Tryptophan Hydroxylase 2 G703T Polymorphism and the Temperament and Character in a Korean Population

Objective: We aimed to investigate the association between the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) G703T polymorphism and personality traits in a Korean population. The interaction between the TPH2 polymorphism and recent negative stressors in personality traits were also explored. Methods: The TPH2 G703T polymorphism was genotyped in 369 community-dwelling Koreans (143 male, 226 female, 42.6±13.7 years old). The Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) was self-administered. Face-to-face interviews, investigating negative life stressors within the last 6 months, were also performed. Results: There was no significant difference in TCI score among the three genotypes (93 G/G, 171 G/T, and 105 T/T subjects). There was also no significant difference in TCI scores between subjects experiencing stressors and those without stressors. However, there was a significant interaction between the TPH2 genotype and negative life stressors in the temperament of persistence (PS) (p=0.03); only subjects with the T/T genotype showed decreased PS with recent negative stressors. Conclusion: We could not find a direct association between the TPH2 G703T polymorphism and personality traits. However, our findings suggest that the TPH2 G703T polymorphism might influence PS by interacting with a recent negative stress experience.