ObjectiveThe importance of multiple gene-environment interaction (G × E) has been highlighted in understanding the etiology of negative emotions. This study examines the impact of oxytocin (OXT) polymorphisms (rs2740210, rs6133010, and rs2740209) in combination with alcohol dependence on anxiety and depression symptoms during acute alcohol withdrawal under different social and environmental contexts.MethodA total of 414 Chinese Han male adults undergoing acute alcohol withdrawal were recruited. Participants provided blood samples for genotyping, self-reported measures of depression and anxiety, assessments of alcohol dependence severity, and demographic information regarding social and environmental contexts.ResultsResults revealed a positive correlation between severity of alcohol dependence and symptoms of depression and anxiety, while oxytocin polymorphism did not have a direct effect on depressive and anxiety symptoms. A significant interaction between OXT polymorphism (rs2740210 and rs2740209) and alcohol dependence in relation to anxiety symptoms solely among adults living with family and/or those who were married was observed. Further analyses indicate that the GG and CC genotypes are risk genotypes, while the T allele (rs2740210) and G allele (rs2740209) are non-risk alleles in the interaction between OXT genotypes (rs2740210, rs2740209) and alcohol dependence on anxiety among the aforementioned participants.ConclusionsThese findings provide evidence for distinct G × E interaction effects on anxiety and depression symptoms during acute alcohol withdrawal, supporting the weak diathesis-stress model. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of considering environmental factors when investigating the role of oxytocin as a biological substrate underlying social bonding and the regulation of negative emotions.
Radically different