Relationship between DRD4 polymorphism and lipid metabolism: What is the role of novelty seeking?

Marko Elovainio, Sampsa Puttonen, Tarja Heponiemi, Martin Reuter, Mika Kivimäki, Jorma Viikari, Liisa Keltikangas-Järvinen

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleScientificpeer-review

9 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the association of the dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene polymorphism with the temperament dimension of novelty seeking (NS) on cardiovascular heart disease risk factors [the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides]. Method: From the ongoing population-based study of 'Cardiovascular Risk in Young Finns', 125 participants were DRD4 genotyped in 1997 and responded to the NS scale of the Temperament and Character Inventory in 2001. Their cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations were assessed in 2001. Results: Having a 2- or 5-allele DRD4 polymorphism was related to high HDL cholesterol levels in men, but to low HDL cholesterol levels in women. NS was related to triglycerides in men and to LDL in women, but this was mediated by behavioral, age, and weight factors, and NS was not the underlying factor for the association between the polymorphism and lipids. Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggest that there is a link between the dopaminergic receptor gene DRD4 and lipid metabolism, but this link is dependent on gender.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)53-58
Number of pages6
JournalNeuropsychobiology
Volume51
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes
Publication typeA1 Journal article-refereed

Keywords

  • Cardiovascular heart disease
  • Cholesterol
  • Dopamine receptor D
  • Gender
  • Lipids
  • Novelty seeking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neuropsychology and Physiological Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Biological Psychiatry

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