Association of the serotonin transporter gene, neuroticism and smoking behaviours

J Hum Genet. 2008;53(3):239-246. doi: 10.1007/s10038-007-0243-1. Epub 2008 Jan 10.

Abstract

Cigarette consumption and smoking cessation are influenced in part by genes. Personality traits have also been implicated in the aetiology of smoking. Neuroticism, a personality trait with a heritable component, correlates well with anxiety and depression, increasing the risk of being a smoker and decreasing the chance of smoking cessation. Several prior studies in non-British populations have given conflicting results as to whether some genetic polymorphisms affect the relationship between smoking and neuroticism. This study investigated the influence of serotonin transporter (5HTTLPR) genotypes on a composite measure of neuroticism and cigarette consumption/smoking cessation in a British population. Although neuroticism was significantly associated with cigarette consumption and smoking cessation, genotype did not affect this relationship. Our results do not support initial interest in utilising 5HTTLPR genotypes in combination with neuroticism ratings for predicting outcome in smoking cessation clinical settings.

MeSH terms

  • Confidence Intervals
  • Gene Frequency
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Neurotic Disorders / genetics*
  • Neurotic Disorders / psychology
  • Personality
  • Quantitative Trait Loci
  • Regression Analysis
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins / genetics*
  • Smoking / genetics*
  • Smoking / psychology
  • Smoking Cessation / statistics & numerical data

Substances

  • SLC6A4 protein, human
  • Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins