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Fischer S, Kleinstäuber M, Fiori LM, Turecki G, Wagner J, von Känel R. DNA Methylation Signatures of Functional Somatic Syndromes: Systematic Review. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:672-681. [PMID: 37531610 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Functional somatic syndromes (FSS) are highly prevalent across all levels of health care. The fact that they are characterized by medically unexplained symptoms, such as fatigue and pain, raises the important question of their underlying pathophysiology. Psychosocial stress represents a significant factor in the development of FSS and can induce long-term modifications at the epigenetic level. The aim of this review was to systematically review, for the first time, whether individuals with FSS are characterized by specific alterations in DNA methylation. METHODS MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched from the first available date to September 2022. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a) adults fulfilling the research diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome, and/or irritable bowel syndrome; b) healthy control group; and c) candidate-gene or genome-wide study of DNA methylation. RESULTS Sixteen studies ( N = 957) were included. In candidate-gene studies, specific sites within NR3C1 were identified, which were hypomethylated in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome compared with healthy controls. In genome-wide studies in chronic fatigue syndrome, a hypomethylated site located to LY86 and hypermethylated sites within HLA-DQB1 were found. In genome-wide studies in fibromyalgia syndrome, differential methylation in sites related to HDAC4 , TMEM44 , KCNQ1 , SLC17A9 , PRKG1 , ALPK3 , TFAP2A , and LY6G5C was found. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome seem to be characterized by altered DNA methylation of genes regulating cellular signaling and immune functioning. In chronic fatigue syndrome, there is preliminary evidence for these to be implicated in key pathophysiological alterations, such as hypocortisolism and low-grade inflammation, and to contribute to the debilitating symptoms these individuals experience. PREREGISTRATION PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022364720.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Fischer
- From the Institute of Psychology (Fischer), Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (Kleinstäuber), Utah State University, Logan, Utah; McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center (Fiori, Turecki), Montréal, Canada; Department of Psychiatry (Turecki), McGill University, Montréal, Canada; and Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine (Wagner, von Känel). University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Wu H, Manglike A, Chen Y, Liu Z, Fritzsche K, Lu Z. Scoping review update on somatic symptom disorder that includes additional Chinese data. Gen Psychiatr 2023; 36:e100942. [PMID: 37337547 PMCID: PMC10277133 DOI: 10.1136/gpsych-2022-100942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Somatic symptom disorder (SSD) is a new diagnosis introduced into the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), which is expected to solve the diagnostic difficulties of patients with medically unexplained symptoms. Based on the previous work, this review aims to comprehensively synthesise updated evidence related to SSD from recent years in English publications and, more extensively, from data published in Chinese language journals. The scoping review update was based on an earlier scoping review and included Chinese language publication data from China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), WANFANG and WEIPU between January 2013 and May 2022 and data from PubMed, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library between June 2020 and May 2022. Initially, 2 984 articles were identified, of which 63 full texts were included for analysis. In China, SSD is mainly applied in scientific research, but it also shows good predictive validity and clinical application potential. The mean frequency of SSD was 4.5% in the general population, 25.2% in the primary care population and 33.5% in diverse specialised care settings. Biological factors, such as brain region changes and heart rate variability, are associated with the onset of SSD. Psychological impairment related to somatic symptoms is the best predictor of prognosis. While adolescent SSD was significantly associated with family function, SSD overall is associated with an increased dysfunction of cognition and emotion, decreased quality of life, and high comorbidity with anxiety and depressive disorders. Further research is needed on suicide risk and cultural and gender-related issues. Updating the data of Chinese language studies, our research enriches the evidence-based findings related to the topics addressed in the text sections of the SSD chapter of DSM-5. However, research gaps remain about SSD reliability, population-based prevalence, suicide risk, and cultural and gender-related issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Wu
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ayinuer Manglike
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixiao Chen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ziming Liu
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kurt Fritzsche
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Zheng Lu
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Shanghai Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Heseltine-Carp W, Dale V, van Eck van der Sluijs J, van der Feltz-Cornelis C. Are serum hsCRP and IL-6 prognostic markers in somatic symptom disorder and related disorders? An exploratory analysis in a prospective cohort study. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 157:88-95. [PMID: 36455378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.11.026] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the roles of hsCRP and IL-6 as prognostic markers for treatment outcome in SSRD. METHODS In this prospective cohort study, 237 consecutive outpatients diagnosed with SSRD at the Clinical Centre of Excellence for Body Mind and Health, the Netherlands were assessed. At intake, venepuncture was performed for serum hsCRP and IL-6. Baseline scores for PHQ-9, GAD7, physical symptom score (PSQ-51) and BPI questionnaires were obtained. Patients were followed up at the end of their usual treatment programme, which lasted approximately 12 months. RESULTS Higher baseline hsCRP was associated with high physical symptom scores (PSQ-51), but not BPI, GAD-7 and PHQ-9 questionnaire scores at end of treatment. No association was identified between baseline IL-6 and follow-up symptom questionnaire scores after treatment. Adjustment for age, gender and somatic comorbidity showed no significant change in the association. CONCLUSION This exploratory analysis provides some evidence that in patients with SSRD, high baseline serum hsCRP may predict poorer treatment outcomes in physical symptoms but not depression, anxiety or pain symptoms. Baseline serum hsCRP may therefore be a useful factor in identifying SSRD patients who are at risk of a persistent high physical symptom burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Heseltine-Carp
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, Seebohm Rowntree Building, Heslington, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - Veronica Dale
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK.
| | - Jonna van Eck van der Sluijs
- Altrecht, Psychosomatiek Eikenboom, the Netherlands; Clinical Centre of Excellence for Body Mind and Health, GGz Breburg, Tilburg, the Netherlands.
| | - Christina van der Feltz-Cornelis
- Clinical Centre of Excellence for Body Mind and Health, GGz Breburg, Tilburg, the Netherlands; Department of Health Sciences, Hull York Medical School (HYMS), University of York, UK.
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Altamura M, D’Andrea G, Angelini E, Tortorelli FMP, Balzotti A, Porcelli P, Margaglione M, Brunetti ND, Cassano T, Bellomo A. Psychosomatic syndromes are associated with IL-6 pro-inflammatory cytokine in heart failure patients. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265282. [PMID: 35271674 PMCID: PMC8912235 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychosomatic syndromes have emerged as an important source of comorbidity in cardiac patients and have been associated with increased risk for adverse outcomes in patients with heart failure (HF). Understanding of the mechanisms underlying this connection is limited, however immune activity represents a possible pathway. While there have been numerous studies connecting immune activity to psychosomatic psychopathology, there is a lack of research on patients with HF. We examined forty-one consecutive outpatients affected by HF. We assessed psychosomatic psychopathology using the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) and the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15). The Psychosocial Index (PSI) was used for assessing stress and psychosocial dimensions. Depression was evaluated with Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II). Circulating levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-alpha were ascertained. Univariate and multivariable regression models were used to test for associations between inflammatory cytokines and psychosomatic psychopathology (i.e., DCPR syndromes, PHQ-15) and psychological dimensions (i.e., BDI-II, PSI). A significant positive correlation was found between IL-6 levels and psychosomatic psychopathology even when controlling for any confounding variables (i.e., Body-mass index (BMI), New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, smoking habits, alcohol consumption, statin use, aspirin use, beta blockers use, age, and gender). In contrast, the associations between TNF-alpha levels were non-significant. These findings can contribute to research in support of a psychoneuroimmune connection between psychosomatic psychopathology and HF. Findings also suggest the possibility that elevated IL-6 levels are more relevant for the pathogenesis of psychosomatic syndromes than for depression in patients with HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Altamura
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Giovanna D’Andrea
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Angelini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Angela Balzotti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Piero Porcelli
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, D’Annunzio University of Chieti–Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Maurizio Margaglione
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Natale D. Brunetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Cassano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonello Bellomo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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Liang HB, Dong L, Cui Y, Wu J, Tang W, Du X, Liu JR. Significant Structural Alterations and Functional Connectivity Alterations of Cerebellar Gray Matter in Patients With Somatic Symptom Disorder. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:816435. [PMID: 35350558 PMCID: PMC8957795 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.816435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Recent studies have revealed a strong association between the cerebellum and psychiatric disorders. However, the structural changes in the cerebellar regions and functional connectivity (FC) patterns in patients with somatic symptom disorder (SSD) have not been elucidated. Methods Thirty-seven patients with SSD (29 drug-naive and 8 medicated patients) and 37 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans. The spatially unbiased infratentorial (SUIT) cerebellar atlas-based voxel-based morphometry was used to investigate the changes in cerebellar regional gray matter (GM). Seed-based FC was further computed to explore the pattern of abnormal FC across the whole brain. Correlations were calculated to investigate the relationship between cerebellar structural (and FC) changes and clinical characteristics. Results After controlling for age, sex, total intracranial volume, medication, and mean FD covariates, all patients with SSD had increased mean GM volume (GMV) in the posterior lobules of the cerebellum bilaterally when compared with HCs, specifically, in the bilateral cerebellar crura I and II. Patients with SSD showed significantly stronger FC between the right crura I and II and bilateral precuneus inferior parietal region, and postcentral gyrus, extending to the superior parietal lobe, cingulate gyrus, and the white matter subgyral. In addition to the two clusters, right lingual gyrus was also a surviving cluster with significantly higher FC. Partial correlation analysis revealed that the degree of regional GMV increases in the two significant clusters and the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) score was negatively correlated. Moreover, the FC of right crura I and II with the left parietal lobe and right lingual gyrus were also negatively associated with the HAMD score. Conclusions SSD exhibited significant microstructural changes and changes in FC pattern in the posterior cerebellar lobe. These results shed new light on the psychological and neural substrates of SSD and may serve as a potential treatment target for SSD based on the cerebellar area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai-Bin Liang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liao Dong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, Department of Physics, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yangyang Cui
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, Department of Physics, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Tang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, Department of Physics, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxia Du
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance, Department of Physics, School of Physics and Electronic Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoxia Du,
| | - Jian-Ren Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Jian-Ren Liu,
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Cao M, Zhu Y, Chen Y, Jing J. Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Symptom Complaints among School-Aged Children: A National Longitudinal Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:406. [PMID: 35276766 PMCID: PMC8839686 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) and symptom complaints among school-aged children remains unclear. Children aged 6−17 years (n = 29,028) were recruited on the basis of a national school-based study. Data collection included two waves: the exposure was the amount and frequency of SSB consumption, collected in the 2013 autumn semester, and outcomes were defined as having clinical symptom complaints after two weeks of observation, collected in the 2014 spring semester. Symptom complaints were defined as fever, cough, headache, loose bowels, vomiting, sore throat, rash, conjunctival congestion, and stomachache. The associations between the amount/frequency of SSBs and symptoms complaints were explored by a general linear model, with adjustments made for socio-demographic and other lifestyle information. Among the 12,454 children (10.32 ± 3.15 years, 48.7% male) in the final analysis, the odds ratio for having symptom complaints (1.46, 95% CI: 1.10−1.95) among children whose SSB consumption was >75 mL/day was significantly higher than that among children who had no SSB consumption. Among children with a daily SSB intake of more than 75 mL, there was a higher risk for symptom complaints. We recommend more support for decreasing SSB consumption among children to minimize negative health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jin Jing
- Maternal and Child Health Department, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; (M.C.); (Y.Z.); (Y.C.)
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van der Feltz-Cornelis C, Brabyn S, Ratcliff J, Varley D, Allgar V, Gilbody S, Clarke C, Lagos D. Assessment of cytokines, microRNA and patient related outcome measures in conversion disorder/functional neurological disorder (CD/FND): The CANDO clinical feasibility study. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 13:100228. [PMID: 34589743 PMCID: PMC8474571 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Conversion disorder/functional neurological disorder (CD/FND) occurs often in neurological settings and can lead to long-term distress, disability and demand on health care services. Systemic low-grade inflammation might play a role, however, the pathogenic mechanism is still unknown. AIM 1) To explore the feasibility to establish and assess a cohort of CD/FND with motor symptoms, involving persons with lived experience (PPI). 2) To generate proof of concept regarding a possible role for cytokines, microRNA, cortisol levels and neurocognitive symptoms in patients with motor CD/FND. METHOD Feasibility study. RESULTS The study showed active involvement of patients despite high clinical illness burden and disability, neurocognitive symptoms, childhood adverse experiences (ACE) and current life events. The study provided valuable knowledge regarding the feasibility of conducting a study in these patients that will inform future study phases. In the sample there were elevated levels of IL6, IL12, IL17A, IFNg, TNFa and VEGF-a, suggesting systemic low-grade inflammation. Also, microRNAs involved in inflammation and vascular inflammation were correlated with TNFa and VEGFa respectively, suggesting proof of concept for an epigenetic mechanism. Owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, the patient sample was limited to 15 patients. CONCLUSION It is a novelty that this study is conducted in the clinical setting. This innovative, translational study explores stress-related SLI in CD/FND patients and the feasibility of a larger project aiming to develop new treatments for this vulnerable population. Given the positive findings, there is scope to conduct further research into the mechanism of disease in CD/FND.
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