Association Study of Serotonin 3 Receptor Subunit Gene Variants in Antipsychotic-Induced Weight Gain

Neuropsychobiology. 2016;74(3):169-175. doi: 10.1159/000457903. Epub 2017 May 23.

Abstract

Background: Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a chronic severe neuropsychiatric disorder, where pharmacological treatment has been hindered by adverse effects, including antipsychotic-induced weight gain (AIWG) and related complications. Genetic studies have been exploring the appetite regulation and energy homeostasis pathways in AIWG with some promising leads. The serotonin system has been shown to participate in these pathways.

Methods: In the current study, we examined single nucleotide polymorphisms across the serotonin receptor genes HTR3A and HTR3B. Prospective weight change was assessed for a total of 149 SCZ patients of European ancestry.

Results: We did not find the tested HTR3A or HTR3B gene markers to be associated with AIWG in our sample.

Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggest that these receptors may not play a major role in predicting AIWG.

Keywords: Antipsychotic-induced weight gain; Pharmacogenetics; Schizophrenia; Serotonin 3A and 3B receptor genes (HTR3A, HTR3B).

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Body Weight / drug effects*
  • Female
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease / genetics*
  • Genotype
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Protein Subunits / genetics
  • Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3 / genetics*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy
  • Statistics, Nonparametric
  • Weight Gain / drug effects*
  • Weight Gain / genetics*
  • White People
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Protein Subunits
  • Receptors, Serotonin, 5-HT3