Effect of VNTR Polymorphism of the AS3MT Gene and Obstetrical Complications on the Severity of Schizophrenia

Abstract

The role of the VNTR polymorphism of the AS3MT gene in determining the clinical features of schizophrenia and schizophrenic spectrum disorders was studied. The analysis included 670 individuals. We found no differences in PANSS scores for positive, negative, and common psychopathological symptoms between the carriers of different genotypes. The interaction of the studied polymorphism and obstetrical complications as an environmental factor was found. The genotype-environment interactions were identified for one of the characteristics reflecting the severity of schizophrenia: the level of negative symptoms. Women with the V2/V2 genotype, who have obstetrical complications, showed significantly higher negative symptoms scores, which was associated with a poor prognosis of the disease.