[Effect of cytokine genes and season of birth on personality].

Aim: To evaluate the interaction effects of season of birth and immune system genes on the personality traits 'Novelty seeking' (NS) and 'Self-directedness' (SD). Based on results on an influence of the immune system on the brain processes, the authors hypothesized that the interaction of immune system genes and season of birth, which is relevant for immune phenotype, can contribute to the development of personality traits.

Material And Methods: NS and SD were measured in 336 healthy volunteers, aged from 16 to 67 years, using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI-125).

Association of -717A>G Polymorphism in the C-Reactive Protein Gene (CRP) with Schizotypal Personality Traits.

Associations between schizotypal traits and genes coding for inflammation markers (Creactive protein and TNF-α) were studied in 222 healthy men who completed the Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire (SPQ-74). CRP -717A>G and TNFα -308 G>A polymorphisms were genotyped. Carriers of low-active allele G of the CRP gene differed from subjects with genotype AA by a trend toward more manifest schizotypal traits in general and scores on the Interpersonal factor, which corresponds to negative syndrome in schizophrenia, and Constricted affect and Odd behavior scales.

[Association of kynurenine-3-monooxygenase gene with schizophrenia].

Neurotoxic products produced during tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway could be involved in schizophrenia pathogenesis. It has been shown that kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO) is indirectly involved in these products' formation. KMO polymorphic loci rs2275163 (C/T) and rs1053230 (A/G) were examined in 187 schizophrenia patients and 229 healthy subjects.