The oxytocin receptor rs2254298 polymorphism and alcohol withdrawal symptoms: a gene–environment interaction in mood disorders

Objective Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common mental characterized by repeated withdrawal episodes. Negative emotions during are the primary factors affecting successful abstinence. Oxytocin critical modulator of emotions. OXTR, oxytocin receptor, may also be promising candidate for treating alcohol symptoms. Previous studies indicated that people with different genotypes OXTR rs2254298 were reported to suffer from more significant depressive or heightened anxiety symptoms when experiencing early adversity. The present study aims explore modulatory role polymorphism on mood disorders and help researchers better understand develop effective relapse prevention interventions disorders. Methods We recruited 265 adult Chinese Han men AUD. Anxiety measured using Self-Rating Scale Depression Scale. dependence levels Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test. Genomic DNA extraction genotyping participants’ peripheral blood samples. Result First, multiple linear regression was used set level, OXTR.rs2254298, interaction terms as predictor variable, depression an outcome; age educational years covariates. There between level ( B = 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.01–0.45) but not −0.06, CI: −0.30 – 0.18). significance region test showed alcohol-dependent who GG homozygous likely experience than subjects A allele (A allele: β 0.27, p < 0.001; homozygote: 0.50, 0.001). Finally, re-parameterized analysis demonstrated this gene–environment fits weak differential susceptibility model R 2 0.17, F (5,259) 13.46, Conclusion This reveals interactive effect depression. From perspective interactions, model; homozygote carriers susceptible environment withdrawal.