Association of Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) rs53576 Polymorphism with Sociality: A Meta-Analysis

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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The Association of Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) Polymorphisms Antisocial Behavior: A Meta-analysis

Behavior Genetics ◽

10.1007/s10519-020-09996-6 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 50 (3) ◽

pp. 161-173 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Holly E. Poore ◽

Irwin D. Waldman

Keyword(s):

Antisocial Behavior ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Receptor Gene ◽

Oxytocin Receptor ◽

Oxytocin Receptor Gene

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Associations between the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) rs53576 polymorphism and emotional processing of social and nonsocial cues: an event-related potential (ERP) study

Journal of PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY ◽

10.1186/s40101-016-0125-3 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 36 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Damee Choi ◽

Natsumi Minote ◽

Shigeki Watanuki

Keyword(s):

Emotional Processing ◽

Receptor Gene ◽

Oxytocin Receptor ◽

Event Related Potential ◽

Oxytocin Receptor Gene ◽

Oxtr Rs53576 ◽

Nonsocial Cues

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The oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is associated with autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis

Molecular Psychiatry ◽

10.1038/mp.2014.77 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 20 (5) ◽

pp. 640-646 ◽

Cited By ~ 153

Author(s):

D LoParo ◽

I D Waldman

Keyword(s):

Autism Spectrum Disorder ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Receptor Gene ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Oxytocin Receptor ◽

Spectrum Disorder ◽

Oxytocin Receptor Gene

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The influence of rs53576 polymorphism in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene on empathy in healthy adults by subtype and ethnicity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Reviews in the Neurosciences ◽

10.1515/revneuro-2021-0038 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

Author(s):

Russell J. Chander ◽

Karen A. Mather ◽

Rhiagh Cleary ◽

Sarah A. Grainger ◽

Anbupalam Thalamuthu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Receptor Gene ◽

Cognitive Empathy ◽

Oxytocin Receptor ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Social Environments ◽

Oxytocin Receptor Gene ◽

Meta Analyses ◽

Middle Aged Adults

Abstract Empathy is essential for navigating complex social environments. Prior work has shown associations between rs53576, a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR), and generalized empathy. We undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of rs53576 on subdomains of empathy, specifically cognitive empathy (CE) and affective empathy (AE), in healthy adults. Twenty cohorts of 8933 participants aged 18–98 were identified, including data from the Sydney Memory and Ageing Study, a cohort of older community adults. Meta-analyses found G homozygotes had greater generalized empathic abilities only in young to middle-aged adults. While meta-analyses of empathy subdomains yielded no significant overall effects, there were differential effects based on ethnicity. G homozygotes were associated with greater CE abilities in Asian cohorts (standardized mean difference; SMD: 0.09 [2.8·10−3–0.18]), and greater AE performance in European cohorts [SMD: 0.12 (0.04–0.21)]. The current literature highlights a need for further work that distinguishes between genetic and ethnocultural effects and explores effects of advanced age on this relationship.

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