Serotonergic polymorphisms in the control of ejaculation

Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology
Patrick Jern, Daniel Ventus

Abstract

Serotonin has long been implicated in the regulation of the processes that trigger the ejaculatory reflex. Most evidence of serotonergic involvement is, however, indirect, stemming either from studies on rodents or clinical trials investigating effects of serotonergic drugs. In the past decade, emerging evidence for heritability (i.e., genetic effects) of premature ejaculation (PE) symptoms has spawned a number of scholarly attempts to identify genes that regulate ejaculation, most of which have focused on candidate genes related to the serotonergic system. The aim of the present review article was to summarize the literature concerning genetic association studies of PE, with focus on serotonergic genes. However, methodological obstacles relating to the candidate gene approach predict that a priori hypotheses regarding candidate genes are likely to generate ambiguous and spurious results if samples (e.g., if samples are underpowered and/or stratified). Attempts to replicate reported novel associations between PE symptoms and serotonergic candidate genes have largely failed (thereby adding to the growing body of evidence casting doubt on the reliability of the candidate gene approach), and at present, it is not possible to deter...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.