Unravelling the interaction between the DRD2 and DRD4 genes, personality traits and concussion risk
Date
2019
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Abstract
Background: Concussion occurs when biomechanical
forces transmitted to the head result in neurological
deficits. Personality may affect the balance between safe
and dangerous play potentially influencing concussion risk.
Dopamine receptor D2 (DRD2) and dopamine receptor D4
(DRD4) genetic polymorphisms were previously associated
with personality traits.
Objectives: This case–control genetic association study
investigated the associations of (1) DRD2 and DRD4
genotypes with concussion susceptibility and personality,
(2) personality with concussion susceptibility and (3) the
statistical model of genotype, personality and concussion
susceptibility.
Methods: In total, 138 non-concussed controls and 163
previously concussed cases were recruited from high
school (n=135, junior), club and professional rugby teams
(n=166, senior). Participants were genotyped for DRD2
rs12364283 (A>G), DRD2 rs1076560 (C>A) and DRD4
rs1800955 (T>C) genetic variants. Statistical analyses
including structural equation modelling were performed
using the R environment and STATA.
Results: The rs1800955 CC genotype (p=0.014)
and inferred DRD2 (rs12364283–rs1076560)–DRD4
(rs1800955) A–C–C allele combination (p=0.019) were
associated with decreased concussion susceptibility
in juniors. The rs1800955 TT and CT genotypes were
associated with low reward dependence in juniors
(p<0.001) and seniors (p=0.010), respectively. High harm
avoidance was associated with decreased concussion
susceptibility in juniors (p=0.009) and increased
susceptibility in seniors (p=0.001). The model showed that
a genetic variant was associated with personality while
personality was associated with concussion susceptibility.
Conclusion: These findings highlight the linear
relationship between genetics, personality and concussion
susceptibility. Identifying a genetic profile of ‘high risk’
behaviour, together with the development of personalised
behavioural training, can potentially reduce concussion
risk.
Description
CITATION: Abrahams, S., et 2019. Unravelling the interaction between the DRD2 and DRD4 genes, personality traits and concussion risk. BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine, 5(1):e000465, doi:10. 1136/bmjsem- 2018- 000465).
The original publication is available at https://bmjopensem.bmj.com
The original publication is available at https://bmjopensem.bmj.com
Keywords
DRD2 and DRD4 genes, Genotype-environment interaction
Citation
Abrahams, S., et 2019. Unravelling the interaction between the DRD2 and DRD4 genes, personality traits and concussion risk. BMJ Open Sport and Exercise Medicine, 5(1):e000465, doi:10. 1136/bmjsem- 2018- 000465)