Monoamine oxidase a polymorphism in Brazilian patients: risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease?

J Mol Neurosci. 2005;27(2):213-7. doi: 10.1385/JMN:27:2:213.

Abstract

Different studies have attempted to find polymorphisms involved in the serotonergic pathway that could be involved in mood disorders and late-onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD) symptoms. Here, we compared the frequency of two polymorphisms: monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) and serotonin transporter in LOAD patients versus controls. No evidence of association was observed when these polymorphisms were compared separately; however, the combination of the MAOA allele 1+the short allele of 5-HTTLPR+ApoE-epsilon4 was significantly more frequent in patients than in controls. It reinforces the hypothesis that different genes acting together might play a role in AD susceptibility. Based on these data, we suggest replicating these studies in larger samples of LOAD patients belonging to different ethnic groups.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / enzymology*
  • Alzheimer Disease / genetics*
  • Alzheimer Disease / physiopathology
  • Apolipoproteins E / genetics
  • Brazil
  • Female
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Monoamine Oxidase / genetics*
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Polymorphism, Genetic*
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics

Substances

  • Apolipoproteins E
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins
  • Monoamine Oxidase