The interaction between estradiol change and the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism is associated with postpartum depressive symptoms. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hu, Jiajia; Zhou, Borong; Li, Yingtao; Deng, Yanhua; He, Qing; Ye, Junwei; Ning, Yuping
• Is Part Of: Psychiatric genetics. Volume 29:Number 4(2019:Aug.)
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: estradiol change -- interaction -- postpartum depression -- serotonin transporter gene polymorphism; Mental illness -- Genetic aspects -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.89042
• DOI: 10.1097/YPG.0000000000000222
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0955-8829

Abstract

Abstract : Although estrogenic fluctuation is considered a major risk factor for postpartum depression (PPD), the effects of the interactions between the genetic background and estradiol (E2) change on PPD are not well understood. Here, a cohort study with 437 postpartum women was carried out to evaluate the role of a serotonin transporter gene polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and E2 change on the risk of PPD symptoms. The participants were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Self-Rating Depression Scale at 1 and 6 weeks after delivery. The PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism method was utilized to examine the genotype distribution of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, and the serum levels of E2 were determined in individuals in the third trimester of pregnancy and at 1 week postpartum. A significant association was observed between E2 change and PPD susceptibility in the late postpartum period (6 weeks) [ P = 0.002, odds ratio (OR) = 2.341, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.361–4.027], but it was not observed in the early postpartum period (1 week). There was no significant association between the 5-HTTLPR genotype and PPD risk at both the early and late postpartum periods ( P > 0.05). However, the interaction between E2 change and the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism could reasonably influence PPD risk. The women who carried the SS genotype with large decreases in E2 showed a significantly higher risk for PPD at both the early ( P = 0.002, OR = 2.525, 95% CI = 1.384–4.059) and late postpartum periods ( P < 0.001, OR = 3.108, 95% CI = 1.562–4.436) compared with those who carried the SL/LL genotype. This study suggests that there is an association between E2 change in the perinatal period with the 5-HTTLPR genotype and the occurrence of PPD.