Association of genetic polymorphism of ۵HTTLPR with temperament in Persian medicine

Backgrounds: Because of its efficacy, accessibility, and affordability, traditional medicine (TM)is the major source of treatment for many people in different part of world. For all itseffectiveness, since the science of TM are essentially based on the old since texts and practicalexperiences, the potency and safety of the curative methods of this system need to be confirmedthrough modern scientific approaches. One of the main factors in the Persian traditional medicineis temperament, which has important role in diagnosis and treatment of diseases. There isevidence which support the correlation of temperament with individual genetic background.Materials and Methods: In this study we aimed to examine the association of serotonintransporter polymorphism (۵HTTLPR) with hot and cold statuses of temperament in healthyindividuals. Two hundred twenty-one males from Fars province, southern Iran were included inthe study. Hot/cold status of temperament of volunteers was determined using a standard selfreportedtemperament identification scale. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based method wasapplied to determine the ۵HTTLPR genotypes.Results: As the results of χ۲ analysis revealed, the frequency of ۵HTTLPR genotypes in the coldtemperament group was not significantly differ from that in the warm temperament group (χ۲ =۱.۰۴, df = ۲, P = ۰.۵۹۴).Conclusion: Our data did not support the association of temperament and ۵HTTLPRpolymorphism. Further research with larger samples is required to clarify the association oftemperament and genetic factors.

Keywords:

Traditional medicine , Temperament , ۵HTTLPR , Polymorphism