Dopamine Transporter Gene and ADHD
Author Information
Author(s): Xu Xiaohui, Mill Jonathan, Sun Bo, Chen Chih-Ken, Huang Yu-Shu, Wu Yu-Yu, Asherson Philip
Primary Institution: MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK
Hypothesis
Is there an association between promoter polymorphisms of the dopamine transporter gene and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?
Conclusion
Genetic variation in the promoter region of the dopamine transporter gene may be a risk factor for developing ADHD, particularly in the Taiwanese population studied.
Supporting Evidence
- A significant association was found between the T allele of promoter polymorphism -67A/T and ADHD in the Taiwanese population.
- The T allele of -67A/T polymorphism was significantly over-transmitted to affected probands in the Taiwanese population.
- No association was detected between the -839C/T polymorphism and ADHD in either of the two populations.
Takeaway
This study looked at two specific genetic changes in a gene related to dopamine and found that one of them is linked to ADHD in Taiwanese children.
Methodology
Genotyping of two polymorphisms in ADHD patients from the UK and Taiwan using transmission disequilibrium test.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the selection of ADHD cases and the reliance on parental reports for diagnosis.
Limitations
The study did not find significant associations in the UK sample and was limited to specific populations.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 197 ADHD patients from the UK and 212 from Taiwan, aged 5-15 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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