Associations between personality traits and polymorphisms in genes related to inflammation in women

• Both inflammation and certain personality traits have been associated with depression; however, the mechanisms underlying these connections are unknown. The present study investigates two single nucleotide polymorphisms located in genes that are associated with inflammation with regards to personality traits in order to examine the possible involvement of inflammation in general brain functions. The first polymorphism, +1444C>T (rs1130864), is located in the gene coding for C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of low-grade inflammation, and has previously been linked to raised serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP. The second polymorphism, Y402H (rs1061170), is located in the gene coding for complement factor H (CFH), an important regulator of the complement system. CRP binds to CFH and thereby augments the ability of CFH to down regulate the alternative pathway of complement. The 402H allele has consistently been associated with age-related macular degeneration and was recently linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The population consisted of 270 women recruited from the population registry. These women were assessed by means of Karolinska Scale of Personality, a self-reported inventory. The +1444T allele was significantly associated with higher scores in the personality traits impulsiveness, monotony avoidance and social desirability (p=0.0016, p=0.016 and p=0.048, respectively). The 402H polymorphism was significantly associated with higher levels of the personality trait verbal aggression (p=0.008). In conclusion, the association between the studied CRP and CFH polymorphisms and personality traits further supports the association between the immune system and mental functions.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Medicinsk genetik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Medical Genetics (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)