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Polymorphisms of the cholecystokinin gene promoter region in suicide victims in Japan.

Shindo S, Yoshioka N

Division of Forensic Sciences, Department of Social Medicine, Akita University School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita 010-8543, Japan. shoko@med.akita-u.ac.jp

Cholecystokinin (CCK), a neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS), co-exists in a large portion of A10 dopamine neurons to exert some effect on dopamine behavior. The aim of this study was to determine whether any association exists between the genotype of CCK gene promoter regions (-45C/T and -196G/A) and suicidal behavior. Genotypes and allele frequencies of CCK -45C/T and -196G/A were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis on the genomic DNA from selected suicide victims (N=154) and from control subjects (N=328). Statistical analysis was performed using the Mantel-Haesnzel chi2-test and multiple logistic regression analysis with distinction of gender. An association between CCK -196G/A polymorphism and suicidal behavior in Japanese males was confirmed by statistical analysis (Odds ratio: 3.462, 95% CI: 1.128-10.626, P=0.038 by multiple logistic regression analysis). However, a significant association between CCK -196G/A polymorphism and suicidal behavior was not discovered in females. The polymorphism of the CCK gene promoter region was found to represent a susceptibility factor for suicidal behavior in Japanese males.

Published 19 April 2005 in Forensic Sci Int, 150(1): 85-90.
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