Epigenetics-by-sex interaction for somatization conferred by methylation at the promoter region of SLC6A4 gene

摘要

Background: Depression, anxiety and somatoform disorders are all more prevalent in women than in men. However, specific biological mechanisms contributing to such sex differences remain unknown. Serotonergic pathways are involved in mood and behavior regulation and thus have been suggested to be altered in several psychiatric disorders. The serotonin transporter (SEAT), encoded by SLC6A4 gene, has received major attention due to its crucial role in serotonergic transmission.