Neurobiological Mechanisms and Biomarkers of Aggression: The Role of Serotonin and Dopamine

Aggressive behavior has a detrimental impact on public well-being and is characterized by significant socio-economic consequences, which underlines the relevance of a detailed study of the neurobiological mechanisms of this phenomenon. Research conducted across various fields of neuroscience demonstrates that alterations in the functional activity of the serotonin and dopamine neurotransmitter systems may underlie aggressive behavior. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between structural and functional changes in the central nervous system, impairments in serotonin and dopamine activity, and the genetic architecture of the corresponding genes in the context of aggression. It substantiates the potential use of biomarkers characterizing the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in personalized psychiatry. According to literature data, among other markers linked with serotonin- and dopaminergic systems, monoamine oxidase A (variable number tandem repeat polymorphism), the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR), the serotonin receptor HTR1A (rs6295), and catechol-O-methyltransferase (rs4680) polymorphisms may be associated with aggressive behavior.