Functional polymorphism of the glutathione peroxidase 1 gene is associated with personality traits in healthy subjects

Background. Several lines of evidence suggest that a certain type of personality or temperament as well as oxidative stress may be implicated in the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric diseases. Glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1) plays a role in the antioxidant defense system. Objectives:The authors studied the association between the GPX1 gene polymorphism and personality traits in healthy subjects. Methods: One hundred forty-nine healthy subjects were enrolled. Analysis of the functional polymorphism (Pro198Leu) in the human GPX1 gene was performed. Results: Subjects with Pro198Pro have significantly higher scores in openness to experience on the Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) as compared with subjects with other genotypes (Pro198Leu or Leu198Leu). In contrast, we detected no association between other personality dimensions on the NEO-PI-R and scores on the Temperament and Character Inventory. Conclusion: This study reports that the functional polymorphism (Pro198Leu) in the GPX1 gene might be associated with openness to experience among the personality traits. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.