The effect of the polymorphisms of 5-HTTLPR on new onset of depression in patients who underwent pacemaker implantation.

AIM: To study the role of serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) polymorphisms in the incidence of depression in a Chinese cohort who underwent pacemaker (PM) implantation. METHODS: A total of 294 patients treated with PMs were enrolled. The 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism was determined. RESULTS: We found that the 5-HTTLPR SS genotype was significantly associated with the risk of depression after PM implantation (odds ratio=3.916, compared with LL carriers, P<0.001), especially in female patients and patients who are smokers. Female SS genotype carries 9.75 times higher risk for depression, and smokers with the SS genotype had 9.45 times higher risk for new onset of depression after the procedure. Pace mode had no influence on the onset of depression. CONCLUSION: This study suggests a significant association between the 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism and the new onset of depression after PM implantation, especially in women or those who were smokers.