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In a 2003 study, researchers reported a significant relation between risk for depression and polymorphisms of a serotonin transporter gene, 5-HTTLPR, that is responsible for serotonin uptake and metabolism (JW Gen Med Aug 5 2003). That finding is challenged in this meta-analysis of 14 more recent studies that assessed risk associated with both the 5-HTTLPR genotype and stressful life events in 14,000 people; roughly 1800 were depressed.
The presence of depression was associated in dose-dependent fashion with number of stressful life events: One event, two events, and three events were associated with 30%, twofold, and threefold increased risks for depression, respectively. No association was noted between risk for depression and the interact…