Association of Y-linked variants with impulsivity and aggression in boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder of Chinese Han descent

Y chromosome plays important role in brain function and may help to explain the sex difference in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A total of 857 boys with ADHD and 574 male controls were genotyped for 14 Y-linked markers. Analyses for both dichotomous phenotype and quantitative traits and the interaction effects with MAOA were performed. The results indicated significant association of four markers (M88, M95, M175, and M119) with inhibition function and aggression in boys with ADHD. Positive interaction effects with MAOA were also detected. In conclusion, some Y-linked variants may be associated with the impulsivity and aggression in boys with ADHD.