Association between the functional monoamine oxidase A gene polymorphism and aggressively driving behavior
Li, F-Zhi.; Li, C-Ji.; Long, Y-Fang.; Zhan, C-Lie.; Yao, W.; Tang, H-Feng.; Jin, H.
Zhonghua Yu Fang Yi Xue Za Zhi 38(5): 321-323
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0253-9624 PMID: 15498245 Document Number: 569849
Objective This study is purposed to explore the relationship between aggressively driving behavior and functional polymorphism in the promoter region of the monoamine oxidase-A (MAOA) gene. Methods A total of 348 automobile drivers were investigated with Deffenbacher's driver anger scale, driving vengeance questionnaire (DVQ) and driver aggression behavior questionnaire. Eighty-eight drivers were selected as more, medium and less aggressive group, each. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and 2.5% agarose gel electrophoresisi were adopted to detect the polymorphism of functional 30 bp-uVNTR in the promoter region of the X-chromosomal MAOA gene and their frequencies of varied genotypes were estimated. Results Two alleles with 3 and 4 repeats of 30 bp-uVNTR were detected in the drivers. Among the more aggressive group, number of the allele with 3 repeats of 30 bp-uVNTR (63/88) was significantly more than that with 4 repeats (25/88) (chi2 = 10.21, P 0.01), and number of the allele with 4 repeats of 30 bp-uVNTR was more in the less aggressive group, indicating that persons with allele of 3 repeats of 30 by VNTR were more aggressive in their driving than those with 4 repeats. Conclusions Aggressively driving behavior in drivers possibly related to their functional MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism. Effect of the gene on aggressively driving behavior should be further studied.