Using qRT-PCR we studied the gene expression of 5-HTT in ten SIDS cases, previously analyzed at a molecular level and which showed the genetic S/S profile.
Findings are discussed considering the metabolic association among DAT, 5-HTT and MAOA with special emphasis on the linked action of 5-HTT/MAOA in regulating serotonin metabolism of SIDS and SIUD infants.
One of the candidate genes is the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene, based on decreased serotonergic receptor binding observed in the brain-stems of SIDS victims.
5-HT neuron count and density, 5-HT(1A) receptor binding density, and 5-HT transporter (5-HTT) binding density in the medullary 5-HT system; correlation between these markers and 6 recognized risk factors for SIDS.
These data, if confirmed in larger studies, may begin to explain the differences in SIDS incidence by ethnicity, suggest a role for levels of 5-HTT expression in generation of SIDS susceptibility, and provide an important tool for identifying at-risk individuals and estimating the risk of recurrence.
These results indicate a relationship between SIDS and the L allele of the 5-HTT gene in African Americans and Caucasians, and if confirmed, will provide an important tool for identifying at-risk individuals and estimating the risk of recurrence.
In our recent study allele variants in the promoter of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene have been shown as a novel risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Therefore, we aimed to identify the possibility that specific allele variants of the 5-HTT gene can be found as a genetic background for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).