Genetic variations associated with premorbid personality in patients with schizophrenia

AIM: To search for genetic variants associated with premorbid personality in patients with schizophrenia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The sample included 272 men diagnosed with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on premorbid personality difficulties: mild (group 1, n=110), moderate (group 2, n=113), marked (group 3, n=49). The following polymorphisms were genotyped: 5-HTR2A (T102C), 5-HTTLPR, BDNF (Val66Met), CRP (-717A>G). RESULTS: A significant increase in the frequency of the CC (5-HTR2A T102C), LL (5-HTTLPR) and Met/Met (BDNF Val66Met) genotypes was identified in group 3 compared to group 1. Frequencies of CC and LL genotypes were significantly higher in group 2 compared to group 1 as well. The differences between group 2 and group 3 were found only for the Met/Met genotype. There were no between-group differences in the frequencies of CRP (-717A>G) genotypes. CONCLUSION: 5-HTR2A (T102C), 5-HTTLPR, BDNF (Val66Met) polymorphisms previously reported to modify schizophrenia course are also associated with premorbid personality in schizophrenic patients.