Are polymorphisms in the interleukin-10 gene cluster possibly involved in the increased risk for major depressive disorder?
Our study established increased risk for MDD related to the IL20 and IL24 haplotype and suggests that cytokines may contribute to the pathogenesis of MDD. Since none of the block 2 SNPs were individually associated with MDD, it is possible that other polymorphisms linked to them contribute to the disease susceptibility. Future studies are needed to confirm the results and to find the possible functional explanation.
The findings point to the importance of strengthening gynaecologists' and midwives' control beliefs by professional education and training on smoking prevention.