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Liu CH, Koire A, Ma C, Mittal L, Roffman JL, Erdei C. Prenatal mental health and emotional experiences during the pandemic: associations with infant neurodevelopment screening results. Pediatr Res 2024; 96:237-244. [PMID: 38431665 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-024-03100-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study determined whether parental mental health and emotional experiences during the prenatal period were linked to infant developmental outcomes through the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) at 8-10 months. METHODS Participants included 133 individuals who were living in the US and were pregnant or had given birth within 6 months prior to enrollment. Respondents were majority White with high education and income levels. Online surveys were administered from May 2020 to September 2021; follow-up surveys were administered from November 2020 to August 2022. RESULTS Parent generalized anxiety symptoms were positively associated with infant communication (β = 0.34, 95% CI [0.15, 1.76], p < 0.05), while parent-fetal bonding was positively associated with infant communication (β = 0.20, 95% CI [0.05, 0.76], p < 0.05) and personal-social performance (β = 0.20, 95% CI [0.04, 0.74], p < 0.05). COVID-19-related worry was negatively associated with infant communication (β = -0.30, 95% CI [-0.75, -0.12], p < 0.05) and fine motor performance (β = -0.25, 95% CI [-0.66, -0.03], p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Parent mental health and emotional experiences may contribute to infant developmental outcomes in high risk conditions such as a pandemic. IMPACT STATEMENT Maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection has been evaluated in relation to child outcomes, however, parent psychosocial experiences should not be overlooked when considering pandemic risks to child development. Specific prenatal mental health and pandemic-related emotional experiences are associated with infant developmental performance, as assessed by the Ages and Stages. Questionnaire (ASQ-3) at 8 to 10 months old. Findings indicate that parental prenatal anxiety and emotional experiences from the pandemic should be assessed when evaluating child developmental delays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy H Liu
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Ave., BLI 341, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Amanda Koire
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Candice Ma
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Ave., BLI 341, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Leena Mittal
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Joshua L Roffman
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA, 02114, USA
| | - Carmina Erdei
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, 221 Longwood Ave., BLI 341, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St., Boston, MA, 02115, USA
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Song Q, Gao Q, Chen T, Wen T, Wu P, Luo X, Chen QY. FAM3A Ameliorates Brain Impairment Induced by Hypoxia-Ischemia in Neonatal Rat. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:251-264. [PMID: 34853925 PMCID: PMC9813043 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01172-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia-ischemia (HI) during crucial periods of brain formation can lead to changes in brain morphology, propagation of neuronal stimuli, and permanent neurodevelopmental impairment, which can have profound effects on cognitive function later in life. FAM3A, a subgroup of family with sequence similarity 3 (FAM3) gene family, is ubiquitously expressed in almost all cells. Overexpression of FAM3A has been evidenced to reduce hyperglycemia via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and protect mitochondrial function in neuronal HT22 cells. This study aims to evaluate the protective role of FAM3A in HI-induced brain impairment. Experimentally, maternal rats underwent uterine artery bilateral ligation to induce neonatal HI on day 14 of gestation. At 6 weeks of age, cognitive development assessments including NSS, wire grip, and water maze were carried out. The animals were then sacrificed to assess cerebral mitochondrial function as well as levels of FAM3A, TNF-α and IFN-γ. Results suggest that HI significantly reduced FAM3A expression in rat brain tissues, and that overexpression of FAM3A through lentiviral transduction effectively improved cognitive and motor functions in HI rats as reflected by improved NSS evaluation, cerebral water content, limb strength, as well as spatial learning and memory. At the molecular level, overexpression of FAM3A was able to promote ATP production, balance mitochondrial membrane potential, and reduce levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ. We conclude that FAM3A overexpression may have a protective effect on neuron morphology, cerebral mitochondrial as well as cognitive function. Created with Biorender.com.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Song
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Qingying Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Taotao Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ting Wen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao Luo
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
- Institute of Neuroscience, Translational Medicine Institute, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Qiao Yi Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710049, Shaanxi, China.
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Maternal Hyperhomocysteinemia Produces Memory Deficits Associated with Impairment of Long-Term Synaptic Plasticity in Young Rats. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010058. [PMID: 36611852 PMCID: PMC9818716 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal hyperhomocysteinemia (HCY) is a common pregnancy complication caused by high levels of the homocysteine in maternal and fetal blood, which leads to the alterations of the cognitive functions, including learning and memory. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of these alterations in a rat model of maternal HCY. The behavioral tests confirmed the memory impairments in young and adult rats following the prenatal HCY exposure. Field potential recordings in hippocampal slices demonstrated that the long-term potentiation (LTP) was significantly reduced in HCY rats. The whole-cell patch-clamp recordings in hippocampal slices demonstrated that the magnitude of NMDA receptor-mediated currents did not change while their desensitization decreased in HCY rats. No significant alterations of glutamate receptor subunit expression except GluN1 were detected in the hippocampus of HCY rats using the quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot methods. The immunofluorescence microscopy revealed that the number of synaptopodin-positive spines is reduced, while the analysis of the ultrastructure of hippocampus using the electron microscopy revealed the indications of delayed hippocampal maturation in young HCY rats. Thus, the obtained results suggest that maternal HCY disturbs the maturation of hippocampus during the first month of life, which disrupts LTP formation and causes memory impairments.
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4
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Su Y, D'Arcy C, Meng X. Research Review: Developmental origins of depression - a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2021; 62:1050-1066. [PMID: 33259072 PMCID: PMC8451906 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many observational studies have found a direct association between adverse in utero, perinatal and postnatal exposures and offspring's depression. These findings are consistent with the 'developmental origins of disease hypothesis'. But no review has comprehensively summarized the roles of these exposures. This review aims to systematically scrutinize the strength of associations between individual prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal exposures and subsequent depression in offspring. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize the literature from the EMBASE, HealthStar, PsychoInfo, and Medline databases since their inception to September 1, 2019. English language articles on population-based prospective cohort studies examining the associations between in utero, perinatal, and postnatal exposures and offspring's depression were searched. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled estimates, and heterogeneity and sensitivity tests were conducted to explore potential confounders in the relationships of depression and early-life factors. Qualitative analysis was also conducted. RESULTS Sixty-four prospective cohort studies with 28 exposures studied in the relationships to offspring's depression met inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis found 12 prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal characteristics were associated with an increased risk of depression in offspring: low birth weight, premature birth, small gestational age, maternal education, socioeconomic status, having younger parents (<20 years), having older parents (≥35 years), maternal smoking, paternal smoking, maternal stress, maternal anxiety, and prenatal depression. Heterogeneity and sensitivity tests supported the findings. By and large, study characteristics had no effects on conclusions. Qualitative analyses generally supported the findings of meta-analysis and reported on additional risk factors. CONCLUSIONS This review provides a robust and comprehensive overview of the lasting psychopathological effects of in utero, perinatal, and postnatal exposures. The findings highlight the need for clinical and public health interventions focusing on the identified risk factors. Large prospective cohort studies are warranted to investigate the combined effects of multiple co-existing early-life exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Su
- School of Public HealthUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSKCanada
| | - Carl D'Arcy
- School of Public HealthUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSKCanada
- Department of PsychiatryCollege of MedicineUniversity of SaskatchewanSaskatoonSKCanada
| | - Xiangfei Meng
- Department of PsychiatryMcGill UniversityMontrealQCCanada
- Douglas Research CentreMontrealQCCanada
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Franke K, Bublak P, Hoyer D, Billiet T, Gaser C, Witte OW, Schwab M. In vivo biomarkers of structural and functional brain development and aging in humans. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 117:142-164. [PMID: 33308708 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Brain aging is a major determinant of aging. Along with the aging population, prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing, therewith placing economic and social burden on individuals and society. Individual rates of brain aging are shaped by genetics, epigenetics, and prenatal environmental. Biomarkers of biological brain aging are needed to predict individual trajectories of aging and the risk for age-associated neurological impairments for developing early preventive and interventional measures. We review current advances of in vivo biomarkers predicting individual brain age. Telomere length and epigenetic clock, two important biomarkers that are closely related to the mechanistic aging process, have only poor deterministic and predictive accuracy regarding individual brain aging due to their high intra- and interindividual variability. Phenotype-related biomarkers of global cognitive function and brain structure provide a much closer correlation to age at the individual level. During fetal and perinatal life, autonomic activity is a unique functional marker of brain development. The cognitive and structural biomarkers also boast high diagnostic specificity for determining individual risks for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Franke
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - P Bublak
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - D Hoyer
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - C Gaser
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - O W Witte
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - M Schwab
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Franke K, Van den Bergh BRH, de Rooij SR, Kroegel N, Nathanielsz PW, Rakers F, Roseboom TJ, Witte OW, Schwab M. Effects of maternal stress and nutrient restriction during gestation on offspring neuroanatomy in humans. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 117:5-25. [PMID: 32001273 PMCID: PMC8207653 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive and mental health are major determinants of quality of life, allowing integration into society at all ages. Human epidemiological and animal studies indicate that in addition to genetic factors and lifestyle, prenatal environmental influences may program neuropsychiatric disorders in later life. While several human studies have examined the effects of prenatal stress and nutrient restriction on brain function and mental health in later life, potentially mediating effects of prenatal stress and nutrient restriction on offspring neuroanatomy in humans have been studied only in recent years. Based on neuroimaging and anatomical data, we comprehensively review the studies in this emerging field. We relate prenatal environmental influences to neuroanatomical abnormalities in the offspring, measured in utero and throughout life. We also assess the relationship between neuroanatomical abnormalities and cognitive and mental disorders. Timing- and gender-specific effects are considered, if reported. Our review provides evidence for adverse effects of an unfavorable prenatal environment on structural brain development that may contribute to the risk for cognitive, behavioral and mental health problems throughout life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Franke
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - Bea R H Van den Bergh
- Research Group on Health Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department for Welfare, Public Health and Family, Flemish Government, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Susanne R de Rooij
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nasim Kroegel
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany; acatech - National Academy of Science and Engineering, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter W Nathanielsz
- Texas Pregnancy & Life Course Health Research Center, Southwest National Primate Research Center, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States; Dept. of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, United States
| | - Florian Rakers
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Otto W Witte
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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7
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Argyraki M, Damdimopoulou P, Chatzimeletiou K, Grimbizis GF, Tarlatzis BC, Syrrou M, Lambropoulos A. In-utero stress and mode of conception: impact on regulation of imprinted genes, fetal development and future health. Hum Reprod Update 2020; 25:777-801. [PMID: 31633761 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmz025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genomic imprinting is an epigenetic gene regulatory mechanism; disruption of this process during early embryonic development can have major consequences on both fetal and placental development. The periconceptional period and intrauterine life are crucial for determining long-term susceptibility to diseases. Treatments and procedures in assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and adverse in-utero environments may modify the methylation levels of genomic imprinting regions, including insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2)/H19, mesoderm-specific transcript (MEST), and paternally expressed gene 10 (PEG10), affecting the development of the fetus. ART, maternal psychological stress, and gestational exposures to chemicals are common stressors suspected to alter global epigenetic patterns including imprinted genes. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE Our objective is to highlight the effect of conception mode and maternal psychological stress on fetal development. Specifically, we monitor fetal programming, regulation of imprinted genes, fetal growth, and long-term disease risk, using the imprinted genes IGF2/H19, MEST, and PEG10 as examples. The possible role of environmental chemicals in genomic imprinting is also discussed. SEARCH METHODS A PubMed search of articles published mostly from 2005 to 2019 was conducted using search terms IGF2/H19, MEST, PEG10, imprinted genes, DNA methylation, gene expression, and imprinting disorders (IDs). Studies focusing on maternal prenatal stress, psychological well-being, environmental chemicals, ART, and placental/fetal development were evaluated and included in this review. OUTCOMES IGF2/H19, MEST, and PEG10 imprinted genes have a broad developmental effect on fetal growth and birth weight variation. Their disruption is linked to pregnancy complications, metabolic disorders, cognitive impairment, and cancer. Adverse early environment has a major impact on the developing fetus, affecting mostly growth, the structure, and subsequent function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and neurodevelopment. Extensive evidence suggests that the gestational environment has an impact on epigenetic patterns including imprinting, which can lead to adverse long-term outcomes in the offspring. Environmental stressors such as maternal prenatal psychological stress have been found to associate with altered DNA methylation patterns in placenta and to affect fetal development. Studies conducted during the past decades have suggested that ART pregnancies are at a higher risk for a number of complications such as birth defects and IDs. ART procedures involve multiple steps that are conducted during critical windows for imprinting establishment and maintenance, necessitating long-term evaluation of children conceived through ART. Exposure to environmental chemicals can affect placental imprinting and fetal growth both in humans and in experimental animals. Therefore, their role in imprinting should be better elucidated, considering the ubiquitous exposure to these chemicals. WIDER IMPLICATIONS Dysregulation of imprinted genes is a plausible mechanism linking stressors such as maternal psychological stress, conception using ART, and chemical exposures with fetal growth. It is expected that a greater understanding of the role of imprinted genes and their regulation in fetal development will provide insights for clinical prevention and management of growth and IDs. In a broader context, evidence connecting impaired imprinted gene function to common diseases such as cancer is increasing. This implies early regulation of imprinting may enable control of long-term human health, reducing the burden of disease in the population in years to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Argyraki
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory of Genetics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Pauliina Damdimopoulou
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Unit of Obstetrics and Gynecology, K57 Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katerina Chatzimeletiou
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Grigoris F Grimbizis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Basil C Tarlatzis
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Unit for Human Reproduction, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Syrrou
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Biology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Dourouti University Campus, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Alexandros Lambropoulos
- First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Laboratory of Genetics, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Ring Road, Nea Efkarpia, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Buck JM, O'Neill HC, Stitzel JA. Developmental nicotine exposure engenders intergenerational downregulation and aberrant posttranslational modification of cardinal epigenetic factors in the frontal cortices, striata, and hippocampi of adolescent mice. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:13. [PMID: 32138755 PMCID: PMC7059320 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal smoking of traditional or electronic cigarettes during pregnancy, which constitutes developmental nicotine exposure (DNE), heightens the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia in children. Modeling the intergenerationally transmissible impacts of smoking during pregnancy, we previously demonstrated that both the first- and second-generation adolescent offspring of nicotine-exposed female mice exhibit enhanced nicotine preference, hyperactivity and risk-taking behaviors, aberrant rhythmicity of home cage activity, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and dopamine transporter dysfunction, impaired furin-mediated proBDNF proteolysis, hypocorticosteronemia-related glucocorticoid receptor hypoactivity, and global DNA hypomethylation in the frontal cortices and striata. This ensemble of multigenerational DNE-induced behavioral, neuropharmacological, neurotrophic, neuroendocrine, and DNA methylomic anomalies recapitulates the pathosymptomatology of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia. Further probing the epigenetic bases of DNE-induced multigenerational phenotypic aberrations, the present study examined the expression and phosphorylation of key epigenetic factors via an array of immunoblot experiments. RESULTS Data indicate that DNE confers intergenerational deficits in corticostriatal DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) expression accompanied by downregulation of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in the frontal cortices and hippocampi, while the expression of ten-eleven translocase methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) is unaltered. Moreover, DNE evokes multigenerational abnormalities in HDAC2 (Ser394) but not MeCP2 (Ser421) phosphorylation in the frontal cortices, striata, and hippocampi. CONCLUSIONS In light of the extensive gene regulatory roles of DNMT3A, MeCP2, and HDAC2, the findings of this study that DNE elicits downregulation and aberrant posttranslational modification of these factors in both first- and second-generation DNE mice suggest that epigenetic perturbations may constitute a mechanistic hub for the intergenerational transmission of DNE-induced neurodevelopmental disorder-like phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Buck
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA.
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA.
| | - Heidi C O'Neill
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
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A Comparison of the effects of preterm birth and institutional deprivation on child temperament. Dev Psychopathol 2019; 32:1524-1533. [PMID: 31711549 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579419001457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Both preterm birth and early institutional deprivation are associated with neurodevelopmental impairment-with both shared and distinctive features. To explore shared underlying mechanisms, this study directly compared the effects of these putative risk factors on temperament profiles in six-year-olds: Children born very preterm (<32 weeks gestation) or at very low birthweight (<1500 g) from the Bavarian Longitudinal Study (n = 299); and children who experienced >6 months of deprivation in Romanian institutions from the English and Romanian Adoptees Study (n = 101). The former were compared with 311 healthy term born controls and the latter with 52 nondeprived adoptees. At 6 years, temperament was assessed via parent reports across 5 dimensions: effortful control, activity, shyness, emotionality, and sociability. Very preterm/very low birthweight and postinstitutionalized children showed similarly aberrant profiles in terms of lower effortful control, preterm = -0.50, 95% CI [-0.67, -0.33]; postinstitutionalized = -0.48, 95% CI [-0.82, -0.14], compared with their respective controls. Additionally, postinstitutionalized children showed higher activity, whereas very preterm/very low birthweight children showed lower shyness. Preterm birth and early institutionalization are similarly associated with poorer effortful control, which might contribute to long-term vulnerability. More research is needed to examine temperamental processes as common mediators of negative long-term outcomes following early adversity.
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Selective demethylation of two CpG sites causes postnatal activation of the Dao gene and consequent removal of D-serine within the mouse cerebellum. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:149. [PMID: 31661019 PMCID: PMC6819446 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0732-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Programmed epigenetic modifications occurring at early postnatal brain developmental stages may have a long-lasting impact on brain function and complex behavior throughout life. Notably, it is now emerging that several genes that undergo perinatal changes in DNA methylation are associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. In this context, we envisaged that epigenetic modifications during the perinatal period may potentially drive essential changes in the genes regulating brain levels of critical neuromodulators such as D-serine and D-aspartate. Dysfunction of this fine regulation may contribute to the genesis of schizophrenia or other mental disorders, in which altered levels of D-amino acids are found. We recently demonstrated that Ddo, the D-aspartate degradation gene, is actively demethylated to ultimately reduce D-aspartate levels. However, the role of epigenetics as a mechanism driving the regulation of appropriate D-ser levels during brain development has been poorly investigated to date. METHODS We performed comprehensive ultradeep DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation profiling along with mRNA expression and HPLC-based D-amino acids level analyses of genes controlling the mammalian brain levels of D-serine and D-aspartate. DNA methylation changes occurring in specific cerebellar cell types were also investigated. We conducted high coverage targeted bisulfite sequencing by next-generation sequencing and single-molecule bioinformatic analysis. RESULTS We report consistent spatiotemporal modifications occurring at the Dao gene during neonatal development in a specific brain region (the cerebellum) and within specific cell types (astrocytes) for the first time. Dynamic demethylation at two specific CpG sites located just downstream of the transcription start site was sufficient to strongly activate the Dao gene, ultimately promoting the complete physiological degradation of cerebellar D-serine a few days after mouse birth. High amount of 5'-hydroxymethylcytosine, exclusively detected at relevant CpG sites, strongly evoked the occurrence of an active demethylation process. CONCLUSION The present investigation demonstrates that robust and selective demethylation of two CpG sites is associated with postnatal activation of the Dao gene and consequent removal of D-serine within the mouse cerebellum. A single-molecule methylation approach applied at the Dao locus promises to identify different cell-type compositions and functions in different brain areas and developmental stages.
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Zhuravin IA, Dubrovskaya NM, Vasilev DS, Postnikova TY, Zaitsev AV. Prenatal hypoxia produces memory deficits associated with impairment of long-term synaptic plasticity in young rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2019; 164:107066. [PMID: 31400467 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2019.107066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal hypoxia often results in dramatic alterations in developmental profiles and behavioral characteristics, including learning and memory, in later life. Despite the accumulation of considerable amounts of experimental data, the mechanisms underlying developmental deficits caused by prenatal hypoxia remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated whether prenatal hypoxia on embryonic day 14 (E14) affected synaptic properties in the hippocampus and hippocampal-related cognitive functions in young rats. We found that 20- to 30-d-old rats subjected to prenatal hypoxia had significantly disturbed basal synaptic transmission in CA3-CA1 synapses and a two-fold decrease in hippocampal long-term synaptic potentiation. These alterations were accompanied by a significant decline in the protein level of GluN2B but not GluN2A NMDA receptor subunits. In addition, the number of synaptopodin-positive dendritic spines in the CA1 area of the hippocampus was reduced in the rats exposed to prenatal hypoxia. These changes resulted in significant learning and memory deficits in a novel object recognition test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor A Zhuravin
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of RAS (IEPhB), 44, Toreza pr., Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | - Nadezhda M Dubrovskaya
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of RAS (IEPhB), 44, Toreza pr., Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | - Dmitry S Vasilev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of RAS (IEPhB), 44, Toreza pr., Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | - Tatyana Yu Postnikova
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of RAS (IEPhB), 44, Toreza pr., Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia
| | - Aleksey V Zaitsev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of RAS (IEPhB), 44, Toreza pr., Saint Petersburg 194223, Russia; Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, 2 Akkuratova Street, Saint Petersburg 197341, Russia.
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12
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Nalivaeva NN, Turner AJ, Zhuravin IA. Role of Prenatal Hypoxia in Brain Development, Cognitive Functions, and Neurodegeneration. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:825. [PMID: 30510498 PMCID: PMC6254649 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on the role of prenatal hypoxia in the development of brain functions in the postnatal period and subsequent increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders in later life. Accumulating evidence suggests that prenatal hypoxia in critical periods of brain formation results in significant changes in development of cognitive functions at various stages of postnatal life which correlate with morphological changes in brain structures involved in learning and memory. Prenatal hypoxia also leads to a decrease in brain adaptive potential and plasticity due to the disturbance in the process of formation of new contacts between cells and propagation of neuronal stimuli, especially in the cortex and hippocampus. On the other hand, prenatal hypoxia has a significant impact on expression and processing of a variety of genes involved in normal brain function and their epigenetic regulation. This results in changes in the patterns of mRNA and protein expression and their post-translational modifications, including protein misfolding and clearance. Among proteins affected by prenatal hypoxia are a key enzyme of the cholinergic system-acetylcholinesterase, and the amyloid precursor protein (APP), both of which have important roles in brain function. Disruption of their expression and metabolism caused by prenatal hypoxia can also result, apart from early cognitive dysfunctions, in development of neurodegeneration in later life. Another group of enzymes affected by prenatal hypoxia are peptidases involved in catabolism of neuropeptides, including amyloid-β peptide (Aβ). The decrease in the activity of neprilysin and other amyloid-degrading enzymes observed after prenatal hypoxia could result over the years in an Aβ clearance deficit and accumulation of its toxic species which cause neuronal cell death and development of neurodegeneration. Applying various approaches to restore expression of neuronal genes disrupted by prenatal hypoxia during postnatal development opens an avenue for therapeutic compensation of cognitive dysfunctions and prevention of Aβ accumulation in the aging brain and the model of prenatal hypoxia in rodents can be used as a reliable tool for assessment of their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia N. Nalivaeva
- I. M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Anthony J. Turner
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Igor A. Zhuravin
- I. M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
- Research Centre, Saint-Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, St. Petersburg, Russia
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13
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Koning IV, Dudink J, Groenenberg IAL, Willemsen SP, Reiss IKM, Steegers-Theunissen RPM. Prenatal cerebellar growth trajectories and the impact of periconceptional maternal and fetal factors. Hum Reprod 2018; 32:1230-1237. [PMID: 28453631 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dex079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION CAN WE assess human prenatal cerebellar growth from the first until the third trimester of pregnancy and create growth trajectories to investigate associations with periconceptional maternal and fetal characteristics? SUMMARY ANSWER Prenatal growth trajectories of the human cerebellum between 9 and 32 weeks gestational age (GA) were created using three-dimensional ultrasound (3D-US) and show negative associations with pre-pregnancy and early first trimester BMI calculated from self-reported and standardized measured weight and height, respectively. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The cerebellum is essential for normal neurodevelopment and abnormal cerebellar development has been associated with neurodevelopmental impairments and psychiatric diseases. Cerebellar development is particularly susceptible to exposures during the prenatal period, including maternal folate status, smoking habit and alcohol consumption. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION From 2013 until 2015, we included 182 singleton pregnancies during the first trimester as a subgroup in a prospective periconception cohort with follow-up until birth. For the statistical analyses, we selected 166 pregnancies ending in live born infants without congenital malformations. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS We measured transcerebellar diameter (TCD) at 9, 11, 22, 26 and 32 weeks GA on ultrasound scans. Growth rates were calculated and growth trajectories of the cerebellum were created. Linear mixed models were used to estimate associations between cerebellar growth and maternal age, parity, mode of conception, geographic origin, pre-pregnancy and first trimester BMI, periconceptional smoking, alcohol consumption, timing of folic acid supplement initiation and fetal gender. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE In total, 166 pregnancies provided 652 (87%) ultrasound images eligible for TCD measurements. Cerebellar growth rates increased with advancing GA being 0.1691 mm/day in the first trimester, 0.2336 mm/day in the second trimester and 0.2702 mm/day in the third trimester. Pre-pregnancy BMI, calculated from self-reported body weight and height, was significantly associated with decreased cerebellar growth trajectories (β = -0.0331 mm, 95% CI = -0.0638; -0.0024, P = 0.035). A similar association was found between cerebellar growth trajectories and first trimester BMI, calculated from standardized measurements of body weight and height (β = -0.0325, 95% CI = -0.0642; -0.0008, P = 0.045, respectively). LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As the study population largely consisted of tertiary hospital patients, external validity should be studied in the general population. Whether small differences in prenatal cerebellar growth due to a higher pre-pregnancy and first trimester BMI have consequences for neurodevelopmental outcome needs further investigation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Our findings further substantiate previous evidence for the detrimental impact of a higher maternal BMI on neurodevelopmental health of offspring in later life. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre and Sophia Children's Hospital Fund, Rotterdam, The Netherlands (SSWO grant number 644). No competing interests are declared.
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Affiliation(s)
- I V Koning
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Postbus 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Postbus 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Dudink
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Postbus 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neonatology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - I A L Groenenberg
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Postbus 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S P Willemsen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Postbus 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Postbus 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I K M Reiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Postbus 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R P M Steegers-Theunissen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Postbus 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Postbus 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Cattaneo A, Cattane N, Malpighi C, Czamara D, Suarez A, Mariani N, Kajantie E, Luoni A, Eriksson JG, Lahti J, Mondelli V, Dazzan P, Räikkönen K, Binder EB, Riva MA, Pariante CM. FoxO1, A2M, and TGF-β1: three novel genes predicting depression in gene X environment interactions are identified using cross-species and cross-tissues transcriptomic and miRNomic analyses. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:2192-2208. [PMID: 29302075 PMCID: PMC6283860 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-017-0002-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
To date, gene-environment (GxE) interaction studies in depression have been limited to hypothesis-based candidate genes, since genome-wide (GWAS)-based GxE interaction studies would require enormous datasets with genetics, environmental, and clinical variables. We used a novel, cross-species and cross-tissues "omics" approach to identify genes predicting depression in response to stress in GxE interactions. We integrated the transcriptome and miRNome profiles from the hippocampus of adult rats exposed to prenatal stress (PNS) with transcriptome data obtained from blood mRNA of adult humans exposed to early life trauma, using a stringent statistical analyses pathway. Network analysis of the integrated gene lists identified the Forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1), Alpha-2-Macroglobulin (A2M), and Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1) as candidates to be tested for GxE interactions, in two GWAS samples of adults either with a range of childhood traumatic experiences (Grady Study Project, Atlanta, USA) or with separation from parents in childhood only (Helsinki Birth Cohort Study, Finland). After correction for multiple testing, a meta-analysis across both samples confirmed six FoxO1 SNPs showing significant GxE interactions with early life emotional stress in predicting depressive symptoms. Moreover, in vitro experiments in a human hippocampal progenitor cell line confirmed a functional role of FoxO1 in stress responsivity. In secondary analyses, A2M and TGF-β1 showed significant GxE interactions with emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in the Grady Study. We therefore provide a successful 'hypothesis-free' approach for the identification and prioritization of candidate genes for GxE interaction studies that can be investigated in GWAS datasets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Cattaneo
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK. .,Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Fatebenefratelli S. Giovanni di Dio, Brescia, Italy.
| | - Nadia Cattane
- grid.419422.8Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Fatebenefratelli S. Giovanni di Dio, Brescia, Italy
| | - Chiara Malpighi
- grid.419422.8Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Fatebenefratelli S. Giovanni di Dio, Brescia, Italy
| | - Darina Czamara
- 0000 0000 9497 5095grid.419548.5Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Suarez
- 0000 0004 0410 2071grid.7737.4Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nicole Mariani
- 0000 0001 2322 6764grid.13097.3cStress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Eero Kajantie
- 0000 0001 1013 0499grid.14758.3fNational Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0004 0409 6302grid.428673.cFolkhälsan Research Centre, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0001 1013 0499grid.14758.3fNational Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0004 0410 2071grid.7737.4Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Alessia Luoni
- 0000 0004 1757 2822grid.4708.bDepartment of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Johan G. Eriksson
- 0000 0001 1013 0499grid.14758.3fNational Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0000 9950 5666grid.15485.3dHospital for Children and Adolescents, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0004 4685 4917grid.412326.0PEDEGO Research Unit, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Jari Lahti
- 0000 0004 0410 2071grid.7737.4Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0004 0409 6302grid.428673.cFolkhälsan Research Centre, Helsinki, Finland ,0000 0001 1013 0499grid.14758.3fNational Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland ,Helsinki Collegium for Advanced Studies, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- 0000 0001 2322 6764grid.13097.3cStress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Paola Dazzan
- 0000 0001 2322 6764grid.13097.3cDepartment of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Katri Räikkönen
- 0000 0004 0410 2071grid.7737.4Department of Psychology and Logopedics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- 0000 0000 9497 5095grid.419548.5Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max-Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany ,0000 0001 0941 6502grid.189967.8Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Marco A. Riva
- 0000 0004 1757 2822grid.4708.bDepartment of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmine M. Pariante
- 0000 0001 2322 6764grid.13097.3cStress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College, London, UK
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15
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Marsit CJ, Brummel SS, Kacanek D, Seage GR, Spector SA, Armstrong DA, Lester BM, Rich K. Infant peripheral blood repetitive element hypomethylation associated with antiretroviral therapy in utero. Epigenetics 2016; 10:708-16. [PMID: 26067216 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2015.1060389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) to prevent HIV mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy and delivery is generally considered safe. However, vigilant assessment of potential risks of these agents remains warranted. Epigenetic changes including DNA methylation are considered potential mechanisms linking the in utero environment with long-term health outcomes. Few studies have examined the epigenetic effects of prenatal exposure to pharmaceutical agents, including antiretroviral therapies, on children. In this study, we examined the methylation status of the LINE-1 and ALU-Yb8 repetitive elements as markers of global DNA methylation alteration in peripheral blood mononuclear cells obtained from newborns participating in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study SMARTT cohort of HIV-exposed, cART-exposed uninfected infants compared to a historical cohort of HIV-exposed, antiretroviral-unexposed infants from the Women and Infants Transmission Study Cohort. In linear regression models controlling for potential confounders, we found the adjusted mean difference of AluYb8 methylation of the cART-exposed compared to the -unexposed was -0.568 (95% CI: -1.023, -0.149) and for LINE-1 methylation was -1.359 (95% CI: -1.860, -0.857). Among those exposed to cART, subjects treated with atazanavir (ATV), compared to those on other treatments, had less AluYb8 methylation (-0.524, 95% CI: -0.025, -1.024). Overall, these results suggest a small but statistically significant reduction in the methylation of these repetitive elements in an HIV-exposed, cART-exposed cohort compared to an HIV-exposed, cART-unexposed historic cohort. The potential long-term implications of these differences are worthy of further examination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen J Marsit
- a Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and of Epidemiology; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth ; Hanover , NH USA
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16
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McVey KA, Snapp IB, Johnson MB, Negga R, Pressley AS, Fitsanakis VA. Exposure of C. elegans eggs to a glyphosate-containing herbicide leads to abnormal neuronal morphology. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 55:23-31. [PMID: 27019975 PMCID: PMC4884470 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2015] [Revised: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recent data demonstrate that chronic exposure of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) to a high-use glyphosate-containing herbicide, Touchdown (TD), potentially damages the adult nervous system. It is unknown, however, whether unhatched worms exposed to TD during the egg stage show abnormal neurodevelopment post-hatching. Therefore, we investigated whether early treatment with TD leads to aberrant neuronal or neurite development in C. elegans. Studies were completed in three different worm strains with green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged neurons to facilitate visual neuronal assessment. Initially, eggs from C. elegans with all neurons tagged with GFP were chronically exposed to TD. Visual inspection suggested decreased neurite projections associated with ventral nerve cord neurons. Data analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in overall green pixel numbers at the fourth larval (L4) stage (*p<0.05). We further investigated whether specific neuronal populations were preferentially vulnerable to TD by treating eggs from worms that had all dopaminergic (DAergic) or γ-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) neurons tagged with GFP. As before, green pixel number associated with these discrete neuronal populations was analyzed at multiple larval stages. Data analysis indicated statistically significant decreases in pixel number associated with DAergic, but not GABAergic, neurons (***p<0.001) at all larval stages. Finally, statistically significant decreases (at the first larval stage, L1) or increases (at the fourth larval stage, L4) in superoxide levels, a developmental signaling molecule, were detected (*p<0.05). These data suggest that early exposure to TD may impair neuronal development, perhaps through superoxide perturbation. Since toxic insults during development may late render individuals more vulnerable to neurodegenerative diseases in adulthood, these studies provide some of the first evidence in this model organism that early exposure to TD may adversely affect the developing nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth A McVey
- King University, Department of Biology, 1350 King College Road, Bristol, TN 37620, USA; Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine, 306 Liberty View Lane, Lynchburg, VA 24502, USA.
| | - Isaac B Snapp
- King University, Department of Biology, 1350 King College Road, Bristol, TN 37620, USA; Medical University of South Carolina, Physician Assistant Studies, 151B Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Megan B Johnson
- King University, Department of Biology, 1350 King College Road, Bristol, TN 37620, USA; Lincoln Memorial University, Debusk College of Osteopathic Medicine, 6965 Cumberland Gap Parkway, Harrogate, TN 37752, USA.
| | - Rekek Negga
- King University, Department of Biology, 1350 King College Road, Bristol, TN 37620, USA; The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, 366 Brehm Animal Science Building, 2506 River Drive, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
| | - Aireal S Pressley
- King University, Department of Biology, 1350 King College Road, Bristol, TN 37620, USA.
| | - Vanessa A Fitsanakis
- King University, Department of Biology, 1350 King College Road, Bristol, TN 37620, USA.
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17
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Toward a translational neuropsychiatry of resilience. Behav Brain Sci 2016; 38:e120. [PMID: 26785796 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x1400168x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatry integrates neuroscience and clinical pathophysiology of the human brain-mind interface. Kalisch et al. provide an important advance with a clear, quantitative, unified neuropsychiatric model of resilience, a crucial adaptive response to adversity. They highlight positive appraisal style, describing underlying neural circuitry and mechanisms. This provides a foundation for the development of biomarkers and targeted therapeutics across the range of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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18
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Archer T, Kostrzewa RM. Exercise and Nutritional Benefits in PD: Rodent Models and Clinical Settings. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2016; 29:333-351. [PMID: 26728168 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2015_409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Physical exercise offers a highly effective health-endowering activity as has been evidence using rodent models of Parkinson's disease (PD). It is a particularly useful intervention in individuals employed in sedentary occupations or afflicted by a neurodegenerative disorder, such as PD. The several links between exercise and quality-of-life, disorder progression and staging, risk factors and symptoms-biomarkers in PD all endower a promise for improved prognosis. Nutrition provides a strong determinant for disorder vulnerability and prognosis with fish oils and vegetables with a mediterranean diet offering both protection and resistance. Three factors determining the effects of exercise on disorder severity of patients may be presented: (i) Exercise effects upon motor impairment, gait, posture and balance, (ii) Exercise reduction of oxidative stress, stimulation of mitochondrial biogenesis and up-regulation of autophagy, and (iii) Exercise stimulation of dopamine (DA) neurochemistry and trophic factors. Running-wheel performance, as measured by distance run by individual mice from different treatment groups, was related to DA-integrity, indexed by striatal DA levels. Finally, both nutrition and exercise may facilitate positive epigenetic outcomes, such as lowering the dosage of L-Dopa required for a therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Archer
- Department of Psychology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Richard M Kostrzewa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, 37604, USA
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19
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Bolten M. Transgenerational Transmission of Stress Pathology. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR PSYCHOLOGIE-JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1027/2151-2604/a000219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. The impact of the environment early in life on long-term outcomes is well known. Stressful experiences during pre- and postnatal development can modulate the genetic programming of specific brain circuits underlying emotional and cognitive aspects of behavioral adaptation to stressful experiences later in life. Furthermore, there is documented evidence for gene-environment interactions in the context of early-life stress. Identical gene variants can be associated with different phenotypes depending on environmental factors. DNA methylation, an enzymatically-catalyzed modification of the DNA, is the mechanism through which phenotypes are regulated. The dynamics and plasticity of epigenetic mechanisms can have short-term, long-term, or transgenerational consequences. In epigenetic research, rodent models have targeted several behavioral and emotional phenotypes. These models have contributed significantly to our understanding of the environmental regulation of the developmental brain in early life. This review will highlight studies with rats and mice on epigenetic processes in fetal programming of stress-related mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarete Bolten
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, University of Basel, Switzerland
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20
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Cattaneo A, Macchi F, Plazzotta G, Veronica B, Bocchio-Chiavetto L, Riva MA, Pariante CM. Inflammation and neuronal plasticity: a link between childhood trauma and depression pathogenesis. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:40. [PMID: 25873859 PMCID: PMC4379909 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the past two decades, there has been increasing interest in understanding and characterizing the role of inflammation in major depressive disorder (MDD). Indeed, several are the evidences linking alterations in the inflammatory system to Major Depression, including the presence of elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, together with other mediators of inflammation. However, it is still not clear whether inflammation represents a cause or whether other factors related to depression result in these immunological effects. Regardless, exposure to early life stressful events, which represent a vulnerability factor for the development of psychiatric disorders, act through the modulation of inflammatory responses, but also of neuroplastic mechanisms over the entire life span. Indeed, early life stressful events can cause, possibly through epigenetic changes that persist over time, up to adulthood. Such alterations may concur to increase the vulnerability to develop psychopathologies. In this review we will discuss the role of inflammation and neuronal plasticity as relevant processes underlying depression development. Moreover, we will discuss the role of epigenetics in inducing alterations in inflammation-immune systems as well as dysfunction in neuronal plasticity, thus contributing to the long-lasting negative effects of stressful life events early in life and the consequent enhanced risk for depression. Finally we will provide an overview on the potential role of inflammatory system to aid diagnosis, predict treatment response, enhance treatment matching, and prevent the onset or relapse of Major Depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Cattaneo
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London London, UK ; IRCCS Centro S Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Italy
| | - Flavia Macchi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan Milan, Italy
| | - Giona Plazzotta
- IRCCS Centro S Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Italy
| | - Begni Veronica
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan Milan, Italy
| | - Luisella Bocchio-Chiavetto
- IRCCS Centro S Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli Brescia, Italy ; Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University Novedrate (Como), Italy
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan Milan, Italy
| | - Carmine Maria Pariante
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London London, UK
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21
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Influences of prenatal and postnatal stress on adult hippocampal neurogenesis: the double neurogenic niche hypothesis. Behav Brain Res 2014; 281:309-17. [PMID: 25546722 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2014.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is involved in learning, memory, and stress, and plays a significant role in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. As an age-dependent process, AHN is largely influenced by changes that occur during the pre- and postnatal stages of brain development, and constitutes an important field of research. This review examines the current knowledge regarding the regulators of AHN and the influence of prenatal and postnatal stress on later AHN. In addition, a hypothesis is presented suggesting that each kind of stress influences a specific neurogenic pool, developmental or postnatal, that later becomes a precursor with important repercussions for AHN. This hypothesis is referred to as "the double neurogenic niche hypothesis." Discovering what receptors, transcription factors, or genes are specifically activated by different stressors is proposed as an essential line of future research in the field. Such knowledge shall constitute an important starting point toward the goal of modifying AHN in neurodegenerative or psychiatric diseases.
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