No Link Between COMT Gene Variant and Suicidal Behavior
Author Information
Author(s): Tovilla-Zárate Carlos, Juárez-Rojo Isela, Ramón-Frias Teresa, Villar-Soto Mario, Pool-García Sherezada, Medellín Beatriz Camarena, Genis Mendoza Alma D, Narvaez Lilia López, Humberto Nicolini
Primary Institution: Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco
Hypothesis
Is there an association between the COMT val158met polymorphism and suicidal behavior?
Conclusion
The study found no association between the COMT val158met polymorphism and suicidal behavior.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 105 patients who attempted suicide and 236 controls.
- No significant differences in allele or genotype frequencies were found.
- The meta-analysis included 12 studies and showed no association.
- Results suggest that COMT may not directly influence suicidal behavior.
- Further studies with larger samples are needed to confirm these findings.
Takeaway
The study looked at a gene that some thought might be linked to suicide attempts, but it turns out it doesn't seem to be related.
Methodology
A case-control study with 105 patients who attempted suicide and 236 controls, followed by a meta-analysis of 12 studies.
Potential Biases
Potential publication bias as negative studies are less likely to be published.
Limitations
The study did not evaluate childhood abuse and had a small sample size, which may limit the findings.
Participant Demographics
105 patients (55 males, 50 females) with a mean age of 30.5 years; 236 controls (132 males, 104 females) with a mean age of 34.5 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.26
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 0.97-1.23
Statistical Significance
p=0.26
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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