The association between polymorphism of norepinephrine transporter G1287A and major depressive disorder, antidepressant response: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES: Massive research has examined the cause of major depressive disorder (MDD) and accumulating evidence has revealed that the gene for the norepinephrine transporter (NET) is involved in MDDs etiology as well as the antidepressant response. The G1287A (rs5569, GRCh38, Chromosome 16, 55697923) is located in the exon 9 region of the SLC6A2 gene. It was found to be connected with MDD and antidepressant response in people of different genetic ancestries. However, the results are still inconsistent. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the overall association of rs5569 polymorphisms with MDD and the antidepressant response. RESULTS: Sixteen articles that studied the connection between the G1287A polymorphism and MDD or antidepressant response were identified, and their outcomes revealed there was a significant connection between the polymorphisms and MDD and antidepressant response. Our study indicated that the GG genotype may be a protection factor against the development of MDD [odds ratio (OR = 0.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.64-0.96, P = 0.02 for Asian population; OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.63-0.98, P = 0.03 for Han Chinese population] while the GG genotype had a worse antidepressant response (OR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.25-0.94, P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: NET G1287A polymorphisms are involved in the etiology of MDD and antidepressant response.