Association Study Of Polymorphisms Of Cholecystokinin A Receptor Gene In Paranoid Schizophrenia

Background: Schizophrenia is a common mental disorder. Evidence shows that hyper-active dopaminergic status may lead to an increased susceptibility to schizophrenia. As a modulator of dopamine activity, Cholecystokinin A receptor (CCK-AR) has recently been studied of its association with schizophrenia. However, up to date researchers have not got consistent conclusions.Objectives: 1) To examine the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of CCK-AR gene and schizophrenia in Northern Chinese population. 2) To specify haplotypic combinations associated with schizophrenia. 3) To explore SNP(s) susceptible to schizophrenia in patients with certain clinical symptoms evaluated with PANSS grading system.Results: 1) The frequency of rsl800857 T allele located at the border of 1st intron and 2nd exon is significantly increased in patients. 2) G/G genotype of rs6448456 is associated with schizophrenia. 3) The association between SNP(s) and schizophrenia is affected by gender. 4) More polymorphisms in CCK-AR gene are observed in patients with negative symptoms.Conclusion: the genetic variation of CCK-AR may influence the susceptibility of schizophrenia. Such genetic polymorphisms, which play diverged roles in different genders, may have greater impacts on negative symptoms.