Previous studies have yielded conflicting results as to the putative role of the functional polymorphism of the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) in the etiology of anxiety-related traits and depressive disorders. Recently, a significant geneenvironment interaction was found between life stressors, the short allele of the SLC6A4 polymorphism and depression. The aim of the present study was to investigate if such a geneenvironment interaction could be replicated within a different population with a different risk structure. A total of 1005 subjects from a general population sample (Study of Health in Pomerania) were genotyped. Mental and physical distress were assessed on 38 items of the modified complaint scale (BL-38). The interaction between the SLC6A4 genotype, social stressors and chronic diseases with regard to the BL-38 score was evaluated by ANOVA. There was no independent association of genotype with mental and physical distress. However, significant interactions between genotype, unemployment and chronic diseases (F ¼ 6.6; df ¼ 3, 671; Po0.001) were found in females but not in males. The genotype explained 2% of the total variance of the BL-38 score and 9.1% of the explained variance. The results partly confirm previous findings of a significant gene-environment interaction of the short allele, indicating a higher mental vulnerability to social stressors and chronic diseases. The relevance of this finding is sustained by the fact that the sample characteristics and the risk structure were highly different from previous studies. Molecular Psychiatry (2005) 10, 220-224.

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Decreased serum TSH levels predict cardiovascular mortality, which could be explained by left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The aim of this analysis was to investigate the association between thyroid function and LVH. The population-based Study of Health in Pomerania was conducted in a previously iodine-deficient area. Data of 1510 individuals at least 45 yr of age with echocardiography and without thyroid disorders were analyzed. LVH was defined as a left ventricular mass index (LVMI) exceeding 150 g/m(2) (men) or 120 g/m(2) (women). Overt hyperthyroidism was associated with LVMI (P < 0.01), whereas euthyroid subjects and those with elevated TSH levels did not significantly differ with regard to LVMI. LVH was observed in three (15.0%) subjects with elevated serum TSH levels, in 127 (10.5%) euthyroid persons, in 24 (12.5%) individuals with decreased serum TSH levels, and in four (57.1%) subjects with hyperthyroidism (P < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis identified overt hyperthyroidism as an independent risk factor for LVH (odds ratio, 13.65; 95% confidence interval, 2.83-65.75; P < 0.01). There is an association between thyroid function status, cardiac mass, and LVH. Hyperthyroidism is an independent risk factor for LVH.

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