No influence of DTNBP1 polymorphisms on the response to aripiprazole

Aims: The aim of the present study was to investigate pos-sible influences of a panel of markers in the dysbindin gene DTNBP1 (rs3213207, rs1011313, rs2005976, rs760761 and rs2619522) on the clinical outcome and side effects associated to the treatment with aripiprazole in schizophrenic patients. Methods: Efficacy was assessed at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 using the Clinical Global Impression Severity and Improvement Scales, the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and the Schedule for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms. Side effects were evaluated by the Simpson-Angus, Barnes Akathisia and Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scales. Multivariate analysis of covariance was used to test possible influences of single nucleotide polymorphisms on clinical and safety scores. Analysis of haplotypes was also performed. Results: No relevant association between DTNBP1 variants and clinical or safety scores was observed. Additionally, haplotype analysis did not reveal any significant association with clinical and safety scores at any time as well. Conclusion: Our data suggest no association between the investigated alleles and genotypes in DTNBP1 and the response to aripiprazole. However, because several limitations characterize the present study, further investigations are required.