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Womersley JS, Roeh S, Martin L, Ahmed-Leitao F, Sauer S, Rex-Haffner M, Hemmings SMJ, Binder EB, Seedat S. FKBP5 intron 7 methylation is associated with higher anxiety proneness and smaller right thalamus volume in adolescents. Brain Struct Funct 2022; 227:2809-2820. [PMID: 36197505 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-022-02577-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of stress response systems may mediate the detrimental effects of childhood trauma (CT) on mental health. FKBP5 regulates glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity and exerts pleiotropic effects on intracellular signaling, neurobiology and behavior. We investigated whether CT, alone and in combination with rs1360780 genotype, is associated with altered FKBP5 methylation and whether CT-associated methylation profiles are associated with anxiety proneness (AP) and structural brain volumes. Ninety-four adolescents completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and a composite AP score was generated from the Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait measure. Mean methylation values for 12 regulatory regions and 25 individual CpG sites were determined using high-accuracy measurement via targeted bisulfite sequencing. FKBP5 rs1360780 genotype and structural MRI data were available for a subset of participants (n = 71 and n = 75, respectively). Regression models revealed an inverse association between methylation of three intron 7 CpG sites (35558438, 35558566 and 35558710) and right thalamus volume. CpG35558438 methylation was positively associated with AP scores. Our data indicate that an intron 7 methylation profile, consistent with lower FKBP5 expression and elevated high sensitivity glucocorticoid receptor levels, is associated with higher AP and smaller right thalamus volume. Research into the mechanisms underlying the intron 7 methylation-thalamus volume relationship, and whether it confers increased risk for long-term psychopathology by altering the regulatory threshold of stress responding, is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline S Womersley
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. .,South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa. .,Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.
| | - Simone Roeh
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Lindi Martin
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Fatima Ahmed-Leitao
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Susann Sauer
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Rex-Haffner
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Sian M J Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.,South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) in PTSD, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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102
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Nugent NR, Armey M, Boker S, Brick L, Knopik V, McGeary JE, Spirito A, Mehl MR. Adolescents hospitalised for suicidality: biomarkers, social and affective predictors: a cohort study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e056063. [PMID: 36192099 PMCID: PMC9535190 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-056063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present research examines genomics and in vivo dynamics of family context and experienced affect following discharge from psychiatric hospitalisation for suicidal thoughts and behaviours (STBs). The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of a new model, description of model-guided integration of multiple methods, documentation of feasibility of recruitment and retention and a description of baseline sample characteristics. DESIGN The research involved a longitudinal, multimethod observational investigation. SETTING Participants were recruited from an inpatient child and adolescent psychiatric hospital. 194 participants ages 13-18 were recruited following hospitalisation for STB. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Participants underwent a battery of clinical interviews, self-report assessments and venipuncture. On discharge, participants were provided with a phone with (1) the electronically activated recorder (EAR), permitting acoustic capture later coded for social context, and (2) ecological momentary assessment, permitting assessment of in vivo experienced affect and STB. Participants agreed to follow-ups at 3 weeks and 6 months. RESULTS A total of 71.1% of approached patients consented to participation. Participants reported diversity in gender identity (11.6% reported transgender or other gender identity) and sexual orientation (47.6% reported heterosexual or straight sexual orientation). Clinical interviews supported a range of diagnoses with the largest proportion of participants meeting criteria for major depressive disorder (76.9%). History of trauma/maltreatment was prevalent. Enrolment rates and participant characteristics were similar to other observational studies. CONCLUSIONS The research protocol characterises in vivo, real-world experienced affect and observed family context as associated with STB in adolescents during the high-risk weeks post discharge, merging multiple fields of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole R Nugent
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Michael Armey
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Psychosocial Research, Butler Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Steven Boker
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Leslie Brick
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Valerie Knopik
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - John E McGeary
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Anthony Spirito
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Matthias R Mehl
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
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103
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Tronson NC, Schuh KM. Hormonal contraceptives, stress, and the brain: The critical need for animal models. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 67:101035. [PMID: 36075276 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal contraceptives are among the most important health and economic developments in the 20thCentury, providing unprecedented reproductive control and a range of health benefits including decreased premenstrual symptoms and protections against various cancers. Hormonal contraceptives modulate neural function and stress responsivity. These changes are usually innocuous or even beneficial, including their effects onmood. However, in approximately 4-10% of users, or up to 30 million people at any given time, hormonal contraceptives trigger depression or anxiety symptoms. How hormonal contraceptives contribute to these responses and who is at risk for adverse outcomes remain unknown. In this paper, we discussstudies of hormonal contraceptive use in humans and describe the ways in which laboratory animal models of contraceptive hormone exposure will be an essential tool for expanding findings to understand the precise mechanisms by which hormonal contraceptives influence the brain, stress responses, and depression risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Tronson
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Kristen M Schuh
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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104
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The effects of social isolation stress and discrimination on mental health. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:398. [PMID: 36130935 PMCID: PMC9490697 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02178-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Social isolation and discrimination are growing public health concerns associated with poor physical and mental health. They are risk factors for increased morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life. Despite their detrimental effects on health, there is a lack of knowledge regarding translation across the domains of experimental research, clinical studies, and real-life applications. Here, we review and synthesize evidence from basic research in animals and humans to clinical translation and interventions. Animal models indicate that social separation stress, particularly in early life, activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and interacts with monoaminergic, glutamatergic, and GABAergic neurotransmitter systems, inducing long-lasting reductions in serotonin turnover and alterations in dopamine receptor sensitivity. These findings are of particular importance for human social isolation stress, as effects of social isolation stress on the same neurotransmitter systems have been implicated in addictive, psychotic, and affective disorders. Children may be particularly vulnerable due to lasting effects of social isolation and discrimination stress on the developing brain. The effects of social isolation and loneliness are pronounced in the context of social exclusion due to discrimination and racism, during widespread infectious disease related containment strategies such as quarantine, and in older persons due to sociodemographic changes. This highlights the importance of new strategies for social inclusion and outreach, including gender, culture, and socially sensitive telemedicine and digital interventions for mental health care.
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105
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Quevedo Y, Booij L, Herrera L, Hernández C, Jiménez JP. Potential epigenetic mechanisms in psychotherapy: a pilot study on DNA methylation and mentalization change in borderline personality disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2022; 16:955005. [PMID: 36171872 PMCID: PMC9510615 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2022.955005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic and early environmental factors are interwoven in the etiology of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD). Epigenetic mechanisms offer the molecular machinery to adapt to environmental conditions. There are gaps in the knowledge about how epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the effects of early affective environment, development of BPD, and psychotherapy response. We reviewed the available evidence of the effects of psychotherapy on changes in DNA methylation and conducted a pilot study in a sample of 11 female adolescents diagnosed with BPD, exploring for changes in peripheral DNA methylation of FKBP5 gene, which encodes for a stress response protein, in relation to psychotherapy, on symptomatology and underlying psychological processes. For this purpose, measures of early trauma, borderline and depressive symptoms, psychotherapy outcome, mentalization, and emotional regulation were studied. A reduction in the average FKBP5 methylation levels was observed over time. Additionally, the decrease in FKBP5 methylation observed occurred only in those individuals who had early trauma and responded to psychotherapy. The results suggest an effect of psychotherapy on epigenetic mechanisms associated with the stress response. The finding that epigenetic changes were only observed in patients with early trauma suggests a specific molecular mechanism of recovery. The results should be taken with caution given the small sample size. Also, further research is needed to adjust for confounding factors and include endocrinological markers and therapeutic process variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamil Quevedo
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental Oriente, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millenium Institute for Depression and Personality Research, Santiago, Chile
| | - Linda Booij
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luisa Herrera
- Programa de Genética Humana, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristobal Hernández
- Millenium Institute for Depression and Personality Research, Santiago, Chile
- Escuela de Psicología, Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Pablo Jiménez
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental Oriente, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millenium Institute for Depression and Personality Research, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Juan Pablo Jiménez
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106
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Early life adversity shapes neural circuit function during sensitive postnatal developmental periods. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:306. [PMID: 35915071 PMCID: PMC9343623 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02092-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) is a major risk factor for mental illness, but the neurobiological mechanisms by which ELA increases the risk for future psychopathology are still poorly understood. Brain development is particularly malleable during prenatal and early postnatal life, when complex neural circuits are being formed and refined through an interplay of excitatory and inhibitory neural input, synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning, myelination, and neurogenesis. Adversity that influences these processes during sensitive periods of development can thus have long-lasting and pervasive effects on neural circuit maturation. In this review, we will discuss clinical and preclinical evidence for the impact of ELA on neural circuit formation with a focus on the early postnatal period, and how long-lasting impairments in these circuits can affect future behavior. We provide converging evidence from human and animal studies on how ELA alters the functional development of brain regions, neural circuits, and neurotransmitter systems that are crucial for cognition and affective behavior, including the hippocampus, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, neural networks of fear responses and cognition, and the serotonin (5-HT) system. We also discuss how gene-by-environment (GxE) interactions can determine individual differences in susceptibility and resilience to ELA, as well as molecular pathways by which ELA regulates neural circuit development, for which we emphasize epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding the molecular and neurobiological mechanisms underlying ELA effects on brain function and psychopathology during early postnatal sensitive periods may have great potential to advance strategies to better treat or prevent psychiatric disorders that have their origin early in life.
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107
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A pilot investigation of genetic and epigenetic variation of FKBP5 and response to exercise intervention in African women with obesity. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11771. [PMID: 35817784 PMCID: PMC9273786 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15678-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated gluteal (GSAT) and abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (ASAT) DNA methylation of FKBP5 in response to a 12-week intervention in African women with obesity, as well as the effect of the rs1360780 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on FKBP5 methylation, gene expression and post-exercise training adaptations in obesity and metabolic related parameters. Exercise (n = 19) participants underwent 12-weeks of supervised aerobic and resistance training while controls (n = 12) continued their usual behaviours. FKBP5 methylation was measured in GSAT and ASAT using pyrosequencing. SNP and gene expression analyses were conducted using quantitative real-time PCR. Exercise training induced FKBP5 hypermethylation at two CpG dinucleotides within intron 7. When stratified based on the rs1360780 SNP, participants with the CT genotype displayed FKBP5 hypermethylation in GSAT (p < 0.05), and ASAT displayed in both CC and CT carriers. CC allele carriers displayed improved cardiorespiratory fitness, insulin sensitivity, gynoid fat mass, and waist circumference (p < 0.05) in response to exercise training, and these parameters were attenuated in women with the CT genotype. These findings provide a basis for future studies in larger cohorts, which should assess whether FKBP5 methylation and/or genetic variants such as the rs1360780 SNP could have a significant impact on responsiveness to exercise interventions.
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108
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Ma X, Wang Z, Zhang C, Bian Y, Zhang X, Liu X, Cao Y, Zhao Y. Association of SNPs in the FK-506 binding protein (FKBP5) gene among Han Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:149. [PMID: 35787810 PMCID: PMC9254403 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01301-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder in premenopausal women, whose etiology remains uncertain, although it is known to be highly heterogeneous and genetically complex. PCOS often presents with hyperandrogenism symptoms. The present study aimed to determine whether polymorphisms in the FK-506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene (androgen target gene) are associated with an association for PCOS and hyperandrogenism. Methods This is a case–control study, and association analyses were conducted. A total of 13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FKBP5 gene were evaluated in 775 PCOS patients who were diagnosed based on the Rotterdam Standard and 783 healthy Chinese Han women. Associations between FKBP5 SNPs and hormone levels were investigated. These 13 SNPs were genotyped using the Sequenom MassARRAY system, and an association analysis between the phenotype and alleles and genotypes were conducted. Results The genotype frequencies for the rs1360780 and rs3800373 SNPs differed significantly between the PCOS cases and healthy controls (p = 0.025, OR is 1.63 (1.05–2.53) and p = 0.029, OR is 1.59 (1.03–2.45) respectively under co-dominant model). Moreover, the genotype frequencies and genetic model analysis for the SNPs rs1360780, rs9470080, rs9296158, rs1043805 and rs7757037 differed significantly between the hyperandrogenism and non-hyperandrogenism groups of PCOS patients. The TT genotype of rs1360780, the TT genotype of rs9470080, the TT genotype of rs1043805 or the GG genotype of rs7705037 (ORs are 2.13 (1.03–4.39), 1.81 (1.03–3.17), 2.94 (1.32–6.53) and 1.72 (1.04–2.84) respectively) were correlated with androgen level of PCOS patients. Conclusion Our study showed that FKBP5 gene polymorphisms are associated with PCOS generally (rs1360780 and rs3800373) and with the hyperandrogenism subtype specifically (rs1360780, rs9470080, rs9296158, rs1043805 and rs7757037).
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12920-022-01301-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Ma
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Zhao Wang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Changming Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Yuehong Bian
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China
| | - Yongzhi Cao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China.
| | - Yueran Zhao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology of Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Clinical Medicine Research Center for Reproductive Health, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong, China. .,Central Laboratory, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.
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109
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Schär S, Mürner-Lavanchy I, Schmidt SJ, Koenig J, Kaess M. Child maltreatment and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis functioning: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:100987. [PMID: 35202606 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its effector hormone cortisol have been proposed as one possible mechanism linking child maltreatment experiences to health disparities. In this series of meta-analyses, we aimed to quantify the existing evidence on the effect of child maltreatment on various measures of HPA axis activity. The systematic literature search yielded 1,858 records, of which 87 studies (k = 132) were included. Using random-effects models, we found evidence for blunted cortisol stress reactivity in individuals exposed to child maltreatment. In contrast, no overall differences were found in any of the other HPA axis activity measures (including measures of daily activity, cortisol assessed in the context of pharmacological challenges and cumulative measures of cortisol secretion). The impact of several moderators (e.g., sex, psychopathology, study quality), the role of methodological shortcomings of existing studies, as well as potential directions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selina Schär
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ines Mürner-Lavanchy
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie J Schmidt
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julian Koenig
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Cologne, Germany; Section for Experimental Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Kaess
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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110
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Robinson N, Casement J, Gunter MJ, Huybrechts I, Agudo A, Barranco MR, Eichelmann F, Johnson T, Kaaks R, Pala V, Panico S, Sandanger TM, Schultze MB, Travis RC, Tumino R, Vineis P, Weiderpass E, Skinner R, Sharp L, McKay JA, Strathdee G. Anti-cancer therapy is associated with long-term epigenomic changes in childhood cancer survivors. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:288-300. [PMID: 35354948 PMCID: PMC9296636 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01792-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) exhibit significantly increased chronic diseases and premature death. Abnormalities in DNA methylation are associated with development of chronic diseases and reduced life expectancy. We investigated the hypothesis that anti-cancer treatments are associated with long-term DNA methylation changes that could be key drivers of adverse late health effects. METHODS Genome-wide DNA methylation was assessed using MethylationEPIC arrays in paired samples (before/after therapy) from 32 childhood cancer patients. Separately, methylation was determined in 32 samples from different adult CCS (mean 22-years post-diagnosis) and compared with cancer-free controls (n = 284). RESULTS Widespread DNA methylation changes were identified post-treatment in childhood cancer patients, including 146 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), which were consistently altered in the 32 post-treatment samples. Analysis of adult CCS identified matching methylation changes at 107/146 of the DMRs, suggesting potential long-term retention of post-therapy changes. Adult survivors also exhibited epigenetic age acceleration, independent of DMR methylation. Furthermore, altered methylation at the DUSP6 DMR was significantly associated with early mortality, suggesting altered methylation may be prognostic for some late adverse health effects in CCS. CONCLUSIONS These novel methylation changes could serve as biomarkers for assessing normal cell toxicity in ongoing treatments and predicting long-term health outcomes in CCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natassia Robinson
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John Casement
- Bioinformatic Support Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marc J Gunter
- Section of Nutrition and Metabolism, IARC, Lyon, France
| | | | - Antonio Agudo
- Unit of Nutrition and Cancer, Catalan Institute of Oncology - ICO, Nutrition and Cancer Group, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute - IDIBELL, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, 08908, Spain
| | | | - Fabian Eichelmann
- German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbrücke, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Theron Johnson
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rudolf Kaaks
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Valeria Pala
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Salvatore Panico
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Ruth C Travis
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rosario Tumino
- Cancer Registry and Histopathology Department Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale (ASP), Ragusa, Italy
| | - Paolo Vineis
- MRC Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Roderick Skinner
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Haematology/Oncology, Great North Children's Hospital, Newcastle, UK
| | - Linda Sharp
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jill A McKay
- Department of Applied Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Gordon Strathdee
- Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
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Alameda L, Trotta G, Quigley H, Rodriguez V, Gadelrab R, Dwir D, Dempster E, Wong CCY, Forti MD. Can epigenetics shine a light on the biological pathways underlying major mental disorders? Psychol Med 2022; 52:1645-1665. [PMID: 35193719 PMCID: PMC9280283 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721005559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of the global burden of disease can be attributed to mental illness. Despite important advances in identifying risk factors for mental health conditions, the biological processing underlying causal pathways to disease onset remain poorly understood. This represents a limitation to implement effective prevention and the development of novel pharmacological treatments. Epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as mediators of environmental and genetic risk factors which might play a role in disease onset, including childhood adversity (CA) and cannabis use (CU). Particularly, human research exploring DNA methylation has provided new and promising insights into the role of biological pathways implicated in the aetio-pathogenesis of psychiatric conditions, including: monoaminergic (Serotonin and Dopamine), GABAergic, glutamatergic, neurogenesis, inflammatory and immune response and oxidative stress. While these epigenetic changes have been often studied as disease-specific, similarly to the investigation of environmental risk factors, they are often transdiagnostic. Therefore, we aim to review the existing literature on DNA methylation from human studies of psychiatric diseases (i) to identify epigenetic modifications mapping onto biological pathways either transdiagnostically or specifically related to psychiatric diseases such as Eating Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar and Psychotic Disorder, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety Disorder, and (ii) to investigate a convergence between some of these epigenetic modifications and the exposure to known risk factors for psychiatric disorders such as CA and CU, as well as to other epigenetic confounders in psychiatry research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alameda
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Centro Investigación Biomedica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Giulia Trotta
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Harriet Quigley
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Rodriguez
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Romayne Gadelrab
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniella Dwir
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emma Dempster
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Barrack Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Chloe C. Y. Wong
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Marta Di Forti
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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112
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Rysz J, Franczyk B, Rysz-Górzyńska M, Gluba-Brzózka A. Are Alterations in DNA Methylation Related to CKD Development? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:7108. [PMID: 35806113 PMCID: PMC9267048 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The modifications in genomic DNA methylation are involved in the regulation of normal and pathological cellular processes. The epigenetic regulation stimulates biological plasticity as an adaptive response to variations in environmental factors. The role of epigenetic changes is vital for the development of some diseases, including atherogenesis, cancers, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The results of studies presented in this review have suggested that altered DNA methylation can modulate the expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic genes, as well those essential for kidney development and function, thus stimulating renal disease progression. Abnormally increased homocysteine, hypoxia, and inflammation have been suggested to alter epigenetic regulation of gene expression in CKD. Studies of renal samples have demonstrated the relationship between variations in DNA methylation and fibrosis and variations in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in human CKD. The unravelling of the genetic-epigenetic profile would enhance our understanding of processes underlying the development of CKD. The understanding of multifaceted relationship between DNA methylation, genes expression, and disease development and progression could improve the ability to identify individuals at risk of CKD and enable the choice of appropriate disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacek Rysz
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 113 Żeromskego Street, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (J.R.); (B.F.)
| | - Beata Franczyk
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 113 Żeromskego Street, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (J.R.); (B.F.)
| | - Magdalena Rysz-Górzyńska
- Department of Otolaryngology, Laryngological Oncology, Audiology and Phoniatrics, Medical Univesity of Lodz, 113 Żeromskego Street, 90-549 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Anna Gluba-Brzózka
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 113 Żeromskego Street, 90-549 Lodz, Poland; (J.R.); (B.F.)
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113
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Epigenome-wide association analyses of active injection drug use. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 235:109431. [PMID: 35395503 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use (IDU) is prevalent in the US and is associated with substantial risk of blood-borne infections, morbidity, and mortality. However, the spectrum of its biologic effects on DNA methylation in blood is not well characterized. METHODS 401 participants (Mage = 47.9; 68% male; 90% African American) over several timepoints (1054 visits) were drawn from a longitudinal cohort of people who inject drugs. DNA methylation was measured among buffy coat samples from the 1054 visits. Compared to samples collected after ≥ 6 months of abstinence, separate EWAS were conducted for active injecting of any drug, quantitative injection frequency, injecting of heroin and injecting of cocaine. Linear mixed effect models were used and analyses were adjusted for repeated measurements and key technical, biological, and sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS We found epigenome-wide significant CpG sites associated with active injection (cg10636246, AIM2, p = 2.33 × 10-8) and injection intensity (cg13117953, p = 4.30 × 10-8). We found converging evidence that cg10636246 (AIM2), cg23110600 (PRKCH), cg03546163 (FKBP5), cg04590956 (GMCL1), and cg16317961 (MAPRE2) were among the top 0.1% significantly differentially methylated CpG sites shared across the five EWAS. Top ranked CpGs among the five EWAS were enriched (p < 0.0001) in AIM2 inflammasome complex, T cell migration, insulin regulation and epinephrine synthesis pathways. During periods of active injection, samples had 0.46 years of epigenetic age acceleration relative to the abstinence period, within the same subject (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS Findings from this study demonstrate modest, common, and specific effects on DNA methylation during a relatively short time between periods of active drug injection and abstinence.
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Li Y, Jinxiang T, Shu Y, Yadong P, Ying L, Meng Y, Ping Z, Xiao H, Yixiao F. Childhood trauma and the plasma levels of IL-6, TNF-α are risk factors for major depressive disorder and schizophrenia in adolescents: A cross-sectional and case-control study. J Affect Disord 2022; 305:227-232. [PMID: 35151670 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been reported that childhood trauma and inflammation are associated with major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SZ), but previous researches were almost aimed at adults. The aim of the present research is to observe the alteration of peripheral interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in adolescents (12-20 years) with MDD and SZ, to investigate the impact of childhood abuse in early-onset MDD and SZ, and to furtherly explore the correlation between childhood maltreatment and plasma IL-6, TNF-α levels. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is applied to obtain the plasma concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α in 55 patients with MDD, 51 patients with SZ and 47 healthy minors. The short form of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ-SF) is used to assess the severity of early trauma. RESULTS Plasma IL-6 and TNF-α levels are significantly elevated in patients with early-onset MDD and SZ compared with healthy subjects (p <0.01), whose results display that the correlation between IL-6 and TNF-α is significantly positive (γ=0.787, p <0.01) in all participants. Compared with the healthy adolescents, patients with MDD and SZ show more serious childhood trauma, and the plasma IL-6, TNF-α concentrations are closely related to childhood maltreatment. CONCLUSIONS Early trauma and peripheral inflammatory response play an important role in the pathophysiology of early-onset MDD or SZ. The current findings provide effective targets for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of major depressive disorder and schizophrenia in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Tang Jinxiang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Sleep and Psychology Center, Bishan Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing 402760, China
| | - Yang Shu
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Peng Yadong
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Psychology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Liu Ying
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China; Department of Psychology, Chongqing Health Center for Women and Children, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Yuan Meng
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhang Ping
- Department of English, Sichuan International Study University, Chongqing 400000, China
| | - Hou Xiao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 401331, China.
| | - Fu Yixiao
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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Ressler KJ, Berretta S, Bolshakov VY, Rosso IM, Meloni EG, Rauch SL, Carlezon WA. Post-traumatic stress disorder: clinical and translational neuroscience from cells to circuits. Nat Rev Neurol 2022; 18:273-288. [PMID: 35352034 PMCID: PMC9682920 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-022-00635-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a maladaptive and debilitating psychiatric disorder, characterized by re-experiencing, avoidance, negative emotions and thoughts, and hyperarousal in the months and years following exposure to severe trauma. PTSD has a prevalence of approximately 6-8% in the general population, although this can increase to 25% among groups who have experienced severe psychological trauma, such as combat veterans, refugees and victims of assault. The risk of developing PTSD in the aftermath of severe trauma is determined by multiple factors, including genetics - at least 30-40% of the risk of PTSD is heritable - and past history, for example, prior adult and childhood trauma. Many of the primary symptoms of PTSD, including hyperarousal and sleep dysregulation, are increasingly understood through translational neuroscience. In addition, a large amount of evidence suggests that PTSD can be viewed, at least in part, as a disorder that involves dysregulation of normal fear processes. The neural circuitry underlying fear and threat-related behaviour and learning in mammals, including the amygdala-hippocampus-medial prefrontal cortex circuit, is among the most well-understood in behavioural neuroscience. Furthermore, the study of threat-responding and its underlying circuitry has led to rapid progress in understanding learning and memory processes. By combining molecular-genetic approaches with a translational, mechanistic knowledge of fear circuitry, transformational advances in the conceptual framework, diagnosis and treatment of PTSD are possible. In this Review, we describe the clinical features and current treatments for PTSD, examine the neurobiology of symptom domains, highlight genomic advances and discuss translational approaches to understanding mechanisms and identifying new treatments and interventions for this devastating syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry J Ressler
- SPARED Center, Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Sabina Berretta
- SPARED Center, Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vadim Y Bolshakov
- SPARED Center, Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Isabelle M Rosso
- SPARED Center, Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Edward G Meloni
- SPARED Center, Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Scott L Rauch
- SPARED Center, Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William A Carlezon
- SPARED Center, Department of Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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116
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Occean JR, Wani AH, Donglasan J, Aiello AE, Galea S, Koenen KC, Qu A, Wildman DE, Uddin M. DNA methylation of Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells 1 mediates the prospective relation between exposure to different traumatic event types and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res 2022; 311:114510. [PMID: 35349860 PMCID: PMC9018623 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms through which exposure to differing trauma types become biologically embedded to shape the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is unclear. DNA methylation (5-mC), particularly in stress-relevant genes, may play a role in this relationship. Here, we conducted path analysis using generalized structural equation modeling to investigate whether blood-derived 5-mC in Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells 1 (NFATC1) mediates the prospective association between each of five different trauma types ("assaultive violence", "other injury or shocking experience", "learning of trauma to loved one", "sudden, unexpected death of a close friend or relative", and "other") and lifetime PTSD. All five trauma types were significantly associated with reduced methylation at NFATC1 CpG site, cg17057218. Two of the five trauma types were significantly associated with increased methylation at NFATC1 CpG site, cg22324981. Moreover, methylation at cg17057218 significantly mediated 21-32% of the total effect for four of the five trauma types, while methylation at cg22324981 mediated 27-40% of the total effect for two of the five trauma types. These CpG sites were differentially associated with transcription factor binding sites and chromatin state signatures. NFATC1 5-mC may be a potential mechanism in the relationship between some trauma types and prospective risk for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R Occean
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA; Present address: Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Agaz H Wani
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Janelle Donglasan
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Allison E Aiello
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sandro Galea
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karestan C Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA; Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit & Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Annie Qu
- Department of Statistics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Derek E Wildman
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
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117
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Daskalakis NP, Meijer OC, de Kloet ER. Mineralocorticoid receptor and glucocorticoid receptor work alone and together in cell-type-specific manner: Implications for resilience prediction and targeted therapy. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 18:100455. [PMID: 35601687 PMCID: PMC9118500 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
'You can't roll the clock back and reverse the effects of experiences' Bruce McEwen used to say when explaining how allostasis labels the adaptive process. Here we will for once roll the clock back to the times that the science of the glucocorticoid hormone was honored with a Nobel prize and highlight the discovery of their receptors in the hippocampus as inroad to its current status as master regulator in control of stress coping and adaptation. Glucocorticoids operate in concert with numerous neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, and other hormones with the aim to facilitate processing of information in the neurocircuitry of stress, from anticipation and perception of a novel experience to behavioral adaptation and memory storage. This action, exerted by the glucocorticoids, is guided by two complementary receptor systems, mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR), that need to be balanced for a healthy stress response pattern. Here we discuss the cellular, neuroendocrine, and behavioral studies underlying the MR:GR balance concept, highlight the relevance of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) -axis patterns and note the limited understanding yet of sexual dimorphism in glucocorticoid actions. We conclude with the prospect that (i) genetically and epigenetically regulated receptor variants dictate cell-type-specific transcriptome signatures of stress-related neuropsychiatric symptoms and (ii) selective receptor modulators are becoming available for more targeted treatment. These two new developments may help to 'restart the clock' with the prospect to support resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Onno C. Meijer
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - E. Ron de Kloet
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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118
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Cao C, Yang S, Sun K, Gu J. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal Axis Multilocus Genetic Variation, Childhood Parenting and Adolescent Anxiety Symptoms: Evidence of Cumulative Polygenic Plasticity. J Youth Adolesc 2022; 51:1597-1610. [PMID: 35474403 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01610-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests that genetic variants that regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function moderate the association between parenting and anxiety symptoms, but these studies have primarily focused on (i) individual genes with very small and unreliable effect and (ii) the role of mothers as opposed to fathers. Using a multilocus genetic profile score approach, the current study is the first to examine the moderation effect of HPA-axis multilocus genetic variants on the associations of both maternal and paternal parenting with adolescent anxiety symptoms. In a sample of Chinese Han adolescents (N = 772; 50.1% girls; Mage = 16.48 ± 1.40 years, range: 15-20 years), a theory-driven multilocus genetic profile score was computed by counting the numbers of alleles that were previously linked to heightened stress reactivity in six HPA-axis related genes. This HPA-axis related multilocus genetic profile score equivalently interacted with both maternal and paternal parenting in the prediction of adolescent anxiety symptoms. Consistent with cumulative polygenic plasticity hypothesis of differential susceptibility model, adolescents with more versus low alleles linked to heightened stress reactivity not only suffered more from poor maternal or paternal parenting quality, but also benefited more from high maternal or paternal parenting quality. However, none of the individual HPA-axis genes within this multilocus genetic profile score yielded a significant gene-by-environment (G × E) interaction when examined in isolation. The findings survived after internal replication analysis and a novel, valid influence statistic DFBETAS analysis, demonstrating the robustness of the results. The current study highlights the potential value of using a multilocus approach to understand G × E effects underlying anxiety symptoms and emphasizes the role of both mothers and fathers in such gene-parenting interactions, especially in Chinese families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Cao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
| | - Shan Yang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Kexin Sun
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Junlian Gu
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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119
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Hippocampal volume, FKBP5 genetic risk alleles, and childhood trauma interact to increase vulnerability to chronic multisite musculoskeletal pain. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6511. [PMID: 35444168 PMCID: PMC9021300 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10411-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic multisite musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is common and highly morbid. However, vulnerability factors for CMP are poorly understood. Previous studies have independently shown that both small hippocampal brain volume and genetic risk alleles in a key stress system gene, FKBP5, increase vulnerability for chronic pain. However, little is known regarding the relationship between these factors and CMP. Here we tested the hypothesis that both small hippocampal brain volume and FKBP5 genetic risk, assessed using the tagging risk variant, FKBP5rs3800373, increase vulnerability for CMP. We used participant data from 36,822 individuals with available genetic, neuroimaging, and chronic pain data in the UK Biobank study. Although no main effects were observed, the interaction between FKBP5 genetic risk and right hippocampal volume was associated with CMP severity (β = -0.020, praw = 0.002, padj = 0.01). In secondary analyses, severity of childhood trauma further moderated the relationship between FKBP5 genetic risk, right hippocampal brain volume, and CMP (β = -0.081, p = 0.016). This study provides novel evidence that both FKBP5 genetic risk and childhood trauma moderate the relationship between right hippocampal brain volume and CMP. The data increases our understanding of vulnerability factors for CMP and builds a foundation for further work assessing causal relationships that might drive CMP development.
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120
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Zhang Y, Liu C. Evaluating the challenges and reproducibility of studies investigating DNA methylation signatures of psychological stress. Epigenomics 2022; 14:405-421. [PMID: 35170363 PMCID: PMC8978984 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress can increase the risk of a wide range of negative health outcomes. Studies have been completed to determine if DNA methylation changes occur in the human brain because of stress and are associated with long-term effects and disease, but results have been inconsistent. Human candidate gene studies (150) and epigenome-wide association studies (67) were systematically evaluated to assess how DNA methylation is impacted by stress during the prenatal period, early childhood and adulthood. The association between DNA methylation of NR3C1 exon 1F and child maltreatment and early life adversity was well demonstrated, but other genes did not exhibit a clear association. The reproducibility of individual CpG sites in epigenome-wide association studies was also poor. However, biological pathways, including stress response, brain development and immunity, have been consistently identified across different stressors throughout the life span. Future studies would benefit from the increased sample size, longitudinal design, standardized methodology, optimal quality control, and improved statistical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Medical Department, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Ecology and Population Health in Northwest Minority Areas, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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121
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Lippard ETC, Nemeroff CB. Going beyond risk factor: Childhood maltreatment and associated modifiable targets to improve life-long outcomes in mood disorders. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 215:173361. [PMID: 35219755 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment increases risk for mood disorders and is associated with earlier onset-and more pernicious disease course following onset-of mood disorders. While the majority of studies to date have been cross-sectional, longitudinal studies are emerging and support the devastating role(s) childhood maltreatment has on development of, and illness course in, mood disorders. This manuscript extends prior reviews to emphasize more recent work, highlighting longitudinal data, and discusses treatment studies that provide clues to mechanisms that mediate disease risk, course, relapse, and treatment response. Evidence suggesting systemic inflammation, alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) neural systems, genetic and other familial factors as mechanisms that mediate risk and onset of, and illness course in, mood disorders following childhood maltreatment is discussed. Risky behaviors following maltreatment, e.g., substance use and unhealthy lifestyles, may further exacerbate alterations in the HPA axis, CRF neural systems, and systematic inflammation to contribute to a more pernicious disease course. More research on sex differences and the impact of maltreatment in vulnerable populations is needed. Future research needs to be aimed at leveraging knowledge on modifiable targets, going beyond childhood maltreatment as a risk factor, to inform prevention and treatment strategies and foster trauma-informed care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T C Lippard
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Mulva Clinic for Neuroscience, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Institute of Early Life Adversity Research, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA; Mulva Clinic for Neuroscience, Dell Medical School, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA
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Martins J, Yusupov N, Binder EB, Brückl TM, Czamara D. Early adversity as the prototype gene × environment interaction in mental disorders? Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 215:173371. [PMID: 35271857 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Childhood adversity (CA) as a significant stressor has consistently been associated with the development of mental disorders. The interaction between CA and genetic variants has been proposed to play a substantial role in disease etiology. In this review, we focus on the gene by environment (GxE) paradigm, its background and interpretation and stress the necessity of its implementation in psychiatric research. Further, we discuss the findings supporting GxCA interactions, ranging from candidate gene studies to polygenic and genome-wide approaches, their strengths and limitations. To illustrate potential underlying epigenetic mechanisms by which GxE effects are translated, we focus on results from FKBP5 × CA studies and discuss how molecular evidence can supplement previous GxE findings. In conclusion, while GxE studies constitute a valuable line of investigation, more harmonized GxE studies in large, deep-phenotyped, longitudinal cohorts, and across different developmental stages are necessary to further substantiate and understand reported GxE findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Martins
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany.
| | - Natan Yusupov
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Tanja M Brückl
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
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123
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Herrman H, Patel V, Kieling C, Berk M, Buchweitz C, Cuijpers P, Furukawa TA, Kessler RC, Kohrt BA, Maj M, McGorry P, Reynolds CF, Weissman MM, Chibanda D, Dowrick C, Howard LM, Hoven CW, Knapp M, Mayberg HS, Penninx BWJH, Xiao S, Trivedi M, Uher R, Vijayakumar L, Wolpert M. Time for united action on depression: a Lancet-World Psychiatric Association Commission. Lancet 2022; 399:957-1022. [PMID: 35180424 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(21)02141-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 150.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Herrman
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Vikram Patel
- Department of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Sangath, Goa, India; Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christian Kieling
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT Institute, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Claudia Buchweitz
- Graduate Program in Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Toshiaki A Furukawa
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine/School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Brandon A Kohrt
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mario Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania L Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Patrick McGorry
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Charles F Reynolds
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Myrna M Weissman
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA; Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dixon Chibanda
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe; Centre for Global Mental Health, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Christopher Dowrick
- Department of Primary Care and Mental Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Louise M Howard
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Christina W Hoven
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA; Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martin Knapp
- Care Policy and Evaluation Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science, London, UK
| | - Helen S Mayberg
- Departments of Neurology, Neurosurgery, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Brenda W J H Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Shuiyuan Xiao
- Central South University Xiangya School of Public Health, Changsha, China
| | - Madhukar Trivedi
- Peter O'Donnell Jr Brain Institute and the Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Rudolf Uher
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Lakshmi Vijayakumar
- Sneha, Suicide Prevention Centre and Voluntary Health Services, Chennai, India
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124
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Sun S, Sheridan M, Tyrka A, Donofry SD, Erickson K, Loucks E. Addressing the biological embedding of early life adversities (ELA) among adults through mindfulness: Proposed mechanisms and review of converging evidence. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 134:104526. [PMID: 34998833 PMCID: PMC8844271 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Early life adversities (ELA) are prevalent and have a profound and adverse impact across the lifespan, including on age-related health outcomes, yet interventions to remediate its adverse impact are scarce. This paper presents evidence for mindfulness training to reduce the elevated mental and physical health risks linked to ELA among adults by targeting biological mechanisms of ELA leading to these adverse health outcomes. We first provide a brief overview of ELA, its adverse health impacts, and mechanisms that might be responsible. Next, we review converging evidence that demonstrates that mindfulness training influences key biological pathways involved in ELA-linked negative health consequences, including (a) brain networks involved in self-regulation, (b) immunity and inflammation, (c) telomere biology, and (d) epigenetic modifications. Further, we review preliminary evidence from mindfulness-based trials that focused on populations impacted by ELA. We discuss limitations of this review and provide recommendations for future research. If effective, a mindfulness-based approach could be an important public health strategy for remediating the adverse mental and physical health consequences of ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shufang Sun
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, United States; Mindfulness Center at Brown University, United States.
| | - Margaret Sheridan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Audrey Tyrka
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University Alpert Medical School
| | | | - Kirk Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA,Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Eric Loucks
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health,Mindfulness Center at Brown University
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125
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Müller S, Moser D, Frach L, Wimberger P, Nitzsche K, Li SC, Kirschbaum C, Alexander N. No long-term effects of antenatal synthetic glucocorticoid exposure on epigenetic regulation of stress-related genes. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:62. [PMID: 35173143 PMCID: PMC8850596 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01828-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Antenatal synthetic glucocorticoid (sGC) treatment is a potent modifier of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In this context, epigenetic modifications are discussed as potential regulators explaining how prenatal exposure to GCs might translate into persistent changes of HPA axis "functioning". The purpose of this study was to investigate whether DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of stress-associated genes (NR3C1; FKBP5; SLC6A4) may mediate the persistent effects of sGC on cortisol stress reactivity that have been previously observed. In addition, hair cortisol concentrations (hairC) were investigated as a valid biomarker of long-term HPA axis activity. This cross-sectional study comprised 108 term-born children and adolescents, including individuals with antenatal GC treatment and controls. From whole blood, DNA methylation was analyzed by targeted deep bisulfite sequencing. Relative mRNA expression was determined by RT-qPCR experiments and qBase analysis. Acute stress reactivity was assessed by the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) measuring salivary cortisol by ELISA and hairC concentrations were determined from hair samples by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. First, no differences in DNA methylation and mRNA expression levels of the stress-associated genes between individuals treated with antenatal sGC compared to controls were found. Second, DNA methylation and mRNA expression levels were neither associated with cortisol stress reactivity nor with hairC. These findings do not corroborate the belief that DNA methylation and mRNA expression profiles of stress-associated genes (NR3C1; FKBP5; SLC6A4) play a key mediating role of the persistent effects of sGC on HPA axis functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Müller
- Department of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Dirk Moser
- grid.5570.70000 0004 0490 981XDepartment of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Leonard Frach
- grid.5570.70000 0004 0490 981XDepartment of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, 26 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AP UK
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Katharina Nitzsche
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Shu-Chen Li
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 17, 01602 Dresden, Germany ,grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257CeTI – Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop, Technische Universität Dresden, Georg-Schumann-Str. 9, 01187 Dresden, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 17, 01602 Dresden, Germany
| | - Nina Alexander
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Str. 8, 35039, Marburg, Germany. .,Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
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126
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Childhood parenting and adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms: Moderation by multilocus hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-related genetic variation. Dev Psychopathol 2022; 35:524-536. [PMID: 35094737 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421001620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variants that regulate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function have been demonstrated to moderate the association between parenting and mental health. However, extant research has focused primarily on (i) effects of individual genes or (ii) maternal as opposed to paternal parenting. Using a multilocus genetic profile score (MGPS) approach, the current study is the first to examine the moderation effect of multilocus HPA-axis related genetic variants on the association of both maternal and paternal parenting with adolescent internalizing and externalizing symptoms. In a sample of 772 Chinese Han adolescents (Mage = 16.48 ± 1.40 years; 50.1% girls), a theory-driven MGPS was calculated using six polymorphisms within HPA-axis related genes (CRHR1, NR3C1, NR3C2, FKBP5, COMT, and HT1RA). Results showed that the MGPS interacted with both maternal and paternal parenting in the association with adolescent internalizing symptoms, but not externalizing symptoms. Consistent with the differential susceptibility model, adolescents with high versus low MGPS exhibited not only more internalizing symptoms when exposed to low quality of parenting but also less internalizing symptoms when exposed to high quality of parenting. The current findings highlight the potential value of using a multilocus approach to understanding gene-by-environment interaction (G×E) effects underlying mental health. Within such G×E effects, not only maternal but also paternal parenting should be addressed.
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127
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The Interactive Effect of Genetic and Epigenetic Variations in FKBP5 and ApoE Genes on Anxiety and Brain EEG Parameters. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:genes13020164. [PMID: 35205209 PMCID: PMC8872390 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
FKBP51 is a key stress-responsive regulator of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis. To elucidate the contribution of rs1360780 FKBP5 C/T alleles to aging and longevity, we genotyped FKBP5 in a cohort of 800 non-demented and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) subjects of different age, taking into account the allele state of ApoE ε4, the major risk factor for AD. Furthermore, we searched for the association of FKBP5 with subcohorts of non-demented subjects evaluated for anxiety and resting-state quantitative EEG characteristics, associated with cognitive, emotional, and functional brain activities. We observed that increased state anxiety scores depend on the combination of the FKBP5 and ApoE genotypes and on the DNA methylation state of the FKBP5 promoter and ApoE genotype. We also found a significant gender-dependent correlation between FKBP5 promoter methylation and alpha-, delta-, and theta-rhythms. Analysis of the FKBP5 expression in an independent cohort revealed a significant upregulation of FKBP5 in females versus males. Our data suggest a synergistic effect of the stress-associated (FKBP5) and neurodegeneration-associated (ApoE) gene alleles on anxiety and the gender-dependent effect of FKBP5 on neurophysiological brain activity.
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128
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Panariello F, Fanelli G, Fabbri C, Atti AR, De Ronchi D, Serretti A. Epigenetic Basis of Psychiatric Disorders: A Narrative Review. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2022; 21:302-315. [PMID: 34433406 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210825101915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders are complex, multifactorial illnesses with a demonstrated biological component in their etiopathogenesis. Epigenetic modifications, through the modulation of DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA interference, tune tissue-specific gene expression patterns and play a relevant role in the etiology of psychiatric illnesses. OBJECTIVE This review aims to discuss the epigenetic mechanisms involved in psychiatric disorders, their modulation by environmental factors and their interactions with genetic variants, in order to provide a comprehensive picture of their mutual crosstalk. METHODS In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, systematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library were conducted. RESULTS Exposure to environmental factors, such as poor socio-economic status, obstetric complications, migration, and early life stressors, may lead to stable changes in gene expression and neural circuit function, playing a role in the risk of psychiatric diseases. The most replicated genes involved by studies using different techniques are discussed. Increasing evidence indicates that these sustained abnormalities are maintained by epigenetic modifications in specific brain regions and they interact with genetic variants in determining the risk of psychiatric disorders. CONCLUSION An increasing amount of evidence suggests that epigenetics plays a pivotal role in the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. New therapeutic approaches may work by reversing detrimental epigenetic changes that occurred during the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Panariello
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Fanelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Fabbri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Atti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Diana De Ronchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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129
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Falkai P, Koutsouleris N, Bertsch K, Bialas M, Binder E, Bühner M, Buyx A, Cai N, Cappello S, Ehring T, Gensichen J, Hamann J, Hasan A, Henningsen P, Leucht S, Möhrmann KH, Nagelstutz E, Padberg F, Peters A, Pfäffel L, Reich-Erkelenz D, Riedl V, Rueckert D, Schmitt A, Schulte-Körne G, Scheuring E, Schulze TG, Starzengruber R, Stier S, Theis FJ, Winkelmann J, Wurst W, Priller J. Concept of the Munich/Augsburg Consortium Precision in Mental Health for the German Center of Mental Health. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:815718. [PMID: 35308871 PMCID: PMC8930853 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.815718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) issued a call for a new nationwide research network on mental disorders, the German Center of Mental Health (DZPG). The Munich/Augsburg consortium was selected to participate as one of six partner sites with its concept "Precision in Mental Health (PriMe): Understanding, predicting, and preventing chronicity." PriMe bundles interdisciplinary research from the Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Technical University of Munich (TUM), University of Augsburg (UniA), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU), and Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry (MPIP) and has a focus on schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BPD), and major depressive disorder (MDD). PriMe takes a longitudinal perspective on these three disorders from the at-risk stage to the first-episode, relapsing, and chronic stages. These disorders pose a major health burden because in up to 50% of patients they cause untreatable residual symptoms, which lead to early social and vocational disability, comorbidities, and excess mortality. PriMe aims at reducing mortality on different levels, e.g., reducing death by psychiatric and somatic comorbidities, and will approach this goal by addressing interdisciplinary and cross-sector approaches across the lifespan. PriMe aims to add a precision medicine framework to the DZPG that will propel deeper understanding, more accurate prediction, and personalized prevention to prevent disease chronicity and mortality across mental illnesses. This framework is structured along the translational chain and will be used by PriMe to innovate the preventive and therapeutic management of SZ, BPD, and MDD from rural to urban areas and from patients in early disease stages to patients with long-term disease courses. Research will build on platforms that include one on model systems, one on the identification and validation of predictive markers, one on the development of novel multimodal treatments, one on the regulation and strengthening of the uptake and dissemination of personalized treatments, and finally one on testing of the clinical effectiveness, utility, and scalability of such personalized treatments. In accordance with the translational chain, PriMe's expertise includes the ability to integrate understanding of bio-behavioral processes based on innovative models, to translate this knowledge into clinical practice and to promote user participation in mental health research and care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Koutsouleris
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Bertsch
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Mirko Bialas
- Münchner Psychiatrie-Erfahrene e.V., Munich, Germany
| | | | - Markus Bühner
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alena Buyx
- Institute of History and Ethics in Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Na Cai
- Helmholtz Pioneer Campus, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Ehring
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Johannes Hamann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alkomiet Hasan
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Peter Henningsen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Leucht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Frank Padberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Annette Peters
- Institute of Epidemiology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lea Pfäffel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniela Reich-Erkelenz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Valentin Riedl
- Neuroimaging Center, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Rueckert
- Institute for AI and Informatics in Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andrea Schmitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM 27), Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gerd Schulte-Körne
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics, and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Thomas G Schulze
- Institute of Psychiatric Phenomics and Genomics, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Susanne Stier
- Münchner Psychiatrie-Erfahrene e.V., Munich, Germany
| | - Fabian J Theis
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Juliane Winkelmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Josef Priller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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130
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Ryan M, Ryznar R. The Molecular Basis of Resilience: A Narrative Review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:856998. [PMID: 35599764 PMCID: PMC9120427 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.856998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Resilience refers to the adaptability of a person - an ability to "bounce-back" from stressors. We question if resilience can be strengthened, potentially to decrease the risk of stress-related disorders. Unfortunately, the molecular origins of resilience are complicated and not yet well understood. In this review, we examine the various physiological biomarkers of resilience, including the associated genes, epigenetic changes, and protein biomarkers associated with resilient phenotypes. In addition to assessing biomarkers that may indicate higher levels of resilience, we also review at length the many biomarkers that confer lower levels of resilience and may lead to disorders of low resilience, such as anxiety and depression. This large and encompassing review may help to identify the possible therapeutic targets of resilience. Hopefully these studies will lead to a future where stress-related disorders can be prevented, rather than treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Ryan
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO, United States
| | - Rebecca Ryznar
- Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO, United States
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131
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Su Y, D'Arcy C, Meng X. Intergenerational Effect of Maternal Childhood Maltreatment on Next Generation's Vulnerability to Psychopathology: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2022; 23:152-162. [PMID: 32588771 DOI: 10.1177/1524838020933870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Many studies have identified the multiple negative consequences of childhood maltreatment on subsequent mental health. However, research on the intergenerational effect of maternal childhood maltreatment has not been systematically synthesized. This meta-analysis aimed to provide a quantitative estimate of the intergenerational effect of maternal childhood maltreatment on their offspring's psychopathology. Electronic databases and gray literature were searched for English-language prospective cohort studies. Two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed study quality with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. This review only included those studies with (1) maternal childhood maltreatment occurring prior to 18 years of age, (2) using a clear and reliable assessment for maltreatment exposure and offspring's mental health problems prior to age 18. Random-effect models were used to calculate the pooled effect size of maternal childhood maltreatment on offspring's psychopathology, and meta-regression was used to explore potential confounders. Twelve studies met eligibility criteria. Significant heterogeneity was found across selected studies. Maternal childhood maltreatment was found to have a small but significant effect on the offspring's depression and internalizing behaviors (r = .14, 95% confidence interval [.09, .19]). Two moderators were found, maternal depression and ethnicity. Maternal depression reduced the effect size of maternal maltreatment on offspring's depression and internalizing disorders. The offspring of non-Caucasian mothers who had a history of childhood maltreatment faced a higher risk of mental health problems. There was no evidence of publication bias. This review provides robust evidence to reinforce the need for policies to reduce its occurrence, as it can influence not just one but two or possibly more generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Su
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Carl D'Arcy
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Xiangfei Meng
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Chen P, Lu TH, Hsieh YT, Lin SH, Yang Y. Childhood trauma and sleep-related daytime dysfunction in patients with bipolar II disorder: Is social support a factor? TAIWANESE JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/tpsy.tpsy_4_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Campbell KA. The neurobiology of childhood trauma, from early physical pain onwards: as relevant as ever in today's fractured world. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:2131969. [PMID: 36276555 PMCID: PMC9586666 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2131969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The situation in the world today, encompassing multiple armed conflicts, notably in Ukraine, the Coronavirus pandemic and the effects of climate change, increases the likelihood of childhood exposure to physical injury and pain. Other effects of these worldwide hardships include poverty, malnutrition and starvation, also bringing with them other forms of trauma, including emotional harm, neglect and deliberate maltreatment. Objective: To review the neurobiology of the systems in the developing brain that are most affected by physical and emotional trauma and neglect. Method: The review begins with those that mature first, such as the somatosensory system, progressing to structures that have a more protracted development, including those involved in cognition and emotional regulation. Explored next are developing stress response systems, especially the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and its central regulator, corticotropin-releasing hormone. Also examined are reward and anti-reward systems and genetic versus environmental influences. The behavioural consequences of interpersonal childhood trauma, focusing on self-harm and suicide, are also surveyed briefly. Finally, pointers to effective treatment are proffered. Results: The low-threshold nature of circuitry in the developing brain and lack of inhibitory connections therein result in heightened excitability, making the consequences of both physical and emotional trauma more intense. Sensitive and critical periods in the development of structures such as the amygdala render the nervous system more vulnerable to insults occurring at those points, increasing the likelihood of psychiatric disorders, culminating in self-harm and even suicide. Conclusion: In view of the greater excitability of the developing nervous system, and its vulnerability to physical and psychological injuries, the review ends with an exhortation to consider the long-term consequences of childhood trauma, often underestimated or missed altogether when faced with adults suffering mental health problems.
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Nie Y, Wen L, Song J, Wang N, Huang L, Gao L, Qu M. Emerging trends in epigenetic and childhood trauma: Bibliometrics and visual analysis. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:925273. [PMID: 36458128 PMCID: PMC9705591 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.925273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epigenetic study of childhood trauma has become a valuable field. However, the evolution and emerging trends in epigenetics and childhood trauma have not been studied by bibliometric methods. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate status of epigenetic studies in childhood trauma and reveal the research trends based on bibliometrics. METHODS A total of 1,151 publications related to childhood trauma and epigenetics published between 2000 and 2021 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). CiteSpace (5.8. R 3) was used to implement bibliometric analysis and visualization. RESULTS Since 2010, the number of related publications has expanded quickly. The United States and McGill University are the most influential countries and research institutes, respectively. Elisabeth Binder is a leading researcher in childhood trauma and epigenetic-related research. Biological Psychiatry is probably the most popular journal. In addition, comprehensive keyword analysis revealed that "glucocorticoid receptor," "brain development," "epigenetic regulation," "depression," "posttraumatic stress disorder," "maternal care," "histone acetylation," "telomere length," "microRNA," and "anxiety" reflect the latest research trends in the field. A comprehensive reference analysis demonstrated NR3C1 gene methylation, FKBP5 DNA methylation, BDNF DNA methylation, and KITLG methylation have been hot spots in epigenetic studies in the field of childhood trauma in recent years. Notably, the relationship between childhood adversity and NR3C1 gene methylation levels remains unresolved and requires well-designed studies with control for more confounding factors. CONCLUSION As the best of our knowledge, this is the first bibliometric analysis of the association between childhood trauma and epigenetics. Our analysis of the literature suggests that childhood trauma may induce depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder through epigenetic regulation of glucocorticoid receptor expression and brain development. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is the key points of epigenetic research. The current researches focus on NR3C1 gene methylation, FKBP5 DNA methylation, BDNF DNA methylation, and KITLG methylation. These results provide a guiding perspective for the study of epigenetic effects of childhood trauma, and help researchers choose future research directions based on current keywords.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Nie
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lulu Wen
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Juexian Song
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ningqun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liyuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Li Gao
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Miao Qu
- Department of Neurology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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135
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Pfeiffer JR, van Rooij SJH, Mekawi Y, Fani N, Jovanovic T, Michopoulos V, Smith AK, Stevens JS, Uddin M. Blood-derived deoxyribonucleic acid methylation clusters associate with adverse social exposures and endophenotypes of stress-related psychiatric illness in a trauma-exposed cohort of women. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:892302. [PMID: 36405926 PMCID: PMC9668877 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.892302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse social exposures (ASEs) such as low income, low educational attainment, and childhood/adult trauma exposure are associated with variability in brain region measurements of gray matter volume (GMV), surface area (SA), and cortical thickness (CT). These CNS morphometries are associated with stress-related psychiatric illnesses and represent endophenotypes of stress-related psychiatric illness development. Epigenetic mechanisms, such as 5-methyl-cytosine (5mC), may contribute to the biological embedding of the environment but are understudied and not well understood. How 5mC relates to CNS endophenotypes of psychiatric illness is also unclear. In 97 female, African American, trauma-exposed participants from the Grady Trauma Project, we examined the associations of childhood trauma burden (CTQ), adult trauma burden, low income, and low education with blood-derived 5mC clusters and variability in brain region measurements in the amygdala, hippocampus, and frontal cortex subregions. To elucidate whether peripheral 5mC indexes central nervous system (CNS) endophenotypes of psychiatric illness, we tested whether 73 brain/blood correlated 5mC clusters, defined by networks of correlated 5mC probes measured on Illumina's HumanMethylation Epic Beadchip, mediated the relationship between ASEs and brain measurements. CTQ was negatively associated with rostral middle frontal gyrus (RMFG) SA (β =-0.231, p = 0.041). Low income and low education were also associated with SA or CT in a number of brain regions. Seven 5mC clusters were associated with CTQ (pmin = 0.002), two with low education (pmin = 0.010), and three with low income (pmin = 0.007). Two clusters fully mediated the relation between CTQ and RMFG SA, accounting for 47 and 35% of variability, respectively. These clusters were enriched for probes falling in DNA regulatory regions, as well as signal transduction and immune signaling gene ontology functions. Methylome-network analyses showed enrichment of macrophage migration (p = 9 × 10-8), T cell receptor complex (p = 6 × 10-6), and chemokine-mediated signaling (p = 7 × 10-4) pathway enrichment in association with CTQ. Our results support prior work highlighting brain region variability associated with ASEs, while informing a peripheral inflammation-based epigenetic mechanism of biological embedding of such exposures. These findings could also serve to potentiate increased investigation of understudied populations at elevated risk for stress-related psychiatric illness development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Pfeiffer
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States.,Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Sanne J H van Rooij
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Yara Mekawi
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Negar Fani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jennifer S Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
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136
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Lai W, Li W, Du X, Guo Y, Wang W, Guo L, Lu C. Association Between Childhood Maltreatment, FKBP5 Gene Methylation, and Anxiety Symptoms Among Chinese Adolescents: A Nested Case-Control Study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:761898. [PMID: 35185646 PMCID: PMC8850925 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.761898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety symptoms are common mental health problems among adolescents worldwide. This study aimed to explore (1) the longitudinal association between childhood maltreatment and anxiety symptoms, (2) the association between childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation of the FKBP5 gene, and (3) the association of DNA methylation of the FKBP5 gene with anxiety symptoms at follow-up. METHODS A nested case-control design was conducted to identify a case group and control group from a longitudinal study of adolescents aged 13-18 years in Guangzhou from 2019 to 2020. Adolescents with anxiety symptoms at baseline and follow-up were considered the case group, while those without anxiety symptoms at baseline and follow-up were considered the control group. The case and control groups were matched according to age and sex. Our study finally included 97 cases and 141 controls. RESULTS After adjusting for significant covariates, childhood emotional abuse was associated with subsequent anxiety symptoms (β = 0.146, 95% CI = 0.010~0.283); students with physical and emotional neglect were more likely to get a lower level of DNA methylation at most CpG units of FKBP5 gene (P < 0.05); FKBP5-12 CpG 15 methylation was associated with anxiety symptoms at follow-up (β = -0.263, 95% CI = -0.458~-0.069). However, after multiple hypothesis testing, childhood maltreatment was not associated with FKBP5 DNA methylation (q > 0.10); FKBP5 DNA methylation did not show an association with subsequent anxiety symptoms (q > 0.10). CONCLUSIONS Childhood emotional abuse was associated with an increased risk of anxiety symptoms among Chinese adolescents. After multiple hypothesis testing, childhood maltreatment was not significantly associated with FKBP5 DNA methylation. DNA methylation of the promoter region of the FKBP5 gene was not a significant predictor of anxiety symptoms. More attention should be paid to the mental health of adolescents with childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjian Lai
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyan Li
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xueying Du
- Health Promotion Center for Primary and Secondary Schools of Guangzhou Municipality, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangfeng Guo
- Health Promotion Center for Primary and Secondary Schools of Guangzhou Municipality, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wanxin Wang
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Guo
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ciyong Lu
- Department of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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137
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Gans IM, Coffman JA. Glucocorticoid-Mediated Developmental Programming of Vertebrate Stress Responsivity. Front Physiol 2021; 12:812195. [PMID: 34992551 PMCID: PMC8724051 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.812195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids, vertebrate steroid hormones produced by cells of the adrenal cortex or interrenal tissue, function dynamically to maintain homeostasis under constantly changing and occasionally stressful environmental conditions. They do so by binding and thereby activating nuclear receptor transcription factors, the Glucocorticoid and Mineralocorticoid Receptors (MR and GR, respectively). The GR, by virtue of its lower affinity for endogenous glucocorticoids (cortisol or corticosterone), is primarily responsible for transducing the dynamic signals conveyed by circadian and ultradian glucocorticoid oscillations as well as transient pulses produced in response to acute stress. These dynamics are important determinants of stress responsivity, and at the systemic level are produced by feedforward and feedback signaling along the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal/interrenal axis. Within receiving cells, GR signaling dynamics are controlled by the GR target gene and negative feedback regulator fkpb5. Chronic stress can alter signaling dynamics via imperfect physiological adaptation that changes systemic and/or cellular set points, resulting in chronically elevated cortisol levels and increased allostatic load, which undermines health and promotes development of disease. When this occurs during early development it can "program" the responsivity of the stress system, with persistent effects on allostatic load and disease susceptibility. An important question concerns the glucocorticoid-responsive gene regulatory network that contributes to such programming. Recent studies show that klf9, a ubiquitously expressed GR target gene that encodes a Krüppel-like transcription factor important for metabolic plasticity and neuronal differentiation, is a feedforward regulator of GR signaling impacting cellular glucocorticoid responsivity, suggesting that it may be a critical node in that regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian M. Gans
- MDI Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, ME, United States
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States
| | - James A. Coffman
- MDI Biological Laboratory, Salisbury Cove, ME, United States
- Graduate School of Biomedical Science and Engineering, University of Maine, Orono, ME, United States
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138
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FKBP51 in the Oval Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis Regulates Anxiety-Like Behavior. eNeuro 2021; 8:ENEURO.0425-21.2021. [PMID: 34872938 PMCID: PMC8687485 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0425-21.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cochaperone FKBP51, encoded by the Fkbp5 gene, has been identified as central risk factor for anxiety-related disorders and stress system dysregulation. In the brain, the oval bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (ovBNST) has been implicated in stress-induced anxiety. However, the role of Fkbp5 in the ovBNST and its impact on anxiety-like behavior have remained unknown. Here, we show in mice that Fkbp5 in the ovBNST is reactive to acute stress and coexpressed with the stress-regulated neuropeptides Tac2 and Crh Subsequently, results obtained from viral-mediated manipulation indicate that Fkbp5 overexpression (OE) in the ovBNST results in an anxiolytic-like tendency regarding behavior and endocrinology, whereas a Fkbp5 knock-out (KO) exposed a clear anxiogenic phenotype, indicating that native ovBNST expression and regulation is necessary for normal anxiety-related behavior. Notably, our data suggests that a stress-induced increase of Fkbp5 in the ovBNST may in fact have a protective role, leading to a transient decrease in anxiety and suppression of a future stress-induced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation. Together, our findings provide a first insight into the previously unknown relationship and effects of Fkbp5 and the ovBNST on anxiety-like behavior and HPA axis functioning.
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139
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Physical abuse during childhood predicts IL-2R levels in adult panic disorder patients. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:1440-1444. [PMID: 34565594 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment confers higher risk of adulthood mental disease. However, the biological mechanism mediating this association remains largely unknown, with evidence suggesting dysregulation of the immune system as a possible biological mediator. The present paper conducted a case-control study to establish whether early-life adversity contributes to potentially pathogenic pro-inflammatory phenotypes in adult Panic Disorder (PD) individuals. METHODS Eighty-four PD patients and seventy-eight matched healthy controls were assessed for peripheral serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2R, IL-1β, IL-10, and for specific trauma types through child trauma questionnaire evaluation. RESULTS Analyses for specific types of trauma (sexual, physical or emotional abuse or neglect) revealed that these impact differentially the single inflammatory markers, and a significant association between physical abuse and the inflammatory marker IL-2R in PD patients was observed (β = 0.40, p = 0.013). The analysis demonstrates that childhood trauma contributes to a proinflammatory state in adulthood, with specific inflammatory profiles counting on the specific type of traumatic event. CONCLUSION This study is unique in providing inflammatory biomarkers evidence of distinct biological modifications in PD in the presence or absence of exposure to childhood abuse. These results contribute to a better understanding of the extent of influence of differences in trauma exposure on pathophysiological processes in PD and may have implications for personalized medicine.
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140
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Reduction of DNMT3a and RORA in the nucleus accumbens plays a causal role in post-traumatic stress disorder-like behavior: reversal by combinatorial epigenetic therapy. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:7481-7497. [PMID: 34253866 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01178-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an incapacitating trauma-related disorder, with no reliable therapy. Although PTSD has been associated with epigenetic alterations in peripheral white blood cells, it is unknown where such changes occur in the brain, and whether they play a causal role in PTSD. Using an animal PTSD model, we show distinct DNA methylation profiles of PTSD susceptibility in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Data analysis revealed overall hypomethylation of different genomic CG sites in susceptible animals. This was correlated with the reduction in expression levels of the DNA methyltransferase, DNMT3a. Since epigenetic changes in diseases involve different gene pathways, rather than single candidate genes, we next searched for pathways that may be involved in PTSD. Analysis of differentially methylated sites identified enrichment in the RAR activation and LXR/RXR activation pathways that regulate Retinoic Acid Receptor (RAR) Related Orphan Receptor A (RORA) activation. Intra-NAc injection of a lentiviral vector expressing either RORA or DNMT3a reversed PTSD-like behaviors while knockdown of RORA and DNMT3a increased PTSD-like behaviors. To translate our results into a potential pharmacological therapeutic strategy, we tested the effect of systemic treatment with the global methyl donor S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), for supplementing DNA methylation, or retinoic acid, for activating RORA downstream pathways. We found that combined treatment with the methyl donor SAM and retinoic acid reversed PTSD-like behaviors. Thus, our data point to a novel approach to the treatment of PTSD, which is potentially translatable to humans.
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141
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Suglia SF, Appleton AA, Bleil ME, Campo RA, Dube SR, Fagundes CP, Heard-Garris NJ, Johnson SB, Slopen N, Stoney CM, Watamura SE. Timing, duration, and differential susceptibility to early life adversities and cardiovascular disease risk across the lifespan: Implications for future research. Prev Med 2021; 153:106736. [PMID: 34293381 PMCID: PMC8595689 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Early life adversities (ELA), include experiences such as child maltreatment, household dysfunction, bullying, exposure to crime, discrimination, bias, and victimization, and are recognized as social determinants of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Strong evidence shows exposure to ELA directly impacts cardiometabolic risk in adulthood and emerging evidence suggests there may be continuity in ELA's prediction of cardiometabolic risk over the life course. Extant research has primarily relied on a cumulative risk framework to evaluate the relationship between ELA and CVD. In this framework, risk is considered a function of the number of risk factors or adversities that an individual was exposed to across developmental periods. The cumulative risk exposure approach treats developmental periods and types of risk as equivalent and interchangeable. Moreover, cumulative risk models do not lend themselves to investigating the chronicity of adverse exposures or consider individual variation in susceptibility, differential contexts, or adaptive resilience processes, which may modify the impact of ELA on CVD risk. To date, however, alternative models have received comparatively little consideration. Overall, this paper will highlight existing gaps and offer recommendations to address these gaps that would extend our knowledge of the relationship between ELA and CVD development. We focus specifically on the roles of: 1) susceptibility and resilience, 2) timing and developmental context; and 3) variation in risk exposure. We propose to expand current conceptual models to incorporate these factors to better guide research that examines ELA and CVD risk across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakira F Suglia
- Department of Epidemiology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
| | - Allison A Appleton
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Albany, NY, United States of America
| | - Maria E Bleil
- Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States of America
| | - Rebecca A Campo
- National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Shanta R Dube
- Public Health Program, Levine College of Health Sciences, Wingate University, Wingate, NC, United States of America
| | - Christopher P Fagundes
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Rice University, Department of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Nia J Heard-Garris
- Division of Advanced General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Mary Ann & J. Milburn Smith Child Health Research, Outreach, and Advocacy Center, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Sara B Johnson
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
| | - Natalie Slopen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Catherine M Stoney
- National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Sarah E Watamura
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States of America
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Donofry SD, Stillman CM, Hanson JL, Sheridan M, Sun S, Loucks EB, Erickson KI. Promoting brain health through physical activity among adults exposed to early life adversity: Potential mechanisms and theoretical framework. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:688-703. [PMID: 34624365 PMCID: PMC8642290 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences such as abuse, neglect, and poverty, profoundly alter neurobehavioral development in a manner that negatively impacts health across the lifespan. Adults who have been exposed to such adversities exhibit premature and more severe age-related declines in brain health. Unfortunately, it remains unclear whether the negative effects of early life adversity (ELA) on brain health can be remediated through intervention in adulthood. Physical activity may represent a low-cost behavioral approach to address the long-term consequences of ELA on brain health. However, there has been limited research examining the impact of physical activity on brain health among adults with a history of ELA. Accordingly, the purpose of this review is to (1) review the influence of ELA on brain health in adulthood and (2) highlight evidence for the role of neurotrophic factors, hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary axis regulation, inflammatory processes, and epigenetic modifications in mediating the effects of both ELA and physical activity on brain health outcomes in adulthood. We then propose a theoretical framework to guide future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon D Donofry
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Institute, Allegheny Health Network Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| | - Chelsea M Stillman
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Jamie L Hanson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Learning Research and Development Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Margaret Sheridan
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Shufang Sun
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States; Mindfulness Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Eric B Loucks
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States; Mindfulness Center, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States; Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Kirk I Erickson
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Murdoch University, College of Science, Health, Engineering, and Education, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; PROFITH "PROmoting FITness and Health Through Physical Activity" Research Group, Department of Physical Education and Sports, Faculty of Sport Sciences, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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Afifah Ridhuan S, Caltabiano A, Gillis H, Giritlioğlu A, Graff A, Hampikian LE, Jones AK, Luetgerath P, Pierce A, Pomeroy E, Said-Mohamed R. Advocating for a Collaborative Research Approach on Transgenerational Transmission of Trauma. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2021; 14:527-531. [PMID: 34099965 PMCID: PMC8172554 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-021-00369-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Since Myers (1915) coined the term 'shell shock' to define the prolonged suffering of soldiers returning from the Great War, the psychological and physical result of distressing experiences, known as trauma, has been of academic interest. Transgenerational transmission of trauma effects has been recorded, demonstrating that on some level, the exposure to trauma of one generation can impact individuals of a subsequent generation (Yehuda & Lehrner, 2018). Observational studies on children of holocaust survivors formed the basis of this trajectory of research (Rakoff, 1966), and eventually this phenomenon became referred to as the transgenerational transmission of trauma (TTT). Since then, TTT has been observed in several contexts, including within families who have experienced high rates historical trauma (O'Neill et al., 2016), within regions high-frequencies of historical war and terrorism (Yehuda & Lehrner, 2018) and those who have undergone famine (Ahmed, 2010). This report aims to outline several pathways (biological, psychological, and sociological) by which trauma may be transmitted across generations. Moreover, it discusses several methods of trauma assessment and the related challenges and benefits. Lastly, this report advocates a biopsychosocial approach - an interdisciplinary model using the interplay of biological, psychological, and social-environmental factors - to research TTT. By promoting the benefits of such an interdisciplinary approach we attempt to break up silos between disciplines and encourage collaboration between academics from various backgrounds researching this topic to better serve individuals impacted by TTT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna Caltabiano
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Harry Gillis
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ali Giritlioğlu
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Anna Graff
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - L. E. Hampikian
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Ariadin K. Jones
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Aidan Pierce
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Emma Pomeroy
- Department of Archaeology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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Wiegand A, Blickle A, Brückmann C, Weller S, Nieratschker V, Plewnia C. Dynamic DNA Methylation Changes in the COMT Gene Promoter Region in Response to Mental Stress and Its Modulation by Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1726. [PMID: 34827724 PMCID: PMC8615564 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in epigenetic modifications present a mechanism how environmental factors, such as the experience of stress, can alter gene regulation. While stress-related disorders have consistently been associated with differential DNA methylation, little is known about the time scale in which these alterations emerge. We investigated dynamic DNA methylation changes in whole blood of 42 healthy male individuals in response to a stressful cognitive task, its association with concentration changes in cortisol, and its modulation by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). We observed a continuous increase in COMT promotor DNA methylation which correlated with higher saliva cortisol levels and was still detectable one week later. However, this lasting effect was suppressed by concurrent activity-enhancing anodal tDCS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Our findings support the significance of gene-specific DNA methylation in whole blood as potential biomarkers for stress-related effects. Moreover, they suggest alternative molecular mechanisms possibly involved in lasting behavioral effects of tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Wiegand
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Psychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.B.); (C.B.); (V.N.)
- International Max Planck Research School for Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Arne Blickle
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Psychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.B.); (C.B.); (V.N.)
| | - Christof Brückmann
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Psychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.B.); (C.B.); (V.N.)
| | - Simone Weller
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Neurophysiology & Interventional Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.W.); (C.P.)
| | - Vanessa Nieratschker
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Psychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.B.); (C.B.); (V.N.)
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Plewnia
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Neurophysiology & Interventional Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.W.); (C.P.)
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145
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Aykac A, Kalkan R. Epigenetic Approach to PTSD: In the Aspects of Rat Models. Glob Med Genet 2021; 9:7-13. [PMID: 35169777 PMCID: PMC8837403 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress-related mental disorder and develops after exposure to life-threatening traumatic experiences. The risk factors of PTSD included genetic factors; alterations in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis; neurotrophic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, and catecholaminergic systems; and a variety of environmental factors, such as war, accident, natural disaster, pandemic, physical, or sexual abuse, that cause stress or trauma in individuals. To be able to understand the molecular background of PTSD, rodent animal models are widely used by researchers. When looking for a solution for PTSD, it is important to consider preexisting genetic risk factors and physiological, molecular, and biochemical processes caused by trauma that may cause susceptibility to this disorder. In studies, it is reported that epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in the biological response affected by environmental factors, as well as the task of programming cell identity. In this article, we provided an overview of the role of epigenetic modifications in understanding the biology of PTSD. We also summarized the data from animal studies and their importance during the investigation of PTSD. This study shed light on the epigenetic background of stress and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Aykac
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Rasime Kalkan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
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146
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Thumfart KM, Jawaid A, Bright K, Flachsmann M, Mansuy IM. Epigenetics of childhood trauma: Long term sequelae and potential for treatment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:1049-1066. [PMID: 34742726 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood trauma (CT) can have persistent effects on the brain and is one of the major risk factors for neuropsychiatric diseases in adulthood. Recent advances in the field of epigenetics suggest that epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, as well as regulatory processes involving non-coding RNA are associated with the long-term sequelae of CT. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on the epigenetic basis of CT and describes studies in animal models and human subjects examining how the epigenome and transcriptome are modified by CT in the brain. It discusses psychological and pharmacological interventions that can counteract epigenetic changes induced by CT and the need to establish longitudinal assessment after CT for developing more effective diagnostics and treatment strategies based on epigenetic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Thumfart
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ali Jawaid
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland; Laboratory for Translational Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND), BRAINCITY: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Ludwika Pasteura 3, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
| | - Kristina Bright
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Flachsmann
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle M Mansuy
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
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147
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Karanikas E. Psychologically Traumatic Oxidative Stress; A Comprehensive Review of Redox Mechanisms and Related Inflammatory Implications. PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY BULLETIN 2021; 51:65-86. [PMID: 34887600 PMCID: PMC8601764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The organism's energy requirements for homeostatic balance are covered by the redox mechanisms. Yet in case of psychologically traumatic stress, allostatic regulations activate both pro-oxidant and antioxidant molecules as well as respective components of the inflammatory system. Thus a new setpoint of dynamic interactions among redox elements is reached. Similarly, a multifaceted interplay between redox and inflammatory fields is activated with the mediation of major effector systems such as the immune system, Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis, kynurenine, and the glycaemic regulatory one. In case of sustained and/or intense traumatic stress the prophylactic antioxidant components are inadequate to provide the organism with neuroprotection finally culminating in Oxidative Stress and subsequently to cellular apoptosis. In parallel multiple inflammatory systems trigger and/or are triggered by the redox systems in tight fashion so that the causation sequence appears obscure. This exhaustive review aims at the comprehension of the interaction among components of the redox system as well as to the collection of disperse findings relative to the redox-inflammatory interplay in the context of traumatic stress so that new research strategies could be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Karanikas
- Karanikas, Department of Psychiatry, General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
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148
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Shields AE, Zhang Y, Argentieri MA, Warner ET, Cozier YC, Liu C, Dye CK, Kent BV, Baccarelli AA, Palmer JR. Stress and spirituality in relation to HPA axis gene methylation among US Black women: results from the Black Women's Health Study and the Study on Stress, Spirituality and Health. Epigenomics 2021; 13:1711-1734. [PMID: 34726080 PMCID: PMC8579940 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Few epigenetics studies have been conducted within the Black community to examine the impact of diverse psychosocial stressors and resources for resiliency on the stress pathway (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis). Methods: Among 1000 participants from the Black Women's Health Study, associations between ten psychosocial stressors and DNA methylation (DNAm) of four stress-related genes (NR3C1, HSDB1, HSD11B2 and FKBP5) were tested. Whether religiosity or spirituality (R/S) significantly modified these stress-DNAm associations was also assessed. Results: Associations were found for several stressors with DNAm of individual CpG loci and average DNAm levels across each gene, but no associations remained significant after false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Several R/S variables appeared to modify the relationship between two stressors and DNAm, but no identified interaction remained significant after FDR correction. Conclusion: There is limited evidence for a strong signal between stress and DNAm of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis genes in this general population cohort of US Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra E Shields
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yuankai Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - M Austin Argentieri
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- School of Anthropology & Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6PE, UK
| | - Erica T Warner
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations & Health Disparities, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Clinical Translational Epidemiology Unit, Mongan Institute, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yvette C Cozier
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Christian K Dye
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Blake Victor Kent
- Department of Sociology, Westmont College, Santa Barbara, CA 93108, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julie R Palmer
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, MA 02118, USA
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149
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Ibrahim P, Almeida D, Nagy C, Turecki G. Molecular impacts of childhood abuse on the human brain. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100343. [PMID: 34141833 PMCID: PMC8187840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood abuse (CA) is a prevalent global health concern, increasing the risk of negative mental health outcomes later in life. In the literature, CA is commonly defined as physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as neglect. Several mental disorders have been associated with CA, including depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder, along with an increased risk of suicide. It is thought that traumatic life events occurring during childhood and adolescence may have a significant impact on essential brain functions, which may persist throughout adulthood. The interaction between the brain and the external environment can be mediated by epigenetic alterations in gene expression, and there is a growing body of evidence to show that such changes occur as a function of CA. Disruptions in the HPA axis, myelination, plasticity, and signaling have been identified in individuals with a history of CA. Understanding the molecular impact of CA on the brain is essential for the development of treatment and prevention measures. In this review, we will summarize studies that highlight the molecular changes associated with CA in the human brain, along with supporting evidence from peripheral studies and animal models. We will also discuss some of the limitations surrounding the study of CA and propose extracellular vesicles as a promising future approach in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Ibrahim
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
| | - Daniel Almeida
- Integrated Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
| | - Corina Nagy
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Verdun, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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150
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Layfield SD, Duffy LA, Phillips KA, Lardenoije R, Klengel T, Ressler KJ. Multiomic biological approaches to the study of child abuse and neglect. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2021; 210:173271. [PMID: 34508786 PMCID: PMC8501413 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2021.173271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment, occurring in up to 20-30% of the population, remains far too common, and incorporates a range of active and passive factors, from abuse, to neglect, to the impacts of broader structural and systemic adversity. Despite the effects of childhood maltreatment and adversity on a wide range of adult physical and psychological negative outcomes, not all individuals respond similarly. Understanding the differential biological mechanisms contributing to risk vs. resilience in the face of developmental adversity is critical to improving preventions, treatments, and policy recommendations. This review begins by providing an overview of childhood abuse, neglect, maltreatment, threat, and toxic stress, and the effects of these forms of adversity on the developing body, brain, and behavior. It then examines examples from the current literature of genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic discoveries and biomarkers that may help to understand risk and resilience in the aftermath of trauma, predictors of traumatic exposure risk, and potential targets for intervention and prevention. While the majority of genetic, epigenetic, and gene expression analyses to date have focused on targeted genes and hypotheses, large-scale consortia are now well-positioned to better understand interactions of environment and biology with much more statistical power. Ongoing and future work aimed at understanding the biology of childhood adversity and its effects will help to provide targets for intervention and prevention, as well as identify paths for how science, health care, and policy can combine efforts to protect and promote the psychological and physiological wellbeing of future generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Savannah Dee Layfield
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America
| | - Lucie Anne Duffy
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America
| | - Karlye Allison Phillips
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America
| | - Roy Lardenoije
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Torsten Klengel
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, United States of America
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Depression & Anxiety Division, McLean Hospital, Mass General Brigham, Belmont, MA, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, United States of America.
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