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Shaikh M, Doshi G. Epigenetic aging in major depressive disorder: Clocks, mechanisms and therapeutic perspectives. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 978:176757. [PMID: 38897440 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176757] [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: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Depression, a chronic mental disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and difficulty in daily tasks, impacts millions globally with varying treatment options. Antidepressants, despite their long half-life and minimal effectiveness, leave half of patients undertreated, highlighting the need for new therapies to enhance well-being. Epigenetics, which studies genetic changes in gene expression or cellular phenotype without altering the underlying Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) sequence, is explored in this article. This article delves into the intricate relationship between epigenetic mechanisms and depression, shedding light on how environmental stressors, early-life adversity, and genetic predispositions shape gene expression patterns associated with depression. We have also discussed Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, which enhance cognitive function and mood regulation in depression. Non-coding RNAs, (ncRNAs) such as Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and micro RNA (miRNAs), are highlighted as potential biomarkers for detecting and monitoring major depressive disorder (MDD). This article also emphasizes the reversible nature of epigenetic modifications and their influence on neuronal growth processes, underscoring the dynamic interplay between genetics, environment, and epigenetics in depression development. It explores the therapeutic potential of targeting epigenetic pathways in treating clinical depression. Additionally, it examines clinical findings related to epigenetic clocks and their role in studying depression and biological aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muqtada Shaikh
- SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, 400 056, India
| | - Gaurav Doshi
- SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Mumbai, 400 056, India.
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2
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Minshall BL, Skipper RA, Riddle CA, Wasylyshyn CF, Claflin DI, Quinn JJ. Sex differences in acute early life stress-enhanced fear learning in adult rats. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22511. [PMID: 38837722 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22511] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Patients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) present with a spectrum of debilitating anxiety symptoms resulting from exposure to trauma. Women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with anxiety and PTSD compared to men; however, the reason for this vulnerability remains unknown. We conducted four experiments where we first demonstrated a female vulnerability to stress-enhanced fear learning (SEFL) with a moderate, acute early life stress (aELS) exposure (4 footshocks in a single session), compared to a more intense aELS exposure (15 footshocks in a single session) where males and females demonstrated comparable SEFL. Next, we demonstrated that this female vulnerability does not result from differences in footshock reactivity or contextual fear conditioning during the aELS exposure. Finally, using gonadectomy or sham surgeries in adult male and female rats, we showed that circulating levels of gonadal steroid hormones at the time of adult fear conditioning do not explain the female vulnerability to SEFL. Additional research is needed to determine whether this vulnerability can be explained by organizational effects of gonadal steroid hormones or differences in sex chromosome gene expression. Doing so is critical for a better understanding of increased female vulnerability to certain psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna L Minshall
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Rachel A Skipper
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Collin A Riddle
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Catherine F Wasylyshyn
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
| | - Dragana I Claflin
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, Dayton, Ohio, USA
| | - Jennifer J Quinn
- Department of Psychology and Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, USA
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Wang H, Qiao C, Gao Y, Geng Y, Niu F, Yang R, Wang Z, Jiang W, Sun H. The adverse effects of developmental exposure to polystyrene nanoparticles on cognitive function in weaning rats and the protective role of trihydroxy phenolacetone. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123632. [PMID: 38460594 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Polystyrene nanoplastic(PS-NP) can originate from sources such as plastic waste and industrial wastewater and have been shown to have deleterious effects on abnormal neurobehaviors. However, evidence regarding the health impacts, biological mechanisms, and treatment strategies underlying developmental exposure to low dose PS-NP is still lacking. This study aimed to fill this knowledge gap by administering low doses of PS-NP(50 and 100 μg/L) to weaning rats for 4 consecutive weeks. Behavioral and morphological experiments were performed to evaluate hippocampal damage, and transcriptomics and Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin with hight-throughput sequencing(ATAC) analyses were conducted to identify potential key targets. Additionally, Connectivity Map(CMap) database, Limited proteolysis-mass spectrometry(LiP-SMap), and molecular-protein docking were used to examine potential phytochemicals with therapeutic effects on key targets. The results indicated that developmental exposure to PS-NP can induce hippocampal impairment and aberrant neurobehaviors in adulthood. Multi-omics analyses consistently showed that apoptosis-related signaling pathways were sensitive to PS-NP exposure, and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(Mapk3) was identified as the core gene by the gene network, which was further validated in vitro experiments. The CMap database provided a series of phytochemicals that might regulate Mapk3 expression, and trihydroxy-phenolacetone(THP) was found to have directly binding sites with Mapk3 through LiP-SMap and molecular docking analysis. Furthermore, THP administration could significantly alleviate apoptosis induced by PS-NP exposure in primary hippocampal cells through down-regulation of Mapk3. These findings suggested that developmental exposure to PS-NP has adverse effects on cognitive function and that THP can alleviate these effects by directly binding to Mapk3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China; National Key Discipline, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China
| | - Conghui Qiao
- National Key Discipline, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Cosmetics Technology Center, Chinese Academy of Inspection and Quarantine, No.11 Rong Hua South Road, Economic-Technological Development Area, Beijing, 100176, China
| | - Yiding Geng
- National Key Discipline, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China
| | - Fengru Niu
- National Key Discipline, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China
| | - Ruiming Yang
- National Key Discipline, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- National Key Discipline, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China
| | - Wenbo Jiang
- National Key Discipline, Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China; Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongru Sun
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China.
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Babicola L, Mancini C, Riccelli C, Di Segni M, Passeri A, Municchi D, D'Addario SL, Andolina D, Cifani C, Cabib S, Ventura R. A mouse model of the 3-hit effects of stress: Genotype controls the effects of life adversities in females. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 127:110842. [PMID: 37611651 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110842] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Helplessness is a dysfunctional coping response to stressors associated with different psychiatric conditions. The present study tested the hypothesis that early and adult adversities cumulate to produce helplessness depending on the genotype (3-hit hypothesis of psychopathology). To this aim, we evaluated whether Chronic Unpredictable Stress (CUS) differently affected coping and mesoaccumbens dopamine (DA) responses to stress challenge by adult mice of the C57BL/6J (B6) and DBA/2J (D2) inbred strains depending on early life experience (Repeated Cross Fostering, RCF). Three weeks of CUS increased the helplessness expressed in the Forced Swimming Test (FST) and the Tail Suspension Test by RCF-exposed female mice of the D2 strain. Moreover, female D2 mice with both RCF and CUS experiences showed inhibition of the stress-induced extracellular DA outflow in the Nucleus Accumbens, as measured by in vivo microdialysis, during and after FST. RCF-exposed B6 mice, instead, showed reduced helplessness and increased mesoaccumbens DA release. The present results support genotype-dependent additive effects of early experiences and adult adversities on behavioral and neural responses to stress by female mice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a 3-hit effect in an animal model. Finally, the comparative analyses of behavioral and neural phenotypes expressed by B6 and D2 mice suggest some translationally relevant hypotheses of genetic risk factors for psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Babicola
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy
| | - Camilla Mancini
- University of Camerino, School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, Camerino, Italy
| | - Cristina Riccelli
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Segni
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy
| | - Alice Passeri
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy
| | - Diana Municchi
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy
| | | | - Diego Andolina
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- University of Camerino, School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, Camerino, Italy
| | - Simona Cabib
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Rossella Ventura
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy; IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy.
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Chen S, Yin Y, Zhang Y, Yue Y, Jiang W, Hou Z, Yuan Y. Abnormal spontaneous activity of regions related to mood regulation mediates the effect of childhood emotional neglect on major depressive disorder. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2023; 336:111729. [PMID: 37890409 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2023.111729] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the mediating factors between childhood emotional neglect (EN) and major depressive disorder (MDD) and whether combining multi-indicator could help diagnose MDD. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and clinical features were compared between 33 MDD patients and 36 healthy controls (HC). Mediation analysis was employed to explore whether social support or ReHo mediates the association between EN and MDD. The linear discriminant analysis model was constructed with EN, social support, and ReHo, and applied to distinguish MDD from HC in both primary and replication cohorts. We found that MDD patients experienced severer EN and poorer social support, and exhibited lower ReHo in the left middle occipital gyrus and bilateral postcentral gyrus, and higher ReHo in the right cerebellum crus1. EN could affect MDD directly and indirectly through ReHo in these discrepant brain regions and social support. Combining ReHo values of these four distinct brain regions, EN, and objective support could classify MDD patients from HC, and the 10-fold cross-validation accuracy within-study replication and in the independent cohort was 83.78 % ± 1.49 % and 82.72 % ± 2.22 %, respectively. These findings suggested that childhood EN, social support, and emotional-related regions' ReHo were associated with risks of MDD, providing new insights into the pathological mechanisms underlying MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzhen Chen
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Yin
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuqun Zhang
- School of Nursing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yingying Yue
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhao Jiang
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenghua Hou
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yonggui Yuan
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Institute of Psychosomatics, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China; Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, China.
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Weinstein SR, Erickson EN, Molina R, Bell AF. Maternal outcomes related to Genetic and epigenetic Variation in the oxytocin system: A scoping review. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2023; 16:100209. [PMID: 38108031 PMCID: PMC10724832 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose In this scoping review, we synthesize the literature on oxytocin and oxytocin receptor genetic and epigenetic variation in relationship to breastfeeding, maternal caregiving behavior, and maternal mental health. Methods A literature search was conducted in early 2022, and updated in 2023, utilizing the PRISMA scoping review reporting method, using the following MeSH headings and key terms: oxytocin, oxytocin receptor, genetics, epigenetics, methylation, pregnancy, postnatal, breastfeeding, lactation, mother-infant relations and perinatal outcomes. The search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Google Scholar, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Library. Inclusion criteria included: human literature which was peer reviewed and found in primary sources, printed in the English language. In addition, the study must have reported genetic/epigenetic data in either the oxytocin or oxytocin receptor gene (maternal or infant up to 12 months after birth) in relation to a breastfeeding, maternal caregiving behavior or a maternal mental health outcome. There was no date limitation. Four authors reviewed studies for eligibility. Data was extracted using a structured data extraction form. Results A total of 23 studies met inclusion criteria for this review (breastfeeding n = 4, maternal caregiving behavior n = 7, and maternal mental health n = 16). Seventeen papers reported on oxytocin or oxytocin receptor genotype and nine reported epigenetic associations (namely DNA methylation). These totals are greater than 23, as studies reported on multiple outcomes. One paper assessed the interaction between genotype and methylation. While a number of genotype variations were reported, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs53576 on the oxytocin receptor gene was the most studied. Overall, variation in this polymorphism was related to postnatal depression symptoms. Among numerous epigenetic markers, site -934 was the most studied methylation site, and methylation status was associated with maternal depression and maternal caregiving behavior outcomes. Results suggest that early life experiences impact adult maternal caregiving behaviors and mental health outcomes, and vary based on genetic vulnerability. Breastfeeding outcomes were minimally studied. Conclusion This scoping review found that genetic and epigenetic variation at the oxytocin and oxytocin receptor genes were associated with maternal caregiving behavior and mental health, likely through complex gene and environment interactions. The findings suggest that maternal early life experiences and stress impact later caregiving behaviors and mental health in the postnatal period. The findings highlight potential pathways by which environment, experiences, and genes interact to impact maternal caregiving behavior and maternal mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rodin Molina
- Frontier Nursing University, Hyden, KY, USA
- BabyMoon Inn Birth Center, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Aleeca F. Bell
- University of Arizona College of Nursing, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Aghighi F, Salami M, Talaei SA. Effect of postnatal environmental enrichment on LTP induction in the CA1 area of hippocampus of prenatally traffic noise-stressed female rats. AIMS Neurosci 2023; 10:269-281. [PMID: 38188003 PMCID: PMC10767064 DOI: 10.3934/neuroscience.2023021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Early-life stress negatively alters mammalian brain programming. Environmental enrichment (EE) has beneficial effects on brain structure and function. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of postnatal environmental enrichment on long-term potentiation (LTP) induction in the hippocampal CA1 area of prenatally stressed female rats. The pregnant Wistar rats were housed in a standard animal room and exposed to traffic noise stress 2 hours/day during the third week of pregnancy. Their offspring either remained intact (ST) or received enrichment (SE) for a month starting from postnatal day 21. The control groups either remained intact (CO) or received enrichment (CE). Basic field excitatory post-synaptic potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded in the CA1 area; then, LTP was induced by high-frequency stimulation. Finally, the serum levels of corticosterone were measured. Our results showed that while the prenatal noise stress decreased the baseline responses of the ST rats when compared to the control rats (P < 0.001), the postnatal EE increased the fEPSPs of both the CE and SE animals when compared to the respective controls. Additionally, high-frequency stimulation (HFS) induced LTP in the fEPSPs of the CO rats (P < 0.001) and failed to induce LTP in the fEPSPs of the ST animals. The enriched condition caused increased potentiation of post-HFS responses in the controls (P < 0.001) and restored the disrupted synaptic plasticity of the CA1 area in the prenatally stressed rats. Likewise, the postnatal EE decreased the elevated serum corticosterone of prenatally stressed offspring (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the postnatal EE restored the stress induced impairment of synaptic plasticity in rats' female offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sayyed Alireza Talaei
- Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, I. R. Iran
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Humińska-Lisowska K, Chmielowiec K, Strońska-Pluta A, Chmielowiec J, Suchanecka A, Masiak J, Michałowska-Sawczyn M, Boroń A, Cięszczyk P, Grzywacz A. Epigenetic Analysis of the Dopamine Transporter Gene DAT1 with a Focus on Personality Traits in Athletes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24108931. [PMID: 37240274 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24108931] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Human phenotypes (traits) are determined by the selective use of a person's unique genotype (DNA sequence), following exposure to environmental stimuli, such as exercise. Inducing profound changes in epigenetics may be an underlying factor of the beneficial effects of exercise. This study aimed to investigate the association between methylation in the promoter region of the DAT1 gene and personality traits measured by the NEO-FFI questionnaire in a group of athletes. The study group included 163 athletes, and the control group consisted of 232 non-athletes. The obtained results show several significant differences between the studied groups of subjects. The Extraversion scale and the Conscientiousness scale results of the NEO-FFI are significantly higher in the group of athletes compared to controls. The total methylation and the number of methylated islands in the promoter region of the DAT1 gene are higher in the study group. Pearson's linear correlation between the total methylation, the number of methylated islands and the NEO-FFI shows significant results for the Extraversion and Agreeability scales. The total methylation and the number of methylated islands in the promoter region of the DAT1 gene are higher in the study group. Pearson's linear correlation between the total methylation, the number of methylated islands and the NEO-FFI shows significant results for the Extraversion and Agreeability scales. Our analysis of the methylation status of individual CpG sites revealed a new direction of research into the biological aspects of regulating dopamine release and personality traits in people practicing sports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Humińska-Lisowska
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, K. Górskiego St. 1, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
- Institute of Sports Sciences, The University of Physical Education in Krakow, 31-541 Kraków, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Strońska-Pluta
- Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Chmielowiec
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, 28 Zyty St., 65-046 Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Suchanecka
- Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Jolanta Masiak
- Second Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Głuska St., 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Monika Michałowska-Sawczyn
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, K. Górskiego St. 1, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Boroń
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biochemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Aleja Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Paweł Cięszczyk
- Faculty of Physical Education, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, K. Górskiego St. 1, 80-336 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Grzywacz
- Independent Laboratory of Health Promotion, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powstańców Wielkopolskich 72 St., 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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D'Addario SL, Municchi D, Mancini C, Ielpo D, Babicola L, Di Segni M, Iacono LL, Ferlazzo F, Cifani C, Andolina D, Ventura R. The long-lasting effects of early life adversities are sex dependent: The signature of miR-34a. J Affect Disord 2023; 322:277-288. [PMID: 36414112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to early life adversities (ELA) can influence a plethora of biological mechanisms leading to stress-related disorders later in life through epigenetic mechanisms, such as microRNAs (miRs). MiR-34 is a critical modulator of stress response and stress-induced pathologies and a link between ELA and miR-34a has been reported. METHODS Here using our well-established model of ELA (Repeated Cross Fostering) we investigate the behavioral long-term effects of ELA in male and female mice. We also assess basal and ELA-induced miR-34a expression in adult mice and investigate whether ELA affects the later miR-34a response to adult acute stress exposure across brain areas (medial preFrontal Cortex, Dorsal Raphe Nuclei) and peripheral organs (heart, plasma) in animals from both sexes. Finally, based on our previous data demonstrating the critical role of Dorsal Raphe Nuclei miR-34a expression in serotonin (5-HT) transmission, we also investigated prefrontal-accumbal 5-HT outflow induced by acute stress exposure in ELA and Control females by in vivo intracerebral microdialysis. RESULTS ELA not just induces a depressive-like state as well as enduring changes in miR-34a expression, but also alters miR-34a expression in response to adult acute stress exclusively in females. Finally, altered DRN miR-34a expression is associated with prefrontal-accumbal 5-HT release under acute stress exposure in females. LIMITATIONS Translational study on humans is necessary to verify the results obtained in our animal models of ELA-induced depression. CONCLUSIONS This is the first evidence showing long-lasting sex related effects of ELA on brain and peripheral miR-34a expression levels in an animal model of depression-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Luca D'Addario
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Diana Municchi
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Camilla Mancini
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Donald Ielpo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Lucy Babicola
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | | | - Luisa Lo Iacono
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Diego Andolina
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Rossella Ventura
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
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Demaili A, Portugalov A, Dudai M, Maroun M, Akirav I, Braun K, Bock J. Epigenetic (re)programming of gene expression changes of CB1R and FAAH in the medial prefrontal cortex in response to early life and adolescence stress exposure. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1129946. [PMID: 36909279 PMCID: PMC9992175 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1129946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors, including stress, that are experienced during early life (ELS) or adolescence are potential risk factors for the development of behavioral and mental disorders later in life. The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in the regulation of stress responses and emotional behavior, thereby acting as a mediator of stress vulnerability and resilience. Among the critical factors, which determine the magnitude and direction of long-term consequences of stress exposure is age, i.e., the maturity of brain circuits during stress exposure. Thus, the present study addressed the hypotheses that ELS and adolescent stress differentially affect the expression of regulatory elements of the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of adult female rats. We also tested the hypothesis that the proposed gene expression changes are epigenetically modulated via altered DNA-methylation. The specific aims were to investigate if (i) ELS and adolescent stress as single stressors induce changes in CB1R and FAAH expression (ii) ELS exposure influences the effect of adolescent stress on CB1R and FAAH expression, and (iii) if the proposed gene expression changes are paralleled by changes of DNA methylation. The following experimental groups were investigated: (1) non-stressed controls (CON), (2) ELS exposure (ELS), (3) adolescent stress exposure (forced swimming; FS), (4) ELS + FS exposure. We found an up-regulation of CB1R expression in both single-stressor groups and a reduction back to control levels in the ELS + FS group. An up-regulation of FAAH expression was found only in the FS group. The data indicate that ELS, i.e., stress during a very immature stage of brain development, exerts a buffering programming effect on gene expression changes induced by adolescent stress. The detected gene expression changes were accompanied by altered DNA methylation patterns in the promoter region of these genes, specifically, a negative correlation of mean CB1R DNA methylation with gene expression was found. Our results also indicate that ELS induces a long-term "(re)programming" effect, characterized by CpG-site specific changes within the promoter regions of the two genes that influence gene expression changes in response to FS at adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijana Demaili
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anna Portugalov
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Dudai
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mouna Maroun
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Katharina Braun
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Brain and Behavioral Science, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Bock
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Brain and Behavioral Science, Magdeburg, Germany.,Project Group (PG) Epigenetics and Structural Plasticity, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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11
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Murphy MD, Heller EA. Convergent actions of stress and stimulants via epigenetic regulation of neural circuitry. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:955-967. [PMID: 36280459 PMCID: PMC9671852 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.10.001] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal striatum integrates prior and current information to guide appropriate decision-making. Chronic stress and stimulant exposure interferes with decision-making, and can confer similar cognitive and behavioral inflexibilities. This review examines the literature on acute and chronic regulation of the epigenome by stress and stimulants. Recent evidence suggests that exposures to stress and stimulants share similarities in the manners in which they regulate the dorsal striatum epigenome through DNA methylation, transposable element activity, and histone post-translational modifications. These findings suggest that chronic stress and stimulant exposure leads to the accumulation of epigenetic modifications that impair immediate and future neuron function and activity. Such epigenetic mechanisms represent potential therapeutic targets for ameliorating convergent symptoms of stress and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Murphy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Heller
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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12
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Kyani-Rogers T, Philbrook A, McLachlan IG, Flavell SW, O’Donnell MP, Sengupta P. Developmental history modulates adult olfactory behavioral preferences via regulation of chemoreceptor expression in Caenorhabditiselegans. Genetics 2022; 222:iyac143. [PMID: 36094348 PMCID: PMC9630977 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyac143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental experiences play critical roles in shaping adult physiology and behavior. We and others previously showed that adult Caenorhabditiselegans which transiently experienced dauer arrest during development (postdauer) exhibit distinct gene expression profiles as compared to control adults which bypassed the dauer stage. In particular, the expression patterns of subsets of chemoreceptor genes are markedly altered in postdauer adults. Whether altered chemoreceptor levels drive behavioral plasticity in postdauer adults is unknown. Here, we show that postdauer adults exhibit enhanced attraction to a panel of food-related attractive volatile odorants including the bacterially produced chemical diacetyl. Diacetyl-evoked responses in the AWA olfactory neuron pair are increased in both dauer larvae and postdauer adults, and we find that these increased responses are correlated with upregulation of the diacetyl receptor ODR-10 in AWA likely via both transcriptional and posttranscriptional mechanisms. We show that transcriptional upregulation of odr-10 expression in dauer larvae is in part mediated by the DAF-16 FOXO transcription factor. Via transcriptional profiling of sorted populations of AWA neurons from control and postdauer animals, we further show that the expression of a subset of additional chemoreceptor genes in AWA is regulated similarly to odr-10 in postdauer animals. Our results suggest that developmental experiences may be encoded at the level of olfactory receptor regulation, and provide a simple mechanism by which C. elegans is able to precisely modulate its behavioral preferences as a function of its current and past experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alison Philbrook
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
| | - Ian G McLachlan
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Steven W Flavell
- Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Piali Sengupta
- Department of Biology, Brandeis University, Waltham, MA 02454, USA
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13
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Cell-type-specific epigenetic effects of early life stress on the brain. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:326. [PMID: 35948532 PMCID: PMC9365848 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02076-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) induces long-term phenotypic adaptations that contribute to increased vulnerability to a host of neuropsychiatric disorders. Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNA, are a proposed link between environmental stressors, alterations in gene expression, and phenotypes. Epigenetic modifications play a primary role in shaping functional differences between cell types and can be modified by environmental perturbations, especially in early development. Together with contributions from genetic variation, epigenetic mechanisms orchestrate patterns of gene expression within specific cell types that contribute to phenotypic variation between individuals. To date, many studies have provided insights into epigenetic changes resulting from ELS. However, most of these studies have examined heterogenous brain tissue, despite evidence of cell-type-specific epigenetic modifications in phenotypes associated with ELS. In this review, we focus on rodent and human studies that have examined epigenetic modifications induced by ELS in select cell types isolated from the brain or associated with genes that have cell-type-restricted expression in neurons, microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. Although significant challenges remain, future studies using these approaches can enable important mechanistic insight into the role of epigenetic variation in the effects of ELS on brain function.
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14
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Kocamaz D, Franzke C, Gröger N, Braun K, Bock J. Early Life Stress-Induced Epigenetic Programming of Hippocampal NPY-Y2 Receptor Gene Expression Changes in Response to Adult Stress. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:936979. [PMID: 35846564 PMCID: PMC9283903 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.936979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early Life Stress (ELS) can critically influence brain development and future stress responses and thus represents an important risk factor for mental health and disease. Neuropeptide Y (NPY) is discussed to be a key mediator of resilient vs. vulnerable adaptations and specifically, the NPY-Y2 receptor (Y2R) may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression due to its negative regulation of NPY-release. The present study addressed the hypotheses that ELS and adult stress (AS) affect the expression of hippocampal Y2R and that exposure to ELS induces an epigenetically mediated programming effect towards a consecutive stress exposure in adulthood. The specific aims were to investigate if (i) ELS or AS as single stressors induce changes in Y2 receptor gene expression in the hippocampus, (ii) the predicted Y2R changes are epigenetically mediated via promoter-specific DNA-methylation, (iii) the ELS-induced epigenetic changes exert a programming effect on Y2R gene expression changes in response to AS, and finally (iv) if the predicted alterations are sex-specific. Animals were assigned to the following experimental groups: (1) non-stressed controls (CON), (2) only ELS exposure (ELS), (3) only adult stress exposure (CON+AS), and (4) exposure to ELS followed by AS (ELS+AS). Using repeated maternal separation in mice as an ELS and swim stress as an AS we found that both stressors affected Y2R gene expression in the hippocampus of male mice but not in females. Specifically, upregulated expression was found in the CON+AS group. In addition, exposure to both stressors ELS+AS significantly reduced Y2R gene expression when compared to CON+AS. The changes in Y2R expression were paralleled by altered DNA-methylation patterns at the Y2R promoter, specifically, a decrease in mean DNA-methylation in the CON+AS males compared to the non-AS exposed groups and an increase in the ELS+AS males compared to the CON+AS males. Also, a strong negative correlation of mean DNA-methylation with Y2R expression was found. Detailed CpG-site-specific analysis of DNA-methylation revealed that ELS induced increased DNA-methylation only at specific CpG-sites within the Y2R promoter. It is tempting to speculate that these ELS-induced CpG-site-specific changes represent a “buffering” programming effect against elevations of Y2R expression induced by AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derya Kocamaz
- Department of Zoology/Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Franzke
- Department of Zoology/Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Nicole Gröger
- Department of Zoology/Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Braun
- Department of Zoology/Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Bock
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- PG “Epigenetics and Structural Plasticity,” Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jörg Bock,
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15
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Zimmermann P, Antonelli MC, Sharma R, Müller A, Zelgert C, Fabre B, Wenzel N, Wu HT, Frasch MG, Lobmaier SM. Prenatal stress perturbs fetal iron homeostasis in a sex specific manner. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9341. [PMID: 35662279 PMCID: PMC9167276 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13633-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The adverse effects of maternal prenatal stress (PS) on child's neurodevelopment warrant the establishment of biomarkers that enable early interventional therapeutic strategies. We performed a prospective matched double cohort study screening 2000 pregnant women in third trimester with Cohen Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) questionnaire; 164 participants were recruited and classified as stressed and control group (SG, CG). Fetal cord blood iron parameters of 107 patients were measured at birth. Transabdominal electrocardiograms-based Fetal Stress Index (FSI) was derived. We investigated sex contribution to group differences and conducted causal inference analyses to assess the total effect of PS exposure on iron homeostasis using a directed acyclic graph (DAG) approach. Differences are reported for p < 0.05 unless noted otherwise. Transferrin saturation was lower in male stressed neonates. The minimum adjustment set of the DAG to estimate the total effect of PS exposure on fetal ferritin iron biomarkers consisted of maternal age and socioeconomic status: SG revealed a 15% decrease in fetal ferritin compared with CG. Mean FSI was higher among SG than among CG. FSI-based timely detection of fetuses affected by PS can support early individualized iron supplementation and neurodevelopmental follow-up to prevent long-term sequelae due to PS-exacerbated impairment of the iron homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Zimmermann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marta C Antonelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Prof. E. De Robertis," Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ritika Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Müller
- Innere Medizin I, Department of Cardiology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Camilla Zelgert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bibiana Fabre
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natasha Wenzel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hau-Tieng Wu
- Department of Mathematics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Mathematics Division, National Center for Theoretical Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center on Human Development and Disability (CHDD), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Silvia M Lobmaier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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16
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Matos M, Albuquerque I, Galhardo A, Cunha M, Pedroso Lima M, Palmeira L, Petrocchi N, McEwan K, Maratos FA, Gilbert P. Nurturing compassion in schools: A randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of a Compassionate Mind Training program for teachers. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263480. [PMID: 35231057 PMCID: PMC8887735 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Schools are experiencing an unprecedented mental health crisis, with teachers reporting high levels of stress and burnout, which has adverse consequences to their mental and physical health. Addressing mental and physical health problems and promoting wellbeing in educational settings is thus a global priority. This study investigated the feasibility and effectiveness of an 8-week Compassionate Mind Training program for Teachers (CMT-T) on indicators of psychological and physiological wellbeing. METHODS A pragmatic randomized controlled study with a stepped-wedge design was conducted in a sample of 155 public school teachers, who were randomized to CMT-T (n = 80) or a waitlist control group (WLC; n = 75). Participants completed self-report measures of psychological distress, burnout, overall and professional wellbeing, compassion and self-criticism at baseline, post-intervention, and 3-months follow-up. In a sub-sample (CMT-T, n = 51; WLC n = 36) resting heart-rate variability (HRV) was measured at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS CMT-T was feasible and effective. Compared to the WLC, the CMT-T group showed improvements in self-compassion, compassion to others, positive affect, and HRV as well as reductions in fears of compassion, anxiety and depression. WLC participants who received CMT-T revealed additional improvements in compassion for others and from others, and satisfaction with professional life, along with decreases in burnout and stress. Teachers scoring higher in self-criticism at baseline revealed greater improvements post CMT-T. At 3-month follow-up improvements were retained. CONCLUSIONS CMT-T shows promise as a compassion-focused intervention for enhancing compassion, wellbeing and reducing psychophysiological distress in teachers, contributing to nurturing compassionate, prosocial and resilient educational environments. Given its favourable and sustainable effects on wellbeing and psychophysiological distress, and low cost to deliver, broader implementation and dissemination of CMT-T is encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Matos
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Albuquerque
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Galhardo
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Marina Cunha
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Instituto Superior Miguel Torga, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida Pedroso Lima
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lara Palmeira
- University of Coimbra, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive and Behavioural Intervention (CINEICC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Universidade Portucalense, Infante D. Henrique, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Kirsten McEwan
- University of Derby, College of Health, Psychology & Social Care, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Frances A. Maratos
- University of Derby, College of Health, Psychology & Social Care, Derby, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Gilbert
- University of Derby, College of Health, Psychology & Social Care, Derby, United Kingdom
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17
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Ventura R, Cabib S, Babicola L, Andolina D, Di Segni M, Orsini C. Interactions Between Experience, Genotype and Sex in the Development of Individual Coping Strategies. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:785739. [PMID: 34987364 PMCID: PMC8721137 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.785739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Coping strategies, the first line of defense against adversities, develop through experience. There is consistent evidence that both genotype and sex contribute to the development of dysfunctional coping, leading to maladaptive outcomes of adverse experiences or to adaptive coping that fosters rapid recovery even from severe stress. However, how these factors interact to influence the development of individual coping strategies is just starting to be investigated. In the following review, we will consider evidence that experience, sex, and genotype influence the brain circuits and neurobiological processes involved in coping with adversities and discuss recent results pointing to the specific effects of the interaction between early experiences, genotype, and stress in the development of functional and dysfunctional coping styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Ventura
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research in Neurobiology D. Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Cabib
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research in Neurobiology D. Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucy Babicola
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research in Neurobiology D. Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research in Neurobiology D. Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Di Segni
- Department of Experimental Neurosciences, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Orsini
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research in Neurobiology D. Bovet, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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18
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Dion A, Muñoz PT, Franklin TB. Epigenetic mechanisms impacted by chronic stress across the rodent lifespan. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 17:100434. [PMID: 35198660 PMCID: PMC8841894 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposures to stress at all stages of development can lead to long-term behavioural effects, in part through changes in the epigenome. This review describes rodent research suggesting that stress in prenatal, postnatal, adolescent and adult stages leads to long-term changes in epigenetic regulation in the brain which have causal impacts on rodent behaviour. We focus on stress-induced epigenetic changes that have been linked to behavioural deficits including poor learning and memory, and increased anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviours. Interestingly, aspects of these stress-induced behavioural changes can be transmitted to offspring across several generations, a phenomenon that has been proposed to result via epigenetic mechanisms in the germline. Here, we also discuss evidence for the differential impact of stress on the epigenome in males and females, conscious of the fact that the majority of published studies have only investigated males. This has led to a limited picture of the epigenetic impact of stress, highlighting the need for future studies to investigate females as well as males.
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19
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Symptom profiles of women at risk of mood disorders: A latent class analysis. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:139-147. [PMID: 34450523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is the leading cause of disease burden among women worldwide. However, an understanding of symptom profiles among women at risk of mood disorders is limited. We determined distinct profiles of affective symptoms among high risk women, along with their distinguishing characteristics. METHODS Women were recruited from 17 clinical sites affiliated with the National Network of Depression Centers. They completed measures of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire - 9) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder - 7) as well as questions regarding demographics, reproductive status, behavioral/mental health history, and life stress/adversity. Latent class analysis and multinomial logistic regression were used to identify and characterize symptom profiles. RESULTS 5792 women participated, ages 18 to 90 (M = 38). Three latent classes were identified: generally asymptomatic (48%), elevated symptoms of comorbid anxiety and depression (16%), and somatic symptoms (36%). Financial security and greater social support were protective factors that distinguished asymptomatic women. The profile of the class with elevated anxiety/depressive symptoms constituted a complex mix of adverse social determinants and potentially heritable clinical features, including a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder. Women in the 3rd latent class were characterized by menstrual irregularity and a stronger expression of neurovegetative symptoms, especially sleep disturbance and fatigue. LIMITATIONS Limitations included less than optimal racial diversity of our sample and reliance on self-report. CONCLUSIONS Different symptom profiles may reflect distinct subtypes of women at risk of mood disorders. Understanding the etiology and mechanisms underlying clinical and psychosocial features of these profiles can inform more precisely targeted interventions to address women's diverse needs.
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20
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Lo Iacono L, Mancini C, Babicola L, Pietrosanto M, Di Segni M, D'Addario SL, Municchi D, Ielpo D, Pascucci T, Cabib S, Ferlazzo F, D'Amato FR, Andolina D, Helmer-Citterich M, Cifani C, Ventura R. Early life adversity affecting the attachment bond alters ventral tegmental area transcriptomic patterning and behavior almost exclusively in female mice. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100406. [PMID: 34660854 PMCID: PMC8503667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life experiences that affect the attachment bond formation can alter developmental trajectories and result in pathological outcomes in a sex-related manner. However, the molecular basis of sex differences is quite unknown. The dopaminergic system originating from the ventral tegmental area has been proposed to be a key mediator of this process. Here we exploited a murine model of early adversity (Repeated Cross Fostering, RCF) to test how interfering with the attachment bond formation affects the VTA-related functions in a sex-specific manner. Through a comprehensive behavioral screening, within the NiH RDoC framework, and by next-generation RNA-Seq experiments, we analyzed the long-lasting effect of RCF on behavioral and transcriptional profiles related to the VTA, across two different inbred strains of mouse in both sexes. We found that RCF impacted to an extremely greater extent VTA-related behaviors in females than in males and this result mirrored the transcriptional alterations in the VTA that were almost exclusively observed in females. The sexual dimorphism was conserved across two different inbred strains in spite of their divergent long lasting consequences of RCF exposure. Our data suggest that to be female primes a sub-set of genes to respond to early environmental perturbations. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first evidence of an almost exclusive effect of early life experiences on females, thus mirroring the extremely stronger impact of precocious aversive events reported in clinical studies in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Lo Iacono
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Lucy Babicola
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Pietrosanto
- Centre for Molecular Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sebastian Luca D'Addario
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy.,Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Diana Municchi
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy.,Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Donald Ielpo
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy.,Behavioral Neuroscience PhD Programme, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pascucci
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Cabib
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca R D'Amato
- Biochemistry and Cell Biology Institute, National Research Council, Via E Ramarini 32, 00015, Monterotondo Scalo, Roma, Italy
| | - Diego Andolina
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Manuela Helmer-Citterich
- Centre for Molecular Bioinformatics, Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Cifani
- University of Camerino School of Pharmacy, Camerino, Italy
| | - Rossella Ventura
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
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21
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Mourtzi N, Sertedaki A, Charmandari E. Glucocorticoid Signaling and Epigenetic Alterations in Stress-Related Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5964. [PMID: 34073101 PMCID: PMC8198182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is defined as a state of threatened or perceived as threatened homeostasis. The well-tuned coordination of the stress response system is necessary for an organism to respond to external or internal stressors and re-establish homeostasis. Glucocorticoid hormones are the main effectors of stress response and aberrant glucocorticoid signaling has been associated with an increased risk for psychiatric and mood disorders, including schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Emerging evidence suggests that life-stress experiences can alter the epigenetic landscape and impact the function of genes involved in the regulation of stress response. More importantly, epigenetic changes induced by stressors persist over time, leading to increased susceptibility for a number of stress-related disorders. In this review, we discuss the role of glucocorticoids in the regulation of stress response, the mechanism through which stressful experiences can become biologically embedded through epigenetic alterations, and we underline potential associations between epigenetic changes and the development of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Mourtzi
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Amalia Sertedaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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22
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Čater M, Majdič G. How early maternal deprivation changes the brain and behavior? Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:2058-2075. [PMID: 33870558 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Early life stress can adversely influence brain development and reprogram brain function and consequently behavior in adult life. Adequate maternal care in early childhood is therefore particularly important for the normal brain development, and adverse early life experiences can lead to altered emotional, behavioral, and neuroendocrine stress responses in the adulthood. As a form of neonatal stress, maternal deprivation/separation is often used in behavioral studies to examine the effects of early life stress and for modeling the development of certain psychiatric disorders and brain pathologies in animal models. The temporary loss of maternal care during the critical postpartum periods remodels the offspring's brain and provokes long-term effects on learning and cognition, the development of mental disorders, aggression, and an increased tendency for the drug abuse. Early life stress through maternal deprivation affects neuroendocrine responses to stress in adolescence and adulthood by dysregulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and permanently disrupts stress resilience. In this review, we focused on how improper maternal care during early postnatal life affects brain development resulting in modified behavior later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Čater
- Veterinary Faculty, Laboratory for Animal Genomics, Institute for Preclinical Studies, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Gregor Majdič
- Veterinary Faculty, Laboratory for Animal Genomics, Institute for Preclinical Studies, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Physiology, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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23
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Antonelli MC, Frasch MG, Rumi M, Sharma R, Zimmermann P, Molinet MS, Lobmaier SM. Early Biomarkers and Intervention Programs for the Infant Exposed to Prenatal Stress. Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 20:94-106. [PMID: 33550974 PMCID: PMC9199558 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x19666210125150955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional development of affective and reward circuits, cognition and response inhibition later in life exhibits vulnerability periods during gestation and early childhood. Extensive evidence supports the model that exposure to stressors in the gestational period and early postnatal life increases an individual's susceptibility to future impairments of functional development. Recent versions of this model integrate epigenetic mechanisms of the developmental response. Their understanding will guide the future treatment of the associated neuropsychiatric disorders. A combination of non-invasively obtainable physiological signals and epigenetic biomarkers related to the principal systems of the stress response, the Hypothalamic-Pituitary axis (HPA) and the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), are emerging as the key predictors of neurodevelopmental outcomes. Such electrophysiological and epigenetic biomarkers can prove to timely identify children benefiting most from early intervention programs. Such programs should ameliorate future disorders in otherwise healthy children. The recently developed Early Family-Centered Intervention Programs aim to influence the care and stimuli provided daily by the family and improving parent/child attachment, a key element for healthy socio-emotional adult life. Although frequently underestimated, such biomarker-guided early intervention strategy represents a crucial first step in the prevention of future neuropsychiatric problems and in reducing their personal and societal impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta C Antonelli
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Buenos Aires. Argentina
| | - Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. United States
| | - Mercedes Rumi
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencia "Prof. E. De Robertis", Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Buenos Aires. Argentina
| | - Ritika Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich. Germany
| | - Peter Zimmermann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich. Germany
| | - Maria Sol Molinet
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich. Germany
| | - Silvia M Lobmaier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich. Germany
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24
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Hall ECR, Murgatroyd C, Stebbings GK, Cunniffe B, Harle L, Salter M, Ramadass A, Westra JW, Hunter E, Akoulitchev A, Williams AG. The Prospective Study of Epigenetic Regulatory Profiles in Sport and Exercise Monitored Through Chromosome Conformation Signatures. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E905. [PMID: 32784689 PMCID: PMC7464522 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The integration of genetic and environmental factors that regulate the gene expression patterns associated with exercise adaptation is mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. The organisation of the human genome within three-dimensional space, known as chromosome conformation, has recently been shown as a dynamic epigenetic regulator of gene expression, facilitating the interaction of distal genomic regions due to tight and regulated packaging of chromosomes in the cell nucleus. Technological advances in the study of chromosome conformation mean a new class of biomarker-the chromosome conformation signature (CCS)-can identify chromosomal interactions across several genomic loci as a collective marker of an epigenomic state. Investigative use of CCSs in biological and medical research shows promise in identifying the likelihood that a disease state is present or absent, as well as an ability to prospectively stratify individuals according to their likely response to medical intervention. The association of CCSs with gene expression patterns suggests that there are likely to be CCSs that respond, or regulate the response, to exercise and related stimuli. The present review provides a contextual background to CCS research and a theoretical framework discussing the potential uses of this novel epigenomic biomarker within sport and exercise science and medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott C. R. Hall
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (G.K.S.); (A.G.W.)
| | | | - Georgina K. Stebbings
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (G.K.S.); (A.G.W.)
| | - Brian Cunniffe
- English Institute of Sport, Nottingham NG12 2LU, UK;
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London W1T 7HA, UK
| | - Lee Harle
- Holos Life Sciences, Oxford OX1 3HA, UK;
| | - Matthew Salter
- Oxford BioDynamics, Oxford OX4 2JZ, UK; (M.S.); (A.R.); (J.W.W.); (E.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Aroul Ramadass
- Oxford BioDynamics, Oxford OX4 2JZ, UK; (M.S.); (A.R.); (J.W.W.); (E.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Jurjen W. Westra
- Oxford BioDynamics, Oxford OX4 2JZ, UK; (M.S.); (A.R.); (J.W.W.); (E.H.); (A.A.)
| | - Ewan Hunter
- Oxford BioDynamics, Oxford OX4 2JZ, UK; (M.S.); (A.R.); (J.W.W.); (E.H.); (A.A.)
| | | | - Alun G. Williams
- Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M1 5GD, UK; (G.K.S.); (A.G.W.)
- Institute of Sport, Exercise and Health, University College London, London W1T 7HA, UK
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25
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Sajjadi FS, Aghighi F, Vahidinia Z, Azami-Tameh A, Salami M, Talaei SA. Prenatal urban traffic noise exposure impairs spatial learning and memory and reduces glucocorticoid receptor expression in the hippocampus of male rat offspring. Physiol Int 2020; 107:209-219. [PMID: 32750028 DOI: 10.1556/2060.2020.00022] [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: 07/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to noise stress during early life may permanently affect the structure and function of the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prenatal exposure to urban traffic noise on the spatial learning and memory of the rats' offspring and the expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in their hippocampi. Methods Three g\roups of pregnant rats were exposed to recorded urban traffic noise for 1, 2 or 4 h/day during the last week of pregnancy. At the age of 45 days, their male offspring were introduced to the Morris water maze (MWM) for assessment of spatial learning and memory. The corticosterone levels were measured in the offspring's sera by radioimmunoassay, and the relative expression of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) in their hippocampi was evaluated via RT-PCR. Results Facing urban traffic noise for 2 and 4 h/day during the third trimester of pregnancy caused the offspring to spend more time and to travel a larger distance than the controls to find the target platform. Analogously, these two groups were inferior to their control counterparts in the probe test. Also, prenatal noise stress elevated the corticosterone concentration in the sera of the rats' offspring and dose-dependently decreased the relative expression of the mRNA of both GRs and MRs in their hippocampi. Conclusions Urban traffic noise exposure during the last trimester of pregnancy impairs spatial learning and memory of rat offspring and reduces GRs and MRs gene expression in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- F S Sajjadi
- 1Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - F Aghighi
- 1Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Z Vahidinia
- 2Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - A Azami-Tameh
- 2Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - M Salami
- 1Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - S A Talaei
- 1Physiology Research Center, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
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26
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Nassan M, Veldic M, Winham S, Frye MA, Larrabee B, Colby C, Biernacka J, Bellia F, Pucci M, Terenius L, Vukojevic V, D'Addario C. Methylation of Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Val66Met CpG site is associated with early onset bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord 2020; 267:96-102. [PMID: 32063579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 (Val66Met) Met allele is associated with early onset (≤ 19 years old) bipolar disorder (BD). Val66Met (G196A) creates a CpG site when the Val/G allele is present. We sought to study the methylation of the BDNF promoter and its interaction with Val66Met genotype in BD. METHODS Sex/age-matched previously genotyped DNA samples from BD-Type 1 cases [N = 166: early onset (≤ 19 years old) n = 79, late onset (> 20 years old) n = 87] and controls (N = 162) were studied. Pyrosequencing of four CpGs in Promoter-I, four CpGs in promoter-IV, and two CpGs in Promoter-IX (CpG2 includes G= Val allele) was performed. Logistic regression adjusting for batch effect was used to compare cases vs. controls. Analyses also included stratification by disease onset and adjustment for Val66Met genotype. Secondary exploratory analyses for the association of life stressors, comorbid substance abuse, and psychotropic use with methylation patterns were performed. RESULTS Comparing all BD cases vs. controls and adjusting for Val66Met genotype, BD cases had significantly higher methylation in promoter -IX/CPG-2 (p = 0.0074). This was driven by early onset cases vs. controls (p = 0.00039) and not late onset cases vs. controls (p = 0.2). LIMITATION Relatively small sample size. CONCLUSION Early onset BD is associated with increased methylation of CpG site created by Val=G allele of the Val66Met variance. Further studies could include larger sample size and postmortem brain samples in an attempt to replicate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Nassan
- Mayo Clinic, Psychiatry & Psychology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Marin Veldic
- Mayo Clinic, Psychiatry & Psychology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Stacey Winham
- Mayo Clinic, Psychiatry & Psychology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Mark A Frye
- Mayo Clinic, Psychiatry & Psychology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Beth Larrabee
- Mayo Clinic, Psychiatry & Psychology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Colin Colby
- Mayo Clinic, Psychiatry & Psychology, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lars Terenius
- Karolinska Institute, Clinical Neuroscience, Solna, Sweden
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27
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Schiele MA, Gottschalk MG, Domschke K. The applied implications of epigenetics in anxiety, affective and stress-related disorders - A review and synthesis on psychosocial stress, psychotherapy and prevention. Clin Psychol Rev 2020; 77:101830. [PMID: 32163803 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mental disorders are highly complex and multifactorial in origin, comprising an elaborate interplay of genetic and environmental factors. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA modifications (e.g. CpG methylation), histone modifications (e.g. acetylation) and microRNAs function as a translator between genes and the environment. Indeed, environmental influences such as exposure to stress shape epigenetic patterns, and lifetime experiences continue to alter the function of the genome throughout the lifespan. Here, we summarize the recently burgeoning body of research regarding the involvement of aberrant epigenetic signatures in mediating an increased vulnerability to a wide range of mental disorders. We review the current knowledge of epigenetic changes to constitute useful markers predicting the clinical response to psychotherapeutic interventions, and of psychotherapy to alter - and potentially reverse - epigenetic risk patterns. Given first evidence pointing to a transgenerational transmission of epigenetic information, epigenetic alterations arising from successful psychotherapy might be transferred to future generations and thus contribute to the prevention of mental disorders. Findings are integrated into a multi-level framework highlighting challenges pertaining to the mechanisms of action and clinical implications of epigenetic research. Promising future directions regarding the prediction, prevention, and personalized treatment of mental disorders in line with a 'precision medicine' approach are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam A Schiele
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael G Gottschalk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Hauptstrasse 5, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Basics in NeuroModulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacher Straße 64, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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28
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Dal Santo F, Carballo JJ, Velasco A, Jiménez-Treviño L, Rodríguez-Revuelta J, Martínez-Cao C, Caro-Cañizares I, de la Fuente-Tomás L, Menéndez-Miranda I, González-Blanco L, García-Portilla MP, Bobes J, Sáiz PA. The Mediating Role of Impulsivity in the Relationship Between Suicidal Behavior and Early Traumatic Experiences in Depressed Subjects. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:538172. [PMID: 33240115 PMCID: PMC7683571 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.538172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Depressed patients with early traumatic experiences may represent a clinically and biologically distinct subtype, with worse clinical outcomes and greater risk of suicide. Since early traumatic experiences alter development of systems that regulate the stress response, increasing sensitivity to stress and mood disorders later in life, certain personality features may influence coping strategies, putting individuals with depression and a history of early traumatic experiences at greater risk of suicidal behavior. Objective: To determine whether impulsivity mediates the relationship between early traumatic experiences and suicidal behavior in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: The total sample consists of 190 patients [mean age (SD) = 53.71 (10.37); females: 66.3%], with current MDD (DSM-5 criteria). The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), the List of Threatening Experiences (LTE), and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) were used to assess childhood and adulthood adverse life events and impulsivity, respectively. We developed mediation models by bootstrap sampling methods. Results: Eighty-one (42.6%) patients had a history of previous suicide attempts (SA). CTQ-SF-Total and BIS-11-Total scores were significantly higher in MDD patients with previous SA. Correlation analyses revealed significant correlations between the CTQ-SF-Total and BIS-11-Total, CTQ-SF-Total and HDRS-Total, and BIS-11-Total and HDRS-Total scores. Regression models found that CTQ-SF-Total, BIS-11-Total, and HDRS-Total scores were associated with SA. Mediation analyses further revealed the association between CTQ-SF-Total and SA was mediated by the indirect effect of the BIS-11-Total score (b = 0.007, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.015), after statistically controlling for sex, the HDRS-Total, and the LTE-Total. Discussion: Data suggest that impulsivity could mediate the influence of childhood trauma on suicidal behavior. This will help understand the role of risk factors in suicidal behavior and aid in the development of prevention interventions focused on modifiable mediators when risk factors are non-modifiable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Dal Santo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, ISPA, Mental Health Services of Principado de Asturias, SESPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan José Carballo
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, IISGM, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Angela Velasco
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Luis Jiménez-Treviño
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, ISPA, Mental Health Services of Principado de Asturias, SESPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Julia Rodríguez-Revuelta
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, ISPA, Mental Health Services of Principado de Asturias, SESPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | | | - Irene Caro-Cañizares
- Department of Psychiatry, Fundación Jiménez Díaz Hospital, Universidad a Distancia de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lorena de la Fuente-Tomás
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, ISPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Isabel Menéndez-Miranda
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, ISPA, Mental Health Services of Principado de Asturias, SESPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Leticia González-Blanco
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, ISPA, Mental Health Services of Principado de Asturias, SESPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mª Paz García-Portilla
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, ISPA, Mental Health Services of Principado de Asturias, SESPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Julio Bobes
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, ISPA, Mental Health Services of Principado de Asturias, SESPA, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Pilar A Sáiz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oviedo, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias, ISPA, Mental Health Services of Principado de Asturias, SESPA, Oviedo, Spain
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29
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Newhouse DJ, Barcelo-Serra M, Tuttle EM, Gonser RA, Balakrishnan CN. Parent and offspring genotypes influence gene expression in early life. Mol Ecol 2019; 28:4166-4180. [PMID: 31421010 DOI: 10.1111/mec.15205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Parents can have profound effects on offspring fitness. Little, however, is known about the mechanisms through which parental genetic variation influences offspring physiology in natural systems. White-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis, WTSP) exist in two genetic morphs, tan and white, controlled by a large polymorphic supergene. Morphs mate disassortatively, resulting in two pair types: tan male × white female (T × W) pairs, which provide biparental care and white male × tan female (W × T) pairs, which provide female-biased care. To investigate how parental composition impacts offspring, we performed RNA-seq on whole blood of WTSP nestlings sampled from nests of both pair types. Parental pair type had a large effect on nestling gene expression, with 881 genes differentially expressed (DE) and seven correlated gene coexpression modules. The DE genes and modules expressed at higher levels in W × T nests with female-biased parental care function in metabolism and stress-related pathways resulting from the overrepresentation of proteolysis and stress-response genes (e.g., SOD2, NR3C1). These results show that parental genotypes and/or associated behaviours influence nestling physiology, and highlight avenues of further research investigating the ultimate implications for the maintenance of this polymorphism. Nestlings also exhibited morph-specific gene expression, with 92 differentially expressed genes, comprising immunity genes and genes encompassed by the supergene. Remarkably, we identified the same regulatory hub genes in these blood-derived expression networks as were previously identified in adult WTSP brains (EPM2A, BPNT1, TAF5L). These hub genes were located within the supergene, highlighting the importance of this gene complex in structuring regulatory networks across diverse tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Newhouse
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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