Influence of serotonin-transporter-linked promoter region polymorphism on platelet activation in geriatric depression.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

Depression has been associated with increased platelet activation. Variations in the serotonin-transporter-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism may influence the degree of activation. The authors examined the association among depression, platelet activation, and 5-HTTLPR genotype.

METHOD:

Elderly subjects with (N=61) and without (N=12) major depression were assessed for cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, and two indices of platelet activation. The depressed subjects were genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism.

RESULTS:

The depressed subjects were older, were more cognitively impaired, and had higher platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin levels; cardiovascular disease was minimal in both groups. In the depressed group, subjects with the 5-HTTLPR l/l genotype had significantly higher platelet factor 4 and beta-thromboglobulin levels.

CONCLUSIONS:

Platelet activation is increased in elderly depressed patients, especially those with the 5-HTTLPR l/l genotype. This finding suggests how genetic differences may influence cardiovascular mortality in depressed patients with ischemic heart disease.

• Authors: E M Whyte, B G Pollock, W R Wagner, B H Mulsant, R E Ferrell, S Mazumdar, C F Reynolds 3rd
• Journal: The American journal of psychiatry (Am J Psychiatry) Vol. 158 Issue 12 Pg. 2074-6 (Dec 2001) ISSN: 0002-953X [Print] United States
• PMID: 11729031 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Carrier Proteins
• Membrane Glycoproteins
• Membrane Transport Proteins
• Nerve Tissue Proteins
• SLC6A4 protein, human
• Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
• beta-Thromboglobulin
• Platelet Factor 4

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Alzheimer Disease (blood, genetics)
• Carrier Proteins (genetics)
• Coronary Thrombosis (blood, genetics)
• Depressive Disorder, Major (blood, genetics)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Membrane Glycoproteins (genetics)
• Membrane Transport Proteins
• Mental Status Schedule
• Nerve Tissue Proteins
• Platelet Activation (genetics)
• Platelet Factor 4 (metabolism)
• Polymorphism, Genetic (genetics)
• Promoter Regions, Genetic (genetics)
• Risk Factors
• Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
• beta-Thromboglobulin (metabolism)