Association between 5-HTTLPR and STin2 VNTR polymorphisms in the serotonin transporter gene and clinical response of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (dapoxetine) in lifelong premature ejaculation

To the Editor:Premature ejaculation(PE)is one of the commonplace male sexual dysfunctions affecting about 30%of men worldwide.PE can either be lifelong or acquired.Genetic polymorphisms situated on the SLC6A4 of humans encoding the 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter(serotonin transporter)(5-HTT)also called the serotonin transporter(SERT),a significant controller of serotonergic neurotransmission,were related to the pathogenesis of PE.[1,2]Polymorphisms in SLC6A4 are associated with the incidence of lifelong premature ejaculation(LPR).The effects of 5-hydroxytryptamine(serotonin)transporter gene-linked polymorphic region(5-HTTLPR)and serotonin transporter gene intron 2(STin2)polymorphism on lifelong PE(LPE)are controversial.We aimed to determine possible relationships between 5-HTTLPR and STin2 polymorphisms in the SERT gene and clinical response of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor(dapoxetine)in LPE.