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Deng S, Guo A, Huang Z, Guan K, Zhu Y, Chan C, Gui J, Song C, Li X. The exploration of neuroinflammatory mechanism by which CRHR2 deficiency induced anxiety disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 128:110844. [PMID: 37640149 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110844] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and triggers glial neuroinflammatory phenotypes, which reduces monoamine neurotransmitters by activating indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase enzyme. These changes can induce psychiatric diseases, including anxiety. Corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2) in the HPA axis is involved in the etiology of anxiety. Omega(n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can attenuate anxiety through anti-inflammation and HPA axis modulation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by CRHR2 modulates anxiety and its correlation with neuroinflammation remain unclear. Here, we first constructed a crhr2 zebrafish mutant line, and evaluated anxiety-like behaviors, gene expression associated with the HPA axis, neuroinflammatory response, neurotransmitters, and PUFAs profile in crhr2+/+ and crhr2-/- zebrafish. The crhr2 deficiency decreased cortisol levels and up-regulated crhr1 and down-regulated crhb, crhbp, ucn3l and proopiomelanocortin a (pomc a) in zebrafish. Interestingly, a significant increase in the neuroinflammatory markers, translocator protein (TSPO) and the activation of microglia M1 phenotype (CD11b) were found in crhr2-/- zebrafish. As a consequence, the expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, pro-inflammatory cytokines vascular endothelial growth factor, and astrocyte A1 phenotype c3 were up-regulated. While microglia anti-inflammatory phenotype (CD206), central anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4, arginase-1, and transforming growth factor-β were downregulated. In parallel, crhr2-deficient zebrafish showed an upregulation of vdac1 protein, a TSPO ligand, and its downstream caspase-3. Furthermore, 5-HT/5-HIAA ratio was decreased and n-3 PUFAs deficiency was identified in crhr2-/- zebrafish. In conclusion, anxiety-like behavior displayed by crhr2-deficient zebrafish may be caused by the HPA axis dysfunction and enhanced neuroinflammation, which resulted in n-3 PUFAs and monoamine neurotransmitter reductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Deng
- Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Anqi Guo
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Zhengwei Huang
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Kaiyu Guan
- Wenzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Ya Zhu
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheekai Chan
- College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jianfang Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Xi Li
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.
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Wood EK, Aston SA, O’Connell PH, Hafen E, Skowbo AN, Schwandt ML, Lindell SG, Smith E, Johnson M, Baron Z, Gabrielle N, Barr CS, Suomi SJ, Goldman D, Higley JD. Genotypic variation in the promoter region of the CRH-248 gene interacts with early rearing experiences to disrupt the development of the HPA axis in infant rhesus macaques ( Macaca mulatta). Stress 2024; 27:2377272. [PMID: 39020286 PMCID: PMC11279524 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2024.2377272] [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: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberrant functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a hallmark of conditions such as depression, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Early-life adversity and genetic variation can interaction to disrupt HPA axis regulation, potentially contributing to certain forms of psychopathology. This study employs a rhesus macaque model to investigate how early parental neglect interacts with a single nucleotide polymorphism within the promoter region of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH-248) gene, impacting the development of the HPA axis. For the initial six months of life, 307 rhesus monkey infants (n = 146 females, n = 161 males) were either reared with their mothers (MR) in conditions emulating the natural environment (control group) or raised without maternal care in groups with constant or 3-hours daily access to same-aged peers (NR). Blood samples collected on days 30, 60, 90, and 120 of life under stressful conditions were assayed for plasma cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations. Findings revealed that NR subjects exhibited a significant blunting of both ACTH and cortisol concentrations. Notably, there was a gene-by-environment interaction observed for ACTH and cortisol levels, with NR subjects with the polymorphism displaying higher ACTH concentrations and lower cortisol concentrations. To the extent that these results generalize to humans, they suggest that early parental neglect may render individuals vulnerable to HPA axis dysfunction, a susceptibility that is modulated by CRH-248 genotype-a gene-by-environment interaction that leaves a lasting developmental signature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Melanie L. Schwandt
- Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Poolesville, MD
| | - Stephen G. Lindell
- Section of Comparative Behavioral Genomics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Rockville, MD
| | | | | | | | | | - Christina S. Barr
- Section of Comparative Behavioral Genomics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Rockville, MD
| | - Stephen J. Suomi
- Laboratory of Comparative Ethology, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Poolesville, MD
| | - David Goldman
- Section of Comparative Behavioral Genomics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, NIH, Rockville, MD
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3
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Branham EM, McLean SA, Deliwala I, Mauck MC, Zhao Y, McKibben LA, Lee A, Spencer AB, Zannas AS, Lechner M, Danza T, Velilla MA, Hendry PL, Pearson C, Peak DA, Jones J, Rathlev NK, Linnstaedt SD. CpG Methylation Levels in HPA Axis Genes Predict Chronic Pain Outcomes Following Trauma Exposure. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1127-1141. [PMID: 36906051 PMCID: PMC10330094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic post-traumatic musculoskeletal pain (CPTP) is a common outcome of traumatic stress exposure. Biological factors that influence the development of CPTP are poorly understood, though current evidence indicates that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a critical role in its development. Little is known about molecular mechanisms underlying this association, including epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we assessed whether peritraumatic DNA methylation levels at 248 5'-C-phosphate-G-3' (CpG) sites in HPA axis genes (FKBP5, NR3C1, CRH, CRHR1, CRHR2, CRHBP, POMC) predict CPTP and whether identified CPTP-associated methylation levels influence expression of those genes. Using participant samples and data collected from trauma survivors enrolled into longitudinal cohort studies (n = 290), we used linear mixed modeling to assess the relationship between peritraumatic blood-based CpG methylation levels and CPTP. A total of 66 (27%) of the 248 CpG sites assessed in these models statistically significantly predicted CPTP, with the three most significantly associated CpG sites originating from the POMC gene region (ie, cg22900229 [β = .124, P < .001], cg16302441 [β = .443, P < .001], cg01926269 [β = .130, P < .001]). Among the genes analyzed, both POMC (z = 2.36, P = .018) and CRHBP (z = 4.89, P < .001) were enriched in CpG sites significantly associated with CPTP. Further, POMC expression was inversely correlated with methylation levels in a CPTP-dependent manner (6-months NRS<4: r = -.59, P < .001; 6-months NRS ≥ 4: r = -.18, P = .2312). Our results suggest that methylation of HPA axis genes including POMC and CRHBP predict risk for and may contribute to vulnerability to CPTP. PERSPECTIVE: Peritraumatic blood levels of CpG methylation sites in HPA axis genes, particularly CpG sites in the POMC gene, predict CPTP development. This data substantially advances our understanding of epigenetic predictors and potential mediators of CPTP, a highly common, morbid, and hard-to-treat form of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Branham
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Samuel A McLean
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ishani Deliwala
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Matthew C Mauck
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ying Zhao
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lauren A McKibben
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Aaron Lee
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alex B Spencer
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anthony S Zannas
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Carolina Stress Initiative, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Megan Lechner
- Forensic Nursing Program, Memorial Health System, Colorado Springs, Colorado
| | - Teresa Danza
- Forensic Nursing Program, Albuquerque SANE Collaborative, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | | | - Phyllis L Hendry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Claire Pearson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Detroit Receiving, Detroit, Michigan
| | - David A Peak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Niels K Rathlev
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah D Linnstaedt
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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Scorrano G, La Bella S, Matricardi S, Chiarelli F, Giannini C. Neuroendocrine Effects on the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome in Children. Metabolites 2023; 13:810. [PMID: 37512517 PMCID: PMC10383317 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13070810] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The endocrine and nervous systems reciprocally interact to manage physiological individual functions and homeostasis. The nervous system modulates hormone release through the hypothalamus, the main cerebrally specialized structure of the neuroendocrine system. The hypothalamus is involved in various metabolic processes, administering hormone and neuropeptide release at different levels. This complex activity is affected by the neurons of various cerebral areas, environmental factors, peripheral organs, and mediators through feedback mechanisms. Therefore, neuroendocrine pathways play a key role in metabolic homeostasis control, and their abnormalities are associated with the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children. The impaired functioning of the genes, hormones, and neuropeptides of various neuroendocrine pathways involved in several metabolic processes is related to an increased risk of dyslipidaemia, visceral obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. This review examines the neuroendocrine effects on the risk of MetS in children, identifying and underlying several conditions associated with neuroendocrine pathway disruption. Neuroendocrine systems should be considered in the complex pathophysiology of MetS, and, when genetic or epigenetic mutations in "hot" pathways occur, they could be studied for new potential target therapies in severe and drug-resistant paediatric forms of MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Scorrano
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Saverio La Bella
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiarelli
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Cosimo Giannini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, Via Dei Vestini, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Foilb AR, Taylor-Yeremeeva EM, Fritsch EL, Ravichandran C, Lezak KR, Missig G, McCullough KM, Carlezon WA. Differential effects of the stress peptides PACAP and CRF on sleep architecture in mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.22.533872. [PMID: 36993188 PMCID: PMC10055371 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.22.533872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Stress produces profound effects on behavior, including persistent alterations in sleep patterns. Here we examined the effects of two prototypical stress peptides, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), on sleep architecture and other translationally-relevant endpoints. Male and female mice were implanted with subcutaneous transmitters enabling continuous measurement of electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG), as well as body temperature and locomotor activity, without tethering that restricts free movement, body posture, or head orientation during sleep. At baseline, females spent more time awake (AW) and less time in slow wave sleep (SWS) than males. Mice then received intracerebral infusions of PACAP or CRF at doses producing equivalent increases in anxiety-like behavior. The effects of PACAP on sleep architecture were similar in both sexes and resembled those reported in male mice after chronic stress exposure. Compared to vehicle infusions, PACAP infusions decreased time in AW, increased time in SWS, and increased rapid eye movement sleep (REM) time and bouts on the day following treatment. In addition, PACAP effects on REM time remained detectable a week after treatment. PACAP infusions also reduced body temperature and locomotor activity. Under the same experimental conditions, CRF infusions had minimal effects on sleep architecture in either sex, causing only transient increases in SWS during the dark phase, with no effects on temperature or activity. These findings suggest that PACAP and CRF have fundamentally different effects on sleep-related metrics, and provide new insights into the mechanisms by which stress disrupts sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison R Foilb
- Basic Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Elisa M Taylor-Yeremeeva
- Basic Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Emma L Fritsch
- Basic Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin Ravichandran
- Basic Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Kimberly R Lezak
- Basic Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Galen Missig
- Basic Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth M McCullough
- Basic Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - William A Carlezon
- Basic Neuroscience Division, Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
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6
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Bhargava A. Unraveling corticotropin-releasing factor family-orchestrated signaling and function in both sexes. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:27-65. [PMID: 37717988 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Stress responses to physical, psychological, environmental, or cellular stressors, has two arms: initiation and recovery. Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is primarily responsible for regulating and/or initiating stress responses via, whereas urocortins (UCNs) are involved in the recovery response to stress via feedback inhibition. Stress is a loaded, polysemous word and is experienced in a myriad of ways. Some stressors are good for an individual, in fact essential, whereas other stressors are associated with bad outcomes. Perceived stress, like beauty, lies in the eye of the beholder, and hence the same stressor can result in individual-specific outcomes. In mammals, there are two main biological sexes with reproduction as primary function. Reproduction and nutrition can also be viewed as stressors; based on a body of work from my laboratory, we propose that the functions of all other organs have co-evolved to optimize and facilitate an individual's nutritional and reproductive functions. Hence, sex differences in physiologically relevant outcomes are innate and occur at all levels- molecular, endocrine, immune, and (patho)physiological. CRF and three UCNs are peptide hormones that mediate their physiological effects by binding to two known G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CRF1 and CRF2. Expression and function of CRF family of hormones and their receptors is likely to be sexually dimorphic in all organs. In this chapter, based on the large body of work from others and my laboratory, an overview of the CRF family with special emphasis on sex-specific actions of peripherally expressed CRF2 receptor in health and disease is provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Bhargava
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.
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7
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Alghamdi NJ, Burns CT, Valdes R. The urocortin peptides: biological relevance and laboratory aspects of UCN3 and its receptor. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2022; 59:573-585. [PMID: 35738909 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2022.2080175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The urocortins are polypeptides belonging to the corticotropin-releasing hormone family, known to modulate stress responses in mammals. Stress, whether induced physically or psychologically, is an underlying cause or consequence of numerous clinical syndromes. Identifying biological markers associated with the homeostatic regulation of stress could provide a clinical laboratory approach for the management of stress-related disorders. The neuropeptide, urocortin 3 (UCN3), and the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2) constitute a regulatory axis known to mediate stress homeostasis. Dysregulation of this peptide/receptor axis is believed to play a role in several clinical conditions including post-traumatic stress, sleep apnea, cardiovascular disease, and other health problems related to stress. Understanding the physiology and measurement of the UCN3/CRHR2 axis is important for establishing a viable clinical laboratory diagnostic. In this article, we focus on evidence supporting the role of UCN3 and its receptor in stress-related clinical syndromes. We also provide insight into the measurements of UCN3 in blood and urine. These potential biomarkers provide new opportunities for clinical research and applications of laboratory medicine diagnostics in stress management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah J Alghamdi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | | | - Roland Valdes
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
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Bhargava A, Arnold AP, Bangasser DA, Denton KM, Gupta A, Hilliard Krause LM, Mayer EA, McCarthy M, Miller WL, Raznahan A, Verma R. Considering Sex as a Biological Variable in Basic and Clinical Studies: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:219-258. [PMID: 33704446 PMCID: PMC8348944 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
In May 2014, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated its intent to "require applicants to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV) in the design and analysis of NIH-funded research involving animals and cells." Since then, proposed research plans that include animals routinely state that both sexes/genders will be used; however, in many instances, researchers and reviewers are at a loss about the issue of sex differences. Moreover, the terms sex and gender are used interchangeably by many researchers, further complicating the issue. In addition, the sex or gender of the researcher might influence study outcomes, especially those concerning behavioral studies, in both animals and humans. The act of observation may change the outcome (the "observer effect") and any experimental manipulation, no matter how well-controlled, is subject to it. This is nowhere more applicable than in physiology and behavior. The sex of established cultured cell lines is another issue, in addition to aneuploidy; chromosomal numbers can change as cells are passaged. Additionally, culture medium contains steroids, growth hormone, and insulin that might influence expression of various genes. These issues often are not taken into account, determined, or even considered. Issues pertaining to the "sex" of cultured cells are beyond the scope of this Statement. However, we will discuss the factors that influence sex and gender in both basic research (that using animal models) and clinical research (that involving human subjects), as well as in some areas of science where sex differences are routinely studied. Sex differences in baseline physiology and associated mechanisms form the foundation for understanding sex differences in diseases pathology, treatments, and outcomes. The purpose of this Statement is to highlight lessons learned, caveats, and what to consider when evaluating data pertaining to sex differences, using 3 areas of research as examples; it is not intended to serve as a guideline for research design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Bhargava
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Arthur P Arnold
- Department of Integrative Biology & Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Debra A Bangasser
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kate M Denton
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Arpana Gupta
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Lucinda M Hilliard Krause
- Cardiovascular Disease Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emeran A Mayer
- G. Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Margaret McCarthy
- Department of Pharmacology and Program in Neuroscience, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Walter L Miller
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Armin Raznahan
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institutes of Mental Health, Intramural Research Program, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ragini Verma
- Diffusion and Connectomics In Precision Healthcare Research (DiCIPHR) lab, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Wang L, Zhang J, Li G, Cao C, Fang R, Liu P, Luo S, Zhao G, Zhang Y, Zhang K. The ADCYAP1R1 Gene Is Correlated With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Through Diverse Epistases in a Traumatized Chinese Population. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:665599. [PMID: 34163384 PMCID: PMC8216487 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.665599] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide 1 (pituitary) receptor (ADCYAP1R1) gene is associated with the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls stress responses. The single-nucleotide polymorphism of ADCYAP1R1, rs2267735, has been investigated in many studies to test its association with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the results have not been consistent. It is worth systematically exploring the role of rs2267735 in PTSD development. In this study, we analyzed rs2267735 in 1,132 trauma-exposed Chinese individuals (772 females and 360 males). We utilized the PTSD checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5) to measure the PTSD symptoms. Then, we analyzed the main, G × E (rs2267735 × trauma exposure), and G × G (with other HPA axis gene polymorphisms) effects of rs2267735 on PTSD severity (total symptoms). There were no significant main or G × E effects (P > 0.05). The G × G ADCYAP1R1-FKBP5 interaction (rs2267735 × rs1360780) was associated with PTSD severity (beta = -1.31 and P = 0.049) based on all subjects, and the G × G ADCYAP1R1-CRHR1 interaction (rs2267735 × rs242924) was correlated with PTSD severity in men (beta = -4.72 and P = 0.023). Our study indicated that the ADCYAP1R1 polymorphism rs2267735 may affect PTSD development through diverse gene-gene interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyi Zhang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gen Li
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengqi Cao
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruojiao Fang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Liu
- People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, China
| | - Shu Luo
- People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, China
| | - Guangyi Zhao
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yingqian Zhang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Kunlin Zhang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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10
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Castro-Vale I, Carvalho D. The Pathways between Cortisol-Related Regulation Genes and PTSD Psychotherapy. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8040376. [PMID: 33019527 PMCID: PMC7712185 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8040376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) only develops after exposure to a traumatic event in some individuals. PTSD can be chronic and debilitating, and is associated with co-morbidities such as depression, substance use, and cardiometabolic disorders. One of the most important pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of PTSD and its subsequent maintenance is a dysfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The corticotrophin-releasing hormone, cortisol, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and their respective genes are some of the mediators of PTSD's pathophysiology. Several treatments are available, including medication and psychotherapies, although their success rate is limited. Some pharmacological therapies based on the HPA axis are currently being tested in clinical trials and changes in HPA axis biomarkers have been found to occur in response not only to pharmacological treatments, but also to psychotherapy-including the epigenetic modification of the GR gene. Psychotherapies are considered to be the first line treatments for PTSD in some guidelines, even though they are effective for some, but not for all patients with PTSD. This review aims to address how knowledge of the HPA axis-related genetic makeup can inform and predict the outcomes of psychotherapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivone Castro-Vale
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Davide Carvalho
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, São João Hospital University Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
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11
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CRH Promotes the Neurogenic Activity of Neural Stem Cells in the Adult Hippocampus. Cell Rep 2020; 29:932-945.e7. [PMID: 31644914 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Local cues in the adult neurogenic niches dynamically regulate homeostasis in neural stem cells, whereas their identity and associated molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we show that corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), the major mediator of mammalian stress response and a key neuromodulator in the adult brain, is necessary for hippocampal neural stem cell (hiNSC) activity under physiological conditions. In particular, we demonstrate functionality of the CRH/CRH receptor (CRHR) system in mouse hiNSCs and conserved expression in humans. Most important, we show that genetic deficiency of CRH impairs hippocampal neurogenesis, affects spatial memory, and compromises hiNSCs' responsiveness to environmental stimuli. These deficits have been partially restored by virus-mediated CRH expression. Additionally, we provide evidence that local disruption of the CRH/CRHR system reduces neurogenesis, while exposure of adult hiNSCs to CRH promotes neurogenic activity via BMP4 suppression. Our findings suggest a critical role of CRH in adult neurogenesis, independently of its stress-related systemic function.
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12
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Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Family: A Stress Hormone-Receptor System's Emerging Role in Mediating Sex-Specific Signaling. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040839. [PMID: 32244319 PMCID: PMC7226788 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
No organ in the body is impervious to the effects of stress, and a coordinated response from all organs is essential to deal with stressors. A dysregulated stress response that fails to bring systems back to homeostasis leads to compromised function and ultimately a diseased state. The components of the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) family, an ancient and evolutionarily conserved stress hormone-receptor system, helps both initiate stress responses and bring systems back to homeostasis once the stressors are removed. The mammalian CRF family comprises of four known agonists, CRF and urocortins (UCN1–3), and two known G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), CRF1 and CRF2. Evolutionarily, precursors of CRF- and urocortin-like peptides and their receptors were involved in osmoregulation/diuretic functions, in addition to nutrient sensing. Both CRF and UCN1 peptide hormones as well as their receptors appeared after a duplication event nearly 400 million years ago. All four agonists and both CRF receptors show sex-specific changes in expression and/or function, and single nucleotide polymorphisms are associated with a plethora of human diseases. CRF receptors harbor N-terminal cleavable peptide sequences, conferring biased ligand properties. CRF receptors have the ability to heteromerize with each other as well as with other GPCRs. Taken together, CRF receptors and their agonists due to their versatile functional adaptability mediate nuanced responses and are uniquely positioned to orchestrate sex-specific signaling and function in several tissues.
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Maul S, Giegling I, Fabbri C, Corponi F, Serretti A, Rujescu D. Genetics of resilience: Implications from genome-wide association studies and candidate genes of the stress response system in posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2020; 183:77-94. [PMID: 31583809 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Resilience is the ability to cope with critical situations through the use of personal and socially mediated resources. Since a lack of resilience increases the risk of developing stress-related psychiatric disorders such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD), a better understanding of the biological background is of great value to provide better prevention and treatment options. Resilience is undeniably influenced by genetic factors, but very little is known about the exact underlying mechanisms. A recently published genome-wide association study (GWAS) on resilience has identified three new susceptibility loci, DCLK2, KLHL36, and SLC15A5. Further interesting results can be found in association analyses of gene variants of the stress response system, which is closely related to resilience, and PTSD and MDD. Several promising genes, such as the COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) gene, the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) suggest gene × environment interaction between genetic variants, childhood adversity, and the occurrence of PTSD and MDD, indicating an impact of these genes on resilience. GWAS on PTSD and MDD provide another approach to identifying new disease-associated loci and, although the functional significance for disease development for most of these risk genes is still unknown, they are potential candidates due to the overlap of stress-related psychiatric disorders and resilience. In the future, it will be important for genetic studies to focus more on resilience than on pathological phenotypes, to develop reasonable concepts for measuring resilience, and to establish international cooperations to generate sufficiently large samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Maul
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Ina Giegling
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Chiara Fabbri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Filippo Corponi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Dan Rujescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
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14
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Zhang K, Wang L, Li G, Cao C, Fang R, Liu P, Luo S, Zhang X. Correlation between hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis gene polymorphisms and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Horm Behav 2020; 117:104604. [PMID: 31655035 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 09/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the main neuroendocrine system that controls stress responses, including fear learning. To further understand the correlation between the HPA axis and stress- and fear-related symptoms in humans, the current study investigated the relationship between HPA axis gene polymorphisms and a stress- and fear-related disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is the first study that systematically investigates the correlations between HPA axis genes and distinct PTSD symptom clusters. METHODS Participants included 1132 Chinese earthquake survivors (772 women and 360 men). PTSD symptoms were measured by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the severity (total symptoms) and symptom clusters were calculated according to the hybrid seven-factor model of DSM-5 PTSD. We genotyped eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of three HPA axis genes, including FKBP5, CRHR1 and CRHR2. RESULTS The main effects of the CRHR2 SNP rs2267715 were associated with PTSD severity (P = 0.0035) and all PTSD symptom clusters except dysphoric arousal (P ranging from 0.0011 to 0.048). In women, a gene-environment interaction (G × E) effect of FKBP5 (rs3800373 × trauma exposure) was correlated with PTSD severity (P = 0.038), externalizing behaviors, anxious arousal and dysphoric arousal symptoms (P ranging from 0.014 to 0.028); the G × E effect of CRHR1 (rs4458044 × trauma exposure) was associated with anxious arousal symptoms (P = 0.016). In men, a gene-gene interaction (G × G) effect of FKBP5-CRHR1 (rs9470080 × rs4458044) was associated with PTSD severity (P = 0.0091), intrusion, negative affect, externalizing behaviors and anxious arousal (P ranging 0.012-0.049). CONCLUSION Our results systematically revealed that the main effects and G × E and G × G effects of some genetic polymorphisms of HPA axis genes are involved in the severity and distinct symptom clusters of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunlin Zhang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Wang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Gen Li
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chengqi Cao
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Ruojiao Fang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ping Liu
- People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan 618000, China
| | - Shu Luo
- People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan 618000, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies and Center for Genetics and BioMedical Informatics Research, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing 100101, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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15
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Swaab DF, Bao AM. Sex differences in stress-related disorders: Major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 175:335-358. [PMID: 33008536 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64123-6.00023-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Stress-related disorders, such as mood disorders and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are more common in women than in men. This sex difference is at least partly due to the organizing effect of sex steroids during intrauterine development, while activating or inhibiting effects of circulating sex hormones in the postnatal period and adulthood also play a role. Such effects result in structural and functional changes in neuronal networks, neurotransmitters, and neuropeptides, which make the arousal- and stress-related brain systems more vulnerable to environmental stressful events in women. Certain brainstem nuclei, the amygdala, habenula, prefrontal cortex, and hypothalamus are important hubs in the stress-related neuronal network. Various hypothalamic nuclei play a central role in this sexually dimorphic network. This concerns not only the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA-axis), which integrates the neuro-endocrine-immune responses to stress, but also other hypothalamic nuclei and systems that play a key role in the symptoms of mood disorders, such as disordered day-night rhythm, lack of reward feelings, disturbed eating and sex, and disturbed cognitive functions. The present chapter focuses on the structural and functional sex differences that are present in the stress-related brain systems in mood disorders and PTSD, placing the HPA-axis in the center. The individual differences in the vulnerability of the discussed systems, caused by genetic and epigenetic developmental factors warrant further research to develop tailor-made therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dick F Swaab
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ai-Min Bao
- Department of Neurobiology and Department of Neurology of the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China; NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Research and Brain-Machine Integration, School of Brain Science and Brain Medicine, Zhejiang University, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Mental Disorder Management, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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16
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Tanaka M, Li H, Zhang X, Singh J, Dalgard CL, Wilkerson M, Zhang Y. Region- and time-dependent gene regulation in the amygdala and anterior cingulate cortex of a PTSD-like mouse model. Mol Brain 2019; 12:25. [PMID: 30922409 PMCID: PMC6438009 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-019-0449-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder is developed by exposure to a threatening and/or a horrifying event and characterized by the presence of anxiety, hyperarousal, avoidance, and sleep abnormality for a prolonged period of time. To elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms, we constructed a mouse model by electric foot shock followed by situational reminders and performed transcriptome analysis in brain tissues. The stressed mice acquired anxiety-like behavior after 2 weeks and exaggerated startle response after 4 weeks. Avoidance latency and freezing behavior were sustained up to 5 weeks post stress and abnormal static behavior was observed during the sleep period. RNA sequencing was performed in two of the emotional regulatory regions, anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala, at 2 and 5 weeks post stress. More than 1000 differentially expressed genes were identified at 2 weeks in both regions. The number of the regulated genes remained constant in amygdala at 5 weeks post stress, whereas those in anterior cingulate cortex were plummeted. Although synaptic remodeling and endocrine system were the most enriched signaling pathways in both anterior cingulate cortex and amygdala, the individual gene expression profile was regulated in a region- and time-dependent manner. In addition, several genes associated with PTSD involved in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis were differentially regulated. These findings suggested that global gene expression profile was dynamically regulated in accordance with the disease development stage, and therefore targeting the distinct signaling molecules in different region and development stage might be critical for effective treatment to PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikiei Tanaka
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Hongyun Li
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Xijun Zhang
- Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program (CHIRP), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Jatinder Singh
- Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program (CHIRP), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Clifton L Dalgard
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.,Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program (CHIRP), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Matthew Wilkerson
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.,Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program (CHIRP), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Yumin Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA. .,Collaborative Health Initiative Research Program (CHIRP), Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
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17
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Dunlop BW, Wong A. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in PTSD: Pathophysiology and treatment interventions. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 89:361-379. [PMID: 30342071 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Questions of how altered functioning of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis contribute to the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been the focus of extensive animal and human research. As a rule, results have been inconsistent across studies, likely due to a variety of confounding variables that have received inadequate attention. Important confounding factors include the effects of early life stress, biological sex, and the glucocorticoid used for interventions. In this manuscript we review: 1) the literature on identified abnormalities of HPA axis function in PTSD, both in terms of basal functioning and as part of challenge paradigms; 2) the role of HPA axis function pre- and immediately post-trauma as a risk factor for PTSD development; 3) the impact of HPA axis genes' allelic variants and epigenetic modifications on PTSD risk; 4) the contributions of HPA axis components to fear learning and extinction; and 5) therapeutic manipulations of the HPA axis to both prevent and treat PTSD, including the role of glucocorticoids as part of medication enhanced psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boadie W Dunlop
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Andrea Wong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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18
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Richter-Levin G, Stork O, Schmidt MV. Animal models of PTSD: a challenge to be met. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1135-1156. [PMID: 30816289 PMCID: PMC6756084 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0272-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen increased interest in psychopathologies related to trauma exposure. Specifically, there has been a growing awareness to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in part due to terrorism, climate change-associated natural disasters, the global refugee crisis, and increased violence in overpopulated urban areas. However, notwithstanding the increased awareness to the disorder, the increasing number of patients, and the devastating impact on the lives of patients and their families, the efficacy of available treatments remains limited and highly unsatisfactory. A major scientific effort is therefore devoted to unravel the neural mechanisms underlying PTSD with the aim of paving the way to developing novel or improved treatment approaches and drugs to treat PTSD. One of the major scientific tools used to gain insight into understanding physiological and neuronal mechanisms underlying diseases and for treatment development is the use of animal models of human diseases. While much progress has been made using these models in understanding mechanisms of conditioned fear and fear memory, the gained knowledge has not yet led to better treatment options for PTSD patients. This poor translational outcome has already led some scientists and pharmaceutical companies, who do not in general hold opinions against animal models, to propose that those models should be abandoned. Here, we critically examine aspects of animal models of PTSD that may have contributed to the relative lack of translatability, including the focus on the exposure to trauma, overlooking individual and sex differences, and the contribution of risk factors. Based on findings from recent years, we propose research-based modifications that we believe are required in order to overcome some of the shortcomings of previous practice. These modifications include the usage of animal models of PTSD which incorporate risk factors and of the behavioral profiling analysis of individuals in a sample. These modifications are aimed to address factors such as individual predisposition and resilience, thus taking into consideration the fact that only a fraction of individuals exposed to trauma develop PTSD. We suggest that with an appropriate shift of practice, animal models are not only a valuable tool to enhance our understanding of fear and memory processes, but could serve as effective platforms for understanding PTSD, for PTSD drug development and drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Richter-Levin
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. .,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. .,Psychology Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Oliver Stork
- 0000 0001 1018 4307grid.5807.aDepartment of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany ,grid.452320.2Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mathias V. Schmidt
- 0000 0000 9497 5095grid.419548.5Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
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19
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Lemche E. Early Life Stress and Epigenetics in Late-onset Alzheimer's Dementia: A Systematic Review. Curr Genomics 2018; 19:522-602. [PMID: 30386171 PMCID: PMC6194433 DOI: 10.2174/1389202919666171229145156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2017] [Revised: 07/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Involvement of life stress in Late-Onset Alzheimer's Disease (LOAD) has been evinced in longitudinal cohort epidemiological studies, and endocrinologic evidence suggests involvements of catecholamine and corticosteroid systems in LOAD. Early Life Stress (ELS) rodent models have successfully demonstrated sequelae of maternal separation resulting in LOAD-analogous pathology, thereby supporting a role of insulin receptor signalling pertaining to GSK-3beta facilitated tau hyper-phosphorylation and amyloidogenic processing. Discussed are relevant ELS studies, and findings from three mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways (JNK/SAPK pathway, ERK pathway, p38/MAPK pathway) relevant for mediating environmental stresses. Further considered were the roles of autophagy impairment, neuroinflammation, and brain insulin resistance. For the meta-analytic evaluation, 224 candidate gene loci were extracted from reviews of animal studies of LOAD pathophysiological mechanisms, of which 60 had no positive results in human LOAD association studies. These loci were combined with 89 gene loci confirmed as LOAD risk genes in previous GWAS and WES. Of the 313 risk gene loci evaluated, there were 35 human reports on epigenomic modifications in terms of methylation or histone acetylation. 64 microRNA gene regulation mechanisms were published for the compiled loci. Genomic association studies support close relations of both noradrenergic and glucocorticoid systems with LOAD. For HPA involvement, a CRHR1 haplotype with MAPT was described, but further association of only HSD11B1 with LOAD found; however, association of FKBP1 and NC3R1 polymorphisms was documented in support of stress influence to LOAD. In the brain insulin system, IGF2R, INSR, INSRR, and plasticity regulator ARC, were associated with LOAD. Pertaining to compromised myelin stability in LOAD, relevant associations were found for BIN1, RELN, SORL1, SORCS1, CNP, MAG, and MOG. Regarding epigenetic modifications, both methylation variability and de-acetylation were reported for LOAD. The majority of up-to-date epigenomic findings include reported modifications in the well-known LOAD core pathology loci MAPT, BACE1, APP (with FOS, EGR1), PSEN1, PSEN2, and highlight a central role of BDNF. Pertaining to ELS, relevant loci are FKBP5, EGR1, GSK3B; critical roles of inflammation are indicated by CRP, TNFA, NFKB1 modifications; for cholesterol biosynthesis, DHCR24; for myelin stability BIN1, SORL1, CNP; pertaining to (epi)genetic mechanisms, hTERT, MBD2, DNMT1, MTHFR2. Findings on gene regulation were accumulated for BACE1, MAPK signalling, TLR4, BDNF, insulin signalling, with most reports for miR-132 and miR-27. Unclear in epigenomic studies remains the role of noradrenergic signalling, previously demonstrated by neuropathological findings of childhood nucleus caeruleus degeneration for LOAD tauopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Lemche
- Section of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
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20
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Connolly SL, Stoop TB, Logue MW, Orr EH, De Vivo I, Miller MW, Wolf EJ. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms, Temperament, and the Pathway to Cellular Senescence. J Trauma Stress 2018; 31:676-686. [PMID: 30338579 PMCID: PMC6197884 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic stress is thought to be associated with shortened telomere length (TL) in leukocytes, an age-related marker of increased risk for cellular senescence, although findings thus far have been mixed. We assessed associations between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptom severity, temperament, and TL in a sample of 453 White, non-Hispanic, middle-aged, trauma-exposed male and female veterans and civilians. Given that prior research has suggested an association between PTSD and accelerated cellular age, we also examined associations between TL and an index of accelerated cellular age derived from DNA methylation data (DNAm age). Analyses revealed that, controlling for chronological age, PTSD was not directly associated with TL but rather this association was moderated by age, β = -.14, p = .003, ΔR2 = .02. Specifically, PTSD severity evidenced a stronger negative association with TL among relatively older participants (≥ 55 years of age). In a subset of veterans with data pertaining to temperament (n = 150), positive emotionality, and, specifically, a drive toward achievement, β = .26, p = .002, ΔR2 = .06, were positively associated with TL. There was no evidence of an association between age-adjusted TL and accelerated DNAm age. Collectively, these results indicate that older adults may be more vulnerable to the negative health effects of PTSD but that traits such as achievement, resilience, and psychological hardiness may be protective. These findings underscore the importance of identifying reliable biomarkers of cellular aging and senescence and of determining the biological mechanisms that contribute to stress-related disease and decline.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tawni B Stoop
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark W Logue
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Esther Hana Orr
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Immaculata De Vivo
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mark W Miller
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Erika J Wolf
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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21
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Russell AL, Handa RJ, Wu TJ. Sex-Dependent Effects of Mild Blast-induced Traumatic Brain Injury on Corticotropin-releasing Factor Receptor Gene Expression: Potential Link to Anxiety-like Behaviors. Neuroscience 2018; 392:1-12. [PMID: 30248435 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Revised: 08/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) affects 1.7 million people in the United States every year, resulting in increased risk of death and disabilities. A significant portion of TBIs experienced by military personnel are induced by explosive blast devices. Active duty military personnel are especially vulnerable to mild blast-induced (mb)TBI and the associated long-term effects, such as anxiety disorders. Additionally, females are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with anxiety-related disorders. The mechanism by which mbTBI results in anxiety disorders in males and females is unknown. The sexually dimorphic corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a brain signaling system linked to anxiety. CRF and its family of related peptides modulate anxiety-related behaviors by binding to CRF receptor subtypes 1 and 2 (CRFR1, CRFR2, respectively). These receptors are distributed throughout limbic structures that control behaviors related to emotion, memory, and arousal. Therefore, the aim of this study was to understand the link between mbTBI and anxiety by examining the impact of mbTBI on the CRFR system in male and female mice. mbTBI increased anxiety-like behaviors in both males and females (p < 0.05). In the present study, mbTBI did not alter CRFR1 gene expression in males or females. However, mbTBI disrupted CRFR2 gene expression in different limbic structures in males and females. In males, mbTBI increased baseline CRFR2 gene expression in the ventral hippocampus (p < 0.05) and decreased restraint-induced expression in the anterior bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (aBNST) and amygdala (p < 0.05). In females, mbTBI decreased restraint-induced CRFR2 gene expression in the dorsal hippocampus (p < 0.05). The inherent sex differences and the mbTBI-induced decrease in restraint-induced CRFR2 gene expression may contribute to anxiety-like behaviors. The results of the present study show that the response to mbTBI within the limbic structures modulates anxiety in a sex-dependent manner. The studies further suggest that CRFR2 may serve as a potential target to mitigate mbTBI effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley L Russell
- Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - T John Wu
- Program in Neuroscience, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States; Center for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, United States.
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22
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Levran O, Correa da Rosa J, Randesi M, Rotrosen J, Adelson M, Kreek MJ. A non-coding CRHR2 SNP rs255105, a cis-eQTL for a downstream lincRNA AC005154.6, is associated with heroin addiction. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199951. [PMID: 29953524 PMCID: PMC6023117 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the stress response is implicated in drug addiction; therefore, polymorphisms in stress-related genes may be involved in this disease. An analysis was performed to identify associations between variants in 11 stress-related genes, selected a priori, and heroin addiction. Two discovery samples of American subjects of European descent (EA, n = 601) and of African Americans (AA, n = 400) were analyzed separately. Ancestry was verified by principal component analysis. Final sets of 414 (EA) and 562 (AA) variants were analyzed after filtering of 846 high-quality variants. The main result was an association of a non-coding SNP rs255105 in the CRH (CRF) receptor 2 gene (CRHR2), in the discovery EA sample (Pnominal = .00006; OR = 2.1; 95% CI 1.4-3.1). The association signal remained significant after permutation-based multiple testing correction. The result was corroborated by an independent EA case sample (n = 364). Bioinformatics analysis revealed that SNP rs255105 is associated with the expression of a downstream long intergenic non-coding RNA (lincRNA) gene AC005154.6. AC005154.6 is highly expressed in the pituitary but its functions are unknown. LincRNAs have been previously associated with adaptive behavior, PTSD, and alcohol addiction. Further studies are warranted to corroborate the association results and to assess the potential relevance of this lincRNA to addiction and other stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orna Levran
- The Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Joel Correa da Rosa
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Matthew Randesi
- The Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - John Rotrosen
- NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Miriam Adelson
- Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Clinic for Drug Abuse Treatment and Research, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Mary Jeanne Kreek
- The Laboratory of the Biology of Addictive Diseases, The Rockefeller University, New York, New York, United States of America
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23
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Naß J, Efferth T. Pharmacogenetics and Pharmacotherapy of Military Personnel Suffering from Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 15:831-860. [PMID: 27834145 PMCID: PMC5652029 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666161111113514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2015] [Revised: 09/23/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe problem among soldiers with combating experience difficult to treat. The pathogenesis is still not fully understood at the psychological level. Therefore, genetic research became a focus of interest. The identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may help to predict, which persons are at high risk to develop PTSD as a starting point to develop novel targeted drugs for treatment. Methods: We conducted a systematic review on SNPs in genes related to PTSD pathology and development of targeted pharmacological treatment options based on PubMed database searches. We focused on clinical trials with military personnel. Results: SNPs in 22 human genes have been linked to PTSD. These genes encode proteins acting as neurotransmitters and receptors, downstream signal transducers and metabolizing enzymes. Pharmacological inhibitors may serve as drug candidates for PTSD treatment, e.g. β2 adrenoreceptor antagonists, dopamine antagonists, partial dopamine D2 receptor agonists, dopamine β hydroxylase inhibitors, fatty acid amid hydrolase antagonists, glucocorticoid receptor agonists, tropomyosin receptor kinase B agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors, gamma-amino butyric acid receptor agonists, glutamate receptor inhibitors, monoaminoxidase B inhibitors, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists. Conclusion: The combination of genetic and pharmacological research may lead to novel target-based drug developments with improved specificity and efficacy to treat PTSD. Specific SNPs may be identified as reliable biomarkers to assess individual disease risk. Focusing on soldiers suffering from PTSD will not only help to improve treatment options for this specific group, but for all PTSD patients and the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Naß
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz. Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Staudinger Weg 5, 55128 Mainz. Germany
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24
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Verma A, Lucas A, Verma SS, Zhang Y, Josyula N, Khan A, Hartzel DN, Lavage DR, Leader J, Ritchie MD, Pendergrass SA. PheWAS and Beyond: The Landscape of Associations with Medical Diagnoses and Clinical Measures across 38,662 Individuals from Geisinger. Am J Hum Genet 2018; 102:592-608. [PMID: 29606303 PMCID: PMC5985339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2018.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Most phenome-wide association studies (PheWASs) to date have used a small to moderate number of SNPs for association with phenotypic data. We performed a large-scale single-cohort PheWAS, using electronic health record (EHR)-derived case-control status for 541 diagnoses using International Classification of Disease version 9 (ICD-9) codes and 25 median clinical laboratory measures. We calculated associations between these diagnoses and traits with ∼630,000 common frequency SNPs with minor allele frequency > 0.01 for 38,662 individuals. In this landscape PheWAS, we explored results within diseases and traits, comparing results to those previously reported in genome-wide association studies (GWASs), as well as previously published PheWASs. We further leveraged the context of functional impact from protein-coding to regulatory regions, providing a deeper interpretation of these associations. The comprehensive nature of this PheWAS allows for novel hypothesis generation, the identification of phenotypes for further study for future phenotypic algorithm development, and identification of cross-phenotype associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anurag Verma
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Anastasia Lucas
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Shefali S Verma
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Statistics, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Navya Josyula
- Biomedical and Translational Informatics Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA
| | - Anqa Khan
- Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, MA 01075, USA
| | - Dustin N Hartzel
- Biomedical and Translational Informatics Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA
| | - Daniel R Lavage
- Biomedical and Translational Informatics Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA
| | - Joseph Leader
- Biomedical and Translational Informatics Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA
| | - Marylyn D Ritchie
- Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Sarah A Pendergrass
- Biomedical and Translational Informatics Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA 17822, USA.
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25
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Dunlop BW, Binder EB, Iosifescu D, Mathew SJ, Neylan TC, Pape JC, Carrillo-Roa T, Green C, Kinkead B, Grigoriadis D, Rothbaum BO, Nemeroff CB, Mayberg HS. Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Receptor 1 Antagonism Is Ineffective for Women With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2017; 82:866-874. [PMID: 28793974 PMCID: PMC5683912 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medication and psychotherapy treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) provide insufficient benefit for many patients. Substantial preclinical and clinical data indicate abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, including signaling by corticotropin-releasing factor, in the pathophysiology of PTSD. METHODS We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, fixed-dose clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of GSK561679, a corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 (CRF1 receptor) antagonist in adult women with PTSD. The trial randomized 128 participants, of whom 96 completed the 6-week treatment period. RESULTS In both the intent-to-treat and completer samples, GSK561679 failed to show superiority over placebo on the primary outcome of change in Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale total score. Adverse event frequencies did not significantly differ between GSK561679- and placebo-treated subjects. Exploration of the CRF1 receptor single nucleotide polymorphism rs110402 found that response to GSK561679 and placebo did not significantly differ by genotype alone. However, subjects who had experienced a moderate or severe history of childhood abuse and who were also GG homozygotes for rs110402 showed significant improvement after treatment with GSK561679 (n = 6) but not with placebo (n = 7) on the PTSD Symptom Scale-Self-Report. CONCLUSIONS The results of this trial, the first evaluating a CRF1 receptor antagonist for the treatment of PTSD, combined with other negative trials of CRF1 receptor antagonists for major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and social anxiety disorder, suggest that CRF1 receptor antagonists lack efficacy as monotherapy agents for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boadie W. Dunlop
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA,Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Dan Iosifescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sanjay J. Mathew
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine & Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Thomas C. Neylan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco & the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Julius C. Pape
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Tania Carrillo-Roa
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Charles Green
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, TX, USA
| | - Becky Kinkead
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Barbara O. Rothbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Charles B. Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Helen S. Mayberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
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26
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Danan ER, Krebs EE, Ensrud K, Koeller E, MacDonald R, Velasquez T, Greer N, Wilt TJ. An Evidence Map of the Women Veterans' Health Research Literature (2008-2015). J Gen Intern Med 2017; 32:1359-1376. [PMID: 28913683 PMCID: PMC5698220 DOI: 10.1007/s11606-017-4152-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women comprise a growing proportion of Veterans seeking care at Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare facilities. VA initiatives have accelerated changes in services for female Veterans, yet the corresponding literature has not been systematically reviewed since 2008. In 2015, VA Women's Health Services and the VA Women's Health Research Network requested an updated literature review to facilitate policy and research planning. METHODS The Minneapolis VA Evidence-based Synthesis Program performed a systematic search of research related to female Veterans' health published from 2008 through 2015. We extracted study characteristics including healthcare topic, design, sample size and proportion female, research setting, and funding source. We created an evidence map by organizing and presenting results within and across healthcare topics, and describing patterns, strengths, and gaps. RESULTS We identified 2276 abstracts and assessed each for relevance. We excluded 1092 abstracts and reviewed 1184 full-text articles; 750 were excluded. Of 440 included articles, 208 (47%) were related to mental health, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (71 articles), military sexual trauma (37 articles), and substance abuse (20 articles). The number of articles addressing VA priority topic areas increased over time, including reproductive health, healthcare organization and delivery, access and utilization, and post-deployment health. Three or fewer articles addressed each of the common chronic diseases: diabetes, hypertension, depression, or anxiety. Nearly 400 articles (90%) used an observational design. Eight articles (2%) described randomized trials. CONCLUSIONS Our evidence map summarizes patterns, progress, and growth in the female Veterans' health and healthcare literature. Observational studies in mental health make up the majority of research. A focus on primary care delivery over clinical topics in primary care and a lack of sex-specific results for studies that include men and women have contributed to research gaps in addressing common chronic diseases. Interventional research using randomized trials is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisheva R Danan
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Erin E Krebs
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kristine Ensrud
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Eva Koeller
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Roderick MacDonald
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Tina Velasquez
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Nancy Greer
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA
| | - Timothy J Wilt
- VA HSR&D Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, 1 Veterans Drive (152), Minneapolis, MN, 55417, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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27
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Carvalho CM, Coimbra BM, Ota VK, Mello MF, Belangero SI. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in genes related to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis as risk factors for posttraumatic stress disorder. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2017; 174:671-682. [PMID: 28686326 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common psychiatric disorder. The etiology of PTSD is multifactorial, depending on many environmental and genetic risk factors, and the exposure to life or physical integrity-threatening events. Several studies have shown significant correlations of many neurobiological findings with PTSD. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction is strongly correlated with this disorder. One hypothesis is that HPA axis dysfunction may precede the traumatic event, suggesting that genes expressed in the HPA axis may be involved in the development of PTSD. This article reviews molecular genetic studies related to PTSD collected through a literature search performed in PubMed, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO). The results of these studies suggest that several polymorphisms in the HPA axis genes, including FKBP5, NR3C1, CRHR1, and CRHR2, may be risk factors for PTSD development or may be associated with the severity of PTSD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina M Carvalho
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.,LINC-Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Neurosciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno M Coimbra
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa K Ota
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.,LINC-Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Neurosciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcelo F Mello
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sintia I Belangero
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.,LINC-Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Neurosciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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28
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Mitchell KS, Wolf EJ, Bovin MJ, Lee LO, Green JD, Rosen RC, Keane TM, Marx BP. Network models of DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder: Implications for ICD-11. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 2017; 126:355-366. [PMID: 28191985 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Recent proposals for revisions to the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnostic criteria have argued that the current symptom constellation under the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 is unwieldy and includes many symptoms that overlap with other disorders. The newly proposed criteria for the ICD-11 include only 6 symptoms. However, restricting the symptoms to those included in the ICD-11 has implications for PTSD diagnosis prevalence estimates, and it remains unclear whether these 6 symptoms are most strongly associated with a diagnosis of PTSD. Network analytic methods, which assume that psychiatric disorders are networks of interrelated symptoms, provide information regarding which symptoms are most central to a network. We estimated network models of PTSD in a national sample of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In the full sample, the most central symptoms were persistent negative emotional state, efforts to avoid external reminders, efforts to avoid thoughts or memories, inability to experience positive emotions, distressing dreams, and intrusive distressing thoughts or memories; that is, 3 of the 6 most central items to the network would be eliminated from the diagnosis under the current proposal for ICD-11. An empirically defined index summarizing the most central symptoms in the network performed comparably to an index reflecting the proposed ICD-11 PTSD criteria at identifying individuals with an independently assessed DSM-5 defined PTSD diagnosis. Our results highlight the symptoms most central to PTSD in this sample, which may inform future diagnostic systems and treatment. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika J Wolf
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Brian P Marx
- National Center for PTSD, VA Boston Healthcare System
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29
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Albrecht A, Müller I, Ardi Z, Çalışkan G, Gruber D, Ivens S, Segal M, Behr J, Heinemann U, Stork O, Richter-Levin G. Neurobiological consequences of juvenile stress: A GABAergic perspective on risk and resilience. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:21-43. [PMID: 28088535 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
ALBRECHT, A., MÜLLER, I., ARDI, Z., ÇALIŞKAN, G., GRUBER, D., IVENS, S., SEGAL, M., BEHR, J., HEINEMANN, U., STORK, O., and RICHTER-LEVIN, G. Neurobiological consequences of juvenile stress: A GABAergic perspective on risk and resilience. NEUROSCI BIOBEHAV REV XXX-XXX, 2016.- Childhood adversity is among the most potent risk factors for developing mood and anxiety disorders later in life. Therefore, understanding how stress during childhood shapes and rewires the brain may optimize preventive and therapeutic strategies for these disorders. To this end, animal models of stress exposure in rodents during their post-weaning and pre-pubertal life phase have been developed. Such 'juvenile stress' has a long-lasting impact on mood and anxiety-like behavior and on stress coping in adulthood, accompanied by alterations of the GABAergic system within core regions for the stress processing such as the amygdala, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. While many regionally diverse molecular and electrophysiological changes are observed, not all of them correlate with juvenile stress-induced behavioral disturbances. It rather seems that certain juvenile stress-induced alterations reflect the system's attempts to maintain homeostasis and thus promote stress resilience. Analysis tools such as individual behavioral profiling may allow the association of behavioral and neurobiological alterations more clearly and the dissection of alterations related to the pathology from those related to resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Albrecht
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, 199 Aba-Hushi Avenue, 3498838 Haifa, Israel; The Institute for the Study of Affective Neuroscience (ISAN), 199 Aba-Hushi Avenue, 3498838 Haifa, Israel; Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Iris Müller
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ziv Ardi
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, 199 Aba-Hushi Avenue, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
| | - Gürsel Çalışkan
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Neuroscience Research Center, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Hufelandweg 14, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - David Gruber
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Hufelandweg 14, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ivens
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Hufelandweg 14, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Menahem Segal
- Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute, Herzl St 234, 7610001 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Joachim Behr
- Research Department of Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Garystraße 5, 14195 Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic, Brandenburg Medical School - Campus Neuruppin, Fehrbelliner Straße 38, 16816 Neuruppin, Germany
| | - Uwe Heinemann
- Neuroscience Research Center, Charité University Hospital Berlin, Hufelandweg 14, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Stork
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany; Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Gal Richter-Levin
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, 199 Aba-Hushi Avenue, 3498838 Haifa, Israel; The Institute for the Study of Affective Neuroscience (ISAN), 199 Aba-Hushi Avenue, 3498838 Haifa, Israel; Department of Psychology, University of Haifa, 199 Aba-Hushi Avenue, 3498838 Haifa, Israel
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30
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Hong C, Efferth T. Systematic Review on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Among Survivors of the Wenchuan Earthquake. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2016; 17:542-561. [PMID: 26028651 DOI: 10.1177/1524838015585313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) widely occurs among victims or witness of disasters. With flashbacks, hyperarousal, and avoidance being the typical symptoms, PTSD became a focus of psychological research. The earthquake in Wenchuan, China, on May 12, 2008, was without precedent in magnitude and aftermath and caused huge damage, which drew scientists' attention to mental health of the survivors. We conducted a systematic overview by collecting published articles from the PubMed database and classifying them into five points: epidemiology, neuropathology, biochemistry, genetics and epigenetics, and treatment. The large body of research during the past 6 years showed that adolescents and adults were among the most studied populations with high prevalence rates for PTSD. Genomic and transcriptomic studies focusing on gene × environment studies as well as epigenetics are still rare, although a few available data showed great potential to better understand the pathophysiology of PTSD as multifactorial disease. Phytotherapy with Chinese herbs and acupuncture are rarely reported as of yet, although the first published data indicated promising therapy effects. Future studies should focus on the following points: (1) The affected populations under observation should be better defined concerning individual risk factor, time of observation, spatial movement, and individual disease courses of patients. (2) The role of social support for prevalence rates of PTSD should be observed in more detail. (3) Efficacy and safety of Chinese medicine should be studied to find potential interventions and effective treatments of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlan Hong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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The CRF System as a Therapeutic Target for Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2016; 37:1045-1054. [PMID: 27717506 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The major neuropsychiatric disorders are devastating illnesses that are only modestly responsive to treatment. Improving the treatment of these conditions will require innovative new strategies that depart from previously focused-on pharmacological mechanisms. Considerable preclinical and clinical data indicate corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling as a target for new psychotropic drug development. Here we review alterations in the CRF system reported in several psychiatric conditions. We also examine the preclinical work that has dissected the distinctive roles of CRF receptors in specific circuits relevant to these disorders. We further describe the clinical trials of CRF1 receptor antagonists that have been conducted. Although these clinical trials have thus far met with limited therapeutic success, the unfolding complexity of the CRF system promises many future directions for studying its role in the etiology and treatment of neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Li Z, Chen J, Wang Z, Pan Y, Wang Q, Xu N, Wang Z. Detection of selection signatures of population-specific genomic regions selected during domestication process in Jinhua pigs. Anim Genet 2016; 47:672-681. [PMID: 27562121 DOI: 10.1111/age.12475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chinese pigs have been undergoing both natural and artificial selection for thousands of years. Jinhua pigs are of great importance, as they can be a valuable model for exploring the genetic mechanisms linked to meat quality and other traits such as disease resistance, reproduction and production. The purpose of this study was to identify distinctive footprints of selection between Jinhua pigs and other breeds utilizing genome-wide SNP data. Genotyping by genome reducing and sequencing was implemented in order to perform cross-population extended haplotype homozygosity to reveal strong signatures of selection for those economically important traits. This work was performed at a 2% genome level, which comprised 152 006 SNPs genotyped in a total of 517 individuals. Population-specific footprints of selective sweeps were searched for in the genome of Jinhua pigs using six native breeds and three European breeds as reference groups. Several candidate genes associated with meat quality, health and reproduction, such as GH1, CRHR2, TRAF4 and CCK, were found to be overlapping with the significantly positive outliers. Additionally, the results revealed that some genomic regions associated with meat quality, immune response and reproduction in Jinhua pigs have evolved directionally under domestication and subsequent selections. The identified genes and biological pathways in Jinhua pigs showed different selection patterns in comparison with the Chinese and European breeds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengcao Li
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Jiucheng Chen
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yuchun Pan
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Qishan Wang
- School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Ningying Xu
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Zhengguang Wang
- College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Lemche E, Chaban OS, Lemche AV. Neuroendocrinological and Epigenetic Mechanisms Subserving Autonomic Imbalance and HPA Dysfunction in the Metabolic Syndrome. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:142. [PMID: 27147943 PMCID: PMC4830841 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Impact of environmental stress upon pathophysiology of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been substantiated by epidemiological, psychophysiological, and endocrinological studies. This review discusses recent advances in the understanding of causative roles of nutritional factors, sympathomedullo-adrenal (SMA) and hypothalamic-pituitary adrenocortical (HPA) axes, and adipose tissue chronic low-grade inflammation processes in MetS. Disturbances in the neuroendocrine systems for leptin, melanocortin, and neuropeptide Y (NPY)/agouti-related protein systems have been found resulting directly in MetS-like conditions. The review identifies candidate risk genes from factors shown critical for the functioning of each of these neuroendocrine signaling cascades. In its meta-analytic part, recent studies in epigenetic modification (histone methylation, acetylation, phosphorylation, ubiquitination) and posttranscriptional gene regulation by microRNAs are evaluated. Several studies suggest modification mechanisms of early life stress (ELS) and diet-induced obesity (DIO) programming in the hypothalamic regions with populations of POMC-expressing neurons. Epigenetic modifications were found in cortisol (here HSD11B1 expression), melanocortin, leptin, NPY, and adiponectin genes. With respect to adiposity genes, epigenetic modifications were documented for fat mass gene cluster APOA1/C3/A4/A5, and the lipolysis gene LIPE. With regard to inflammatory, immune and subcellular metabolism, PPARG, NKBF1, TNFA, TCF7C2, and those genes expressing cytochrome P450 family enzymes involved in steroidogenesis and in hepatic lipoproteins were documented for epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin Lemche
- Section of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London London, UK
| | - Oleg S Chaban
- Section of Psychosomatic Medicine, Bogomolets National Medical University Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Alexandra V Lemche
- Department of Medical Science, Institute of Clinical Research Berlin, Germany
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Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone Receptor 2 Gene Variants in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147817. [PMID: 26808377 PMCID: PMC4726564 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and regulates the stress response through two CRH receptors (R1 and R2). Previously, we reported that a CRHR1 gene polymorphism (rs110402, rs242924, and rs7209436) and haplotypes were associated with IBS. However, the association between the CRHR2 gene and IBS was not investigated. We tested the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms and haplotypes of CRHR2 are associated with IBS pathophysiology and negative emotion in IBS patients. Methods A total of 142 IBS patients and 142 healthy controls participated in this study. Seven single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CRHR2 gene (rs4722999, rs3779250, rs2240403, rs2267710, rs2190242, rs2284217, and rs2284220) were genotyped. Subjects' psychological states were evaluated using the Perceived-Stress Scale, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the Self-Rating Depression Scale. Results We found that rs4722999 and rs3779250, located in intronic region, were associated with IBS in terms of genotype frequency (rs4722999: P = 0.037; rs3779250: P = 0.017) and that the distribution of the major allele was significantly different between patients and controls. There was a significant group effect (controls vs. IBS), and a CRHR2 genotype effect was observed for three psychological scores, but the interaction was not significant. We found a haplotype of four SNPs (rs4722999, rs3779250, rs2240403, and rs2267710) and two SNPs (rs2284217 and rs2284220) in strong linkage disequilibrium (D′ > 0.90). We also found that haplotypes of the CRHR2 gene were significantly different between IBS patients and controls and that they were associated with negative emotion. Conclusion Our findings support the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms and haplotypes of CRHR2 are related to IBS. In addition, we found associations between CRHR2 genotypes and haplotypes and negative emotion in IBS patients and controls. Further studies on IBS and the CRH system are warranted.
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Lebow MA, Chen A. Overshadowed by the amygdala: the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis emerges as key to psychiatric disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:450-63. [PMID: 26878891 PMCID: PMC4804181 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 413] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Revised: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNST) is a center of integration for limbic information and valence monitoring. The BNST, sometimes referred to as the extended amygdala, is located in the basal forebrain and is a sexually dimorphic structure made up of between 12 and 18 sub-nuclei. These sub-nuclei are rich with distinct neuronal subpopulations of receptors, neurotransmitters, transporters and proteins. The BNST is important in a range of behaviors such as: the stress response, extended duration fear states and social behavior, all crucial determinants of dysfunction in human psychiatric diseases. Most research on stress and psychiatric diseases has focused on the amygdala, which regulates immediate responses to fear. However, the BNST, and not the amygdala, is the center of the psychogenic circuit from the hippocampus to the paraventricular nucleus. This circuit is important in the stimulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Thus, the BNST has been largely overlooked with respect to its possible dysregulation in mood and anxiety disorders, social dysfunction and psychological trauma, all of which have clear gender disparities. In this review, we will look in-depth at the anatomy and projections of the BNST, and provide an overview of the current literature on the relevance of BNST dysregulation in psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Lebow
- grid.13992.300000 0004 0604 7563Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel ,grid.419548.50000 0000 9497 5095Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - A Chen
- grid.13992.300000 0004 0604 7563Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel ,grid.419548.50000 0000 9497 5095Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
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Kang HJ, Yoon S, Lyoo IK. Peripheral Biomarker Candidates of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Exp Neurobiol 2015; 24:186-96. [PMID: 26412967 PMCID: PMC4580745 DOI: 10.5607/en.2015.24.3.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There is high variability in the manifestation of physical and mental health problems following exposure to trauma and disaster. Although most people may show a range of acute symptoms in the aftermath of traumatic events, chronic and persistent mental disorders may not be developed in all individuals who were exposed to traumatic events. The most common long-term pathological consequence after trauma exposure is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, comorbid conditions including depression, anxiety disorder, substance use-related problems, and a variety of other symptoms may frequently be observed in individuals with trauma exposure. Post-traumatic syndrome (PTS) is defined collectively as vast psychosocial problems that could be experienced in response to traumatic events. It is important to predict who will continue to suffer from physical and mental health problems and who will recover following trauma exposure. However, given the heterogeneity and variability in symptom manifestations, it is difficult to find identify biomarkers which predict the development of PTSD. In this review, we will summarize the results of recent studies with regard to putative biomarkers of PTSD and suggest future research directions for biomarker discovery for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Jin Kang
- Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Sujung Yoon
- Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - In Kyoon Lyoo
- Ewha Brain Institute, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea. ; Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea. ; College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
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Ashley-Koch AE, Garrett ME, Gibson J, Liu Y, Dennis MF, Kimbrel NA, Beckham JC, Hauser MA. Genome-wide association study of posttraumatic stress disorder in a cohort of Iraq-Afghanistan era veterans. J Affect Disord 2015; 184:225-34. [PMID: 26114229 PMCID: PMC4697755 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that can develop after experiencing traumatic events. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) design was used to identify genetic risk factors for PTSD within a multi-racial sample primarily composed of U.S. veterans. METHODS Participants were recruited at multiple medical centers, and structured interviews were used to establish diagnoses. Genotypes were generated using three Illumina platforms and imputed with global reference data to create a common set of SNPs. SNPs that increased risk for PTSD were identified with logistic regression, while controlling for gender, trauma severity, and population substructure. Analyses were run separately in non-Hispanic black (NHB; n = 949) and non-Hispanic white (NHW; n = 759) participants. Meta-analysis was used to combine results from the two subsets. RESULTS SNPs within several interesting candidate genes were nominally significant. Within the NHB subset, the most significant genes were UNC13C and DSCAM. Within the NHW subset, the most significant genes were TBC1D2, SDC2 and PCDH7. In addition, PRKG1 and DDX60L were identified through meta-analysis. The top genes for the three analyses have been previously implicated in neurologic processes consistent with a role in PTSD. Pathway analysis of the top genes identified alternative splicing as the top GO term in all three analyses (FDR q < 3.5 × 10(-5)). LIMITATIONS No individual SNPs met genome-wide significance in the analyses. CONCLUSIONS This multi-racial PTSD GWAS identified biologically plausible candidate genes and suggests that post-transcriptional regulation may be important to the pathology of PTSD; however, replication of these findings is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jason Gibson
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Michelle F. Dennis
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC,The VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | - Nathan A. Kimbrel
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC,The VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
| | | | - Jean C. Beckham
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC,The VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC
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Wolf EJ, Mitchell KS, Logue MW, Baldwin CT, Reardon AF, Aiello A, Galea S, Koenen KC, Uddin M, Wildman D, Miller MW. The dopamine D3 receptor gene and posttraumatic stress disorder. J Trauma Stress 2014; 27:379-87. [PMID: 25158632 PMCID: PMC4147673 DOI: 10.1002/jts.21937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The dopamine D3 receptor (DRD3) gene has been implicated in schizophrenia, autism, and substance use-disorders and is related to emotion reactivity, executive functioning, and stress-responding, processes impaired in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The aim of this candidate gene study was to evaluate DRD3 polymorphisms for association with PTSD. The discovery sample was trauma-exposed White, non-Hispanic U.S. veterans and their trauma-exposed intimate partners (N = 491); 60.3% met criteria for lifetime PTSD. The replication sample was 601 trauma-exposed African American participants living in Detroit, Michigan; 23.6% met criteria for lifetime PTSD. Genotyping was based on high-density bead chips. In the discovery sample, 4 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs2134655, rs201252087, rs4646996, and rs9868039, showed evidence of association with PTSD and withstood correction for multiple testing. The minor alleles were associated with reduced risk for PTSD (OR range = 0.59 to 0.69). In the replication sample, rs2251177, located 149 base pairs away from the most significant SNP in the discovery sample, was nominally associated with PTSD in men (OR = 0.32). Although the precise role of the D3 receptor in PTSD is not yet known, its role in executive functioning and emotional reactivity, and the sensitivity of the dopamine system to environmental stressors could potentially explain this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika J. Wolf
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Karen S. Mitchell
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
| | - Mark W. Logue
- Biomedical Genetics, Boston University School of Medicine
- Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health
| | - Clinton T. Baldwin
- Biomedical Genetics, Boston University School of Medicine
- Center for Human Genetics, Boston University School of Medicine
| | | | - Alison Aiello
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health
| | - Sandro Galea
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
| | - Karestan C. Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
| | - Monica Uddin
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine
| | - Derek Wildman
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine
| | - Mark W. Miller
- National Center for PTSD at VA Boston Healthcare System
- Boston University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry
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