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Recław R, Chmielowiec K, Suchanecka A, Boroń A, Chmielowiec J, Strońska-Pluta A, Kowalski MT, Masiak J, Trybek G, Grzywacz A. The Influence of Genetic Polymorphic Variability of the Catechol-O-methyltransferase Gene in a Group of Patients with a Diagnosis of Behavioural Addiction, including Personality Traits. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:299. [PMID: 38540358 PMCID: PMC10969953 DOI: 10.3390/genes15030299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gambling Disorder (GD) is characterised by a harmful, enduring, and recurrent involvement in betting-related behaviours. Therefore, GD shares similar biological mechanisms and symptoms to substance use disorders (SUD). Therefore, in this study, we chose the behavioural addictions group. During the examination and recruitment to the study, it turned out that all the people undergoing treatment for gambling addiction were also addicted to amphetamines, which is consistent with the biological mechanism related to cerebral neurotransmission. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the COMT gene polymorphism with behavioral addiction. The study group consisted of 307 participants: 107 men with gambling disorder and amphetamine dependency (mean age = 27.51, SD = 5.25) and 200 non-addicted, nor dependent, free from neuro-psychiatric disorders control group men (mean age = 20.20, SD = 4.51). Both groups were subjected to psychometric evaluation using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood following standard protocols. Determination of the rs4680 polymorphism in the COMT gene was performed using the real-time PCR technique. Statistically significant differences in the frequency of rs4680 genotypes were found in the tested sample of subjects compared with the control group (p = 0.03543). Subjects with gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder compared to the control group obtained higher scores in the assessment of the STAI trait scale (p = 0.0019), state scale (p < 0.0000), and NEO-FFI Neuroticism scale (p < 0.0000). Significantly lower results were obtained for the NEO-FFI Agreeability scale (p < 0.0000). Additionally, a significant statistical impact of gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder, and the COMT rs4680 genotype was demonstrated for the score of the STAI trait (p = 0.0351) and state (p = 0.0343) and the NEO-FFI Conscientiousness scale (p = 0.0018). We conclude that COMT and its polymorphic variant influence the development of addiction. Still, considering its multifactorial and polygenic nature, it should be combined with other factors such as personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remigiusz Recław
- Foundation Strong in the Spirit, 60 Sienkiewicza St., 90-058 Łódź, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Aleksandra Suchanecka
- Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.S.); (A.S.-P.)
| | - Agnieszka Boroń
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Aleja Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland; (K.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Aleksandra Strońska-Pluta
- Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.S.); (A.S.-P.)
| | - Michał Tomasz Kowalski
- Clinical Department of Cardiology, Nowa Sól Multidisciplinary Hospital, 67-100 Nowa Sol, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Masiak
- II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Głuska St., 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Grzegorz Trybek
- Department of Oral Surgery, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland;
- Maxillofacial Surgery Clinic, 4th Military Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw, ul. Rudolfa Weigla 5, 50-981 Wrolaw, Poland
| | - Anna Grzywacz
- Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland; (A.S.); (A.S.-P.)
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DeVito EE, Sofuoglu M. Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Effects on Smoking: A Review and Proof of Concept of Sex-Sensitive Effects. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2022; 9:113-123. [PMID: 36644316 PMCID: PMC9838826 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-022-00251-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This article reviews recent research on how catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) may impact cigarette smoking behavior, and how effects may be sex-sensitive. Preliminary data are presented on sex-sensitive effects of COMT on response to short-term abstinence in individuals who smoke. Recent Findings Although research is mixed, functional variants in the COMT gene have been linked with smoking behavior, cessation outcomes and nicotine abstinence-related symptoms. Our proof-of-concept preliminary data from a human laboratory study of individuals who smoke cigarettes found that those with the high COMT enzyme activity genotype (Val/Val) reported more severe smoking urges and withdrawal symptoms following overnight abstinence than Met carriers. These effects were present in women, but not in men and were abstinent-dependent, in that they dissipated following nicotine administration. Summary The preliminary data showing sex-sensitive pharmacogenetic effects may shed light on mechanisms contributing to sex differences in barriers to smoking cessation or potential sex-specific treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise E. DeVito
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Mehmet Sofuoglu
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, CT, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
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van de Weijer MP, Pelt DHM, de Vries LP, Baselmans BML, Bartels M. A Re-evaluation of Candidate Gene Studies for Well-Being in Light of Genome-Wide Evidence. JOURNAL OF HAPPINESS STUDIES 2022; 23:3031-3053. [PMID: 35949913 PMCID: PMC9356956 DOI: 10.1007/s10902-022-00538-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Ever since twin-family studies found that a substantial amount (± 40%) of the variation in well-being can be explained by genetic variation, several candidate genes have been proposed explaining this variation. However, these candidate gene and candidate gene-by-environment interaction studies have been surrounded by controversy regarding the validity and replication of their results. In the present study, we review the existing candidate gene literature for well-being. First, we perform a systematic literature search that results in the inclusion of 41 studies. After describing the results of the included studies, we evaluated the included candidate polymorphisms by (1) looking up the results for the studied candidate SNPs in a large well-being genome-wide association study, (2) performing association analyses in UK biobank (UKB) data for the candidate variable number tandem repeats (VNTR) and the APOE ε4 allele, and (3) studying possible candidate interactions with positive and negative environmental moderators using UKB data. We find no support for any of the candidate genes or candidate gene-environment interactions for well-being, with the exception of two SNPs that were chosen based on genome-wide evidence. While the generalizability of our findings is limited by our phenotype and environment definitions, we strongly advise well-being researchers to abandon the candidate gene approach in the field of well-being and move toward genome-wide approaches. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10902-022-00538-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margot P. van de Weijer
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dirk H. M. Pelt
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lianne P. de Vries
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart M. L. Baselmans
- Biomedical Technology, Faculty of Technology, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Meike Bartels
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Xu H, Zhou Y, Xiu M, Chen D, Wang W, Wang L, Zhang X. The inconsistent mediating effect of catechol O methyl transferase Val 158Met polymorphism on the sex difference of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia patients. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:993859. [PMID: 36203835 PMCID: PMC9531860 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.993859] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Schizophrenia is a multifaceted mental disorder characterized by heterogeneous positive/negative symptoms and cognitive deficits. Sex differences have been reported in various aspects of the disease. However, the underlying genetic reasons remain unelucidated. Recent studies show that the influence of COMT Val158Met (rs4680) variation is sexually dimorphic. Thus, this study aims to explore whether there is an effect of the interaction between COMT Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphism and sex on patients' clinical characteristics and cognitive function. MATERIALS AND METHODS We recruited 367 in patients with chronic schizophrenia (246 males and 121 females) and 419 healthy controls (172 males and 247 females). The cognitive performance was assessed by Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS), and the COMT Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphism is genotyped. The psychopathological symptoms of the patients were assessed by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). RESULTS We find that male patients had a significantly higher proportion of carrying the Val allele and Val/Val carriers exhibited more severe positive symptoms and cognitive impairment than Met carriers. COMT Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphism inconsistently mediated the relationship between sex and cognitive performance in schizophrenia patients. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that COMT Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphism is associated with the risk and severity of schizophrenia in a sexually dimorphic way and contributes more to the clinical symptoms and cognitive impairment in male patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
| | - Yongjie Zhou
- Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Meihong Xiu
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dachun Chen
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Weiwen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Tartar JL, Antonio J, Kalman DS, Hewlings SJ, Baisley J, Marang M, Flynn S, Peacock CA. An Evaluation of the Effects of a Non-caffeinated Energy Dietary Supplement on Cognitive and Physical Performance: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study. Cureus 2021; 13:e16178. [PMID: 34367785 PMCID: PMC8336296 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.16178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A large and growing body of research shows that non-caffeinated plant-based nutritional supplements can increase cognitive and physical performance. This study aimed to build on this work by investigating the possibility that a specific botanical blend (consisting of Bacopa monnieri bacosides, Kaempferia parviflora methoxy flavones, pomegranate peel polyphenols, and Moringa oleifera leaf saponins) could improve cognitive and physical performance. To this end, we carried out a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 21-day parallel study on 36 healthy adults. We compared the effects of the botanical blend at baseline to a caffeine and a placebo condition on 1) self-reported alertness, anxiety, and headaches; 2) multiple measures of attention and cognition; 3) physical performance; and 4) stress biomarkers. We found that relative to baseline and compared to the Caffeine and Placebo groups, the botanical blend increased alertness and improved cognitive performance. The cognitive effects were most robust for attention measures. The botanical blend did not improve physical performance on a time to exhaustion (TTE) test. Of note, there was not the expected increase in catecholamine response after the TTE on Day 21, suggesting that long-term botanical blend use decreases the catecholamine stress response of a physical endurance task. In conclusion, we show that, within the confines of this study, a combination of the botanical blend could serve as a safe and effective nutritional supplement to improve cognitive performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime L Tartar
- Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, USA
| | - Jose Antonio
- College of Health Care Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, USA
| | - Douglas S Kalman
- College of Health Care Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, USA
| | - Susan J Hewlings
- The Herbert H & Grace A. Dow College of Health Professions, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, USA
| | - Joshua Baisley
- Clinical Design and Delivery, Nutrasource Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Services, Guelph, CAN
| | - Mykola Marang
- Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, USA
| | - Sarah Flynn
- Glanbia Research and Development Center, Glanbia Nutritionals, Twin Falls, USA
| | - Corey A Peacock
- College of Health Care Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, USA
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6
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Zandonai T, Escorial M, Peiró AM. Codeine and Tramadol Use in Athletes: A Potential for Abuse. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:661781. [PMID: 34177579 PMCID: PMC8222773 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.661781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Zandonai
- Sports Research Centre, Department of Sport Sciences, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain.,Department of Pharmacology, Paediatrics and Organic Chemistry, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain
| | - Mónica Escorial
- Department of Pharmacology, Paediatrics and Organic Chemistry, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain.,Neuropharmacology on Pain and Functional Diversity (NED), Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL Foundation), Alicante, Spain
| | - Ana M Peiró
- Department of Pharmacology, Paediatrics and Organic Chemistry, Miguel Hernández University of Elche, Elche, Spain.,Neuropharmacology on Pain and Functional Diversity (NED), Institute of Health and Biomedical Research of Alicante (ISABIAL Foundation), Alicante, Spain.,Pain Unit, Department of Health of Alicante-General Hospital, Alicante, Spain
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Tartar JL, Cabrera D, Knafo S, Thomas JD, Antonio J, Peacock CA. The "Warrior" COMT Val/Met Genotype Occurs in Greater Frequencies in Mixed Martial Arts Fighters Relative to Controls. J Sports Sci Med 2020; 19:38-42. [PMID: 32132825 PMCID: PMC7039020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene (rs4680) is a gene variant that has been shown to predict the ability to maintain cognitive agility during combat and competition. Critically, COMT Met (low-activity; high dopamine) allele carriers outperform Val (high-activity; low dopamine) homozygotes on a variety of cognitive tasks. However, the relationship between genotype and cognitive performance appears to reverse under stressful conditions. Stress increases pre-frontal cortex dopamine (PFC DA) levels, and Met allele carriers (with higher DA) show performance deficits relative to Val allele carriers. This pattern reflects the inverted U-shaped function of DA activity where too little (Val allele) or too much (Met allele carriers under stress) DA is associated with poor cognitive performance. The Val allele advantage for stress resiliency is referred to as the COMT "warrior/ worrier" model. In line with this model, we predicted that elite level mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters would be more likely than athlete controls to carry the GG (warrior) genotype compared to an athlete group and a non-athlete group. Based on findings in our previous studies, we also assessed the stress biomarkers cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA). There was an overall significant difference in genotype frequencies between groups (p =0.01) and the MMA group showed a significantly greater GG (warrior) genotype frequency than the non-athlete control group (p = 0.003). There was not a significant group x genotype interaction for the cortisol or sAA; however, the non-athlete GG group had significantly higher cortisol than the A/- group (p = 0.038). Combined, our findings suggest that the "warrior" genotype may play a participation role in combat sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime L Tartar
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA
| | - Dominick Cabrera
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA
| | - Sarah Knafo
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA
| | - Julius D Thomas
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA
| | - Jose Antonio
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Nova Southeastern University Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA
| | - Corey A Peacock
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Nova Southeastern University Nova Southeastern University, FL, USA
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Weaver KR, Melkus GD, Fletcher J, Henderson WA. Relevance of Sex and Subtype in Patients With IBS: An Exploratory Study of Gene Expression. Biol Res Nurs 2020; 22:13-23. [PMID: 31833409 PMCID: PMC7068753 DOI: 10.1177/1099800419889189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological state, stress level, and gastrointestinal function are intricately related and relevant to symptom exacerbation in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but genetic contributors to this brain-gut connection are not fully understood. The purpose of this exploratory study was to compare gene expression in participants with IBS to that of healthy controls (HC) and to examine patterns of expression in participants with IBS by sex and IBS subtype. METHOD Participants were recruited to an ongoing protocol at the National Institutes of Health. Differences in demographic and clinical characteristics were assessed using descriptive statistics and Mann-Whitney U tests. Expression levels of 84 genes were evaluated in peripheral whole blood using Custom RT2 Profiler polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Arrays, and data analysis was performed through GeneGlobe Data Analysis Center. RESULTS Participants with IBS (n = 27) reported greater levels of perceived stress (p = .037) and differed in expression values of ±2 for the genes ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, CNR2, COMT, OXTR, and PPARA compared to HC (n = 43). Further analyses by sex and IBS subtype revealed differential patterns of gene expression related to the endocannabinoid system, cytokines, stress, and sex steroid hormones. CONCLUSIONS Diverse yet interconnected processes such as metabolism, inflammation, immunity, social behavior, and pain are associated with differences in gene expression between participants with IBS and HC. These findings lend support for genomic associations with the brain-gut connection in patients with IBS and highlight the relevance of sex and IBS subtype in performing such analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen R. Weaver
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland
School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health,
Bethesda, MD, USA
| | | | - Jason Fletcher
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, NY, USA
| | - Wendy A. Henderson
- Digestive Disorders Unit, Division of Intramural Research, National
Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Di Liegro CM, Schiera G, Proia P, Di Liegro I. Physical Activity and Brain Health. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10090720. [PMID: 31533339 PMCID: PMC6770965 DOI: 10.3390/genes10090720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical activity (PA) has been central in the life of our species for most of its history, and thus shaped our physiology during evolution. However, only recently the health consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, and of highly energetic diets, are becoming clear. It has been also acknowledged that lifestyle and diet can induce epigenetic modifications which modify chromatin structure and gene expression, thus causing even heritable metabolic outcomes. Many studies have shown that PA can reverse at least some of the unwanted effects of sedentary lifestyle, and can also contribute in delaying brain aging and degenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer’s Disease, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis. Most importantly, PA improves cognitive processes and memory, has analgesic and antidepressant effects, and even induces a sense of wellbeing, giving strength to the ancient principle of “mens sana in corpore sano” (i.e., a sound mind in a sound body). In this review we will discuss the potential mechanisms underlying the effects of PA on brain health, focusing on hormones, neurotrophins, and neurotransmitters, the release of which is modulated by PA, as well as on the intra- and extra-cellular pathways that regulate the expression of some of the genes involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Maria Di Liegro
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Schiera
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Biologiche, Chimiche e Farmaceutiche) (STEBICEF), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Proia
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement (Dipartimento di Scienze Psicologiche, Pedagogiche, dell'Esercizio fisico e della Formazione), University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Italia Di Liegro
- Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnostics (Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica avanzata) (Bi.N.D.), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
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10
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Abstract
We tested the extent to which the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism is associated with stress response and pain in both men and women. The participants were assessed on measures of perceived pain and state/trait anxiety in association with their COMT allele status. We also measured cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) levels since previous research suggests an association between the COMT Val159Met polymorphism, cortisol secretion, and sAA activity. We found significant differences between methionine (Met) allele carriers and valine (Val) homozygotes following a stress manipulation in sAA levels. Met allele carriers had a stronger sAA response when compared to Val homozygotes. Furthermore, Val homozygotes showed a positive correlation between their sAA levels and trait anxiety at baseline and 20 min post-stress manipulation but displayed a negative correlation with the change in sAA levels from baseline to 20 min post-stress manipulation. Finally, state/trait anxiety was significantly correlated in Met allele carriers. These findings add support to the COMT warror/worrier model which states under stressful situations, increased dopamine levels in Val (warrior) homozygotes affords an emotional advantage relative to Met (worrier) allele carriers, who show an increased reactivity to aversive stimuli. Summary These findings offer new support for the warrior/worrier model of COMT genotype (rs4680) on human behavior. Twenty minutes following exposure to a cold stress, Val homozygotes (warrior) showed a lower biochemical stress response (salivary alpha-amylase, sAA) relative to methionine (Met) allele carriers (worrier). We further show that the COMT genotype differentially influences state and trait anxiety measures as they relate to stress responses and to each other.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Martinez Serrano
- a Department of Psychology and Neuroscience , Nova Southeastern University , Ft Lauderdale , FL , USA
| | - Jonathan B Banks
- a Department of Psychology and Neuroscience , Nova Southeastern University , Ft Lauderdale , FL , USA
| | - Thomas J Fagan
- a Department of Psychology and Neuroscience , Nova Southeastern University , Ft Lauderdale , FL , USA
| | - Jaime L Tartar
- a Department of Psychology and Neuroscience , Nova Southeastern University , Ft Lauderdale , FL , USA
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Morozova A, Zorkina Y, Pavlov K, Pavlova O, Storozheva Z, Zubkov E, Zakharova N, Karpenko O, Reznik A, Chekhonin V, Kostyuk G. Association of rs4680 COMT, rs6280 DRD3, and rs7322347 5HT2A With Clinical Features of Youth-Onset Schizophrenia. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:830. [PMID: 31798476 PMCID: PMC6863060 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
We investigated the associations of rs4680 COMT, rs6280 DRD3, and rs7322347 5HT2A with youth-onset schizophrenia in the Russian population in a case-control study, and the role of the genotype in the severity of clinical features. The association between rs7322347 and schizophrenia (p = 0.0001) is described for the first time. Furthermore, we found a link with rs6280 and rs4680 in females (p = 0.001 and p = 0.02 respectively) and with rs7322347 in males (p = 0.002). Clinical symptoms were assessed on three scales: the Clinician-Rated Dimensions of Psychosis Symptom Severity scale, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and Frontal Assessment Battery. Gender differences in clinical features are of particular interest. In our study we found gender differences in the severity of clinical features-higher scores for delusions (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition) in males and higher scores for depression, delusions, somatic concern, motor retardation, poor attention were found in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Morozova
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia.,N.A. Alekseev Psychiatric Clinical Hospital № 1, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yana Zorkina
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Konstantin Pavlov
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga Pavlova
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Zinaida Storozheva
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Eugene Zubkov
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Olga Karpenko
- N.A. Alekseev Psychiatric Clinical Hospital № 1, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Vladimir Chekhonin
- Department Basic and Applied Neurobiology, V. Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Georgiy Kostyuk
- N.A. Alekseev Psychiatric Clinical Hospital № 1, Moscow, Russia
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