Associations between personality traits and polymorphisms in genes related to inflammation in women

Abstract

Both inflammation and certain personality traits have been associated with depression; however, studies regarding the relationship between inflammation and general brain functions are not numerous. The present study investigates two single nucleotide polymorphisms located in genes that are associated with inflammation with regards to personality traits in 270 women recruited from the population registry. These women were assessed by means of Karolinska Scale of Personality, a self-reported inventory. The first polymorphism, +1444C>T (rs1130864), is located in the gene coding for C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of low-grade inflammation, and has previously been linked to raised serum levels of high-sensitivity CRP. The second polymorphism, Y402H (rs1061170), is located in the gene coding for complement factor H (CFH), an important regulator of the complement system. CRP binds to CFH and thereby augments the ability of CFH to down regulate the alternative pathway of complement. The 402H allele has consistently been associated with age-related macular degeneration and was recently linked to Alzheimer’s disease. The +1444T allele was significantly associated with higher scores in the personality traits impulsiveness, monotony avoidance and social desirability (p<0.001, p=0.004 and p=0.012, respectively). The 402H polymorphism was significantly associated with higher levels of the personality trait verbal aggression (p=0.002). In conclusion, the association between the studied CRP and CFH polymorphisms and personality traits further supports the possible involvement of the immune system in mental functions.