Sex-Dependent Effects of MAOA Genotypes on the Relations Between Childhood Sexual Abuse, Aggression, and Cannabis Use in Emerging Adults.

Abstract

Cannabis use and aggression share common vulnerability factors, including childhood sexual abuse. While genetic predispositions likely shape the association between aggression and cannabis use, specific genes have not been conclusively identified. The underlying causal pathways connecting childhood sexual abuse to both cannabis use and aggression remain poorly understood. Prior research suggests that the MAOA (Monoamine oxidase A) gene interacts with childhood maltreatment to predispose young adults to aggression and substance use. Building on this premise, a preexisting dataset of 498 emerging adults was utilized to investigate whether different MAOA genotypes interact with sexual abuse during childhood to predispose to cannabis use as a means of coping with negative affect and impact aggression levels. Participants underwent genotyping for MAOA alleles associated with either low (MAOA-L) or high (MAOA-H) enzyme activity. They were also surveyed for childhood sex abuse, reactive and proactive aggression, and cannabis use. Among male carriers of MAOA-L variants who described experiencing childhood sexual abuse, those who used cannabis reported a higher likelihood of doing so for coping purposes compared to other males and all females. Surprisingly, MAOA-L genotypes in males appeared to buffer the impact of sexual abuse and high cannabis consumption on various measures of aggression. These findings underscore the complex role of MAOA in moderating the relationship between trauma, substance use, and aggression. If validated by further studies, these results could inform the development of targeted pharmacological and behavioral treatments for individuals with trauma histories and genetic predispositions to aggression.