NACP-Rep1 relates to Beck Depression Inventory scores in healthy humans

J Mol Neurosci. 2011 May;44(1):41-7. doi: 10.1007/s12031-011-9493-7. Epub 2011 Jan 27.

Abstract

Alpha-synuclein (SNCA) is associated with a range of psychiatric diseases including neurodegeneration, alcohol craving, and depression. It regulates cellular homeostasis by virtue of its ability to interfere in dopaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic pathways. To date, it is unclear whether the previously described association between SNCA and depressive symptomatology is limited to females with eating disorders or whether it could be extended to include healthy individuals. We included 105 women and 108 men. Genetic data and mRNA expression analyses were drawn from peripheral blood and the severity of depressive symptoms was quantified by the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). We found a significant association between the NACP-Rep1 length polymorphism and the BDI score (p = 0.004). Moreover, there was a significant gender dimorphism regarding mRNA expression of SNCA (p = 0.011). Our analysis revealed no further association between the In4 polymorphism or between the mRNA expression of SNCA and the BDI score. Since this investigation was limited to healthy individuals, conclusions concerning depression according to ICD-10 or DSM-IV cannot be drawn. The reported results may contribute to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms linked to depressive symptoms.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Depression / genetics*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Introns
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales*
  • Repetitive Sequences, Nucleic Acid*
  • Young Adult
  • alpha-Synuclein / genetics*
  • alpha-Synuclein / metabolism

Substances

  • alpha-Synuclein