficacy of biological treatments, other than liability for mood disorders. Nevertheless, many limitations characterize the present investigation and well-funded studies on larger samples are required.

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / therapeutic use
  • Bipolar Disorder / genetics
  • Bipolar Disorder / psychology
  • DNA / genetics
  • Fluvoxamine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Mood Disorders / drug therapy*
  • Mood Disorders / psychology
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / metabolism*
  • Stress, Psychological / genetics*
  • Stress, Psychological / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • SLC6A4 protein, human
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • DNA
  • Fluvoxamine