Depressive symptoms and APOE polymorphisms in an elderly population-based sample

Carmen García-Peña, Teresa Juarez-Cedillo, David Cruz-Robles, José Manuel Fragoso, Sergio Sánchez-García, José Manuel Rodríguez-Pérez, Joseph J. Gallo, Fernando A. Wagner, Gilberto Vargas-Alarcón

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

AIM: Apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been regarded as the principal susceptibility gene linked with Alzheimer's disease, also suggesting a relationship with depression in the elderly population. Thus, the purpose was to investigate the association of APOE polymorphisms with depression in elderly adults. Methods: APOE polymorphisms were determined in a Mexican population-based sample older than 60 years (n=1566) using 5′ exonuclease TaqMan genotyping assays. Results: The distribution of the APOE allele and genotype frequencies was similar in patients with and without depression. There was no significant association between the presence of alleles or genotypes and depression and anxiety (Short Anxiety Screening Test) considering several combinations of other features. However, patients with the APOE*4 allele presented more thinking and concentration impairment than those patients with the APOE*3 allele. Conclusion: Genetic variation at the APOE gene may contribute to some depressive symptoms in late-onset depression, rather than being a specific risk factor.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)215-220
Number of pages6
JournalPsychiatric genetics
Volume20
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2010
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • apolipoprotein E
  • depression
  • depressive symptoms
  • elderly
  • genetic susceptibility

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Genetics
  • Genetics(clinical)
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Biological Psychiatry

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