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C957T polymorphism of the dopamine D 2 receptor (DRD 2 ) gene is associated with caffeine‐induced mood elevation in males
Author(s) -
Ozsungur Stephen Vahric,
ElSohemy Ahmed
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.21.5.a322-a
Subject(s) - genotype , mood , caffeine , medicine , endocrinology , stimulant , sexual dimorphism , polymorphism (computer science) , single nucleotide polymorphism , mood disorders , psychology , biology , psychiatry , genetics , gene , anxiety
Caffeine is the most widely consumed stimulant in the world and is associated with elevated mood in some individuals. This effect may be related to an increase in dopamine release. Caffeine consumption also leads to sexually dimorphic patterns of DRD 2 gene expression in mice, but differences in behavioral responses between men and women are not clear. A single nucleotide polymorphism (C957T) in the DRD 2 affects its binding potential and has been associated with certain mood disorders. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between DRD 2 genotypes and self‐reported behavioral responses to caffeine. Men and women (n=400) aged 20–29 years were asked to indicate the type and intensity of effects they experience up to 12 hrs after consuming a caffeinated beverage. DNA was isolated from blood samples and genotyped by real‐time PCR. Genotype frequencies were compared using χ 2 tests. Females were more likely than males to report an elevation in mood following caffeine consumption (51% vs. 37%, P=0.01). However, a significant association between DRD 2 genotype and mood was observed only among males. The proportion of male subjects who reported experiencing an elevation in mood was higher for those with the T/T (53%) genotype than those with the C/T (44%) or C/C (23%) genotypes (P=0.02). Among females, the proportion of subjects who reported an elevation in mood were 61%, 43% and 54% for those with T/T, C/T and C/C genotypes, respectively (P=0.11). These findings suggest that the DRD 2 gene mediates caffeine‐induced mood elevation in males. (Supported by AFMNet)