OXTR rs53576 Variation with Breast and Nipple Pain in Breastfeeding Women

Oxytocin achieves its effects after binding the oxytocin receptor (OXTR). Oxytocin plays an important role in empathy. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the OXTR gene (rs53576 and rs2254298) on empathy measures and plasma oxytocin levels. Seventy-four university students were screened for the OXTR rs53576 and rs2254298 SNPs using the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. The level of oxytocin in the plasma was measured by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All subjects were assessed with the empathy quotient (EQ) questionnaire and Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test (RMET). Subjects carrying the rs53576 GG genotype had a higher EQ score, compared to GA/AA genotype carriers. By gender analysis, significance was reached only in females. Considering the influence of both examined polymorphisms on empathy, participants with the GGGG diplotype had a higher EQ in comparison with GAGG/AAGG carriers. These hormone effects were not correlated with plasma oxytocin levels. This is the first study implying that higher empathy in rs53576 GG genotype carriers may not depend on plasma oxytocin levels, but possibly on the number and function of OXTRs in the brain.

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The relation between Oxytocin Receptor Gene polymorphisms, adult attachment and Instagram sociability: an exploratory analysis

10.31234/osf.io/yc538 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Alessandro Carollo ◽

Andrea Bonassi ◽

Ilaria Cataldo ◽

Giulio Gabrieli ◽

Moses Tandiono ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Social Behavior ◽

Adult Attachment ◽

Behavioral Genetics ◽

Receptor Gene ◽

Oxytocin Receptor ◽

Oxytocin Receptor Gene ◽

Gene Environment ◽

Receptor Gene Polymorphisms ◽

Oxtr Rs53576 ◽

Desirability Index

So far literature considered the association between environmental factors (i.e. involved in adult relationships) and genetic vulnerability on Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) in the comprehension of social behavior. Although an extensive knowledge on in-person social interactions has been obtained, little is known about online social behavior. A gene-environment perspective is adopted to examine how OXTR and adult attachment moderate Instagram behavior. The Experience in Close Relationships-Revised (ECR-R) questionnaire was used to collect participants' (N = 57, 16 males) attachment with their partners. The genetic factors within the regions OXTR rs53576 (A/A homozygotes vs. G-carriers) and rs2254298 (G/G homozygotes vs. A-carriers) were assessed. Number of posts, followed people ("followings") and followers were obtained from Instagram, and the Social Desirability Index was calculated as the ratio of followers to followings. Interaction effects between OXTR groups and ECR-R scores on the number of posts and SDI were hypothesised. Results showed an effect of rs53576 on the number of Instagram followings. Specifically, A/A homozygotes had more followings than G-carriers independently of the quality of the relationship with their partner. These preliminary results are discussed in light of the debate of behavioral genetics and offer insights into future investigations on social media behavior.

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Social Anxiety and Common OXTR Gene Variant are Associated with Cortisol Response Following Peer Social Challenge

10.31235/osf.io/3bftj ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Brandon J Auer ◽

DeMond M. Grant ◽

Douglas A. Granger ◽

Dahlia Mukherjee ◽

Erika F.H. Saunders ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Individual Differences ◽

Social Interaction ◽

Stress Reactivity ◽

Peer Rejection ◽

Gene Variant ◽

Social Interaction Anxiety ◽

Cortisol Responses ◽

Oxtr Rs53576 ◽

Interaction Anxiety ◽

Over Time

Peer rejection and acceptance experiences are commonplace with potential to promote emotional and adrenocortical stress reactivity. Risk for heightened stress reactivity during these social challenges may be influenced by individual differences in social interaction anxiety (SIA) and the common gene variant, OXTR rs53576, but this relationship remains to be elucidated. We tested the relationship between SIA, OXTR rs53576, and cortisol stress response over time in 53 young adults (Mage=20.13yrs) using an experimental design. Participants were randomized to receive either scripted rejection or acceptance from a group of peer confederates. Saliva samples were collected pre- and post-evaluation and assayed for cortisol. In the peer rejection condition, participants showed significantly lower cortisol responses over time when social interaction anxiety levels were not elevated (versus elevated), and when possessing the GG genotype (versus AA/AG). In the peer acceptance condition, when SIA was not elevated, the GG genotype was associated with significantly lower cortisol responses than the AA/AG genotype. Individual differences in SIA and OXTR 53576 are related to cortisol responses to peer social stressors, with non-elevated levels of SIA and the GG genotype generally contributing to reduced cortisol responsiveness.

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A common variant in OXTR rs53576 impacts topological patterns of brain functional networks

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry ◽

10.1007/s00787-019-01414-5 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 29 (7) ◽

pp. 993-1002 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Junping Wang ◽

Yan Zhang ◽

Dan Zhu ◽

Zonghe Yang ◽

Feng Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Common Variant ◽

Functional Networks ◽

Brain Functional Networks ◽

Oxtr Rs53576

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The Neurogenetics of Nice

Psychological Science ◽

10.1177/0956797611428471 ◽

2012 ◽

Vol 23 (5) ◽

pp. 446-452 ◽

Cited By ~ 55

Author(s):

Michael J. Poulin ◽

E. Alison Holman ◽

Anneke Buffone

Keyword(s):

Prosocial Behavior ◽

Social Engagement ◽

National Sample ◽

Perceived Threat ◽

Volunteer Work ◽

Civic Duty ◽

The Core ◽

Behavioral System ◽

Oxtr Rs53576 ◽

Charitable Activities

Oxytocin, vasopressin, and their receptor genes influence prosocial behavior in the laboratory and in the context of close relationships. These peptides may also promote social engagement following threat. However, the scope of their prosocial effects is unknown. We examined oxytocin receptor ( OXTR) polymorphism rs53576, as well as vasopressin receptor 1a ( AVPR1a) polymorphisms rs1 and rs3 in a national sample of U.S. residents ( n = 348). These polymorphisms interacted with perceived threat to predict engagement in volunteer work or charitable activities and commitment to civic duty. Specifically, greater perceived threat predicted engagement in fewer charitable activities for individuals with A/A and A/G genotypes of OXTR rs53576, but not for G/G individuals. Similarly, greater perceived threat predicted lower commitment to civic duty for individuals with one or two short alleles for AVPR1a rs1, but not for individuals with only long alleles. Oxytocin, vasopressin, and their receptor genes may significantly influence prosocial behavior and may lie at the core of the caregiving behavioral system.

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