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Exploring possible association between DβH genotype (C1021T), early onset of conduct disorder and psychopathic traits in juvenile delinquents

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Abstract

Early onset of conduct disorder (CD) with callous-unemotional traits has been linked to low levels of dopamine β-hydroxylase (DβH), an enzyme involved in dopamine turnover. The C1021T polymorphism in the DβH gene is a major quantitative-trait locus, regulating the level of DβH. In this study of juvenile delinquents from Northern Russia (n = 180), the polymorphism at -1021 was associated neither with early-onset CD nor with psychopathic traits. Association was found between psychopathic traits and early-onset CD, ADHD and mania.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by funds from the Uppsala University Hospital Research Fund (ALF) to Johan Isaksson; by grants from the American Psychological Foundation and Successful Intelligence to Elena L. Grigorenko; by funds from the Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences to Britt af Klinteberg and Elena L. Grigorenko; by funds from the Soderstrom–Koenig Fund to Lars Oreland and Britt af Klinteberg; by funds from the Mobilizing Against Drugs Committee, Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Sweden, to Britt af Klinteberg and Lars Oreland; and by funds from the Hållsten foundation to Lars Oreland. We are grateful to the participants in this research, for their willingness to collaborate and for their time and efforts.

Author’s contributions

JI performed the statistical analysis and drafted the manuscript; ELG conceived the study, participated in its design and coordination, performed the genetic analysis and edited the manuscript; LO participated in the study design, performed the extraction of DNA and genetic analysis and edited the manuscript; BaK participated in the study design and edited the manuscript; RAK conceived the study, participated in its design and coordination and edited the manuscript; VR conceived the study, participated in its design and coordination, performed the statistical analysis and drafted the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Johan Isaksson.

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The authors report no biomedical financial interests or potential conflicts of interest.

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Isaksson, J., Grigorenko, E.L., Oreland, L. et al. Exploring possible association between DβH genotype (C1021T), early onset of conduct disorder and psychopathic traits in juvenile delinquents. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 266, 771–773 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-015-0664-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-015-0664-3

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