NOS3 Gene and Suicide Attempts
Author Information
Author(s): Sáiz Pilar A, García-Portilla Maria P, Paredes Begoña, Arango Celso, Morales Blanca, Alvarez Victoria, Coto E Eliecer, Bascarán Teresa, Bousoño Manuel, Bobes Julio
Primary Institution: Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Oviedo
Hypothesis
Two functional genetic variants of the NOS3 gene (T-786C and 27-bp repeat in intron 4) would confer susceptibility to suicidal behavior.
Conclusion
The study found no evidence that NOS3 gene polymorphisms increase the risk of suicidal behavior.
Supporting Evidence
- Suicidal behavior is known to have a genetic component.
- NOS3 is involved in neuronal health, which may relate to depression.
- Prior studies suggested a link between NOS3 polymorphisms and suicidal behavior.
Takeaway
The researchers looked at genes to see if they could explain why some people attempt suicide, but they found no link.
Methodology
The study genotyped 186 suicide attempters and 420 healthy controls for specific NOS3 gene polymorphisms.
Potential Biases
None reported.
Limitations
Different psychiatric diagnoses were included in the suicide attempters sample.
Participant Demographics
186 suicide attempters (mean age 35, 36.6% males) and 420 healthy controls (mean age 40.6, 51.4% males), all of Caucasian Spanish origin.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.143
Confidence Interval
0.61–0.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website