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Mikhailova SV, Ivanoshchuk DE, Orlov PS, Bairqdar A, Anisimenko MS, Denisova DV. Assessment of the Genetic Characteristics of a Generation Born during a Long-Term Socioeconomic Crisis. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:2064. [PMID: 38003007 PMCID: PMC10671057 DOI: 10.3390/genes14112064] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A socioeconomic crisis in Russia lasted from 1991 to 1998 and was accompanied by a sharp drop in the birth rate. The main factor that influenced the refusal to have children during this period is thought to be prolonged social stress. METHODS comparing frequencies of common gene variants associated with stress-induced diseases among generations born before, after, and during this crisis may show which genes may be preferred under the pressure of natural selection during periods of increased social stress in urban populations. RESULTS In the "crisis" group, a statistically significant difference from the other two groups was found in rs6557168 frequency (p = 0.001); rs4522666 was not in the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in this group, although its frequency did not show a significant difference from the other groups (p = 0.118). Frequencies of VNTRs in SLC6A3 and MAOA as well as common variants rs17689918 in CRHR1, rs1360780 in FKBP5, rs53576 in OXTR, rs12720071 and rs806377 in CNR1, rs4311 in ACE, rs1800497 in ANKK1, and rs7412 and rs429358 in APOE did not differ among the groups. CONCLUSIONS a generation born during a period of prolonged destructive events may differ from the rest of the gene pool of the population in some variants associated with personality traits or stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana V. Mikhailova
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.E.I.); (P.S.O.); (A.B.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Dinara E. Ivanoshchuk
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.E.I.); (P.S.O.); (A.B.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Pavel S. Orlov
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.E.I.); (P.S.O.); (A.B.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Ahmad Bairqdar
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.E.I.); (P.S.O.); (A.B.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Maksim S. Anisimenko
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences (ICG SB RAS), 10 Prospekt Ak. Lavrentyeva, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (D.E.I.); (P.S.O.); (A.B.); (M.S.A.)
| | - Diana V. Denisova
- Institute of Internal and Preventive Medicine—Branch of ICG SB RAS, 175/1 Borisa Bogatkova Str., 630089 Novosibirsk, Russia
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Gong P, Zhang J, Liu J, He L, Guo W. Bright side of the MAOA-uVNTR on trait and situational forgiveness. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 151:106057. [PMID: 36801655 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106057] [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: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The stress-and-coping theory of forgiveness posits that forgiveness and aggression are alternative ways of coping with stress of interpersonal offences. Inspired by the link between aggression and MAOA-uVNTR (a genetic variant involving in catabolism of monoamines), we investigated the relationship between this variant and forgiveness with two studies. Study 1 examined the relationship between the MAOA-uVNTR and trait forgiveness in students, and study 2 examined the effect of this variant on third-party forgiveness in response to situational offences in male inmates. The results showed that the MAOA-H (a high activity allele) was associated with higher trait forgiveness in male students and greater third-party forgiveness to accidentally committed harm and attempted but failed harm in male inmates than the MAOA-L. These findings highlight the bright side of MAOA-uVNTR on trait and situational forgiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingyuan Gong
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; College of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Institute of Population and Health, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China; Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of Education, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China.
| | - Jieting Zhang
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jinting Liu
- School of Psychology, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - LinLin He
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
| | - Wenxuan Guo
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an 710069, China
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3
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Sun X, Ming Q, Zhong X, Dong D, Li C, Xiong G, Cheng C, Cao W, He J, Wang X, Yi J, Yao S. The MAOA Gene Influences the Neural Response to Psychosocial Stress in the Human Brain. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:65. [PMID: 32499684 PMCID: PMC7243356 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The stress response is regulated by many mechanisms. Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) has been related to many mental illnesses. However, few studies have explored the relationship between MAOA and acute laboratory-induced psychosocial stress with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). In the current study, the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST) and fMRI were used to investigate how MAOA influences the stress response. Increased cortisol concentrations were observed after the task; functional connectivity between the bilateral anterior hippocampus and other brain regions was reduced during stress. MAOA-H allele carriers showed greater deactivation of the right anterior hippocampus and greater cortisol response after stress than did MAOH-L allele carriers. Hippocampal deactivation may lead to disinhibition of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the initiation of stress hormone release under stress. Our results suggest that the MAOA gene regulates the stress response by influencing the right anterior hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Sun
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Qingsen Ming
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sochoow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xue Zhong
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Daifeng Dong
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Chuting Li
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Xiong
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Chang Cheng
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Wanyi Cao
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Jiayue He
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Jinyao Yi
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
| | - Shuqiao Yao
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Changsha, China
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4
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M. Nilsen F, Frank J, S. Tulve N. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Investigating the Relationship between Exposures to Chemical and Non-Chemical Stressors during Prenatal Development and Childhood Externalizing Behaviors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17072361. [PMID: 32244397 PMCID: PMC7177257 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17072361] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Childhood behavioral outcomes have been linked to low quality intrauterine environments caused by prenatal exposures to both chemical and non-chemical stressors. The effect(s) from the many stressors a child can be prenatally exposed to may be influenced by complex interactive relationships that are just beginning to be understood. Chemical stressors influence behavioral outcomes by affecting the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) enzyme, which is involved in serotonin metabolism and the neuroendocrine response to stress. Non-chemical stressors, particularly those associated with violence, have been shown to influence and exacerbate the externalizing behavioral outcomes associated with low MAOA activity and slowed serotonin metabolism. The adverse developmental effects associated with high stress and maternal drug use during pregnancy are well documented. However, research examining the combined effects of other non-chemical and chemical stressors on development and childhood outcomes as a result of gestational exposures is scarce but is an expanding field. In this systematic review, we examined the extant literature to explore the interrelationships between exposures to chemical and non-chemical stressors (specifically stressful/traumatic experiences), MAOA characteristics, and childhood externalizing behaviors. We observed that exposures to chemical stressors (recreational drugs and environmental chemicals) are significantly related to externalizing behavioral outcomes in children. We also observed that existing literature examining the interactions between MAOA characteristics, exposures to chemical stressors, and traumatic experiences and their effects on behavioral outcomes is sparse. We propose that maternal stress and cortisol fluctuations during pregnancy may be an avenue to link these concepts. We recommend that future studies investigating childhood behaviors include chemical and non-chemical stressors as well as children’s inherent genetic characteristics to gain a holistic understanding of the relationship between prenatal exposures and childhood behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances M. Nilsen
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 109 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Jessica Frank
- Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 109 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
| | - Nicolle S. Tulve
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, 109 TW Alexander Dr., Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA;
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Bajgarova Z, Bajgar A. The relationships among MAOA, COMT Val158Met, and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms, newborn stress reactivity, and infant temperament. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01511. [PMID: 31884721 PMCID: PMC7010585 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1511] [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: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 11/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Variance in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity is considered to be one of the sources of differences in infant temperament. The cortisol enters into interactions with dopamine and serotonin, so it is expected that polymorphisms in genes coding monoamine metabolism influence both HPA axis reactivity and temperament. METHODS We therefore explore the relationship among 5-HTTLPR S/L, MAOA H/L, and COMT Val158Met polymorphisms, the stress reaction of newborn infants after a heel stick blood draw (measured by determining salivary cortisol at three time points), and temperament assessed at the age of 3 months using Rothbart's Infant Behavior Questionnaire-Revised (IBQ-R) with a sample of 84 infants. RESULTS The decrease in the salivary cortisol correlated with nine primary scales and all three secondary scales of IBQ-R. Children with a greater cortisol decrease were assessed as less susceptible to negative emotions, more extraverted, and more regulated. The polymorphisms that were observed were related both to the course of the stress reaction and to temperament. The 5-HTTLPR S allele was connected to higher scores for Negative Emotionality and lower scores for Orienting/Regulatory Capacity. The presence of the MAOA L allele predisposed its carriers to higher scores for Negative Emotionality, lower scores for Orienting/Regulatory Capacity, and a lower decrease in cortisol. The Met allele of COMT Val158Met polymorphism was connected to a higher Positive Affectivity/Surgency and Orienting/Regulatory Capacity and a greater cortisol decrease. CONCLUSIONS Contrary to previous studies referring mainly basal cortisol and its increase, the results of our study emphasize the importance of cortisol elimination in infant temperament. Another interesting finding was a higher cortisol increase, higher Distress to Limitations, Negative Emotionality, and Approach in MAOA LL homozygotes which are traditionally understood as more vulnerable toward early stress in developing later externalizing behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zdenka Bajgarova
- Department of Pedagogy and Psychology, Faculty of Education, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
| | - Adam Bajgar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic
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6
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Plieger T, Melchers M, Felten A, Lieser T, Meermann R, Reuter M. Moderator Effects of Life Stress on the Association between MAOA-uVNTR, Depression, and Burnout. Neuropsychobiology 2019; 78:86-94. [PMID: 30943524 DOI: 10.1159/000499085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serotonergic and noradrenergic systems have a strong impact on several affective disorders and are key targets for psychopharmacological therapy. With respect to pathogenesis, there is a growing body of evidence showing an influence of a promoter repeat polymorphism (MAOA-uVNTR) altering the expression rate of monoamine oxidase A. However, only a few studies investigate its influence on depression with only 2 of them considering the moderating effects of life stress. For burnout, there are no studies so far investigating the genetic basis. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to replicate an interaction effect of MAOA-uVNTR and life stress on depression, and extend these possible findings to the burnout syndrome. Especially, the latter one might help in understanding the underlying mechanisms of burnout and its association to depression. METHOD A total of n = 1,541 participants (n = 1,099 healthy controls, n = 442 inpatients with affective disorders) provided genetic samples and filled in self-report questionnaires measuring depression, burnout, and the extent of experienced stressful life events (SLEs). RESULTS A life stress x MAOA-uVNTR interaction on depression and burnout was observed in women suggesting that carriers of the high expressing allele (MAO-H) with many SLEs had the highest scores in both burnout and depression. In men, there was only a weak effect of MAOA-uVNTR on depression. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest a more pronounced reactivity to adverse environmental factors in carriers of the MAO-H allele. Especially the effect of life stress and MAOA-uVNTR on burnout should be independently replicated in the future as this is the first study showing this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Plieger
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany,
| | - Martin Melchers
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andrea Felten
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Lieser
- "Gezeiten Haus", Psychosomatic Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | - Rolf Meermann
- Medical Director MEDIAN Hospital Group, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Reuter
- Department of Psychology, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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7
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Perry LM, Goldstein-Piekarski AN, Williams LM. Sex differences modulating serotonergic polymorphisms implicated in the mechanistic pathways of risk for depression and related disorders. J Neurosci Res 2017; 95:737-762. [PMID: 27870440 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Despite consistent observations of sex differences in depression and related emotional disorders, we do not yet know how these sex differences modulate the effects of genetic polymorphisms implicated in risk for these disorders. This Mini-Review focuses on genetic polymorphisms of the serotonergic system to illustrate how sex differences might modulate the neurobiological pathways involved in the development of depression. We consider the interacting role of environmental factors such as early-life stress. Given limited current knowledge about this topic, we highlight methodological considerations, challenges, and guidelines for future research. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- LeeAnn M Perry
- Neurosciences Program, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Andrea N Goldstein-Piekarski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.,Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
| | - Leanne M Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.,Sierra-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
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8
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Liu Y, Chen X, Zhao S, Way N, Yoshikawa H, Zhang G, Liang Z, Zhang M, Ke X, Lu Z, Deng H. Interactions between MAOA gene polymorphism and maternal parenting in predicting externalizing and internalizing problems and social competence among Chinese children: Testing the genetic vulnerability and differential susceptibility models. INFANT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/icd.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yapeng Liu
- Nanjing Xiaozhuang University; Nanjing China
- Southeast University; Nanjing China
| | - Xinyin Chen
- University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Siman Zhao
- University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia PA USA
| | - Niobe Way
- New York University; New York NY USA
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9
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Allen AP, Curran EA, Duggan Á, Cryan JF, Chorcoráin AN, Dinan TG, Molloy DW, Kearney PM, Clarke G. A systematic review of the psychobiological burden of informal caregiving for patients with dementia: Focus on cognitive and biological markers of chronic stress. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 73:123-164. [PMID: 27986469 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As the physiological impact of chronic stress is difficult to study in humans, naturalistic stressors are invaluable sources of information in this area. This review systematically evaluates the research literature examining biomarkers of chronic stress, including neurocognition, in informal dementia caregivers. We identified 151 papers for inclusion in the final review, including papers examining differences between caregivers and controls as well as interventions aimed at counteracting the biological burden of chronic caregiving stress. Results indicate that cortisol was increased in caregivers in a majority of studies examining this biomarker. There was mixed evidence for differences in epinephrine, norepinephrine and other cardiovascular markers. There was a high level of heterogeneity in immune system measures. Caregivers performed more poorly on attention and executive functioning tests. There was mixed evidence for memory performance. Interventions to reduce stress improved cognition but had mixed effects on cortisol. Risk of bias was generally low to moderate. Given the rising need for family caregivers worldwide, the implications of these findings can no longer be neglected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Allen
- APC Microbiome Institute, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eileen A Curran
- The Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Áine Duggan
- School of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Institute, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy & Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Aoife Ní Chorcoráin
- Centre for Gerontology & Rehabilitation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- APC Microbiome Institute, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - D William Molloy
- Centre for Gerontology & Rehabilitation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Patricia M Kearney
- The Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Institute, Biosciences Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry & Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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10
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Godar SC, Fite PJ, McFarlin KM, Bortolato M. The role of monoamine oxidase A in aggression: Current translational developments and future challenges. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 69:90-100. [PMID: 26776902 PMCID: PMC4865459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Drawing upon the recent resurgence of biological criminology, several studies have highlighted a critical role for genetic factors in the ontogeny of antisocial and violent conduct. In particular, converging lines of evidence have documented that these maladaptive manifestations of aggression are influenced by monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), the enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of brain serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. The interest on the link between MAOA and aggression was originally sparked by Han Brunner's discovery of a syndrome characterized by marked antisocial behaviors in male carriers of a nonsense mutation of this gene. Subsequent studies showed that MAOA allelic variants associated with low enzyme activity moderate the impact of early-life maltreatment on aggression propensity. In spite of overwhelming evidence pointing to the relationship between MAOA and aggression, the neurobiological substrates of this link remain surprisingly elusive; very little is also known about the interventions that may reduce the severity of pathological aggression in genetically predisposed subjects. Animal models offer a unique experimental tool to investigate these issues; in particular, several lines of transgenic mice harboring total or partial loss-of-function Maoa mutations have been shown to recapitulate numerous psychological and neurofunctional endophenotypes observed in humans. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the link between MAOA and aggression; in particular, we will emphasize how an integrated translational strategy coordinating clinical and preclinical research may prove critical to elucidate important aspects of the pathophysiology of aggression, and identify potential targets for its diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Godar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA
| | - Paula J Fite
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA
| | - Kenneth M McFarlin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA.
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11
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Capistrant BD. Caregiving for Older Adults and the Caregivers’ Health: an Epidemiologic Review. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40471-016-0064-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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12
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Godar SC, Bortolato M, Richards SE, Li FG, Chen K, Wellman CL, Shih JC. Monoamine Oxidase A is Required for Rapid Dendritic Remodeling in Response to Stress. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 18:pyv035. [PMID: 25857821 PMCID: PMC4576521 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyv035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute stress triggers transient alterations in the synaptic release and metabolism of brain monoamine neurotransmitters. These rapid changes are essential to activate neuroplastic processes aimed at the appraisal of the stressor and enactment of commensurate defensive behaviors. Threat evaluation has been recently associated with the dendritic morphology of pyramidal cells in the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA); thus, we examined the rapid effects of restraint stress on anxiety-like behavior and dendritic morphology in the BLA and OFC of mice. Furthermore, we tested whether these processes may be affected by deficiency of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A), the primary enzyme catalyzing monoamine metabolism. METHODS Following a short-term (1-4h) restraint schedule, MAO-A knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were sacrificed, and histological analyses of dendrites in pyramidal neurons of the BLA and OFC of the animals were performed. Anxiety-like behaviors were examined in a separate cohort of animals subjected to the same experimental conditions. RESULTS In WT mice, short-term restraint stress significantly enhanced anxiety-like responses, as well as a time-dependent proliferation of apical (but not basilar) dendrites of the OFC neurons; conversely, a retraction in BLA dendrites was observed. None of these behavioral and morphological changes were observed in MAO-A KO mice. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that acute stress induces anxiety-like responses by affecting rapid dendritic remodeling in the pyramidal cells of OFC and BLA; furthermore, our data show that MAO-A and monoamine metabolism are required for these phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jean C Shih
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (Drs Godar, Chen, and Shih and Mr Li); Department of Cell and Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA (Dr Shih); Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS (Drs Godar and Bortolato); Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, (Drs Godar and Bortolato); Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN (Ms Richards and Dr Wellman)
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13
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Golub MS, Hogrefe CE. Fetal iron deficiency and genotype influence emotionality in infant rhesus monkeys. J Nutr 2015; 145:647-53. [PMID: 25733484 PMCID: PMC4336538 DOI: 10.3945/jn.114.201798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anemia during the third trimester of fetal development affects one-third of the pregnancies in the United States and has been associated with postnatal behavioral outcomes. This study examines how fetal iron deficiency (ID) interacts with the fetal monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genotype. MAOA metabolizes monoamine neurotransmitters. MAOA polymorphisms in humans affect temperament and modify the influence of early adverse environments on later behavior. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to advance translation of developmental ID research in animal models by taking into account genetic factors that influence outcomes in human populations. METHODS Male infant rhesus monkeys 3-4 mo old born to mothers fed an ID (10 ppm iron) diet were compared with controls (100 ppm iron). Infant monkeys with high- or low-transcription rate MAOA polymorphisms were equally distributed between diet groups. Behavioral responses to a series of structured experiences were recorded during a 25-h separation of the infants from their mothers. RESULTS Infant monkeys with low-transcription MAOA polymorphisms more clearly demonstrated the following ID effects suggested in earlier studies: a 4% smaller head circumference, a 39% lower cortisol response to social separation, a 129% longer engagement with novel visual stimuli, and 33% lesser withdrawal in response to a human intruder. The high MAOA genotype ID monkeys demonstrated other ID effects: less withdrawal and emotionality after social separation and lower "fearful" ratings. CONCLUSION MAOA × ID interactions support the role of monoamine neurotransmitters in prenatal ID effects in rhesus monkeys and the potential involvement of common human polymorphisms in determining the pattern of neurobehavioral effects produced by inadequate prenatal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Casey E Hogrefe
- California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA
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González-Tapia MI, Obsuth I. "Bad genes" & criminal responsibility. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LAW AND PSYCHIATRY 2015; 39:60-71. [PMID: 25708001 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijlp.2015.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The genetics of the accused is trying to break into the courts. To date several candidate genes have been put forward and their links to antisocial behavior have been examined and documented with some consistency. In this paper, we focus on the so called "warrior gene", or the low-activity allele of the MAOA gene, which has been most consistently related to human behavior and specifically to violence and antisocial behavior. In preparing this paper we had two objectives. First, to summarize and analyze the current scientific evidence, in order to gain an in depth understanding of the state of the issue and determine whether a dominant line of generally accepted scientific knowledge in this field can be asserted. Second, to derive conclusions and put forward recommendations related to the use of genetic information, specifically the presence of the low-activity genotype of the MAOA gene, in modulation of criminal responsibility in European and US courts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ingrid Obsuth
- Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
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15
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Khalaila R, Cohen M, Zidan J. Is salivary pH a marker of depression among older spousal caregivers for cancer patients? Behav Med 2014; 40:71-80. [PMID: 24261451 DOI: 10.1080/08964289.2013.861794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The pH in saliva, which decreases due to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, may serve as a biomarker of psychological distress in caregivers but has rarely been studied in this context. The aims are to examine the levels of salivary pH as a possible biomarker of depression among caregivers and whether depression mediates the association between caregiving status (cancer caregivers vs. non-cancer caregivers) and pH levels. Cross-sectional data were collected from 68 consecutive-sampled spouses of cancer patients, and 42 age-matched individuals. Lower levels of pH saliva were found among caregivers of cancer patients than in the comparison group. Being a caregiver, poor subjective health, higher depression, and lower mastery predicted lower pH levels. In addition, depression mediated the associations of mastery with pH levels. The study provides preliminary evidence that salivary pH may serve as an easily tested indicator of the stress of caregiving and its related depression.
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Kwon HJ, Jin HJ, Lim MH. Association between monoamine oxidase gene polymorphisms and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in Korean children. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2014; 18:505-9. [PMID: 24977324 DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2014.0066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder of the school-age population. ADHD is familial and genetic studies estimate heritability at 80-90%. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between the genetic type and alleles for the monoamine oxidase (MAO) gene in Korean children with ADHD. The sample consisted of 180 ADHD children and 159 control children. We diagnosed ADHD according to DSM-IV. ADHD symptoms were evaluated with Conners' Parent Rating Scales and Dupaul Parent ADHD Rating Scales. Blood samples were taken from the 339 subjects, DNA was extracted from blood lymphocytes, and polymerase chain reaction was performed for MAO polymorphism. Allele and genotype frequencies were compared using the chi-square test. We compared the allele and genotype frequencies of MAO gene polymorphism in the ADHD and control groups. This study showed that there was a significant correlation among the frequencies of the rs5906883 (odds ratio [OR]=1.47, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.08-2.00, p=0.014) and the rs3027407 (OR=1.41, 95% CI=1.03-1.91, p=0.029) alleles of MAO, but the final conclusions are not definite. Follow-up studies with larger patient or pure subgroups are expected. These results suggested that MAO might be related to ADHD symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Jang Kwon
- 1 Environmental Health Center, Dankook Medical Hospital , Cheonan, South Korea
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17
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Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS): molecular neurogenetic evidence for predisposition to Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS). Mol Neurobiol 2014; 50:765-96. [PMID: 24878765 PMCID: PMC4225054 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-014-8726-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We have published extensively on the neurogenetics of brain reward systems with reference to the genes related to dopaminergic function in particular. In 1996, we coined “Reward Deficiency Syndrome” (RDS), to portray behaviors found to have gene-based association with hypodopaminergic function. RDS as a useful concept has been embraced in many subsequent studies, to increase our understanding of Substance Use Disorder (SUD), addictions, and other obsessive, compulsive, and impulsive behaviors. Interestingly, albeit others, in one published study, we were able to describe lifetime RDS behaviors in a recovering addict (17 years sober) blindly by assessing resultant Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS™) data only. We hypothesize that genetic testing at an early age may be an effective preventive strategy to reduce or eliminate pathological substance and behavioral seeking activity. Here, we consider a select number of genes, their polymorphisms, and associated risks for RDS whereby, utilizing GWAS, there is evidence for convergence to reward candidate genes. The evidence presented serves as a plausible brain-print providing relevant genetic information that will reinforce targeted therapies, to improve recovery and prevent relapse on an individualized basis. The primary driver of RDS is a hypodopaminergic trait (genes) as well as epigenetic states (methylation and deacetylation on chromatin structure). We now have entered a new era in addiction medicine that embraces the neuroscience of addiction and RDS as a pathological condition in brain reward circuitry that calls for appropriate evidence-based therapy and early genetic diagnosis and that requires further intensive investigation.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic stress negatively affects health and well-being. A growing population of informal dementia caregivers experience chronic stress associated with extraordinary demands of caring for a relative with dementia. This review summarizes physiological and functional changes due to chronic dementia caregiver stress. METHODS A literature search for papers assessing effects of dementia caregiving was conducted focusing on publications evaluating differences between caregivers and non-caregivers in objective measures of health and cognition. RESULTS The review identified 37 studies describing data from 4,145 participants including 749 dementia caregivers and 3,396 non-caregiver peers. Objective outcome measures affected in dementia caregivers included markers of dyscoagulation, inflammation, and cell aging as well as measures of immune function, sleep, and cognition. Though diverse in designs, samples, and study quality, the majority of the studies indicated increased vulnerability of dementia caregivers to detrimental changes in health and cognition. Demographic and personality characteristics moderating or mediating effects of chronic stress in caregivers were also reviewed. CONCLUSIONS There is accumulating evidence that chronic dementia caregiver stress increases their vulnerability to disease and diminishes their ability to provide optimal care. Clinicians and society need to appreciate the extent of deleterious effects of chronic stress on dementia caregiver health.
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Association study between monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene polymorphisms and schizophrenia: lack of association with schizophrenia and possible association with affective disturbances of schizophrenia. Mol Biol Rep 2014; 41:3457-64. [PMID: 24510409 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-014-3207-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) catalyzes monoamine neurotransmitters including dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT, serotonin), and norepinephrine. MAOA also plays a key role in emotional regulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between the exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MAOA gene located on the X chromosome and schizophrenia. We also analyzed the relationships between these SNPs and the common clinical symptoms of schizophrenia such as persecutory delusion, auditory hallucinations, affective disturbances, and poor concentration. Two hundred seventy five Korean schizophrenia patients and 289 control subjects were recruited. Three SNPs [rs6323 (Arg294Arg), rs1137070 (Asp470Asp), and rs3027407 (3'-untranslated region)] of the MAOA gene were selected and genotyped by direct sequencing. The common clinical symptoms of schizophrenia according to the Operation Criteria Checklist were analyzed. Three examined SNPs showed no associations with male and female schizophrenia, respectively (p>0.05). In the analysis of the common clinical symptoms of schizophrenia patients, three examined SNPs were associated with affective disturbances, especially restricted affect and blunted affect in male schizophrenia, respectively (restricted affect, p=0.002, OR=2.71, 95% CI 1.45-5.00; blunted affect, p=0.009, OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.22-4.12). The SNPs were not associated with other clinical symptoms of schizophrenia (persecutory delusion, auditory hallucinations, and poor concentration). These results suggest that exonic SNPs (rs6323, rs1137070, and rs3027407) of the MAOA gene may be contributed to affective disturbances of Korean males schizophrenia, especially restricted affect and blunted affect.
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Kang S, Marks NF. Filial Caregiving is Associated with Greater Neuroendocrine Dysfunction: Evidence from the 2005 National Survey of Midlife in the U.S. SAGE Open Med 2014; 2. [PMID: 25309742 PMCID: PMC4190673 DOI: 10.1177/2050312113520152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: This study examined associations between providing caregiving for a biological or adoptive parent and clinically assessed biological risk factors (allostatic load and its three subscales—inflammatory dysfunction, metabolic dysfunction, and neuroendocrine dysfunction), as well as moderation of these associations by gender. Methods: Regression models were estimated using telephone and self-report data from 962 men and women who participated in the National Survey of Midlife in the United States in 2005. Results: Filial caregivers demonstrated higher levels of neuroendocrine dysfunction. No gender difference in biological risks was found. Discussion: Filial caregiving is the most prevalent form of family caregiving, and results indicating the presence of greater neuroendocrine dysfunction among filial caregivers in contrast to noncaregivers suggest an important public health concern. Future research needs to continue to examine different relationship types of caregivers and include a range of biological risk measurement to further the understanding of how family caregiving is linked to biological health risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- SunWoo Kang
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, South Dakota State University
| | - Nadine F Marks
- Human Development and Family Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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21
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE A functional promoter polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene has been implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders and also moderates the association between early-life stress and mental disorders, which often co-occur with cardiovascular disease. No study has examined the relationship between MAOA genotype, childhood trauma, and subclinical atherosclerosis. The objective of this investigation was to examine whether childhood trauma moderates the association between MAOA genotype and subclinical atherosclerosis. METHODS A sample including 289 middle-aged male twin pairs was studied. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) using ultrasound. Childhood trauma, before age 18 years, was measured with the Early Trauma Inventory and included physical, emotional, and sexual abuse as well as general trauma. Generalized estimating equation models were used to test the main and interactive effects of the MAOA genotype and each domain of childhood trauma on FMD, adjusting for known risk factors. RESULTS General trauma was the most prevalent childhood trauma (28.4%), followed by physical abuse (25.0%), emotional abuse (19.4%), and sexual abuse (11.6%). MAOA genotype was not associated with any domain of childhood trauma. There was no significant evidence for a main effect for the MAOA genotype (β = .02, p = .82) or childhood trauma (.005 < β < .10, p > .54) FMD. However, a significant interaction was observed between MAOA genotype and physical (β interaction = .37, p = .026) or emotional abuse (β interaction = .43, p = .025) on subclinical atherosclerosis. CONCLUSIONS Childhood trauma modulates the impact of MAOA variant on subclinical atherosclerosis, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
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Shahly V, Chatterji S, Gruber MJ, Al-Hamzawi A, Alonso J, Andrade LH, Angermeyer MC, Bruffaerts R, Bunting B, Caldas-de-Almeida JM, de Girolamo G, de Jonge P, Florescu S, Gureje O, Haro JM, Hinkov HR, Hu C, Karam EG, Lépine JP, Levinson D, Medina-Mora ME, Posada-Villa J, Sampson NA, Trivedi J, Viana MC, Kessler RC. Cross-national differences in the prevalence and correlates of burden among older family caregivers in the World Health Organization World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys. Psychol Med 2013; 43:865-879. [PMID: 22877824 PMCID: PMC4045502 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291712001468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current trends in population aging affect both recipients and providers of informal family caregiving, as the pool of family caregivers is shrinking while demand is increasing. Epidemiological research has not yet examined the implications of these trends for burdens experienced by aging family caregivers. Method Cross-sectional community surveys in 20 countries asked 13 892 respondents aged 50+ years about the objective (time, financial) and subjective (distress, embarrassment) burdens they experience in providing care to first-degree relatives with 12 broadly defined serious physical and mental conditions. Differential burden was examined by country income category, kinship status and type of condition. RESULTS Among the 26.9-42.5% respondents in high-, upper-middle-, and low-/lower-middle-income countries reporting serious relative health conditions, 35.7-42.5% reported burden. Of those, 25.2-29.0% spent time and 13.5-19.4% money, while 24.4-30.6% felt distress and 6.4-21.7% embarrassment. Mean caregiving hours per week in those giving any time were 16.6-23.6 (169.9-205.8 h/week per 100 people aged 50+ years). Burden in low-/lower-middle-income countries was 2- to 3-fold higher than in higher-income countries, with any financial burden averaging 14.3% of median family income in high-, 17.7% in upper-middle-, and 39.8% in low-/lower-middle-income countries. Higher burden was reported by women than men and for conditions of spouses and children than parents or siblings. CONCLUSIONS Uncompensated family caregiving is an important societal asset that offsets rising formal healthcare costs. However, the substantial burdens experienced by aging caregivers across multiple family health conditions and geographic regions threaten the continued integrity of their caregiving capacity. Initiatives supporting older family caregivers are consequently needed, especially in low-/lower-middle-income countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- V. Shahly
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - M. J. Gruber
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - A. Al-Hamzawi
- Al-Qadisia University College of Medicine, Diwania Teaching Hospital, Diwania, Iraq
| | - J. Alonso
- Health Services Research Unit, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Research Institute), and CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - L. H. Andrade
- Section of Psychiatric Epidemiology, Sãu Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - R. Bruffaerts
- Universitair Psychiatrisch Centrum – Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (UPC-KUL), Leuven, Belgium
| | - B. Bunting
- University of Ulster, Londonderry, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - J. M. Caldas-de-Almeida
- Chronic Diseases Research Center (CEDOC) and Department of Mental Health, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Campo dos Mártires da Pátria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - G. de Girolamo
- IRCCS Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - P. de Jonge
- University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - S. Florescu
- National School of Public Health Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - O. Gureje
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ibadan, College of Medicine, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - J. M. Haro
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - H. R. Hinkov
- National Center for Public Health Protection, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - C. Hu
- Shenzhen Institute of Mental Health & Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - E. G. Karam
- Institute for Development, Research, Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), St. George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - J.-P. Lépine
- Hôpital Lariboisiére Fernand Widal, Paris, France
| | - D. Levinson
- Research and Planning, Mental Health Services, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - M. E. Medina-Mora
- Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria Ramon de La Fuente Muñiz, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - N. A. Sampson
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J.K. Trivedi
- Department of Psychiatry, C.S.M. Medical University, Lucknow, India
| | - M. C. Viana
- Department of Social Medicine, Center for Health Sciences, Vitória, Spain
| | - R. C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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23
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The role of the serotonergic system at the interface of aggression and suicide. Neuroscience 2013; 236:160-85. [PMID: 23333677 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2012] [Revised: 01/01/2013] [Accepted: 01/05/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in serotonin (5-HT) neurochemistry have been implicated in the aetiology of all major neuropsychiatric disorders, ranging from schizophrenia to mood and anxiety-spectrum disorders. This review will focus on the multifaceted implications of 5-HT-ergic dysfunctions in the pathophysiology of aggressive and suicidal behaviours. After a brief overview of the anatomical distribution of the 5-HT-ergic system in the key brain areas that govern aggression and suicidal behaviours, the implication of 5-HT markers (5-HT receptors, transporter as well as synthetic and metabolic enzymes) in these conditions is discussed. In this regard, particular emphasis is placed on the integration of pharmacological and genetic evidence from animal studies with the findings of human experimental and genetic association studies. Traditional views postulated an inverse relationship between 5-HT and aggression and suicidal behaviours; however, ample evidence has shown that this perspective may be overly simplistic, and that such pathological manifestations may reflect alterations in 5-HT homoeostasis due to the interaction of genetic, environmental and gender-related factors, particularly during early critical developmental stages. The development of animal models that may capture the complexity of such interactions promises to afford a powerful tool to elucidate the pathophysiology of impulsive aggression and suicidability, and identify new effective therapies for these conditions.
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Ferguson B, Hunter JE, Luty J, Street SL, Woodall A, Grant KA. Genetic load is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation in macaques. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2012; 11:949-57. [PMID: 22998353 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2012.00856.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Revised: 08/24/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis pathway is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia and alcohol abuse. Studies have demonstrated an association between HPA axis dysfunction and gene variants within the cortisol, serotonin and opioid signaling pathways. We characterized polymorphisms in genes linked to these three neurotransmitter pathways and tested their potential interactions with HPA axis activity, as measured by dexamethasone (DEX) suppression response. We determined the percent DEX suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol in 62 unrelated, male rhesus macaques. While DEX suppression of cortisol was robust amongst 87% of the subjects, ACTH suppression levels were broadly distributed from -21% to 66%. Thirty-seven monkeys from the high and low ends of the ACTH suppression distribution (18 'high' and 19 'low' animals) were genotyped at selected polymorphisms in five unlinked genes (rhCRH, rhTPH2, rhMAOA, rhSLC6A4 and rhOPRM). Associations were identified between three variants (rhCRH-2610C>T, rhTPH2 2051A>C and rh5-HTTLPR) and level of DEX suppression of ACTH. In addition, a significant additive effect of the 'risk' genotypes from these three loci was detected, with an increasing number of 'risk' genotypes associated with a blunted ACTH response (P = 0.0009). These findings suggest that assessment of multiple risk alleles in serotonin and cortisol signaling pathway genes may better predict risk for HPA axis dysregulation and associated psychiatric disorders than the evaluation of single gene variants alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Ferguson
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - J E Hunter
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - J Luty
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - S L Street
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - A Woodall
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA
| | - K A Grant
- Division of Neurosciences, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Beaverton, OR, USA.,Behavioral Neurosciences Department, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA
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Abstract
Converging evidence shows that monoamine oxidase A (MAO A), the key enzyme catalyzing serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE) degradation, is a primary factor in the pathophysiology of antisocial and aggressive behavior. Accordingly, male MAO A-deficient humans and mice exhibit an extreme predisposition to aggressive outbursts in response to stress. As NMDARs regulate the emotional reactivity to social and environmental stimuli, we hypothesized their involvement in the modulation of aggression mediated by MAO A. In comparison with WT male mice, MAO A KO counterparts exhibited increases in 5-HT and NE levels across all brain regions, but no difference in glutamate concentrations and NMDAR binding. Notably, the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of MAO A KO mice exhibited higher expression of NR2A and NR2B, as well as lower levels of glycosylated NR1 subunits. In line with these changes, the current amplitude and decay time of NMDARs in PFC was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the currents of these receptors were hypersensitive to the action of the antagonists of the NMDAR complex (dizocilpine), as well as NR2A (PEAQX) and NR2B (Ro 25-6981) subunits. Notably, systemic administration of these agents selectively countered the enhanced aggression in MAO A KO mice, at doses that did not inherently affect motor activity. Our findings suggest that the role of MAO A in pathological aggression may be mediated by changes in NMDAR subunit composition in the PFC, and point to a critical function of this receptor in the molecular bases of antisocial personality.
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Thomas KS, Bower JE, Williamson TJ, Hoyt MA, Wellisch D, Stanton AL, Irwin M. Post-traumatic disorder symptoms and blunted diurnal cortisol production in partners of prostate cancer patients. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2012; 37:1181-90. [PMID: 22222119 PMCID: PMC3350754 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2011.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2011] [Revised: 12/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/11/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PC) is the most common cancer diagnosed in men, and research suggests that coping with this illness can cause significant distress in patients as well as their partners. This study examined the relationship of caregiving for a partner with PC with diurnal cortisol output in women between the ages of 42 and 75 years old. Participants were women whose partners had PC (n = 19) and women who were in relationships with men with no diagnosed medical illness (n = 26). Women provided saliva samples (4 times per day over 3 days) in their natural environment. The Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I Disorders was also conducted to assess for the presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression. Partners of men with PC had lower daily cortisol output across the three days than controls, F(1,444.08) = 20.72, p<.001). They were also more likely to report PTSD symptoms with 68.4% of PC partners fulfilling criteria for sub-threshold PTSD as compared to 23.1% of controls (χ(2) = 11.30, p = .01). Mixed model analyses revealed that the presence of sub-threshold PTSD symptoms significantly predicted cortisol production, F(1,419.64) = 5.10, p<.01). Regardless of caregiver status, women who reported at least sub-threshold PTSD symptoms had lower cortisol production than those with no PTSD symptoms. Major depression did not explain differences in cortisol production between partners of PC patients and controls. Although these findings are preliminary, they highlight the importance of developing interventions aimed at reducing risk of psychopathology in partners of men with PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamala S Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Pitzer College, Claremont University Consortium, Claremont 91711, USA.
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Social deficits and perseverative behaviors, but not overt aggression, in MAO-A hypomorphic mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2011; 36:2674-88. [PMID: 21832987 PMCID: PMC3230491 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2011.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase (MAO)-A is a key enzyme for the degradation of brain serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and norepinephrine (NE). In humans and mice, total MAO-A deficiency results in high 5-HT and NE levels, as well as elevated reactive aggression. Here we report the generation of MAO-A(Neo) mice, a novel line of hypomorphic MAO-A mutants featuring the insertion of a floxed neomycin-resistance cassette in intron-12 of the Maoa gene. This construct resulted in a chimeric, non-functional variant of the Maoa-Neo transcript, with a truncated C-terminus, likely due to aberrant splicing; these deficits notwithstanding, small amounts of functional Maoa transcript were found in the brain of MAO-A(Neo) mice. In the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, MAO-A(Neo) mice showed low, yet detectable, MAO-A catalytic activity, as well as 5-HT levels equivalent to WT littermates; conversely, the hippocampus and midbrain of MAO-A(Neo) mice featured a neurochemical profile akin to MAO-A-knockout (KO) mice, with undetectable MAO-A activity and high 5-HT concentrations. MAO-A(Neo) mice showed significant increases in dendritic length in the pyramidal neurons of orbitofrontal cortex, but not basolateral amygdala, in comparison with WT littermates; by contrast, the orbitofrontal cortex of MAO-A KO mice showed significant reductions in basilar dendritic length, as well as a profound increase in apical dendritic length. MAO-A(Neo) mice showed a unique set of behavioral abnormalities, encompassing reduced open-field locomotion, perseverative responses, such as marble burying and water mist-induced grooming, and a lack of anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus-maze and light-dark box paradigms. Notably, whereas MAO-A(Neo) and KO mice showed significant reductions in social interaction, only the latter genotype showed increases in resident-intruder aggression. Taken together, our findings indicate that MAO A hypomorphism results in behavioral and morphological alterations distinct from those featured by MAO-A KO mice.
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Abstract
Rich evidence indicates that monoamine oxidase (MAO) A, the major enzyme catalysing the degradation of monoamine neurotransmitters, plays a key role in emotional regulation. Although MAOA deficiency is associated with reactive aggression in humans and mice, the involvement of this enzyme in defensive behaviour remains controversial and poorly understood. To address this issue, we tested MAOA knockout (KO) mice in a spectrum of paradigms and settings associated with variable degrees of threat. The presentation of novel inanimate objects induced a significant reduction in exploratory approaches and increase in defensive behaviours, such as tail-rattling, biting and digging. These neophobic responses were context-dependent and particularly marked in the home cage. In the elevated plus- and T-mazes, MAOA KO mice and wild-type (WT) littermates displayed equivalent locomotor activity and time in closed and open arms; however, MAOA KO mice featured significant reductions in risk assessment, as well as unconditioned avoidance and escape. No differences between genotypes were observed in the defensive withdrawal and emergence test. Conversely, MAOA KO mice exhibited a dramatic reduction of defensive and fear-related behaviours in the presence of predator-related cues, such as predator urine or an anaesthetized rat, in comparison with those observed in their WT littermates. The behavioural abnormalities in MAOA KO mice were not paralleled by overt alterations in sensory and microvibrissal functions. Collectively, these results suggest that MAOA deficiency leads to a general inability to appropriately assess contextual risk and attune defensive and emotional responses to environmental cues.
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Cohen IL, Liu X, Lewis MES, Chudley A, Forster-Gibson C, Gonzalez M, Jenkins EC, Brown WT, Holden JJA. Autism severity is associated with child and maternal MAOA genotypes. Clin Genet 2011; 79:355-62. [PMID: 20573161 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0004.2010.01471.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Autism severity is associated with child and maternal MAOA genotypes. We replicated and extended a previously reported association between autism severity and a functional polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) promoter region, MAOA-uVNTR, in a sample of 119 males, aged 2-13 years, with autism spectrum disorder from simplex families. We demonstrated that (i) boys with the low activity 3-repeat MAOA allele had more severe sensory behaviors, arousal regulation problems, and aggression, and worse social communication skills than males with the high activity allele; and (ii) problems with aggression, as well as with fears and rituals, were modified by the mothers' genotype. Boys with the 4-repeat high activity allele who had homozygous 4-repeat mothers showed increased severity of these behaviors relative to those born to heterozygous mothers. These findings indicate the importance of considering maternal genotype in examining associations of MAOA and other genes with behavior in male offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- I L Cohen
- Department of Psychology, NYS Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 1050 Forest Hill Road, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
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Bella GP, Garcia MC, Spadari-Bratfisch RC. Salivary cortisol, stress, and health in primary caregivers (mothers) of children with cerebral palsy. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2011; 36:834-42. [PMID: 21146316 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2010.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2010] [Revised: 11/12/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated level of salivary cortisol and perceived burden, stress and health of mothers and primary caregivers of children (4-11 years of age) with cerebral palsy (purpose group, n=37) and those for mothers of children of the same age without developmental problems (control group, n=38). Anthropometric and socioeconomic data were collected from the participants, who also completed the perceived stress questionnaire, the Burden Interview and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Cortisol level was assayed in saliva samples collected at various times in a single day and the area under the cortisol curve was then determined. Both groups presented low socioeconomic level and high, although equivalent, perceived stress index. However, the purpose group showed lower cortisol levels, as well as lower scores for many of the SF-36 domains related to physical well-being (physical functioning, role-physical, vitality, and general health) and social functioning. Nevertheless, bodily pain was also reported to be lower. For the control group, the area under the cortisol curve correlated negatively with mental health and social functioning. For the purpose group, where the burden is greater, no such correlation was found. It was concluded that mothers of healthy children leaving in unfavorable socioeconomic conditions face high levels of stress with the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis function preserved. However, to the mothers of children with cerebral palsy, who live in even worse socioeconomic conditions and also have the burden of caring for a disabled child, the level of stress was overwhelming, to an extent that it impaired the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis function, as well as reflecting negatively on certain aspects of their physical and psychological well-being. This must receive consideration during the treatment of the child, an approach which is in line with present day tendencies towards family-centered models of assistance to disabled children.
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Affiliation(s)
- G P Bella
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Santos, SP, Brazil
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31
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OHIRA HIDEKI. Modulation of stress reactivity in brain and body by serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism1. JAPANESE PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2011. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-5884.2011.00465.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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How much striving is too much? John Henryism active coping predicts worse daily cortisol responses for African American but not white female dementia family caregivers. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2011; 19:451-60. [PMID: 20808134 PMCID: PMC2998566 DOI: 10.1097/jgp.0b013e3181eaffa4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The John Henryism active coping (JHAC) hypothesis suggests that striving with life challenges predicts increased risk for cardiovascular disease for those with scarce coping resources. This study examined the moderating role of JHAC in the associations of 1) caregiver status and 2) care recipient functional status with diurnal salivary cortisol patterns among 30 African Americans (AAs) and 24 white female dementia caregivers and 63 noncaregivers (48 AAs). METHODS Caregiver participants completed the JHAC-12 scale, Activities of Daily Living (ADL) scale, and Revised Memory and Behavior Problem checklist (RMBPC) and collected five saliva samples daily (at awakening, 9 A.M., 12 P.M., 5 P.M., and 9 P.M.) for 2 successive days. RESULTS Univariate analysis of variance tests with mean diurnal cortisol slope as the outcome illustrated that among AA caregivers, higher JHAC scores were related to flatter (or more dysregulated) cortisol slopes. The JHAC by ADL and JHAC by RMBPC interactions were each significant for AA caregivers. Among AA caregivers who reported higher ADL and RMBPC scores, higher JHAC scores were associated with flatter cortisol slopes. CONCLUSIONS These findings extend recent studies by showing that being AA, a caregiver, and high in JHAC may elevate the risk for chronic disease, especially for those with higher patient ADL and behavioral problems. Thus, it is imperative that interventions appreciate the pernicious role of high-effort coping style, especially for AA caregivers, to minimize the stressful side effects of patient ADL and memory and behavioral problems for the caregiver.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To replicate a prior main effect of the serotonin transporter gene promoter (5HTTLPR) genotype on cardiovascular reactivity (CVR) and explore caregiver stress as a potential moderator of 5HTTLPR effects on CVR. On the basis of prior findings, we hypothesized that the more transcriptionally active allele variants would be associated with increased CVR. METHODS Expression of the serotonin transporter is affected by the genotype of the 5HTTLPR (S-short and L-long forms) as well as the genotype of the SNP rs25531 within this region. Based on the combined genotypes for these polymorphisms, we designated each allele as a Hi or Lo expressing allele according to expression levels-resulting in HiHi, HiLo, and LoLo groups. We examined the relationship between 5HTTLPR genotype and CVR in 164 caregivers and 158 noncaregivers. Main effects of 5HTTLPR on baseline adjusted blood pressure (systolic and diastolic blood pressures) and heart rate (HR) reactivity were examined, along with moderation by caregiving. RESULTS The 5HTTLPR × Caregiver Stress interaction moderated both systolic blood pressure (p < .02) and HR (p < .02) reactivity. In controls, the Hi activity allelic variants were associated with greater systolic blood pressure and HR reactivity as compared with the Lo activity variants. In caregivers, 5HTTLPR genotype was not associated with CVR. CONCLUSIONS Replication in this study's control group of our prior finding that 5HTTLPR alleles associated with Hi activity are associated with increased CVR to an emotion recall stressor strengthens the case that this association is real and could be partially responsible for the increased cardiovascular disease observed in persons carrying the 5HTTLPR L allele.
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The cost of caregiving: Endocrine and immune implications in elderly and non elderly caregivers. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2011; 35:1342-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2010] [Revised: 01/10/2011] [Accepted: 02/10/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Bortolato M, Shih JC. Behavioral outcomes of monoamine oxidase deficiency: preclinical and clinical evidence. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2011; 100:13-42. [PMID: 21971001 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-386467-3.00002-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) isoenzymes A and B are mitochondrial-bound proteins, catalyzing the oxidative deamination of monoamine neurotransmitters as well as xenobiotic amines. Although they derive from a common ancestral progenitor gene, are located at X-chromosome and display 70% structural identity, their substrate preference, regional distribution, and physiological role are divergent. In fact, while MAO-A has high affinity for serotonin and norepinephrine, MAO-B primarily serves the catabolism of 2-phenylethylamine (PEA) and contributes to the degradation of other trace amines and dopamine. Convergent lines of preclinical and clinical evidence indicate that variations in MAO enzymatic activity--due to either genetic or environmental factors--can exert a profound influence on behavioral regulation and play a role in the pathophysiology of a large spectrum of mental and neurodegenerative disorders, ranging from antisocial personality disorder to Parkinson's disease. Over the past few years, numerous advances have been made in our understanding of the phenotypical variations associated with genetic polymorphisms and mutations of the genes encoding for both isoenzymes. In particular, novel findings on the phenotypes of MAO-deficient mice are highlighting novel potential implications of both isoenzymes in a broad spectrum of mental disorders, ranging from autism and anxiety to impulse-control disorders and ADHD. These studies will lay the foundation for future research on the neurobiological and neurochemical bases of these pathological conditions, as well as the role of gene × environment interactions in the vulnerability to several mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
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Dlugos AM, Palmer AA, de Wit H. Negative emotionality: monoamine oxidase B gene variants modulate personality traits in healthy humans. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2009; 116:1323-34. [PMID: 19657584 PMCID: PMC3653168 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-009-0281-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2009] [Accepted: 07/22/2009] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Monoamine oxidase A and B (MAOA and MAOB) appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of Major Depression, and vulnerability of Major Depression is associated with personality traits relating to positive and negative affect. This study aimed to investigate associations between MAOA and MAOB polymorphisms and personality traits of positive and negative emotionality in healthy volunteers, to elucidate mechanisms underlying personality and the risk for depression. Healthy Caucasian volunteers (N = 150) completed the Multiphasic Personality Questionnaire (MPQ), which includes independent superfactors of Positive Emotionality and Negative Emotionality. Participants were genotyped for 8 MAOA and 12 MAOB single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Association analyses for both SNPs and haplotypes were performed using the permutation approach implemented in PLINK. Negative Emotionality was significantly associated with the two highly linked MAOB polymorphisms rs10521432 and rs6651806 (p < 0.002). Findings were extended in haplotype analyses. For MAOB the 4-SNP haplotype GACG formed from rs1799836, rs10521432, rs6651806 and rs590551 was significantly related to lower Negative Emotionality scores (p < 0.002). MAOA was not related to personality in this study. Our finding provides the first evidence that MAOB polymorphisms influence levels of negative emotionality in healthy human volunteers. If confirmed, these results could lead to a better understanding of personality traits and inter-individual susceptibility developing psychiatric disorders such as major depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Dlugos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL MC3077, USA,
| | - Abraham A. Palmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL MC3077, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Harriet de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, The University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, IL MC3077, USA,
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