Original articleAssociation between serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism and suicide: results of a meta-analysis
Section snippets
Literature search
To identify studies eligible for this meta-analysis, we conducted a computerized search (MEDLINE) using the following key words: “(serotonin transporter gene OR serotonin transporter OR 5-HTT)” AND “(suicide OR suicidal behavior).” We also used reference lists from identified articles and reviews to find additional articles not indexed by MEDLINE. In-press articles in psychiatric journals were also examined.
Inclusion criteria
Only those studies examining the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism were included in the current
Results
Through the literature search and selection based on the inclusion criteria, 25 studies were found (Baca-Garcia et al., 2002, Bayle et al., 2003, Bellivier et al., 2000, Bondy et al., 2000, Campi-Azevedo et al., 2003, Chong et al., 2000, Courtet et al., 2001, Courtet et al., 2003, Du et al., 1999, Du et al., 2001, Faludi et al., 2000, Fitch et al., 2001, Geijer et al., 2000, Gorwood et al., 2000, Ho et al., 2000, Hranilovic et al., 2003, Joiner et al., 2002, Mann et al., 2000, Ohara et al., 1998
Discussion
Suicide is a common comorbidity with psychiatric diseases. During past decades, despite much progress in the treatment of most of the common psychiatric diseases, there has been relatively little change in suicide rates. This reflects a paucity of understanding of the neurobiological bases of this complex behavioral trait. In this study, through analyzing its association with the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism by meta-analytic methods, we attempted to understand the contribution of a genetically altered
Acknowledgements
GT is supported partly by National Institute of Mental Health grants P50 MH60450 and R01 MH51290, and grants from the International Rett Syndrome Foundation, the National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, and the Stanley Foundation. P-YL is supported by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan.
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