Association between the serotonin transporter triallelic genotype and eating problems is moderated by the experience of childhood trauma in women.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

This study investigated a potential interaction between the triallelic polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) promoter and the experience of childhood trauma on the number of problem eating behaviors.

Method

The study sample was comprised of 439 (64.7% female) Caucasian college students (mean age = 22.49, SD = 6.12). Participants completed questionnaires that assessed eating problems and experience of trauma in childhood (ages 0-12) and donated cheek cells for 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 genotyping.

Results

Women carrying a lower expressing allele (i.e., L(G) or S) who were exposed to higher levels of childhood trauma reported significantly higher mean numbers of eating problems (gender × genotype × trauma interaction, p = .006).

Discussion

SUBMITTER: Stoltenberg SF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3397386 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature