Correlation between Serotonin Transporter Promoter Gene Polymorphism and PTSD in Children

Objective: To study the association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and serotonin transporter promoter (5-HTTLPR) gene polymorphism in Han children in Hainan; to explore the genetic mechanism of PTSD in children. Methods: 50 patients with post-traumatic stress disorder and healthy children in Han nationality in Hainan were selected. Detection of 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism, the genotype and allele frequencies were analyzed using a case-control association analysis method. Results: There were 4, 14 and 32 cases of LL, SL and SS in the post-traumatic stress disorder group of Hainan Han children, and 13, 20 and 17 cases in the control group. From the perspective of gene frequency, the L gene of post-traumatic stress disorder appeared 22.0%, and S appeared 78.0%. In the control group, L appeared 46.0%, and S appeared 54.0%. There were significant differences in genotype and gene frequency (P < 0.01). Conclusion: The 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism in Hainan Han children may be associated with post-traumatic stress disorder.