5HTTLPR polymorphism and postpartum depression risk: A meta-analysis

Abstract

Objective:Postpartum depression (PPD) is an episode of major depressive disorder that affecting women of childbearing age. 5-HTTLPR is 1 of the most extensively investigated polymorphisms in PPD. However, the previous results were inconsistent and inclusive. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to precisely evaluate the association between 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and PPD susceptibility.Methods:The studies were retrieved through databases including PubMed, web of science, EMASE, and CNKI. The odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs) were applied for evaluating the genetic association between 5-HTTLPR (L/S) polymorphism and PPD risk.Results:Six studies with 519 cases and 737 controls were enrolled in the present study. The frequencies of allelic (OR=0.72, 95%CI=0.60-0.85, P=.0001) and dominant (OR=0.57, 95%CI=0.44-0.73, P=.004) models of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism significantly decreased in patients with PPD than those in the healthy controls. Subgroup analysis based on ethnicity revealed that the allelic (OR=0.71, 95%CI=0.60-0.85, P=.0001) and dominant (OR=0.51, 95%CI=0.32-0.79, P=.003) models of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism were significantly associated with PPD risk in Asian population (P>.05). No evidence was observed between the recessive model of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and PPD risk (P>.05).Conclusions:The allelic and dominant models of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism might be protective factors for PPD. To confirm these results, larger number of association studies or multicenter case-control studies are necessary in the future.