A Functional Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphism and Depressive Effects Associated with Interferon-Alfa Treatment

摘要

Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) treatment frequently induces depression, potentially leading to early dose reductions or a shorter duration of treatment, which can adversely affect outcomes, including the quality of life. Defining relevant risk factors for IFN-α induced depression is essential in order to identify prophylactic treatment strategies. We examined whether a functional polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) in the gene encoding the serotonin transporter moderates IFN-α-induced depressive symptoms in 1,015 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) receiving pegylated IFN-α and ribavirin. Depressive symptoms were assessed at 0, 12, and 20 weeks of treatment. Depressive symptoms increased during antiviral treatment. 5-HTTLPR genotype moderated IFN-α-induced depressive symptoms in both Non-Hispanic Caucasians (NHCs; p = 0.009) and Hispanics (p = 0.036), though the opposite risk allele was associated with depression in the two populations. 5-HTTLPR may moderate risk for the development of depressive symptoms during IFN-α-therapy for CHC in a population-specific manner.