The influence of genetic inheritance on suicide

Suicide represents a critical global public health issue, with the World Health Organization reporting approximately 726,000 deaths annually due to suicide. This highlights the urgency of understanding its underlying causes and addressing its risk factors. While psychological and social factors are well-documented, emerging evidence underscores the importance of genetic and biological mechanisms in predisposing individuals to suicidal behavior. This review explores the genetic basis, molecular mechanisms, and pathophysiological processes linked to suicide, integrating insights from physiology, neuroanatomy, pharmacology, and psychology.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a vital role in stress response, with dysfunction in this system associated with suicide risk. Genetic variations, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and epigenetic changes in genes like NR3C1, FKBP5, and SKA2, disrupt stress regulation and increase vulnerability to suicidal behavior. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone changes, highlight the dynamic interaction between environmental stressors and genetic predisposition, contributing to neuroendocrine dysregulation.

Biomarkers such as serotonin metabolites, cytokine profiles, and testosterone levels further elucidate neurochemical alterations in suicide. Advances in pharmacogenetics reveal polymorphisms in drug-metabolism genes, like CYP450 enzymes, influencing therapeutic responses in individuals with suicidal tendencies or depression.

This review underscores the multifactorial nature of suicide, shaped by interactions between genetic, environmental, and neurobiological factors. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for developing targeted interventions and personalized treatments to reduce suicide risk and improve mental health outcomes.