Potential contribution of monoamine oxidase a gene variants in ADHD and behavioral co-morbidities: scenario in eastern Indian probands

Neurochem Res. 2014 May;39(5):843-52. doi: 10.1007/s11064-014-1276-4. Epub 2014 Mar 21.

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most frequently diagnosed behavioral disorder in children with a high frequency of co-morbid conditions like conduct disorder (CD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). These traits are controlled by neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), a mitochondrial enzyme involved in the degradation of amines, has been reported to be associated with aggression, impulsivity, depression, and mood changes. We hypothesized that MAOA can have a potential role in ADHD associated CD/ODD and analyzed 24 markers in a group of Indo-Caucasoid subjects. ADHD probands and controls (N = 150 each) matched for ethnicity and gender were recruited following the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders-IV. Appropriate scales were used for measuring CD and ODD traits. Markers were genotyped by PCR-based methods and data obtained analyzed using the Cocaphase program under UNPHASED. Only eight markers were found to be polymorphic. rs6323 "G" allele showed higher frequencies in ADHD (P = 0.0023), ADHD + CD (P = 0.03) and ADHD + ODD (P = 0.01) as compared to controls. Haplotype analysis revealed statistically significant difference for three haplotypes in ADHD cases (P < 0.02). Statistically significant differences were also noticed for haplotypes in ADHD + CD and ADHD + ODD cases (P < 0.01). LD analysis showed significant variation in different groups. Multidimensionality reduction analysis showed independent as well as interactive effects of markers. Genotypes showed correlation with behavioral problems in ADHD and ADHD + CD. We interpret that MAOA gene variants may contribute to the etiology of ADHD as well as associated co-morbid CD and ODD in this ethnic group.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / enzymology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / genetics*
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / enzymology
  • Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / genetics
  • Comorbidity
  • Conduct Disorder / genetics
  • Female
  • Haplotypes
  • Humans
  • India
  • Male
  • Minisatellite Repeats
  • Monoamine Oxidase / genetics*
  • White People / genetics

Substances

  • Monoamine Oxidase