Beta Adrenoceptor Polymorphism and Clinical Response to Sertraline in Major Depressive Patients.

PURPOSE: The adrenoceptor family, as one of the main contributors in regulating the noradrenergic system, has been studied in involvement of depression and its treatment. A functional polymorphism of G1165C on beta adrenoceptor (βAR) enhances post receptor signalling and is assumed to be involved in pharmacotherapy of depression. The aim of the present study was to discern the influence of G1165C polymorphism in the β1AR gene on individual differences in response to sertraline.

METHODS: One hundred newly diagnosed patients completed 6 weeks of sertraline treatment. Response to treatment was defined as a 50% decrease in Hamilton Rating Scale for depression (HRSD).

RESULTS: The patients who carried CC genotype responded five times more to sertraline comparing with other variants (P=0.005; OR=5.7; 95%CI=1.4-23.9). Moreover, carriers of C allele responded three times more to sertraline than patients with the G allele (P=0.001; OR= 3.3; 95%CI= 1.72-6.50).

CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our results support the hypothesis that genetic variation of β1AR might influence clinical response to sertraline. This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see "For Readers") may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue's contents page.