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Rzepczyk S, Nijakowski K, Jankowski J, Nowicki F, Żaba C. Salivary markers of aggression - The possible alterations in salivary hormones levels to identify perpetrators of aggression-related violence. Leg Med (Tokyo) 2024; 71:102501. [PMID: 39083886 DOI: 10.1016/j.legalmed.2024.102501] [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: 06/11/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Aggression, understood as intentional actions aimed at causing harm, remains in a direct relation with the phenomenon of interpersonal violence, especially its physical form. Creating an objective marker of aggression would be an important tool for preventing, protecting the victims and maintaining control over suspects. There have been attempts to link aggression with shifts in hormone levels, including those that can be measured in saliva, especially testosterone and cortisol. The systematic review aimed to assess changes in salivary hormone levels among perpetrators of violence, with particular emphasis on physical violence, as parameters pointing to perpetrators of violence. Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22 studies were included. Most of the papers included in the analysis came from the USA and Europe. Studies typically included adults as well as children, while focusing mainly on men. Among the hormones, salivary testosterone levels were the ones analyzed most frequently. On the basis of the included studies, a meta-analysis was conducted on the relationship between aggressive behavior and the levels of concentration of testosterone and cortisol measured in saliva. Regardless of gender, individuals exhibiting aggressive behavior were proved to have significantly higher testosterone levels and lower cortisol concentrations in saliva measurements. The obtained results indicate the feasibility of using the examined parameters for initial detection of perpetrators of aggression-related violence. However, further research is necessary to more precisely determine the relationship between aggressive behavior and hormonal changes in order to determine the feasibility of using these parameters as an objective marker for early identification of perpetrators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Rzepczyk
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 10, 60-806 Poznań, Poland.
| | - Kacper Nijakowski
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznań, Poland
| | - Jakub Jankowski
- Student's Scientific Group in Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznań, Poland
| | - Filip Nowicki
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 10, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
| | - Czesław Żaba
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 10, 60-806 Poznań, Poland
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2
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Belfry KD, Kolla NJ. Cold-Blooded and on Purpose: A Review of the Biology of Proactive Aggression. Brain Sci 2021; 11:1412. [PMID: 34827411 PMCID: PMC8615983 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11111412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Proactive aggression (PA) is a planned and unprovoked form of aggression that is most often enacted for personal gain or in anticipation of a reward. Frequently described as "cold-blooded" or goal oriented, PA is thought to be associated with low autonomic arousal. With this view in mind, we performed a scoping review of the biological correlates of PA and identified 74 relevant articles. Physiological findings indicated a robust association between PA and reduced resting heart rate, and to a lesser extent a relationship between PA and decreased heart rate and skin conductance reactivity, perhaps indicating dampened sympathetic function. The twin literature identified PA as a heritable trait, but little evidence implicates specific genes in the pathogenesis of PA. Neuroimaging studies of PA pinpoint impaired amygdala function in the assessment and conditioning of aversive stimuli, which may influence the establishment of behavioral patterns. Nodes of the default mode network were identified as possible neural correlates of PA, suggesting that altered function of this network may be involved in the genesis of PA. Given the overlap of PA with reactive aggression and the overall behavioral complexity of PA, it is clear that multiple endophenotypes of PA exist. This comprehensive review surveys the most salient neurobiologically informed research on PA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly D. Belfry
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1G3, Canada;
| | - Nathan J. Kolla
- Waypoint Research Institute, Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1G3, Canada;
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A1, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, CAMH, Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Waypoint/University of Toronto Research Chair in Forensic Mental Health Science, Penetanguishene, ON L9M 1G3, Canada
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3
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Carney R, Firth J, Pedley R, Law H, Parker S, Lovell K. The clinical and behavioral cardiometabolic risk of children and young people on mental health inpatient units: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2021; 70:80-97. [PMID: 33773375 PMCID: PMC8135692 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Serious mental illness is associated with physical health comorbidities, however most research has focused on adults. We aimed to synthesise existing literature on clinical and behavioral cardiometabolic risk factors of young people on mental health inpatient units. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted, using electronic searches of PsycINFO, EMBASE, AMED, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ovid MEDLINE. Eligible studies included child/adolescent mental health inpatient units for <25 years, reporting clinical/behavioral cardiometabolic risk factors. Studies containing adult samples, case-studies, or eating disorder populations were excluded. The main clinical outcome was weight, and main behavioral outcome was tobacco use. RESULTS Thirty-nine studies were identified (n = 809,185). Pooled prevalence rates of young people who were overweight (BMI > 25) was 32.4% (95% CI 26.1%-39.5%; n = 2789), and who were obese (BMI > 30) was 15.5% (95% CI 4.5%-41.6%; n = 2612). Pooled prevalence rates for tobacco use was 51.5% (95% CI 32.2-70.2; N = 804,018). Early signs of metabolic risk were observed; elevated blood cholesterol, presence of physical health conditions, and behavioral risk factors (e.g. physical inactivity). CONCLUSIONS This review highlights the vulnerability of young people admitted to inpatient units and emphasises the opportunity to efficiently monitor, treat and intervene to target physical and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah Carney
- Youth Mental Health Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK; Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
| | - Joseph Firth
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK,NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, Australia
| | - Rebecca Pedley
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Heather Law
- Youth Mental Health Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Sophie Parker
- Youth Mental Health Research Unit, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Karina Lovell
- Division of Nursing, Midwifery and Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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4
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Bakker-Huvenaars MJ, Greven CU, Herpers P, Wiegers E, Jansen A, van der Steen R, van Herwaarden AE, Baanders AN, Nijhof KS, Scheepers F, Rommelse N, Glennon JC, Buitelaar JK. Saliva oxytocin, cortisol, and testosterone levels in adolescent boys with autism spectrum disorder, oppositional defiant disorder/conduct disorder and typically developing individuals. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 30:87-101. [PMID: 30201120 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2018.07.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to compare levels of oxytocin, cortisol, and testosterone in adolescents with either autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)/conduct disorder (CD), and in typically developing individuals (TDI), and relate hormone levels to severity and subtype of aggression and callous-unemotional (CU) traits. Saliva concentrations of oxytocin, cortisol, and testosterone were assessed in 114 male participants (N = 49 ASD, N = 37 ODD/CD, N = 28 TDI,) aged 12-19 years (M = 15.4 years, SD = 1.9). The ASD and the ODD/CD groups had significantly lower levels of oxytocin than the TDI group, and the ODD/CD group had significantly higher levels of testosterone than the ASD group. There were no group effects on cortisol levels. Group differences remained for oxytocin after correcting for the influence of CU traits, but were not significant after controlling for aggression. Results for testosterone became non-significant after correction for either CU traits or aggression. Across groups, higher levels of CU traits were related to higher levels of cortisol and testosterone, however, proactive and reactive aggression were unrelated to all three hormonal levels. The current findings show that, regardless of cognitive ability or comorbid disorders, the diagnostic groups (ASD, ODD/CD) differ from each other by their hormonal levels, with the ASD group characterized by relative low level of oxytocin, and the ODD/CD group by a relative low level of oxytocin and high level of testosterone. These group effects were partly driven by differences in CU traits between the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Bakker-Huvenaars
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - C U Greven
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; King's College London, Medical Research Council Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, UK
| | - P Herpers
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - E Wiegers
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Jansen
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R van der Steen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A E van Herwaarden
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A N Baanders
- Stichting Otto Gerhard Heldring, Zetten, The Netherlands
| | - K S Nijhof
- Pluryn, Hoenderloo, The Netherlands; Department of Developmental Psychopathology, Behavioral Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - F Scheepers
- Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, UMC Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - N Rommelse
- Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J C Glennon
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Centre Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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5
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Aggressive Behavior in School-aged Children: Clusters based on Anger, Empathy and Testosterone and Cortisol Measures. SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 22:E42. [PMID: 31640826 DOI: 10.1017/sjp.2019.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this piece of research was to study the existence of clusters based on anger, empathy and cortisol and testosterone measures associated with aggressive behavior in school-aged children. The sample group comprised 139 eight-year-old children (80 boys and 59 girls). Aggressive behavior was measured using the Direct and Indirect Aggression Scale. Both psychological and biological variables were used to determine psychobiological profiles. The psychological variables considered were trait anger, measured using the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory for Children and Adolescents, and empathy, measured using the Empathy Quotient-Child Version. Testosterone and cortisol concentrations were measured through saliva samples and analyzed using an ELISA (Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). A Cluster Analysis revealed three clusters which were clearly different as regards their psychological and biological characteristics. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the cluster characterized by having higher anger levels, lower empathy levels and higher testosterone and cortisol levels was more aggressive than the other two (p < .0001, η2 = .19). The results indicate that studying psychological and biological variables together may help establish differentiated aggression patterns among children.
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6
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Manchia M, Comai S, Pinna M, Pinna F, Fanos V, Denovan-Wright E, Carpiniello B. Biomarkers in aggression. Adv Clin Chem 2019; 93:169-237. [PMID: 31655730 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behavior exerts an enormous impact on society remaining among the main causes of worldwide premature death. Effective primary interventions, relying on predictive models of aggression that show adequate sensitivity and specificity are currently lacking. One strategy to increase the accuracy and precision of prediction would be to include biological data in the predictive models. Clearly, to be included in such models, biological markers should be reliably associated with the specific trait under study (i.e., diagnostic biomarkers). Aggression, however, is phenotypically highly heterogeneous, an element that has hindered the identification of reliable biomarkers. However, current research is trying to overcome these challenges by focusing on more homogenous aggression subtypes and/or by studying large sample size of aggressive individuals. Further advance is coming by bioinformatics approaches that are allowing the integration of inter-species biological data as well as the development of predictive algorithms able to discriminate subjects on the basis of the propensity toward aggressive behavior. In this review we first present a brief summary of the available evidence on neuroimaging of aggression. We will then treat extensively the data on genetic determinants, including those from hypothesis-free genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene studies. Transcriptomic and neurochemical biomarkers will then be reviewed, and we will dedicate a section on the role of metabolomics in aggression. Finally, we will discuss how biomarkers can inform the development of new pharmacological tools as well as increase the efficacy of preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Stefano Comai
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, Milano, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Martina Pinna
- Forensic Psychiatry Unit, Sardinia Health Agency, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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7
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Pascual-Sagastizabal E, Del Puerto N, Cardas J, Sánchez-Martín JR, Vergara AI, Azurmendi A. Testosterone and cortisol modulate the effects of empathy on aggression in children. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 103:118-124. [PMID: 30682627 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the potential moderating role of circulating testosterone, cortisol and estradiol levels on the attenuating effect of empathy on aggression in children. Participants were 139 children (80 boys and 59 girls) from the 3rd year of primary school (age 8). Their aggressive behavior was measured by the Direct and Indirect Aggression Scale, an instrument which uses peer rating; empathy was measured using the Empathy Quotient-Child Version. Hormone levels (testosterone, cortisol and estradiol) were analyzed using an enzymoimmunoassay technique in saliva samples. A regression analysis revealed an interaction effect of empathy x testosterone in girls, with higher levels of empathy corresponding to lower levels of aggression at both moderate and low testosterone levels. In boys, an interaction effect of empathy x cortisol was observed, with lower levels of empathy corresponding to higher aggression levels at moderate and high cortisol levels, and higher levels of empathy corresponding to lower aggression levels again at moderate and high cortisol levels. Our results indicate the importance of taking the interaction of psychological and biological factors into account in order to gain greater insight into the complex mechanisms underlying aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eider Pascual-Sagastizabal
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy and Educational Sciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018, San Sebastian, Spain.
| | - Nora Del Puerto
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Their Development, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Jaione Cardas
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Their Development, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - José R Sánchez-Martín
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Their Development, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Ana I Vergara
- Department of Social Psychology and Methodology of the Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Aitziber Azurmendi
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Their Development, Faculty of Psychology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 20018, San Sebastian, Spain
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8
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Hagenbeek FA, Kluft C, Hankemeier T, Bartels M, Draisma HHM, Middeldorp CM, Berger R, Noto A, Lussu M, Pool R, Fanos V, Boomsma DI. Discovery of biochemical biomarkers for aggression: A role for metabolomics in psychiatry. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171:719-32. [PMID: 26913573 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Human aggression encompasses a wide range of behaviors and is related to many psychiatric disorders. We introduce the different classification systems of aggression and related disorders as a basis for discussing biochemical biomarkers and then present an overview of studies in humans (published between 1990 and 2015) that reported statistically significant associations of biochemical biomarkers with aggression, DSM-IV disorders involving aggression, and their subtypes. The markers are of different types, including inflammation markers, neurotransmitters, lipoproteins, and hormones from various classes. Most studies focused on only a limited portfolio of biomarkers, frequently a specific class only. When integrating the data, it is clear that compounds from several biological pathways have been found to be associated with aggressive behavior, indicating complexity and the need for a broad approach. In the second part of the paper, using examples from the aggression literature and psychiatric metabolomics studies, we argue that a better understanding of aggression would benefit from a more holistic approach such as provided by metabolomics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona A Hagenbeek
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Hankemeier
- Division of Analytical Biosciences, Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,The Netherlands Metabolomics Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Meike Bartels
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harmen H M Draisma
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christel M Middeldorp
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, GGZ inGeest/VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud Berger
- Division of Analytical Biosciences, Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,The Netherlands Metabolomics Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Antonio Noto
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Puericultura Institute and Neonatal Section, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Milena Lussu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - René Pool
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,BBMRINL: Infrastructure for the Application of Metabolomics Technology in Epidemiology, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Puericultura Institute and Neonatal Section, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, VU Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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9
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Pivovarciova A, Durdiakova J, Hnilicova S, Filcikova D, Ostatnikova D. Testosterone in relation to behavioral problems in pre-pubertal boys with autism spectrum disorders. Physiol Res 2015; 64:S595-601. [PMID: 26674285 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.933221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by impairment in social communication and presence of stereotyped/restricted behaviors. Children with ASD very often demonstrate co-morbid psychiatric problems, problems known to be affected by testosterone in neurotypical populations. However, there are few reports investigating relationships between testosterone and psychiatric conditions in children with ASD. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between plasmatic levels of testosterone and behavioral/emotional problems in pre-pubertal boys with ASD. The study sample consisted of 31 pre-pubertal boys (ages 3-10) with ASD. Parents completed the Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form (NCBRF) to assess specific behavioral/emotional problems as observed in the previous 2 months. Plasmatic testosterone levels were determined in boys according to standardized procedures. It was found that there were positive correlations between testosterone levels and the conduct problems subscale (p=0.034, rs=0.382) of NCBRF and also between testosterone levels and the hyperactive subscale (p=0.025, rs=0.402) of NCBRF. Findings in this study are in line with research conducted in the neurotypical population. This is the first large study investigating testosterone and emotional/behavioral problems in ASD and warrants further research in this field in order to clarify the etiopathogenesis of psychiatric co-morbidities and improve their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Pivovarciova
- Institute of Physiology, Academic Research Center for Autism, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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10
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de Almeida RMM, Cabral JCC, Narvaes R. Behavioural, hormonal and neurobiological mechanisms of aggressive behaviour in human and nonhuman primates. Physiol Behav 2015; 143:121-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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11
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Chen FR, Raine A, Granger DA. Tactics for modeling multiple salivary analyte data in relation to behavior problems: Additive, ratio, and interaction effects. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 51:188-200. [PMID: 25462892 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2014.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 09/27/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Individual differences in the psychobiology of the stress response have been linked to behavior problems in youth yet most research has focused on single signaling molecules released by either the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or the autonomic nervous system. As our understanding about biobehavioral relationships develops it is clear that multiple signals from the biological stress systems work in coordination to affect behavior problems. Questions are raised as to whether coordinated effects should be statistically represented as ratio or interactive terms. We address this knowledge gap by providing a theoretical overview of the concepts and rationales, and illustrating the analytical tactics. Salivary samples collected from 446 youth aged 11-12 were assayed for salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-s) and cortisol. Coordinated effect of DHEA-s and cortisol, and coordinated effect of sAA and cortisol on externalizing and internalizing problems (Child Behavior Checklist) were tested with the ratio and the interaction approaches using multi-group path analysis. Findings consistent with previous studies include a positive association between cortisol/DHEA-s ratio and internalizing problems; and a negative association between cortisol and externalizing problems conditional on low levels of sAA. This study highlights the importance of matching analytical strategy with research hypothesis when integrating salivary bioscience into research in behavior problems. Recommendations are made for investigating multiple salivary analytes in relation to behavior problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances R Chen
- Department of Criminology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Adrian Raine
- Department of Criminology, Psychiatry, and Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Douglas A Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA; The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, and Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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12
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Soma KK, Rendon NM, Boonstra R, Albers HE, Demas GE. DHEA effects on brain and behavior: insights from comparative studies of aggression. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 145:261-72. [PMID: 24928552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Revised: 05/09/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Historically, research on the neuroendocrinology of aggression has been dominated by the paradigm that the brain receives sex steroid hormones, such as testosterone (T), from the gonads, and then these gonadal hormones modulate behaviorally relevant neural circuits. While this paradigm has been extremely useful for advancing the field, recent studies reveal important alternatives. For example, most vertebrate species are seasonal breeders, and many species show aggression outside of the breeding season, when the gonads are regressed and circulating levels of gonadal steroids are relatively low. Studies in diverse avian and mammalian species suggest that adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an androgen precursor and prohormone, is important for the expression of aggression when gonadal T synthesis is low. Circulating DHEA can be converted into active sex steroids within the brain. In addition, the brain can synthesize sex steroids de novo from cholesterol, thereby uncoupling brain steroid levels from circulating steroid levels. These alternative mechanisms to provide sex steroids to specific neural circuits may have evolved to avoid the costs of high circulating T levels during the non-breeding season. Physiological indicators of season (e.g., melatonin) may allow animals to switch from one neuroendocrine mechanism to another across the year. DHEA and neurosteroids are likely to be important for the control of multiple behaviors in many species, including humans. These studies yield fundamental insights into the regulation of DHEA secretion, the mechanisms by which DHEA affects behavior, and the brain regions and neural processes that are modulated by DHEA. It is clear that the brain is an important site of DHEA synthesis and action. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Essential role of DHEA'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran K Soma
- Departments of Psychology and Zoology, Graduate Program in Neuroscience, and the Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z4.
| | - Nikki M Rendon
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Rudy Boonstra
- Centre for Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada M1C 1A4
| | - H Elliott Albers
- Neuroscience Institute, and Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
| | - Gregory E Demas
- Department of Biology, Program in Neuroscience, and Center for the Integrative Study of Animal Behavior, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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Peper JS, de Reus MA, van den Heuvel MP, Schutter DJLG. Short fused? associations between white matter connections, sex steroids, and aggression across adolescence. Hum Brain Mapp 2014; 36:1043-52. [PMID: 25359710 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.22684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2014] [Revised: 10/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional neuroimaging studies in adults show that aggression involves reduced brain communication between subcortical and cortical areas dedicated to motivation and control, respectively. Prior research indicates that sex steroid hormone production during adolescence negatively influences the rapid development of white matter connectivity between subcortical and cortical areas during adolescence and may potentiate aggression. Here, we tested this hypothesis in 258 participants between 8 and 25 years of age by using Diffusion Weighted Imaging to examine the microstructure of white matter connections within the fronto-temporal-subcortical network. Trait aggression was measured using the Buss Perry Aggression Questionnaire and testosterone and estradiol levels were measured in saliva. Results indicated that higher levels of testosterone were associated with less white matter integrity within the fronto-temporal-subcortical network (i.e., higher mean diffusivity [MD] longitudinal [LD], and radial diffusivity [RD]). Furthermore, lower fractional anisotropy and higher MD, LD, and RD values within this network increased expressive forms of aggression and reduced inhibited forms of aggression (hostility). Our study indicates higher levels of testosterone relating to lower quality of structural cortical-subcortical connectivity, arguably resulting in a shift from inhibited towards expressive forms of aggression. Our data adds evidence to the idea that aggressive tendencies are subcortically driven, but individuals with relatively high testosterone might have lower structural connectivity within cortical control areas, resulting in a stronger tendency to act on these aggressive tendencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiska S Peper
- Institute of Psychology, Brain and Development Lab, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
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