Serotonin transporter gene polymorphism as a predictor of short-term risk of suicide reattempts

DARAY, FEDERICO M.; ARENA, ÁNGELES R.; ARMESTO, ARNALDO R.; RODANTE, DEMIÁN E.; PUPPO, SOLEDAD; VIDJEN, PATRICIA; PORTELA, ALICIA; GRENDAS, LEANDRO N.; ERRASTI, ANDREA E.

EUROPEAN PSYCHIATRY

ELSEVIER FRANCE-EDITIONS SCIENTIFIQUES MEDICALES ELSEVIER

Año: 2018 vol. 54 p. 19 - 26

0924-9338

Objective: The serotonin-transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms are associated with suicidal behavior; however, prospective studies are scarce. Herein we aim to determine if 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms predict risk of short-term suicide reattempt in a high-risk suicidal sample. We also explore possible mediators or moderators of this relationship. Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study was designed to compare data obtained form 136 patients admitted to the emergency department for current suicidal ideation or a recent suicide attempt. Subjects were clinically evaluated, genotyped, and monitored for a new suicide attempt for 6 months. Results: At 6 months of follow up, 21% of the subjects had a new suicide attempt. The frequency of L-allele and L-carrier was higher in reattempters when compared with non-reattempters (55.8% vs. 35.4%, p = 0.01 and 76.9% vs. 54.2%, p = 0.04, respectively). Reattempters also differ from non-reattempters patients with respect to age, history of previous suicide attempts, and age of onset of suicidal behavior. The logistic regression model showed that L-carriers had an odds ratio of 2.8 (95% CI: 1.0?7.6) for reattempts when compared to SS genotype. The adjusted model indicates that this association is not mediated or moderated by impulsivity. Conclusion: The 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms predicted short-term risk of suicidal reattempt independently of age and sex. L-carriers have almost three times more risk of relapse when compared with SS carriers.