NO ASSOCIATION BETWEEN A POLYMORPHISM IN THE PROMOTER REGION OF THE MAOA GENE WITH ANTISOCIAL PERSONALITY TRAITS IN ALCOHOLICS

— Aims: We analysed the MAOAuVNTR functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the X-chromosomal monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene. Genotypes with three-repeat alleles were reported to be associated with antisocial as well as impulsive traits. Methods: The repeat number (3–5) of the MAOA polymorphism was determined in 169 male alcoholic subjects and 72 controls of German descent. Behavioural and personality traits were evaluated using the Brown–Goodwin Assessment for History of Lifetime Aggression, the Buss Durkee Hostility Inventory, as well as the Barrat Impulsiveness Score. A median split in Brown–Goodwin, Buss Durkee Irritability, Buss Durkee Assault and Barrat Impulsiveness Score was conducted. Results: High scores were found, i.e. 47.9% in Brown–Goodwin, 65.7% in Buss Durkee Irritability, 63.3% in Buss Durkee Assault and 59.8% in Barrat Impulsiveness Scale, indicating high impulsiveness, irritability and antisocial behaviour. Based on the results of these questionnaires, we detected no significant differences between the frequency of the three-repeat allele and high or low scores in alcoholics and controls. Conclusions: Taken together, these findings suggest that the three-repeat allele of the MAOAuVNTR 30-bp polymorphism is not associated with impulsive and aggressive personality traits.