Abstract
Given the known behavior effects of oxytocin, and in particular its putative effect on trust, affiliation and anxiety, we
hypothesized that oxytocin may be involved in the development and expression of callous-unemotional traits in children with
aggressive antisocial behavior. We recruited 162 children between the ages of 6 and 16. The majority of subjects were Caucasian
(84.0%) compared to African-Canadian (4.9%) and others (11.1%). The oxytocin and oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms were
genotyped and analyzed for possible association with child aggression in a case–control study design as well as with callous-unemotional
traits in a within cases analysis. We did not have significant findings with our tested OXTR markers in the case–control analysis.
We found the OXTR_rs237885 AA genotype carriers to score higher than AC or CC genotype carriers on the callous-unemotional traits. This result
remained significant following correction for multiple testing. No other markers were found to be significant. However, the
haplotype consisting of the OXTR_rs237885 A allele and OXTR_rs2268493 A allele was associated with significantly higher callous-unemotional scores than other haplotypes. This is the
first known study to show a significant association between callous-unemotional traits in children and adolescents with extreme,
persistent pervasive aggression and a polymorphism on the oxytocin receptor. Given the small sample size and the possibility
of false positive effects, the need to replicate and verify these findings is required.
hypothesized that oxytocin may be involved in the development and expression of callous-unemotional traits in children with
aggressive antisocial behavior. We recruited 162 children between the ages of 6 and 16. The majority of subjects were Caucasian
(84.0%) compared to African-Canadian (4.9%) and others (11.1%). The oxytocin and oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms were
genotyped and analyzed for possible association with child aggression in a case–control study design as well as with callous-unemotional
traits in a within cases analysis. We did not have significant findings with our tested OXTR markers in the case–control analysis.
We found the OXTR_rs237885 AA genotype carriers to score higher than AC or CC genotype carriers on the callous-unemotional traits. This result
remained significant following correction for multiple testing. No other markers were found to be significant. However, the
haplotype consisting of the OXTR_rs237885 A allele and OXTR_rs2268493 A allele was associated with significantly higher callous-unemotional scores than other haplotypes. This is the
first known study to show a significant association between callous-unemotional traits in children and adolescents with extreme,
persistent pervasive aggression and a polymorphism on the oxytocin receptor. Given the small sample size and the possibility
of false positive effects, the need to replicate and verify these findings is required.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Contribution
- Pages 1-8
- DOI 10.1007/s00787-012-0240-6
- Authors
- Joseph H. Beitchman, Child, Youth and Family Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Room 125, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Clement C. Zai, Neurogenetics Section, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Katherine Muir, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Laura Berall, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
- Behdin Nowrouzi, Child, Youth and Family Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Room 125, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Esther Choi, Child, Youth and Family Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, Room 125, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- James L. Kennedy, Neurogenetics Section, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
- Journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Online ISSN 1435-165X
- Print ISSN 1018-8827