[Association of 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter gene polymorphism with asthma and comorbid depression].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular genetic mechanism of complicating depression in asthma by detecting two gene polymorphisms of 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter (5-HTTLPR/Stin2) gene. METHODS: One hundred fifty-six adults with asthma were collected, and divided into group of asthma with depression (HAMD score > or = 8) and group of asthma without depression or single asthma (HAMD score <8) according to the score of Hamilton depression scale (HAMD). A total of 508 adults with depression alone and 433 healthy individuals were enrolled as controls. The target gene fragments containing the polymorphic regions of 5-HTTLPR and Stin2 were amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The amplified fragments were then analyzed using agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and motored molecular imaging system. RESULTS: The frequencies of genotype and allele distribution of the Stin2 polymorphism showed that males with genotype Stin2.12/Stin2.10 and allele Stin2.10 had higher risk for asthma than the others (Stin2.12/Stin2.10: OR = 2.291, 95% CI: 1.195 and 4.390; Stin2.10: OR = 1.942, 95% CI: 1.069-3.527). No significant difference was found in the frequencies of genotype and allele distribution of the 5-HTTLPR locus between the asthma and healthy control groups and the two stratified by gender. CONCLUSION: The Stin2 polymorphism may play a role in the onset of male asthma. There might be association between the genetic pathogenesis of asthma and depression.

[The study on relationship between negative mood states and asthma control and quality of life].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between psychological status including depression and anxiety, and asthma control and quality of life. METHODS: A brief, structured psychiatric interview using the Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) and the Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) were applied to 156 consecutive adults with confirmed, physician-diagnosed asthma. Asthma control and asthma-related quality of life were assessed using the asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) and the asthma quality of life questionnaire (AQLQ). Detection of FEV1, FVC and PEF with standard spirometry for all patients was conducted. The patients were divided into depression (DG), anxiety (AG), depression and anxiety (ADG), and non depression and/or non anxiety (NADG) groups according to the scores for depression and anxiety degree. Level of asthma control, quality of life and pulmonary function of different groups were compared and a multiple regression model was set for the analisis. RESULTS: Sixty five percent of patients (n=101) had symptoms of depression or anxiety (18% had depression, 5% had anxiety, and 42% had both). Analyses revealed independent effects for depression but not anxiety, on total ACQ and AQLQ scores (both P<0.05). Moreover, there was no interaction effects on anxiety and depression coupled with anxiety. CONCLUSION: It suggests that depression but not anxiety, is associated with worse asthma control and asthma-related quality of life. Physicians should consider the differential impact of negative mood states when assessing levels of asthma control and quality of life.