Interactions Between Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Gene Polymorphisms, Negative Life Events, and Susceptibility to Major Depressive Disorder in a Chinese Population

Recent studies suggest that glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β is involved in the development of major depressive disorder (MDD). The aim of this study was to investigate the interaction between GSK-3β polymorphism (rs6438552, rs334558, and rs2199503) and negative life events in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). DNA genotyping was performed on peripheral blood leukocytes in 550 patients with MDD and 552 age- and gender-matched controls. The frequency and severity of negative life events were assessed by the Life Events Scale (LES). A chi-square method was employed to assess the gene-environment interaction (G × E). Differences in rs6438552, rs334558, and rs2199503 genotype distributions were observed between MDD patients and controls. Significant G × E interactions between allelic variation of rs6438552, rs334558, and rs2199503 and negative life events were observed. Individuals with negative life events and carrying genotypes of rs6438552 A , rs334558 A , and rs2199503G have increased the risk of depression. These results indicate that interactions between the GSK-3β rs6438552, rs334558, and rs2199503 polymorphisms and environment increases the risk of developing MDD.