High Frequency of Occurrence of CYP2D6 Gene Duplication/Multiduplication Indicating Ultrarapid Metabolism Among Suicide Cases

This project studied the genetic profile of individuals with regard to the presence of CYP2D6 & CYP2C19 genes in 242 cases of fatal intoxication, 262 suicides (intoxications excluded), & 212 natural deaths. PCR, followed by pyrosequencing, was used for all the analyses. It was found that, among those who died by suicide, there was a higher number carring more than two active CYP2D6 genes (corresponding to the phenotype of ultrarapid metabolizer) as compared with those who died of natural causes. (35 refs.) JA