Polymorphism of the SLC6A4 gene of the SERT transporter in individuals with completed suicide

Introduction. Suicide has been related to diverse affective pathologies, including depression; this entity has been linked to polymorphisms of the genes that code for the serotonin transporters and other neurotransmitters, which could occur in individuals with completed suicides. Material and Methods: Blood samples were taken from 9 individuals who died due to suicide attempt in the Medical Forensic Service of the Jaliscience Institute of Forensic Sciences; DNA was extracted by means of the Promega Wizard Genomic DNA Purification Kit. For the detection of the polymorphism the endpoint PCR technique was performed with specific primers for SCT6A4 of SERT, for detection of the s / s and l / l polymorphisms. Results: We included 9 individuals aged 31 to 73 years, 8 male and 1 female, of Mexican origin and 5 individuals as a control group, who died due to non-suicidal vehicular collision. Of the group of suicides, in 7 (78%) the polymorphism l / l corresponding to the amplified product of 512 bp was observed and in 2 (22%) the s / s polymorphism corresponding to the amplified product of 468 bp. In the control group, the polymorphism l / l was amplified in 4 individuals (80%) and the s / s in 1 (20%). Conclusion: No statistically significant differences were found between the prevalence of polymorphisms of the SCL6A4 gene in individuals with completed suicide compared to the control group. It is possible that SERT activity is only a marker of sensitivity to antidepressant treatment. Keywords: Violent death, homicide, suicide, rural community