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Almodóvar-Payá C, Guardiola-Ripoll M, Giralt-López M, Oscoz-Irurozqui M, Canales-Rodríguez EJ, Madre M, Soler-Vidal J, Ramiro N, Callado LF, Arias B, Gallego C, Pomarol-Clotet E, Fatjó-Vilas M. NRN1 epistasis with BDNF and CACNA1C: mediation effects on symptom severity through neuroanatomical changes in schizophrenia. Brain Struct Funct 2024; 229:1299-1315. [PMID: 38720004 PMCID: PMC11147852 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-024-02793-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
The expression of Neuritin-1 (NRN1), a neurotrophic factor crucial for neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity, is enhanced by the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF). Although the receptor of NRN1 remains unclear, it is suggested that NRN1's activation of the insulin receptor (IR) pathway promotes the transcription of the calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha1 C (CACNA1C). These three genes have been independently associated with schizophrenia (SZ) risk, symptomatology, and brain differences. However, research on how they synergistically modulate these phenotypes is scarce. We aimed to study whether the genetic epistasis between these genes affects the risk and clinical presentation of the disorder via its effect on brain structure. First, we tested the epistatic effect of NRN1 and BDNF or CACNA1C on (i) the risk for SZ, (ii) clinical symptoms severity and functionality (onset, PANSS, CGI and GAF), and (iii) brain cortical structure (thickness, surface area and volume measures estimated using FreeSurfer) in a sample of 86 SZ patients and 89 healthy subjects. Second, we explored whether those brain clusters influenced by epistatic effects mediate the clinical profiles. Although we did not find a direct epistatic impact on the risk, our data unveiled significant effects on the disorder's clinical presentation. Specifically, the NRN1-rs10484320 x BDNF-rs6265 interplay influenced PANSS general psychopathology, and the NRN1-rs4960155 x CACNA1C-rs1006737 interaction affected GAF scores. Moreover, several interactions between NRN1 SNPs and BDNF-rs6265 significantly influenced the surface area and cortical volume of the frontal, parietal, and temporal brain regions within patients. The NRN1-rs10484320 x BDNF-rs6265 epistasis in the left lateral orbitofrontal cortex fully mediated the effect on PANSS general psychopathology. Our study not only adds clinical significance to the well-described molecular relationship between NRN1 and BDNF but also underscores the utility of deconstructing SZ into biologically validated brain-imaging markers to explore their mediation role in the path from genetics to complex clinical manifestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Almodóvar-Payá
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Guardiola-Ripoll
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERER (Biomedical Research Network in Rare Diseases), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria Giralt-López
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Germans Trias i Pujol University Hospital (HUGTP), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maitane Oscoz-Irurozqui
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- Red de Salud Mental de Gipuzkoa, Osakidetza-Basque Health Service, Gipuzkoa, Spain
| | - Erick Jorge Canales-Rodríguez
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Signal Processing Laboratory (LTS5), École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mercè Madre
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- Mental Health, IR SANT PAU, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Soler-Vidal
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Benito Menni, Germanes Hospitalàries, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Ramiro
- Hospital San Rafael, Germanes Hospitalàries, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis F Callado
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Pharmacology, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Bizkaia, Spain
- BioBizkaia Health Research Institute, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Bárbara Arias
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Gallego
- Department of Cells and Tissues, Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Edith Pomarol-Clotet
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Fatjó-Vilas
- FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain.
- Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- CIBERSAM (Biomedical Research Network in Mental Health), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Vajagathali M, Ramakrishnan V. Genetic predisposition of BDNF (rs6265) gene is susceptible to Schizophrenia: A prospective study and updated meta-analysis. Neurologia 2024; 39:361-371. [PMID: 38616064 DOI: 10.1016/j.nrleng.2024.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Genetic polymorphism in the BDNF gene has been found to cause neuronal alterations and has been identified as a causal factor for many neuropsychiatric disorders. Therefore, various neurological case-control studies and meta-analyses have been conducted to find the possible link between BDNF and susceptibility to schizophrenia. METHOD This meta-analysis gathered data from 25 case-control studies including a total of 8384 patients with schizophrenia and 8821 controls in order to identify the relationship between the rs6265 single nucleotide polymorphism and the disease, evaluating the combined odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals under 5 different genetic models. Validation followed the "Leave one out" method, and we used the Egger test and Begg's funnel plot to identify publication bias. RESULTS Research into the rs6265 (G/A) polymorphism revealed a non-significant association with schizophrenia in all 5 genetic models; in the subgroup analysis, no association was found between white and Asian populations, with a p value>.05. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the updated meta-analysis revealed that rs6265 exonic polymorphisms do not increase susceptibility to this disease. However, to better understand the pathogenesis of the disease, there is a need for further case-control studies into the BDNF polymorphism including larger sample sizes and different ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Vajagathali
- Human Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam 603103, Tamilnadu, India
| | - V Ramakrishnan
- Human Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Kelambakkam 603103, Tamilnadu, India.
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Penadés R, Almodóvar-Payá C, García-Rizo C, Ruíz V, Catalán R, Valero S, Wykes T, Fatjó-Vilas M, Arias B. Changes in BDNF methylation patterns after cognitive remediation therapy in schizophrenia: A randomized and controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 173:166-174. [PMID: 38537483 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Although cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) produces cognitive benefits in schizophrenia, we do not yet understand whether molecular changes are associated with this cognitive improvement. A gene central to synaptic plasticity, the BDNF, has been proposed as one potential route. This study assesses whether BDNF methylation changes following CRT-produced cognitive improvement are detected. A randomized and controlled trial was performed with two groups (CRT, n = 40; TAU: Treatment as Usual, n = 20) on a sample of participants with schizophrenia. CRT was delivered by trained therapists using a web-based computerized program. Mixed Models, where the interaction of treatment (CRT, TAU) by time (T0: 0 weeks, T1: 16 weeks) was the main effect were used. Then, we tested the association between the treatment and methylation changes in three CpG islands of the BDNF gene. CRT group showed significant improvements in some cognitive domains. Between-groups differential changes in 5 CpG units over time were found, 4 in island 1 (CpG1.2, CpG1.7, CpG1.10, CpG1.17) and 1 in island 3 (CpG3.2). CRT group showed increases in methylation in CpG1.2, CpG1.7 and decreases in pG1.10, CpG1.17, and CpG3.2. Differences in the degree of methylation were associated with changes in Speed of Processing, Working Memory, and Verbal Learning within the CRT group. Those findings provide new data on the relationship between cognitive improvement and changes in peripheral methylation levels of BDNF gene, a key factor involved in neuroplasticity regulation. Trial Registration: NCT04278027.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Penadés
- Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Almodóvar-Payá
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clemente García-Rizo
- Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Victoria Ruíz
- Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Catalán
- Barcelona Clinic Schizophrenia Unit, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Sergi Valero
- ACE Alzheimer Center Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Networking Research Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Til Wykes
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mar Fatjó-Vilas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; FIDMAG Germanes Hospitalàries Research Foundation, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Bárbara Arias
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Madrid, Spain; Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
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Hertenstein E, Kuhn M, Landmann N, Maier JG, Schneider CL, Fehér KD, Frase L, Riemann D, Feige B, Nissen C. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor genetic polymorphism rs6265 and creativity. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291397. [PMID: 37703265 PMCID: PMC10499242 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The protein brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) promotes neural plasticity of the central nervous system and plays an important role for learning and memory. A single nucleotide polymorphism (rs6265) at position 66 in the pro-region of the human BDNF gene, resulting in a substitution of the amino acid valine (val) with methionine (met), leads to attenuated BDNF secretion and has been associated with reduced neurocognitive function. Inhomogeneous results have been found regarding the effect of the BDNF genotype on behavior. We determined the BDNF genotype and performance on the Compound Remote Associate (CRA) task as a common measure of creativity in 76 healthy university students. In our main analyses, we did not find significant differences between met-carriers (n = 30) and non-met carriers (n = 46). In a secondary analysis, we found that met-carriers had a slower solution time (medium effect size) for items of medium difficulty. Our results suggest that met-carriers and non-met-carriers do not generally differ regarding their creativity, but non-met-carriers may have a certain advantage when it comes to moderately difficult problems. The wider literature suggests that both genetic variants come with advantages and disadvantages. Future research needs to sharpen our understanding of the disadvantages and, potentially, advantages met allele carriers may have.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Hertenstein
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marion Kuhn
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nina Landmann
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan-Gabriel Maier
- University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Lukas Frase
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dieter Riemann
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Feige
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center–University of Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nissen
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Psychiatric Specialties, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals (HUG), Geneva, Switzerland
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Bednářová A, Habalová V, Tkáč I. BDNF rs962369 Is Associated with Major Depressive Disorder. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2243. [PMID: 37626739 PMCID: PMC10452342 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
This study enrolled 291 patients diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia (F32, F33, and F20 according to ICD-10) and 227 ethnicity-matched control subjects. We analyzed the distribution of BDNF rs6265 and BDNF rs962369 genotypes, finding no significant associations between these and schizophrenia. We revealed a significant increase in the risk of single-episode major depression disorder (MDD) for rs962369 minor allele homozygotes (CC vs. TT+TC), an association that persisted after adjusting for age and sex (OR 3.47; 95% CI 1.36-8.85; p = 0.009). Furthermore, rs962369 genotype was significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrent MDD in a log-additive model (OR per C-allele 1.65; 95% CI 1.11-2.45; p = 0.013). A comparative analysis between MDD subtypes and between MDD subtypes and schizophrenia showed no significant differences for BDNF rs6265. Notably, the frequency of minor allele C of BDNF rs962369 varied across subgroups, with the highest frequency in patients with recurrent MDD (0.32) and the lowest in schizophrenia patients (0.20). The presence of genotypes with at least one minor allele C was significantly higher in the recurrent MDD patient group compared to the schizophrenia group. In conclusion, the BDNF rs962369 variant was associated with MDD but not with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Bednářová
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, 041 90 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Viera Habalová
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia;
| | - Ivan Tkáč
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, 041 90 Kosice, Slovakia;
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Bednarova A, Habalova V, Krivosova M, Marcatili M, Tkac I. Association Study of BDNF, SLC6A4, and FTO Genetic Variants with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040658. [PMID: 37109044 PMCID: PMC10141144 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders: F20-F29 according to International Classification of Diseases 10th revision (ICD-10)) are considered highly heritable heterogeneous psychiatric conditions. Their pathophysiology is multifactorial with involved dysregulated serotonergic neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity. The present study aimed to evaluate the association of SLC6A4 (5-HTTLPR), FTO (rs9939609), and BDNF (rs6265, rs962369) polymorphisms with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in Slovak patients. We analyzed the genotypes of 150 patients with schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders and compared them with genotypes from 178 healthy volunteers. We have found a marginally protective effect of LS + SS genotypes of 5-HTTLPR variant of the serotonin transporter SLC6A4 gene against the development of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, but the result failed to remain significant after Bonferroni correction. Similarly, we have not proven any significant association between other selected genetic variants and schizophrenia and related disorders. Studies including a higher number of subjects are warranted to reliably confirm the presence or absence of the studied associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Bednarova
- 2nd Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Louis Pasteur University Hospital, 041 90 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Viera Habalova
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, 040 11 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Michaela Krivosova
- Biomedical Centre Martin, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Comenius University in Bratislava, 036 01 Martin, Slovakia
| | - Matteo Marcatili
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori, 209 00 Monza, Italy
| | - Ivan Tkac
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University, Louis Pasteur University Hospital, 041 90 Kosice, Slovakia
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Fišar Z. Biological hypotheses, risk factors, and biomarkers of schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 120:110626. [PMID: 36055561 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Both the discovery of biomarkers of schizophrenia and the verification of biological hypotheses of schizophrenia are an essential part of the process of understanding the etiology of this mental disorder. Schizophrenia has long been considered a neurodevelopmental disease whose symptoms are caused by impaired synaptic signal transduction and brain neuroplasticity. Both the onset and chronic course of schizophrenia are associated with risk factors-induced disruption of brain function and the establishment of a new homeostatic setpoint characterized by biomarkers. Different risk factors and biomarkers can converge to the same symptoms of schizophrenia, suggesting that the primary cause of the disease can be highly individual. Schizophrenia-related biomarkers include measurable biochemical changes induced by stress (elevated allostatic load), mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative and nitrosative stress, and circadian rhythm disturbances. Here is a summary of selected valid biological hypotheses of schizophrenia formulated based on risk factors and biomarkers, neurodevelopment, neuroplasticity, brain chemistry, and antipsychotic medication. The integrative neurodevelopmental-vulnerability-neurochemical model is based on current knowledge of the neurobiology of the onset and progression of the disease and the effects of antipsychotics and psychotomimetics and reflects the complex and multifactorial nature of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdeněk Fišar
- Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Czech Republic.
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Vouga Ribeiro N, Tavares V, Bramon E, Toulopoulou T, Valli I, Shergill S, Murray R, Prata D. Effects of psychosis-associated genetic markers on brain volumetry: a systematic review of replicated findings and an independent validation. Psychol Med 2022; 52:1-16. [PMID: 36168994 PMCID: PMC9811278 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 08/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given psychotic illnesses' high heritability and associations with brain structure, numerous neuroimaging-genetics findings have been reported in the last two decades. However, few findings have been replicated. In the present independent sample we aimed to replicate any psychosis-implicated SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms), which had previously shown at least two main effects on brain volume. METHODS A systematic review for SNPs showing a replicated effect on brain volume yielded 25 studies implicating seven SNPs in five genes. Their effect was then tested in 113 subjects with either schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, 'at risk mental state' or healthy state, for whole-brain and region-of-interest (ROI) associations with grey and white matter volume changes, using voxel-based morphometry. RESULTS We found FWER-corrected (Family-wise error rate) (i.e. statistically significant) associations of: (1) CACNA1C-rs769087-A with larger bilateral hippocampus and thalamus white matter, across the whole brain; and (2) CACNA1C-rs769087-A with larger superior frontal gyrus, as ROI. Higher replication concordance with existing literature was found, in decreasing order, for: (1) CACNA1C-rs769087-A, with larger dorsolateral-prefrontal/superior frontal gyrus and hippocampi (both with anatomical and directional concordance); (2) ZNF804A-rs11681373-A, with smaller angular gyrus grey matter and rectus gyri white matter (both with anatomical and directional concordance); and (3) BDNF-rs6265-T with superior frontal and middle cingulate gyri volume change (with anatomical and allelic concordance). CONCLUSIONS Most literature findings were not herein replicated. Nevertheless, high degree/likelihood of replication was found for two genome-wide association studies- and one candidate-implicated SNPs, supporting their involvement in psychosis and brain structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Vouga Ribeiro
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Vânia Tavares
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Elvira Bramon
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’ College London, London, UK
- Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, London, UK
| | - Timothea Toulopoulou
- Department of Psychology & National Magnetic Resonance Research Center (UMRAM), Aysel Sabuncu Brain Research Centre (ASBAM), Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Isabel Valli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’ College London, London, UK
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sukhi Shergill
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’ College London, London, UK
| | - Robin Murray
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’ College London, London, UK
| | - Diana Prata
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Szarowicz CA, Steece-Collier K, Caulfield ME. New Frontiers in Neurodegeneration and Regeneration Associated with Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and the rs6265 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148011. [PMID: 35887357 PMCID: PMC9319713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is an extensively studied neurotrophin implicated in the pathology of multiple neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, traumatic brain injury, major de-pressive disorder, and schizophrenia. Here we provide a brief summary of current knowledge on the role of BDNF and the common human single nucleotide polymorphism, rs6265, in driving the pathogenesis and rehabilitation in these disorders, as well as the status of BDNF-targeted therapies. A common trend has emerged correlating low BDNF levels, either detected within the central nervous system or peripherally, to disease states, suggesting that BDNF replacement therapies may hold clinical promise. In addition, we introduce evidence for a distinct role of the BDNF pro-peptide as a biologically active ligand and the need for continuing studies on its neurological function outside of that as a molecular chaperone. Finally, we highlight the latest research describing the role of rs6265 expression in mechanisms of neurodegeneration as well as paradoxical advances in the understanding of this genetic variant in neuroregeneration. All of this is discussed in the context of personalized medicine, acknowledging there is no “one size fits all” therapy for neurodegenerative or psychiatric disorders and that continued study of the multiple BDNF isoforms and genetic variants represents an avenue for discovery ripe with therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlye A. Szarowicz
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kathy Steece-Collier
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
| | - Margaret E. Caulfield
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; (C.A.S.); (K.S.-C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-616-234-0969; Fax: +1- 616-234-0991
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Vajagathali M, Ramakrishnan V. Genetic predisposition of BDNF (rs6265) gene is susceptible to Schizophrenia: A prospective study and updated meta-analysis. Neurologia 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nrl.2021.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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11
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Fusar-Poli L, Aguglia A, Amerio A, Orsolini L, Salvi V, Serafini G, Volpe U, Amore M, Aguglia E. Peripheral BDNF levels in psychiatric patients with and without a history of suicide attempt: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110342. [PMID: 33961965 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Psychiatric patients are at increased risk of attempting suicide. Several potential biomarkers of suicide risk have been proposed with inconsistent findings. The present paper aimed to evaluate differences in peripheral BDNF levels between psychiatric patients with and without a history of suicide attempts. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following the PRISMA guidelines. Relevant papers published up to January 5, 2021 were identified searching the electronic databases Web of KnowledgeSM and PsycINFO. A random-effect meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 16. RESULTS Thirteen studies met inclusion criteria. Overall, no significant differences in BDNF levels between the two groups were found (13 studies, n = 1340, Hedge's g = -0.21, 95% CI -0.44 to 0.02). Heterogeneity was substantial (I2 = 72.91%). Subgroup analyses revealed that BDNF levels were significantly reduced in plasma with medium effect size (5 studies, n = 363, Hedge's g = -0.44, 95% CI -0.86 to -0.02), but not in serum (8 studies, n = 977, Hedge's g = -0.09, 95% CI -0.33 to 0.15). No significant differences were found according to the type of diagnosis (major depressive disorder vs. other diagnoses) or the period of suicide attempt (lifetime vs. recent). CONCLUSION The utility of BDNF as a biomarker of suicide attempts in psychiatric patients appears limited to its plasma concentration. Although caution interpretation is needed, our findings may represent a starting point for the design of rigorous case-control studies exploring the association between neurotrophins and suicidal behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fusar-Poli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Laura Orsolini
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy; Drug Misuse and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Virginio Salvi
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Umberto Volpe
- Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Neurosciences/DIMSC, School of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Eugenio Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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12
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Sasaki R, Miyaguchi S, Onishi H. Effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene polymorphisms on motor performance and motor learning: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Behav Brain Res 2021; 420:113712. [PMID: 34915075 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113712] [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: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene polymorphisms may modulate neurotransmitter efficiency, thereby influencing motor performance and motor learning. However, studies to date have provided no consensus regarding the genetic influence of BDNF genotypes (i.e., Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/Met type). This study aimed to investigate the effect of BDNF genotype on motor performance and motor learning in healthy human adults via a systematic review and meta-analysis. A total of 19 relevant studies were identified using PubMed and Web of Science search for articles published between 2000 and 2021 with motor performance or motor learning as the primary outcome measures. The results of our systematic review suggest that the BDNF genotype is unlikely to contribute to motor performance and motor learning abilities because only 2/32 datasets (6.3%) from 16 studies on motor performance and 3/19 datasets (17.6%) from 13 studies on motor learning indicated a significant genetic effect. Moreover, a meta-analysis of motor learning publications involving 17 datasets from 11 studies revealed that there was no significant difference in the learning score normalized using baseline data between Val/Val and Met carriers (Val/Met + Met/Met or Val/Met; standardized mean differences = 0.08, P = 0.37) with zero heterogeneity (I2 = 0) and a relatively low risk of publication bias. Taken together, the BDNF genotype may have only a minor impact on individual motor performance and motor learning abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryoki Sasaki
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan; Discipline of Physiology, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Shota Miyaguchi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan; Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Hideaki Onishi
- Institute for Human Movement and Medical Sciences, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan; Department of Physical Therapy, Niigata University of Health and Welfare, Niigata City, Niigata, Japan.
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13
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Harb M, Jagusch J, Durairaja A, Endres T, Leßmann V, Fendt M. BDNF haploinsufficiency induces behavioral endophenotypes of schizophrenia in male mice that are rescued by enriched environment. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:233. [PMID: 33888685 PMCID: PMC8062437 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01365-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in a number of processes that are crucial for healthy functioning of the brain. Schizophrenia is associated with low BDNF levels in the brain and blood, however, not much is known about BDNF's role in the different symptoms of schizophrenia. Here, we used BDNF-haploinsufficient (BDNF+/-) mice to investigate the role of BDNF in different mouse behavioral endophenotypes of schizophrenia. Furthermore, we assessed if an enriched environment can prevent the observed changes. In this study, male mature adult wild-type and BDNF+/- mice were tested in mouse paradigms for cognitive flexibility (attentional set shifting), sensorimotor gating (prepulse inhibition), and associative emotional learning (safety and fear conditioning). Before these tests, half of the mice had a 2-month exposure to an enriched environment, including running wheels. After the tests, BDNF brain levels were quantified. BDNF+/- mice had general deficits in the attentional set-shifting task, increased startle magnitudes, and prepulse inhibition deficits. Contextual fear learning was not affected but safety learning was absent. Enriched environment housing completely prevented the observed behavioral deficits in BDNF+/- mice. Notably, the behavioral performance of the mice was negatively correlated with BDNF protein levels. These novel findings strongly suggest that decreased BDNF levels are associated with several behavioral endophenotypes of schizophrenia. Furthermore, an enriched environment increases BDNF protein to wild-type levels and is thereby able to rescue these behavioral endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Harb
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Justina Jagusch
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Archana Durairaja
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Endres
- grid.5807.a0000 0001 1018 4307Institute of Physiology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Volkmar Leßmann
- Institute of Physiology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany. .,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Markus Fendt
- Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany. .,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.
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14
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Martens L, Herrmann L, Colic L, Li M, Richter A, Behnisch G, Stork O, Seidenbecher C, Schott BH, Walter M. Met carriers of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism show reduced Glx/NAA in the pregenual ACC in two independent cohorts. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6742. [PMID: 33762638 PMCID: PMC7990923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86220-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Met allele of the Val66Met SNP of the BDNF gene (rs6265) is associated with impaired activity-dependent release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), resulting in reduced synaptic plasticity, impaired glutamatergic neurotransmission, and morphological changes. While previous work has demonstrated Val66Met effects on magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) markers of either glutamatergic metabolism (Glx) or neuronal integrity (NAA), no study has investigated Val66Met effects on these related processes simultaneously. As these metabolites share a metabolic pathway, the Glx/NAA ratio may be a more sensitive marker of changes associated with the Val66Met SNP. This ratio is increased in psychiatric disorders linked to decreased functioning in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). In this study, we investigated the correlation of the Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene with Glx/NAA in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC) using MRS at 3 Tesla (T) (n = 30, all males) and 7 T (n = 98, 40 females). In both cohorts, Met carriers had lower Glx/NAA compared to Val homozygotes. Follow-up analyses using absolute quantification revealed that the Met carriers do not show decreased pgACC glutamate or glutamine levels, but instead show increased NAA compared to the Val homozygotes. This finding may in part explain conflicting evidence for Val66Met as a risk factor for developing psychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Martens
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate Training Center, IMPRS, Tübingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luisa Herrmann
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Lejla Colic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anni Richter
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Oliver Stork
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-Von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Constanze Seidenbecher
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Björn H Schott
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany. .,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. .,Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Magdeburg, Germany.
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15
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Xu H, Wang J, Zhou Y, Chen D, Xiu M, Wang L, Zhang X. BDNF affects the mediating effect of negative symptoms on the relationship between age of onset and cognition in patients with chronic schizophrenia. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 125:105121. [PMID: 33387927 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.105121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The age of onset of schizophrenia is related to variability in cognitive function and clinical characters, and negative symptoms and cognitive function share similar features that could be closely connected. Alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and the Val66Met (rs6562) polymorphism are involved in the pathogenesis of the disease, but few studies have explored its influence on the associations of age of onset, cognitive function and clinical symptoms in schizophrenia. The clinical symptoms of a total of 573 patients with chronic schizophrenia were assessed by using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Cognitive performance was assessed by the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). The serum BDNF level and Val66Met polymorphism were measured after the assessment. Our results showed the following: (1) patients with an earlier age of onset exhibited more negative symptoms and cognitive deficits, as well as lower levels of serum BDNF; (2) negative symptoms and cognitive function showed negative and positive correlations with age of onset, respectively, and worse cognitive function was associated with a high level of negative symptoms and a low level of serum BDNF; and (3) the moderated mediation analyses indicated that negative symptoms partially mediated the relationship between age of onset and cognitive deficits, which was moderated by serum BDNF. The mediating effect of negative symptoms exhibited a Met allele dose-dependent tendency. These results indicate that age of onset, cognitive function, and clinical symptoms of schizophrenia exhibit different relationships under different serum BDNF levels and BDNF Val66met polymorphisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiesi Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China
| | - Yongjie Zhou
- Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Dachun Chen
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, China
| | - Meihong Xiu
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Peking University, China
| | - Li Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Beijing, China; Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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16
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Wang W, Liu Y, Luo S, Guo X, Luo X, Zhang Y. Associations between brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cognitive impairment in panic disorder. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01885. [PMID: 33047489 PMCID: PMC7749616 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Our study was designed to examine the relationship between Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) genotypes (rs6265, Val66Met), BDNF plasma levels, and cognitive impairment in Chinese patients with panic disorder (PD). METHODS Total 85 patients with PD and 91 healthy controls finally completed all assessments. The severity of panic symptoms and whole anxiety of PD was measured by Panic Disorder Severity Scale-Chinese Version (PDSS-CV) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA-14). Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and some neurocognitive measures were conducted to evaluate the cognitive performance. All participants were detected for the plasma BDNF levels and BDNF Val66Met polymorphism before assessment and treatment. RESULTS No significant differences were found in the BDNF allele frequencies and the BDNF genotype distributions between healthy controls and PD patients. BDNF Met/Met genotype was associated with lower BDNF plasma levels in PD patients, and PD patients with BDNF Met/Met genotype had the lower scores in the attention and speed of processing domains compared to those with Val/Val and Met/Val genotype (p's < .05). Among PD patients, the BDNF plasma levels showed moderate positive correlations with Stroop interference (r = .60, p < .001). Using the MoCA data, the BDNF plasma levels were correlated with delayed memory (r = .50, p < .001), verbal learning (r = .45, p < .001), and total scores of MoCA (r = .51, p < .001). CONCLUSIONS The BDNF Met/Met genotype may be associated with lower BDNF plasma levels and cognitive impairments in PD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenchen Wang
- Department of Bipolar Disorder, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Chest Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuqing Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Baoding Second Central Hospital, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaoyun Guo
- Department of psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingguang Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Bipolar Disorder, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin, China
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17
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Su J, Liu P, Liu B, Zhang Y. BDNF polymorphisms across the spectrum of psychiatric morbidity: A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22875. [PMID: 33157930 PMCID: PMC7647535 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nowadays, psychiatric morbidities are more and more common, which imposes huge social and economic burden on all countries across the world. Mental illnesses are found to be related to genetics. Over the past few years, a large number of risk genes and loci related to psychiatric morbidities have been reported. The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the main candidates in neuropsychiatric genetics. However, different studies have shown inconsistencies regarding effect modification of BDNF polymorphisms on psychiatric morbidities. Therefore, in the present study, we aim to qualitatively and quantitatively summarize the relationship between BDNF single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and various psychiatric morbidities through a meta-analysis. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science and Embase will be searched using a specified search strategy to identify relevant studies up to April 2020. The meta-analysis will be performed on (1) allele model, (2) dominant model, (3) recessive model, (4) homozygote, and (5) heterozygote model. Sensitivity analyses will be conducted to explore the impact of individual studies on the overall result by evaluating the odd ratios (ORs) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) before and after removing each of the studies from our meta-analysis. Chi-square test will be used to determine whether the observed allele or genotype frequencies in the controls are consistent with HWE. The statistical heterogeneity will be verified by I statistics. The fixed effects model is needed to estimate the ORs and 95% CIs when there was no heterogeneity between results of included studies (I < 50%); instead, the random effects model should be used when results of included studies showed significant heterogeneity (I > 50%). Publication bias will be evaluated with the use of Begg test and Egger test (P < .05 is considered statistically significant). DISCUSSION With this protocol, a methodology is established that explores the effect modification of BDNF polymorphisms on the association with psychiatric morbidities. Findings from this meta-analysis can provide significant insight into the etiology of psychiatric morbidities. REGISTRATION Open Science Framework (OSF) Preregistration. September 15, 2020. OSF.IO/QS7XT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingzhi Su
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University
| | - Peiqu Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital
| | - Bangshan Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders (Xiangya), China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Xiangya Hospital
- Mental Health Institute of Central South University, China National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders (Xiangya), China National Technology Institute on Mental Disorders, Hunan Technology Institute of Psychiatry, Hunan Key Laboratory of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Changsha, Hunan, China
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18
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Neurotrophic Factor BDNF, Physiological Functions and Therapeutic Potential in Depression, Neurodegeneration and Brain Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207777. [PMID: 33096634 PMCID: PMC7589016 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 338] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one of the most distributed and extensively studied neurotrophins in the mammalian brain. BDNF signals through the tropomycin receptor kinase B (TrkB) and the low affinity p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). BDNF plays an important role in proper growth, development, and plasticity of glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses and through modulation of neuronal differentiation, it influences serotonergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. BDNF acts as paracrine and autocrine factor, on both pre-synaptic and post-synaptic target sites. It is crucial in the transformation of synaptic activity into long-term synaptic memories. BDNF is considered an instructive mediator of functional and structural plasticity in the central nervous system (CNS), influencing dendritic spines and, at least in the hippocampus, the adult neurogenesis. Changes in the rate of adult neurogenesis and in spine density can influence several forms of learning and memory and can contribute to depression-like behaviors. The possible roles of BDNF in neuronal plasticity highlighted in this review focus on the effect of antidepressant therapies on BDNF-mediated plasticity. Moreover, we will review data that illustrate the role of BDNF as a potent protective factor that is able to confer protection against neurodegeneration, in particular in Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, we will give evidence of how the involvement of BDNF in the pathogenesis of brain glioblastoma has emerged, thus opening new avenues for the treatment of this deadly cancer.
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Kumar PK, Mitra P, Ghosh R, Sharma S, Nebhinani N, Sharma P. Association of circulating BDNF levels with BDNF rs6265 polymorphism in schizophrenia. Behav Brain Res 2020; 394:112832. [PMID: 32726665 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe neuropsychiatric disorder affecting 1% of the world population. Disturbances in neuronal development and synaptic connections are important factors in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a member of the neurotrophin family, plays a critical role in the development of neurons. Among several polymorphisms reported in BDNF, the rs6265 polymorphism is known to be associated with many neuropsychiatric diseases. This study was aimed to determine the effect of BDNF rs6265 functional polymorphism on serum BDNF concentration in patients with schizophrenia. In total, 50 schizophrenia patients and 50 controls were recruited after obtaining written informed consent. Serum BDNF levels were estimated using the ELISA method and BDNF rs6265 polymorphism was genotyped using T-ARMS PCR. Serum BDNF levels were decreased significantly in schizophrenia patients when compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.0001). Further, the rs6265 polymorphism was also not associated with the schizophrenia (p = 0.41). Intragroup analysis between different genotypes revealed no association between the serum BDNF levels and rs6265 polymorphism. Our results suggest that the functional polymorphism rs6265 is not associated with serum BDNF levels, which is in line with previous findings, which indicates that serum BDNF levels depend more on diagnostic effect than genetic effect. Replication studies on a larger study population are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pvsn Kiran Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Prasenjit Mitra
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Raghumoy Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Shailja Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Naresh Nebhinani
- Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Praveen Sharma
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India.
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20
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Lin CC, Huang TL. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and mental disorders. Biomed J 2020; 43:134-142. [PMID: 32386841 PMCID: PMC7283564 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that modulates neuroplasticity in the brain, and is one of the most widely investigated molecule in psychiatric disorders. The researches of BDNF emcompassed the advance of investigative techniques of past decades. BDNF researches ranged from protein quantilization, to RNA expression measurements, to DNA sequencing, and lately but not lastly, epigenetic studies. In this review, we will briefly address findings on BDNF protein levels, mRNA expression, Val66Met polymorphism, and epigenetic modifications, in schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin-Chuen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tiao-Lai Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Genomic and Proteomic Core Laboratory, Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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21
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Mezquida G, Penadés R, Cabrera B, Savulich G, Lobo A, González-Pinto A, Penzol M, Corripio I, Fernandez-Egea E, Gassó P, Cuesta M, Bernardo M. Association of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism with negative symptoms severity, but not cognitive function, in first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 38:61-69. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractObjectiveA functional polymorphism of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) Val66Met has been associated with cognitive function and symptom severity in patients with schizophrenia. It has been suggested that the Val66Met polymorphism has a role as a modulator in a range of clinical features of the illness, including symptoms severity, therapeutic responsiveness, age of onset, brain morphology and cognitive function. However, little work has been done in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) spectrum disorders. The objective of this study is to investigate the association of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on cognitive function and clinical symptomatology in FES patients.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional design in a cohort of 204 patients with FES or a schizophrenia spectrum disorder and 204 healthy matched controls, we performed BDNF Val66Met genotyping and tested its relationship with cognitive testing (attention, working memory, learning/verbal memory and reasoning/problem-solving) and assessment of clinical symptom severity.ResultsThere was no significant influence of the BDNF allele frequency on cognitive factor scores in either patients or controls. An augmented severity of negative symptoms was found in FES patients that carried the Met allele.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that in patients with a first-episode of schizophrenia or a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism does not exert an influence on cognitive functioning, but is associated with negative symptoms severity. BDNF may serve as suitable marker of negative symptomatology severity in FES patients within the schizophrenia spectrum.
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Abstract
Cognitive impairments reported across psychiatric conditions (ie, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and posttraumatic stress disorder) strongly impair the quality of life of patients and the recovery of those conditions. There is therefore a great need for consideration for cognitive dysfunction in the management of psychiatric disorders. The redundant pattern of cognitive impairments across such conditions suggests possible shared mechanisms potentially leading to their development. Here, we review for the first time the possible role of inflammation in cognitive dysfunctions across psychiatric disorders. Raised inflammatory processes (microglia activation and elevated cytokine levels) across diagnoses could therefore disrupt neurobiological mechanisms regulating cognition, including Hebbian and homeostatic plasticity, neurogenesis, neurotrophic factor, the HPA axis, and the kynurenine pathway. This redundant association between elevated inflammation and cognitive alterations across psychiatric disorders hence suggests that a cross-disorder approach using pharmacological and nonpharmacological (ie, physical activity and nutrition) anti-inflammatory/immunomodulatory strategies should be considered in the management of cognition in psychiatry.
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Harrington MO, Klaus K, Vaht M, Harro J, Pennington K, Durrant SJ. Overnight retention of emotional memories is influenced by BDNF Val66Met but not 5-HTTLPR. Behav Brain Res 2019; 359:17-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Sex-Specific Proteomic Changes Induced by Genetic Deletion of Fibroblast Growth Factor 14 (FGF14), a Regulator of Neuronal Ion Channels. Proteomes 2019; 7:proteomes7010005. [PMID: 30678040 PMCID: PMC6473632 DOI: 10.3390/proteomes7010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 14 (FGF14) is a member of the intracellular FGFs, which is a group of proteins involved in neuronal ion channel regulation and synaptic transmission. We previously demonstrated that male Fgf14−/− mice recapitulate the salient endophenotypes of synaptic dysfunction and behaviors that are associated with schizophrenia (SZ). As the underlying etiology of SZ and its sex-specific onset remain elusive, the Fgf14−/− model may provide a valuable tool to interrogate pathways related to disease mechanisms. Here, we performed label-free quantitative proteomics to identify enriched pathways in both male and female hippocampi from Fgf14+/+ and Fgf14−/− mice. We discovered that all of the differentially expressed proteins measured in Fgf14−/− animals, relative to their same-sex wildtype counterparts, are associated with SZ based on genome-wide association data. In addition, measured changes in the proteome were predominantly sex-specific, with the male Fgf14−/− mice distinctly enriched for pathways associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. In the male Fgf14−/− mouse, we found molecular characteristics that, in part, may explain a previously described neurotransmission and behavioral phenotype. This includes decreased levels of ALDH1A1 and protein kinase A (PRKAR2B). ALDH1A1 has been shown to mediate an alternative pathway for gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis, while PRKAR2B is essential for dopamine 2 receptor signaling, which is the basis of current antipsychotics. Collectively, our results provide new insights in the role of FGF14 and support the use of the Fgf14−/− mouse as a useful preclinical model of SZ for generating hypotheses on disease mechanisms, sex-specific manifestation, and therapy.
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Nedic Erjavec G, Svob Strac D, Tudor L, Konjevod M, Sagud M, Pivac N. Genetic Markers in Psychiatry. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1192:53-93. [PMID: 31705490 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9721-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders such as addiction (substance use and addictive disorders), depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are severe, complex, multifactorial mental disorders that carry a high social impact, enormous public health costs, and various comorbidities as well as premature morbidity. Their neurobiological foundation is still not clear. Therefore, it is difficult to uncover new set of genes and possible genetic markers of these disorders since the understanding of the molecular imbalance leading to these disorders is not complete. The integrative approach is needed which will combine genomics and epigenomics; evaluate epigenetic influence on genes and their influence on neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and hormones; examine gene × gene and gene × environment interplay; and identify abnormalities contributing to development of these disorders. Therefore, novel genetic approaches based on systems biology focused on improvement of the identification of the biological underpinnings might offer genetic markers of addiction, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and PTSD. These markers might be used for early prediction, detection of the risk to develop these disorders, novel subtypes of the diseases and tailored, personalized approach to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Nedic Erjavec
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dubravka Svob Strac
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Tudor
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marcela Konjevod
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Sagud
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Salata 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nela Pivac
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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BDNF as a pharmacogenetic target for antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia. Neurosci Lett 2018; 726:133870. [PMID: 30312750 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Revised: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Antipsychotic drugs remain the mainstay of pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia. As there are large individual variations in efficacy and side-effects of antipsychotic drugs, there is a strong demand for personalized medication to treat schizophrenia. Pharmacogenetic research into antipsychotic drugs has examined a number of genetic variants and only a few polymorphisms have been found which promise to be associated with the therapeutic efficacy and side-effects of antipsychotic drugs. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays a major role in neurogenesis and neuroplasticity, and in the modulation of several neurotransmitter systems including the dopaminergic system involved in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This review focused on the association between the BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism and antipsychotic drugs. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism has been related to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, psychotic symptomatology, cognition, efficacy and side-effects of antipsychotic drugs. The BDNF Val66Met variants could be a promising target for antipsychotic medication options or developing next generation antipsychotic drugs. However, some studies showed inconsistent results due to sample size, ethnic differences and different antipsychotic drugs. Further studies will be required in this area to confirm the effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and patients' response to antipsychotic drugs, especially in a larger sample size and in different ethnic populations.
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Gao X, Mi Y, Guo N, Xu H, Jiang P, Zhang R, Xu L, Gou X. Glioma in Schizophrenia: Is the Risk Higher or Lower? Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:289. [PMID: 30233327 PMCID: PMC6129591 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether persons with schizophrenia have a higher or lower incidence of cancer has been discussed for a long time. Due to the complex mechanisms and characteristics of different types of cancer, it is difficult to evaluate the exact relationship between cancers and schizophrenia without considering the type of tumor. Schizophrenia, a disabling mental illness that is now recognized as a neurodevelopmental disorder, is more correlated with brain tumors, such as glioma, than other types of tumors. Thus, we mainly focused on the relationship between schizophrenia and glioma morbidity. Glioma tumorigenesis and schizophrenia may share similar mechanisms; gene/pathway disruption would affect neurodevelopment and reduce the risk of glioma. The molecular defects of disrupted-in-schizophrenia-1 (DISC1), P53, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and C-X-C chemokine receptors type 4 (CXCR4) involved in schizophrenia pathogenesis might play opposite roles in glioma development. Many microRNAs (miRNAs) such as miR-183, miR-9, miR-137 and miR-126 expression change may be involved in the cross talk between glioma prevalence and schizophrenia. Finally, antipsychotic drugs may have antitumor effects. All these factors show that persons with schizophrenia have a decreased incidence of glioma; therefore, epidemiological investigation and studies comparing genetic and epigenetic aberrations involved in both of these complex diseases should be performed. These studies can provide more insightful knowledge about glioma and schizophrenia pathophysiology and help to determine the target/strategies for the prevention and treatment of the two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchun Gao
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yajing Mi
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Na Guo
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hao Xu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Pengtao Jiang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ruisan Zhang
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lixian Xu
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China.,State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xingchun Gou
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Brain Disorders & Institute of Basic Medical Sciences & Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
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Shi GJ, Zheng J, Han XX, Jiang YP, Li ZM, Wu J, Chang Q, Niu Y, Sun T, Li YX, Chen Z, Yu JQ. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide attenuates diabetic testicular dysfunction via inhibition of the PI3K/Akt pathway-mediated abnormal autophagy in male mice. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 374:653-666. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2891-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
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Tsai SJ. Critical Issues in BDNF Val66Met Genetic Studies of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:156. [PMID: 29867348 PMCID: PMC5962780 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins have been implicated in the pathophysiology of many neuropsychiatric diseases. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is the most abundant and widely distributed neurotrophin in the brain. Its Val66Met polymorphism (refSNP Cluster Report: rs6265) is a common and functional single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affecting the activity-dependent release of BDNF. BDNF Val66Met transgenic mice have been generated, which may provide further insight into the functional impact of this polymorphism in the brain. Considering the important role of BDNF in brain function, more than 1,100 genetic studies have investigated this polymorphism in the past 15 years. Although these studies have reported some encouraging positive findings initially, most of the findings cannot be replicated in following studies. These inconsistencies in BDNF Val66Met genetic studies may be attributed to many factors such as age, sex, environmental factors, ethnicity, genetic model used for analysis, and gene–gene interaction, which are discussed in this review. We also discuss the results of recent studies that have reported the novel functions of this polymorphism. Because many BDNF polymorphisms and non-genetic factors have been implicated in the complex traits of neuropsychiatric diseases, the conventional genetic association-based method is limited to address these complex interactions. Future studies should apply data mining and machine learning techniques to determine the genetic role of BDNF in neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Brain Science, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Zhang Y, Fang X, Fan W, Tang W, Cai J, Song L, Zhang C. Interaction between BDNF and TNF-α genes in schizophrenia. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 89:1-6. [PMID: 29306772 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Our recent work reported that tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) is negatively correlated with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with schizophrenia. A previous study has shown that TNF-α could regulate the extracellular secretion of BDNF. Therefore, we hypothesized that the TNF-α gene (TNF-α) may interact with the BDNF gene (BDNF) to influence schizophrenia risk. METHODS We recruited 694 patients with schizophrenia from three mental hospitals in Eastern China and 725 healthy controls. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) was employed to evaluate symptom severity. The Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) was performed to assess cognitive function. The SNPs rs6265 in BDNF and rs1799964 in TNF-α were genotyped. RESULTS There were no significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies in either rs6265 or rs1799964 between the case and control groups. A significant association of rs6265 AA + AG × rs1799964 CC + CT with schizophrenia was observed (OR = 1.14, 95%CI: 1.02-1.27; P = .02). There were significant differences in the RBANS attention and total scores between the patients with rs6265A and rs1799964C alleles and those without these two alleles (P = .03 and P = .03 after Bonferroni correction, respectively). CONCLUSION Our findings provided preliminary evidence that the interaction of BDNF and TNF-α may confer susceptibility to schizophrenia and cognitive dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Schizophrenia Program, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyu Fang
- Schizophrenia Program, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weixing Fan
- Department of Psychiatry, Jinhua Second Hospital, Jinhua, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jun Cai
- Schizophrenia Program, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lisheng Song
- Schizophrenia Program, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- Schizophrenia Program, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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González-Castro TB, Salas-Magaña M, Juárez-Rojop IE, López-Narváez ML, Tovilla-Zárate CA, Hernández-Díaz Y. Exploring the association between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and suicidal behavior: Meta-analysis and systematic review. J Psychiatr Res 2017; 94:208-217. [PMID: 28756290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 06/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Suicide is a serious worldwide health problem of critical consequences. Nowadays genetic factors are considered to be an important cause of suicide. The association between Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism of the BDNF gene and suicide behavior has been increasingly studied. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis in order to unravel the possible association between BDNF gene Val66Met polymorphism and suicide behavior. These meta-analysis and systematic review were performed using 23 articles that searched for a genetic association between Val66Met and suicide behavior, including 4532 cases and 5364 control subjects. The association was analyzed following the models: allelic, homozygous, heterozygous, dominant and recessive. Also, analyses by ethnicity (Caucasian and Asian populations) were done following the same four models. When the overall population was evaluated, we found no evidence of association between the polymorphism Val66Met of BDNF (rs6265) and suicide behavior (Met vs. Val: OR: 1.01; 95% CI = 0.92-1.10). However, a significant increased risk was found in the subgroup analysis by ethnicity in Caucasian populations (Met-Met vs. Met-Val + Val-Val: OR: 1.96; 95% CI = 1.58-2.43) and Asian populations (Val-Val vs. Val-Met + Met: OR: 1.36; 95% CI = 1.04-1.78). Our results suggest there is no association between the BDNF gene Val66Met (rs6265) and suicide behavior in the overall population. However, ethnic differences can be observed and the BDNF Val66Met might increase the risk for suicide behavior in Asian and Caucasian populations. Further studies with larger samples are necessary in order to have conclusive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thelma Beatriz González-Castro
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Jalpa de Méndez, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Jalpa de Méndez, Tabasco, Mexico.
| | - Marisol Salas-Magaña
- División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.
| | - Isela Esther Juárez-Rojop
- División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico.
| | | | - Carlos Alfonso Tovilla-Zárate
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Comalcalco, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Comalcalco, Tabasco, Mexico.
| | - Yazmín Hernández-Díaz
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Jalpa de Méndez, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Jalpa de Méndez, Tabasco, Mexico.
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32
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A meta-analysis of peripheral blood nerve growth factor levels in patients with schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:1306-1312. [PMID: 28070123 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins particularly brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF) are crucial modulators in the neurodevelopment and maintenance of central and peripheral nervous systems. Neurotrophin hypothesis of schizophrenia (SCZ) postulated that the changes in the brains of SCZ patients are the result of disturbances of developing processes involving neurotrophic factors. This hypothesis was mainly supported by the abnormal regulation of BDNF in SCZ, especially the decreased peripheral blood BDNF levels in SCZ patients validated by several meta-analyses. However, the regulation of NGF in SCZ remains unclear because of the inconsistent findings from the clinical studies. Therefore, we undertook, to the best of our knowledge, the first systematic review with a meta-analysis to quantitatively summarize the peripheral blood NGF data in SCZ patients compared with healthy control (HC) subjects. A systematic search of Pubmed, PsycINFO and Web of Science identified 13 articles encompassing a sample of 1693 individuals for the meta-analysis. Random-effects meta-analysis showed that patients with SCZ had significantly decreased peripheral blood levels of NGF when compared with the HC subjects (Hedges's g=-0.633, 95% confidence interval (CI)=-0.948 to -0.318, P<0.001). Subgroup analyses revealed reduced NGF levels both in serum (Hedges's g=-0.671, 95% CI=-1.259 to -0.084, P=0.025) and plasma (Hedges's g=-0.621, 95% CI=-0.980 to -0.261, P<0.001) of the patients, and in drug-free (Hedges's g=-0.670, 95% CI=-1.118 to -0.222, P=0.003) and medicated (Hedges's g=-0.357, 95% CI=-0.592 to -0.123, P=0.003) patients with SCZ. Furthermore, meta-regression analyses showed that age, gender and sample size had no moderating effects on the outcome of the meta-analysis, whereas disease severity might be a confounding factor for the meta-analysis. These results demonstrated that patients with SCZ are accompanied by the decreased peripheral blood NGF levels, strengthening the clinical evidence of an abnormal neurotrophin profile in the patients with SCZ.
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Skibinska M, Groszewska A, Kapelski P, Rajewska-Rager A, Pawlak J, Dmitrzak-Weglarz M, Szczepankiewicz A, Twarowska-Hauser J. Val66Met functional polymorphism and serum protein level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in acute episode of schizophrenia and depression. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 70:55-59. [PMID: 29331787 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) influences neuron differentiation during development as well as the synaptic plasticity and neuron survival in adulthood. BDNF has been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and depression. Val66Met polymorphism and BDNF serum level are potential biomarkers in neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of BDNF gene Val66Met functional polymorphism on serum BDNF concentration in patients with schizophrenia, during depression episode and in healthy control group. METHODS 183 participants were recruited (61 patients with depressive episode, 56 females with schizophrenia, 66 healthy controls) from Polish population. Serum BDNF levels were measured using ELISA method. Val66Met polymorphism was genotyped using PCR- RFLP method. RESULTS Serum BDNF levels were not associated with Val66Met polymorphism in either of the groups. A significant increase of BDNF level in schizophrenia (p = 0.0005) and depression (p = 0.026) comparing to the control group has been observed. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the functional Val66Met BDNF polymorphism is not associated with BDNF serum levels, which is in line with previous findings. Replication studies on larger groups are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Skibinska
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
| | - Agata Groszewska
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
| | - Pawel Kapelski
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Pawlak
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Monika Dmitrzak-Weglarz
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szczepankiewicz
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland; Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Joanna Twarowska-Hauser
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Cheah SY, McLeay R, Wockner LF, Lawford BR, Young RM, Morris CP, Voisey J. Expression and methylation of BDNF in the human brain in schizophrenia. World J Biol Psychiatry 2017; 18:392-400. [PMID: 27712141 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2016.1245443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the combined effect of the BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism and BDNF DNA methylation on transcriptional regulation of the BDNF gene. METHODS DNA methylation profiles were generated for CpG sites proximal to Val66Met, within BDNF promoter I and exon V for prefrontal cortex samples from 25 schizophrenia and 25 control subjects. Val66Met genotypes and BDNF mRNA expression data were generated by transcriptome sequencing. Expression, methylation and genotype data were correlated and examined for association with schizophrenia. RESULTS There was 43% more of the BDNF V-VIII-IX transcript in schizophrenia samples. BDNF mRNA expression and DNA methylation of seven CpG sites were not associated with schizophrenia after accounting for age and PMI effects. BDNF mRNA expression and DNA methylation were not altered by Val66Met after accounting for age and PMI effects. DNA methylation of one CpG site had a marginally significant positive correlation with mRNA expression in schizophrenia subjects. CONCLUSIONS Schizophrenia risk was not associated with differential BDNF mRNA expression and DNA methylation. A larger age-matched cohort with comprehensive clinical history is required to accurately identify the effects of genotype, mRNA expression and DNA methylation on schizophrenia risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sern-Yih Cheah
- a School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Kelvin Grove , Queensland , Australia
| | - Robert McLeay
- a School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Kelvin Grove , Queensland , Australia
| | - Leesa F Wockner
- b Queensland Institute of Medical Research, Royal Brisbane Hospital , Brisbane , Queensland , Australia
| | - Bruce R Lawford
- a School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Kelvin Grove , Queensland , Australia.,c Discipline of Psychiatry , Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital , Herston , Queensland , Australia
| | - Ross McD Young
- a School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Kelvin Grove , Queensland , Australia
| | - Charles P Morris
- a School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Kelvin Grove , Queensland , Australia
| | - Joanne Voisey
- a School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation , Queensland University of Technology , Kelvin Grove , Queensland , Australia
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Wang H, Farhan M, Xu J, Lazarovici P, Zheng W. The involvement of DARPP-32 in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Oncotarget 2017; 8:53791-53803. [PMID: 28881851 PMCID: PMC5581150 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is one of the most devastating heterogeneous psychiatric disorders. The dopamine hypothesis is the longest standing pathoetiologic theory of schizophrenia based on neurochemical evidences of elevated brain striatal dopamine synthesis capacity and increased dopamine release in response to stress. Dopamine and cyclic AMP-regulated phosphoprotein of relative molecular mass 32,000 (DARPP-32) is a cytosolic protein highly enriched in the medium spiny neurons of the neostriatum, considered as the most important integrator between the cortical input and the basal ganglia, and associated with motor control. Accumulating evidences has indicated the involvement of DARPP-32 in the development of schizophrenia; i. DARPP-32 phosphorylation is regulated by several neurotransmitters, including dopamine and glutamate, neurotransmitters implicated in schizophrenia pathogenesis; ii. decrease of both total and phosphorylated DARPP-32 in the prefrontal cortex are observed in schizophrenic animal models; iii. postmortem brain studies indicated decreased expression of DARPP-32 protein in the superior temporal gyrus and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in patients with schizophrenia; iv. DARPP-32 phosphorylation is increased upon therapy with antipsychotic drugs, such as haloperidol and risperidone which improve behavioral performance in experimental animal models and patients; v. Genetic analysis of the gene coding for DARPP-32 propose an association with schizophrenia. Cumulatively, these findings implicate DARPP-32 protein in schizophrenia and propose it as a potential therapeutic target. Here, we summarize the possible roles of DARPP-32 during the development of schizophrenia and make some recommendations for future research. We propose that DARPP-32 and its interacting proteins may serve as potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haitao Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mohd Farhan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Jiangping Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Philip Lazarovici
- School of Pharmacy Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
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de Castro-Catala M, van Nierop M, Barrantes-Vidal N, Cristóbal-Narváez P, Sheinbaum T, Kwapil TR, Peña E, Jacobs N, Derom C, Thiery E, van Os J, van Winkel R, Rosa A. Childhood trauma, BDNF Val66Met and subclinical psychotic experiences. Attempt at replication in two independent samples. J Psychiatr Res 2016; 83:121-129. [PMID: 27596955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Childhood trauma exposure is a robust environmental risk factor for psychosis. However, not all exposed individuals develop psychotic symptoms later in life. The Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) has been suggested to moderate the psychosis-inducing effects of childhood trauma in clinical and nonclinical samples. Our study aimed to explore the interaction effect between childhood trauma and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on subclinical psychotic experiences (PEs). This was explored in two nonclinical independent samples: an undergraduate and technical-training school student sample (n = 808, sample 1) and a female twin sample (n = 621, sample 2). Results showed that childhood trauma was strongly associated with positive and negative PEs in nonclinical individuals. A BDNF Val66Met x childhood trauma effect on positive PEs was observed in both samples. These results were discordant in terms of risk allele: while in sample 1 Val allele carriers, especially males, were more vulnerable to the effects of childhood trauma regarding PEs, in sample 2 Met carriers presented higher PEs scores when exposed to childhood trauma, compared with Val carriers. Moreover, in sample 2, a significant interaction was also found in relation to negative PEs. Our study partially replicates previous findings and suggests that some individuals are more prone to develop PEs following childhood trauma because of a complex combination of multiple factors. Further studies including genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors may provide insights in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta de Castro-Catala
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martine van Nierop
- KU Leuven, Department of Neuroscience, Research Group Psychiatry, Centre for Contextual Psychiatry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States; Sant Pere Claver - Fundació Sanitària, Barcelona, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Cristóbal-Narváez
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Tamara Sheinbaum
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Thomas R Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Elionora Peña
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nele Jacobs
- KU Leuven, Department of Neuroscience, Research Group Psychiatry, Centre for Contextual Psychiatry, Leuven, Belgium; Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine Derom
- Centre of Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evert Thiery
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jim van Os
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom; Maastricht University Medical Centre, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud van Winkel
- KU Leuven, Department of Neuroscience, Research Group Psychiatry, Centre for Contextual Psychiatry, Leuven, Belgium; University Psychiatric Center, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Araceli Rosa
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Walter EE, Fernandez F, Snelling M, Barkus E. Genetic Consideration of Schizotypal Traits: A Review. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1769. [PMID: 27895608 PMCID: PMC5108787 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizotypal traits are of interest and importance in their own right and also have theoretical and clinical associations with schizophrenia. These traits comprise attenuated psychotic symptoms, social withdrawal, reduced cognitive capacity, and affective dysregulation. The link between schizotypal traits and psychotic disorders has long since been debated. The status of knowledge at this point is such schizotypal traits are a risk for psychotic disorders, but in and of themselves only confer liability, with other risk factors needing to be present before a transition to psychosis occurs. Investigation of schizotypal traits also has the possibility to inform clinical and research pursuits concerning those who do not make a transition to psychotic disorders. A growing body of literature has investigated the genetic underpinnings of schizotypal traits. Here, we review association, family studies and describe genetic disorders where the expression of schizotypal traits has been investigated. We conducted a thorough review of the existing literature, with multiple search engines, references, and linked articles being searched for relevance to the current review. All articles and book chapters in English were sourced and reviewed for inclusion. Family studies demonstrate that schizotypal traits are elevated with increasing genetic proximity to schizophrenia and some chromosomal regions have been associated with schizotypy. Genes associated with schizophrenia have provided the initial start point for the investigation of candidate genes for schizotypal traits; neurobiological pathways of significance have guided selection of genes of interest. Given the chromosomal regions associated with schizophrenia, some genetic disorders have also considered the expression of schizotypal traits. Genetic disorders considered all comprise a profile of cognitive deficits and over representation of psychotic disorders compared to the general population. We conclude that genetic variations associated with schizotypal traits require further investigation, perhaps with targeted phenotypes narrowed to assist in refining the clinical end point of significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Walter
- School of Psychology, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Francesca Fernandez
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Mollie Snelling
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
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Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe disorder affecting approximately 1% of the population. Historically, alterations of dopaminergic function were considered the primary cause of schizophrenia. However, for many patients, drugs that alter dopaminergic function do not consistently lead to resolution of the symptoms of schizophrenia. Thus, there is an increased interest in pathophysiologic processes that result in altered neurodevelopment and plasticity associated with schizophrenia. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin involved in neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity, cognition, and neurotransmission. Genetic polymorphism, expression, and function of BDNF have been implicated in psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia. This review discusses BDNF, its role in neurologic processes, and the evidence implicating BDNF in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Gören
- Associate Professor, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island; Senior Clinical Pharmacist Specialist, Cambridge Health Alliance, Cambridge, Massachusetts; Instructor in Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts,
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Arranz MJ, Gallego C, Salazar J, Arias B. Pharmacogenetic studies of drug response in schizophrenia. EXPERT REVIEW OF PRECISION MEDICINE AND DRUG DEVELOPMENT 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2016.1140554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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