Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the Dvl3 gene in the etiology of depression by comparison of Dvl3 mRNA expression, Dvl3 protein levels and polymorphism at locus rs1969253 located in the intron of the Dvl3 gene in patients suffering from depression versus healthy controls, as well as to search for clinical variables related to polymorphism or expression of the analyzed gene.

Methods:
Study group involved 181 individuals suffering from recurrent depressive disorder or depressive episode. Control group consisted of 102 healthy individuals. Sample of peripheral blood was obtained from each participant to measure Dvl3 mRNA expression, Dvl3 protein levels and polymorphism at locus rs1969253. Patients were examined on study entry with the Hamilton Depression Scale and data on the gender, age and course of disorder were gathered. Obtained data were analyzed statistically.

Results:
Significantly decreased Dvl3 mRNA expression and Dvl3 protein levels were found in patients suffering from depression in comparison to healthy individuals. Expression of the Dvl3 gene in depressed patients was not affected by the patients’ gender, age, number of episodes, severity of symptoms, duration of the illness or age of onset. The analysis of polymorphism at locus rs1969253 indicated that individuals with genotypes CA and CC had over 3 times higher risk of having depression in comparison to individuals with AA genotype (OR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.56–6.99). No relationship was observed between the polymorphism and the analyzed clinical variables.

Conclusions:
Changes in expression and polymorphism of the Dvl3 gene may play a role in the pathogenetic mechanism of depressive disorder