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A Potential Role of the 5-HTTLPR Polymorphism in Self-Reported Executive Functioning

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 February 2017

Margarita V. Alfimova ,
Vera Golimbet ,
Tatyana Lezheiko  and
Galina Korovaitseva
Margarita V. Alfimova*
Affiliation:
Mental Health Research Center (Russia)
Vera Golimbet
Affiliation:
Mental Health Research Center (Russia)
Tatyana Lezheiko
Affiliation:
Mental Health Research Center (Russia)
Galina Korovaitseva
Affiliation:
Mental Health Research Center (Russia)
*
*Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Dr. Margarita V. Alfimova. Principal Investigator. Department of Clinical Genetics. Mental Health Research Center. Kashirskoe shosse 34. 115522. Moscow (Russia). Phone: +7–4991320062, +7–9169195348. E-mail: m.alfimova@gmail.com
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Abstract

Intense effort is directed toward searching for associations between genes and neuropsychological measures of executive functions. In contrast, the impact of genetic polymorphisms on self-rating of everyday executive functioning has not been investigated so far. This study was designed to test associations of self-reported executive functioning, measured with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-A), with dopaminergic and serotoninergic genes in non-clinical population and to assess impact of neuropsychological and personality characteristics on these associations. One hundred healthy adults completed the BRIEF-A, personality inventories SPQ-74, STAI, MMPI, and neuropsychological tests for executive functions. Polymorphisms in the DRD4, COMT, DRD2, HTR2A, and SLC6A4 genes were genotyped. We revealed a significant main effect of the SLC6A4’s 5-HTTLPR polymorphism on BRIEF-A scores (F = 2.21, P = .018, η2 = .24). Among the BRIEF-A measures, the genotype effect was significant for the Plan/Organize (F = 7.34, P = .008, η2 = .07) and Task Monitor scales (F = 4.33, P = .04, η2 = .04), and the Metacognition index (F = 4.21, P = .043, η2 = .04). Carriers of the short allele reported fewer problems than homozygotes for the long allele. Correlations of the BRIEF-A measures with neuropsychological variables were weak, while those with personality characteristics were strong, with trait anxiety being the most powerful predictor of the BRIEF-A scores. However, the relationship between the 5-HTTLPR and BRIEF-A scores remained significant when trait anxiety was controlled for. The results suggest a potential role of the 5-HTTLPR in self-reported everyday task planning and monitoring.

Keywords

BRIEF-Acognitive controldopaminegeneserotonin
Type
Research Article
Information
The Spanish Journal of Psychology , Volume 20 , 2017 , E13
Copyright
Copyright © Universidad Complutense de Madrid and Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de Madrid 2017 

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