%0 Journal Article
%T Sex-dimorphic interactions of MAOA genotype and child maltreatment predispose college students to polysubstance use
%J Frontiers in genetics
%D 2019
%A Fite, Paula J.
%A Brown, Shaquanna
%A Hossain, Waheeda A.
%A Manzardo, Ann
%A Butler, Merlin G.
%A Bortolato, Marco
%V 10
%N 
%P e1314-e1314
%X Polysubstance use (PSU) is highly prevalent among college students. Recent evidence indicates that PSU is based on gene x environment (G×E) interactions, yet the specific biosocial factors underlying this problem remain elusive. We recently reported that lifetime use of tobacco and cannabis in college students is influenced by the interaction of the X-linked <i>MAOA</i> (monoamine oxidase A) gene and child maltreatment. Building on these premises, here we evaluated whether the same G×E interaction may also predict PSU in this population. Students of a large Midwestern university (n = 470; 50.9% females) took part in a computer survey for substance use, as well as childhood trauma exposure, using the Child Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). DNA was extracted from their saliva samples and genotyped for <i>MAOA</i> variable-number of tandem repeat (VNTR) variants. <br><br>FINDINGS indicated that the highest number of substances were used by male students harboring low-activity <i>MAOA</i> alleles with a history of childhood emotional abuse. In contrast, female homozygous high-activity <i>MAOA</i> carriers with a history of emotional and physical abuse reported consumption of the greatest number of substances. Our results indicate that PSU among college students is influenced by the interaction of <i>MAOA</i> and child maltreatment in a sex-specific fashion. Further studies are warranted to understand the mechanisms of sex differences in the biosocial interplays underlying PSU in this at-risk group.<br><br>Copyright © 2020 Fite, Brown, Hossain, Manzardo, Butler and Bortolato.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>
%G en
%I Frontiers Research Foundation
%@ 1664-8021
%U http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2019.01314