A weak association between TH and DRD2 genes and bipolar affective disorder in a Spanish sample

Abstract

Genetic factors play an important role in the aetiology of bipolar affective disorder (BP). So far, results of linkage studies have been largely disappointing. We have searched for a possible association between polymorphic DNA-markers of two candidate genes (tyrosine hydroxylase, TH; dopamine D2 receptor gene, DRD2) and BP in a population from central Spain. Our results are consistent with the existence of a weak association between these two genes and BP, in such a way that TH and DRD2 could be considered as minor genes contributing to susceptibility.