Polymorphisms of genes for heat shock proteins (HSP 70), apolipoprotein E (APOE), serotonin transporter (5-HTT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the serotonin receptor 2A (5-HT2A) in depressive disorder and Alzheimer's disease
Abstract
Gene polymorphisms of genes for the apolipoprotein E (APOE), serotonin transporter (5-HTT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), heat shock proteins (HSP70) and serotonin receptor 2A (5-HT2A) were measured in patients with depressive disorder (MD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and in healthy controls. The association of these polymorphisms was analyzed with a risk of disease and the possibility of partially common genetic basis of the MD and AD.
Association of MD with gene polymorphisms was significant or close to significance for HSPA1A gene encoding HSP70, SLC6A4 gene encoding 5-HTT, or the BDNF gene polymorphisms. These associations were more significant for the subgroup of responders to pharmacotherapy.
The most statistically significant association was observed between AD and APOE polymorphisms. The relationship between AD and gene polymorphisms of HSPA1A or SLC6A4 might be also significant.
The risk of MD may be associated with polymorphisms in genes for HSP70, BDNF, and the 5-HTT. The risk of AD is associated in particular with polymorphisms in the APOE gene, but the risk may be increased by polymorphisms of genes for HSP70 and 5-HTT.
Our results show that the activity of the 5-HTT and HSP70 may contribute to the pathophysiology of both MD and AD.