MEASUREMENT OF AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOUR AND MAOA GENE POLYMORPHISM IN ADOLESCENT POPULATION OF TEHSIL CHARBAGH AT DISTRICT SWAT: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Aggression represents a complex human behavioral trait arising from the interaction between genetic susceptibility and environmental influences. Dysregulation of monoaminergic neurotransmitters, including serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline, has been strongly implicated in aggressive and impulsive behaviors. The monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene plays a central role in this process by encoding an enzyme responsible for the metabolic breakdown of these neurotransmitters. Variations within the MAOA gene, particularly variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) polymorphisms in its promoter region, have been associated with altered enzyme activity and behavioral differences, especially among males due to X-linked inheritance.

Objective: The study aimed to assess aggression levels among adolescent males residing in Tehsil Charbagh, District Swat, and to examine their association with MAOA VNTR polymorphisms.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 70 male participants recruited from different localities of Tehsil Charbagh. Aggressive behavior was evaluated using a 23-item structured questionnaire administered over a 30-day period. Aggression scores were categorized into normal, less aggressive, and highly aggressive groups. Buccal swab samples were collected from all participants, followed by genomic DNA extraction. MAOA VNTR polymorphisms were identified using polymerase chain reaction amplification, and allele sizes were determined through agarose gel electrophoresis. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test to assess associations between genetic variants and aggression categories.

Results: Of the 70 participants, 56 (80.0%) were classified as less aggressive, 8 (11.42%) as highly aggressive, and 6 (8.57%) as normal. Molecular analysis identified three MAOA VNTR alleles: 321 bp in 15 individuals (21.4%), 351 bp in 33 individuals (47.1%), and 381 bp in 22 individuals (31.4%). The distribution of MAOA VNTR variants differed significantly across aggression categories. Chi-square analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association between MAOA VNTR polymorphisms and aggression levels (χ² = 12.764, df = 4, p = 0.012).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that MAOA VNTR polymorphisms may contribute to inter-individual variation in aggressive behavior among adolescent males. Although aggression appears to be influenced by multiple factors, genetic variation within the MAOA gene may represent an important biological component underlying behavioral differences in this population.