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Wednesday, March 26, 2008

The Short Allele of the Serotonin Transporter Promoter Polymorphism Influences Relapse in Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol and Alcoholism Advance Access published online on March 25, 2008


The short (S) allele of the serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) contributes to the risk of alcohol dependence and co-occurring clinical features. We studied the putative link between this allele and relapse.

48 alcohol-dependent male patients were recruited and genotyped for the 5-HTTLPR. Relapse to alcohol drinking was monitored during 3 months after standardized withdrawal.

The S allele was significantly associated with relapse (p = 0.008) while no other factor that was measured played a significant role.

The S allele of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism may influence the risk of relapse in abstinent alcohol-dependent patients, possibly through intermediate phenotypes.

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