The Role of Genetic Variants Regulating the Oxytocin-­Vasopressin System in Childhood-­onset Aggression

Background: Antisocial behaviours in adolescents are costly in social and financial terms. These behaviours are heritable and genetic variants may be contributing factors. The purpose of this study was to determine whether genetic variants regulating the oxytocin-vasopressin (OXT-AVP) system were associated with aggressive behaviours. Methods: A sample of children displaying extreme, persistent and pervasive aggressive behaviours was first compared to adult controls (160 cases-160 controls) and then to child controls (182 cases-182 controls). We also tested for interactions between oxytocin receptor (OXTR) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and serotoninergic polymorphism, 5-HTTLPR. Results: Using adult controls, OXTR SNPs rs6770632 and rs1042778 were associated with aggressive behaviours in females and males, respectively. However, using child controls revealed significant effects of AVPR1A rs11174811 in females; OXTR rs237898, rs237902 and AVP rs3761249 in males. There were no significant interactions between 5-HTTLPR and OXTR SNPs to predict aggression. Conclusion: OXT-AVP SNPs may be associated with aggressive behaviours.MAS