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Machado AS, Bragança M, Vieira-Coelho M. Epigenetic effects of cannabis: A systematic scoping review of behavioral and emotional symptoms associated with cannabis use and exocannabinoid exposure. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 263:111401. [PMID: 39137613 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111401] [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: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent research suggests that epigenetic modifications may mediate the behavioral effects of cannabis, influencing exocannabinnoids' long term effects in cognitive function and its role in the emergence of psychotic symptoms. BASIC PROCEDURES In this systematic scoping review, we assessed the current evidence of epigenetic effects associated with the use of cannabis or exocannabinoid administration and their relationship with behavioral and emotional symptoms. We searched PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Web of Science, up to January 2022, using the terms "cannabis" and "epigenetics." The search yielded 178 articles, of which 43 underwent full article revision; 37 articles were included in the review. MAIN FINDINGS The gathered evidence included observational cross-sectional studies conducted on human subjects and experimental designs using animal models that conveyed disparity in administration dosage, methods of cannabis use assessment and targeted epigenetic mechanisms. Nine studies performed epigenome-wide analysis with identification of differentially methylated sites; most of these studies found a global hypomethylation, and enrichment in genes related to cellular survival and neurodevelopment. Other studies assessed methylation at specific genes and found that cannabis exposure was associated with reduced methylation at Cg05575921, DNMT1, DRD2, COMT, DLGAP2, Arg1, STAT3, MGMT, and PENK, while hypermethylation was found at DNMT3a/b, NCAM1, and AKT1. CONCLUSIONS The review found evidence of an exocannabinoid-induced epigenetic changes that modulate depressive-anxious, psychotic, and addictive behavioural phenotypes. Further studies will require dosage exposure/administration uniformization and a customized pool of genes to assess their suitability as biomarkers for psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofia Machado
- Psychiatry Service of São João Local Health Unit, Porto, Portugal; Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health Department, Medicine Faculty of Porto University (FMUP), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Miguel Bragança
- Psychiatry Service of São João Local Health Unit, Porto, Portugal; Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health Department, Medicine Faculty of Porto University (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Vieira-Coelho
- Psychiatry Service of São João Local Health Unit, Porto, Portugal; Biomedicine Department, Medicine Faculty of Porto University (FMUP), Porto, Portugal
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2
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Vyushina AV, Pritvorova AV, Pivina SG, Ordyan NE. Transgenerational effect of prenatal stress on behavior and lipid peroxidation in brain structures of female rats during the estral cycle. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2024; 28:387-397. [PMID: 39027128 PMCID: PMC11253015 DOI: 10.18699/vjgb-24-44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The effect of stress in pregnant female Wistar rats on the behavior and lipid peroxidation (LP) in the neocortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus in the female F2 generation during the ovarian cycle was investigated. We subjected pregnant females to daily 1-hour immobilization stress from the 15th to the 19th days of pregnancy. Further, family groups were formed from prenatally stressed and control male and female rats of the F1 generation: group 1, the control female and male; group 2, the control female and the prenatally stressed male; group 3, the prenatally stressed female and the control male; group 4, the prenatally stressed female and male. The females of the F2 generation born from these couples were selected into four experimental groups in accordance with the family group. At the age of 3 months, behavior of rats was studied in the "open field" test in two stages of the ovarian cycle - estrus and diestrus. After 7-10 days, the rats were decapitated and the neocortex, hypothalamus and hippocampus were selected to determine the level of diene and triene conjugates, Schiff bases and the degree of lipid oxidation (Klein index). In F2 females with one prenatally stressed parent, there was no interstage difference in locomotor-exploratory activity and anxiety. If both F1 parents were prenatally stressed, female F2 rats retained interstage differences similar to the control pattern, while their locomotor-exploratory activity and time spent in the center of an "open field" decreased in absolute values. In the neocortex of F2 females in groups with prenatally stressed mothers, the level of primary LP products decreased and the level of Schiff bases increased in the estrus stage. In the hippocampus of F2 females in the groups with prenatally stressed fathers, the level of Schiff bases decreased in the estrus stage, and the level of primary LP products increased in group 2 and decreased in group 4. In the hypothalamus of F2 females in the groups with prenatally stressed mothers, the level of Schiff bases increased in the estrus stage and decreased in the diestrus; in addition, in group 3, the level of primary LP products in the estrus stage increased. Thus, we demonstrated the influence of prenatal stress of both F1 mother and F1 father on the behavior and the level of LP in the neocortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus in female rats of the F2 generation in estrus and diestrus.
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Affiliation(s)
- A V Vyushina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - A V Pritvorova
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - S G Pivina
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - N E Ordyan
- Pavlov Institute of Physiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
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Bruzzone SEP, Ozenne B, Fisher PM, Ortega G, Jensen PS, Dam VH, Svarer C, Knudsen GM, Lesch KP, Frokjaer VG. No association between peripheral serotonin-gene-related DNA methylation and brain serotonin neurotransmission in the healthy and depressed state. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:71. [PMID: 38802956 PMCID: PMC11131311 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01678-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylation of serotonin-related genes has been proposed as a plausible gene-by-environment link which may mediate environmental stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms. DNA methylation is often measured in blood cells, but little is known about the association between this peripheral epigenetic modification and brain serotonergic architecture. Here, we evaluated the association between whole-blood-derived methylation of four CpG sites in the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) and six CpG sites of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) gene and in-vivo brain levels of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and serotonin 4 receptor (5-HT4) in a cohort of healthy individuals (N = 254) and, for 5-HT4, in a cohort of unmedicated patients with depression (N = 90). To do so, we quantified SLC6A4/TPH2 methylation using bisulfite pyrosequencing and estimated brain 5-HT4 and 5-HTT levels using positron emission tomography. In addition, we explored the association between SLC6A4 and TPH2 methylation and measures of early life and recent stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms on 297 healthy individuals. RESULTS We found no statistically significant association between peripheral DNA methylation and brain markers of serotonergic neurotransmission in patients with depression or in healthy individuals. In addition, although SLC6A4 CpG2 (chr17:30,236,083) methylation was marginally associated with the parental bonding inventory overprotection score in the healthy cohort, statistical significance did not remain after accounting for blood cell heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that findings on peripheral DNA methylation in the context of brain serotonin-related features should be interpreted with caution. More studies are needed to rule out a role of SLC6A4 and TPH2 methylation as biomarkers for environmental stress, depressive or anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E P Bruzzone
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - B Ozenne
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P M Fisher
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Ortega
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - P S Jensen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - V H Dam
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Svarer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G M Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K P Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - V G Frokjaer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Frederiksberg, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark.
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Eachus H, Ryu S. Glucocorticoid effects on the brain: from adaptive developmental plasticity to allostatic overload. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246128. [PMID: 38449327 PMCID: PMC10949071 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246128] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to stress during early life may alter the developmental trajectory of an animal by a mechanism known as adaptive plasticity. For example, to enhance reproductive success in an adverse environment, it is known that animals accelerate their growth during development. However, these short-term fitness benefits are often associated with reduced longevity, a phenomenon known as the growth rate-lifespan trade-off. In humans, early life stress exposure compromises health later in life and increases disease susceptibility. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are major stress hormones implicated in these processes. This Review discusses the evidence for GC-mediated adaptive plasticity in development, leading to allostatic overload in later life. We focus on GC-induced effects on brain structure and function, including neurogenesis; highlight the need for longitudinal studies; and discuss approaches to identify molecular mechanisms mediating GC-induced alteration of the brain developmental trajectory leading to adult dysfunctions. Further understanding of how stress and GC exposure can alter developmental trajectories at the molecular and cellular level is of critical importance to reduce the burden of mental and physical ill health across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Eachus
- Living Systems Institute & Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Soojin Ryu
- Living Systems Institute & Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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Strath LJ, Peterson JA, Meng L, Rani A, Huo Z, Foster TC, Fillingim RB, Cruz-Almeida Y. Socioeconomic Status, Knee Pain, and Epigenetic Aging in Community-Dwelling Middle-to-Older Age Adults. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:293-301. [PMID: 37315728 PMCID: PMC10713866 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Chronic musculoskeletal pain is often associated with lower socioeconomic status (SES). SES correlates with psychological and environmental conditions that could contribute to the disproportionate burden of chronic stress. Chronic stress can induce changes in global DNA methylation and gene expression, which increases risk of chronic pain. We aimed to explore the association of epigenetic aging and SES in middle-to-older age individuals with varying degrees of knee pain. Participants completed self-reported pain, a blood draw, and answered demographic questions pertaining to SES. We used an epigenetic clock previously associated with knee pain (DNAmGrimAge) and the subsequent difference of predicted epigenetic age (DNAmGrimAge-Diff). Overall, the mean DNAmGrimAge was 60.3 (±7.6), and the average DNAmGrimAge-diff was 2.4 years (±5.6 years). Those experiencing high-impact pain earned less income and had lower education levels compared to both low-impact and no pain groups. Differences in DNAmGrimAge-diff across pain groups were found, whereby individuals with high-impact pain had accelerated epigenetic aging (∼5 years) compared to low-impact pain and no pain control groups (both ∼1 year). Our main finding was that epigenetic aging mediated the associations of income and education with pain impact, as such the relationship between SES and pain outcomes may occur through potential interactions with the epigenome reflective of accelerated cellular aging. PERSPECTIVE: Socioeconomic status (SES) has previously been implicated in the pain experience. The present manuscript aims to present a potential social-biological link between SES and pain via accelerated epigenetic aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa J. Strath
- Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Jessica A. Peterson
- Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Lingsong Meng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Asha Rani
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville FL
| | - Zhiguang Huo
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Thomas C. Foster
- Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Florida, Gainesville Florida
| | - Roger B. Fillingim
- Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
| | - Yenisel Cruz-Almeida
- Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence (PRICE), University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
- Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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Kuhlman KR. Pitfalls and potential: Translating the two-hit model of early life stress from pre-clinical non-human experiments to human samples. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 35:100711. [PMID: 38169793 PMCID: PMC10758720 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to early life stress (ELS) has been linked to at least double the risk of psychopathology as well as higher morbidity and earlier mortality across the lifespan. For this reason, the field of developmental psychopathology has spent decades identifying factors that explain which individuals are at risk for negative health outcomes. Preclinical experiments in this field commonly test the "two-hit hypothesis", which explores how ELS potentiates vulnerability to pathogenic physiological and behavioral outcomes when an individual is exposed to a stressor later in development. Yet, translation of the two-hit hypothesis to humans is conceptually and practically challenging, thus impeding progress in the field. This review summarizes the two-hit hypothesis used in preclinical experiments as it pertains to two putative pathways linking ELS to psychopathology: the innate immune and neuroendocrine systems. This review also identifies important considerations when translating this model to humans and provides several recommendations. Specifically, attention to the "biological salience" of different forms of ELA and the concordance of that salience with later probes of the system are needed. Further, the consequences of ELS may be context-specific rather than ubiquitous, at least among young people. Within this conceptualization, "second hits" may be best operationalized using standardized acute challenges to the innate immune and neuroendocrine systems (e.g., psychosocial stress). Third, more explicit reporting of sex differences in the human literature is needed. Finally, preclinical experimental designs that more accurately reflect the natural occurrence of ELS in community samples will more effectively advance the understanding of developmental mechanisms that occur as a consequence of ELS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate Ryan Kuhlman
- Department of Psychological Science, School of Social Ecology, University of California Irvine, USA
- Cousins Center for Psychoneuroimmunology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, USA
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Kristbergsdottir H, Valdimarsdottir HB, Steingrimsdottir T, Sigurvinsdottir R, Skulason S, Lydsdottir LB, Jonsdottir SS, Olafsdottir H, Sigurdsson JF. The role of childhood adversity and prenatal mental health as psychosocial risk factors for adverse delivery and neonatal outcomes. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2023; 85:229-235. [PMID: 37995481 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2023.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is a significant predictor for physical and mental health problems later in life, especially during the perinatal period. Prenatal common mental disorders (PCMDs) are well-established as a risk for obstetric interventions but knowledge on combined effects of multiple psychosocial risk factors is sparse. We aim to examine a comprehensive model of ACEs and PCMDs as risk factors for poor delivery and neonatal outcomes. METHOD With structural equation modeling, we examined direct and indirect pathways between psychosocial risk and delivery and neonatal outcomes in a prospective cohort from pregnancy to birth in Iceland. RESULTS Exposure to ACEs increased risk of PCMDs [β = 0.538, p < .001, CI: 0.195-1.154] and preterm delivery [β = 0.768, p < .05, CI: 0.279-1.007)]. An indirect association was found between ACEs and increased risk of non-spontaneous delivery [β = 0.054, p < .05, CI: 0.004-0.152], mediated by PCMDs. Identical findings were observed for ACEs subcategories. CONCLUSION ACEs are strong predictors for mental health problems during pregnancy. Both ACEs and PCMDs diagnosis are associated with operative delivery interventions and neonatal outcomes. Findings underscore the importance of identifying high-risk women and interventions aimed at decreasing psychosocial risk during the prenatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heiddis Bjork Valdimarsdottir
- Department of Psychology Reykjavik University, Iceland; Department of Population Health Science and Policy, Mount Sinai, School of Medicine, New York, USA.
| | - Thora Steingrimsdottir
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Landspitali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | | | - Sigurgrimur Skulason
- Directorate of Education, Kopavogur, Iceland; Faculty of Psychology, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | | | | | - Halldora Olafsdottir
- Mental Health Services, Landspitali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
| | - Jon Fridrik Sigurdsson
- Department of Psychology Reykjavik University, Iceland; Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
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8
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De Asis-Cruz J, Kim JH, Krishnamurthy D, Lopez C, Kapse K, Andescavage N, Vezina G, Limperopoulos C. Examining the relationship between fetal cortical thickness, gestational age, and maternal psychological distress. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2023; 63:101282. [PMID: 37515833 PMCID: PMC10407290 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2023.101282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In utero exposure to maternal stress, anxiety, and depression has been associated with reduced cortical thickness (CT), and CT changes, in turn, to adverse neuropsychiatric outcomes. Here, we investigated global and regional (G/RCT) changes associated with fetal exposure to maternal psychological distress in 265 brain MRI studies from 177 healthy fetuses of low-risk pregnant women. GCT was measured from cortical gray matter (CGM) voxels; RCT was estimated from 82 cortical regions. GCT and RCT in 87% of regions strongly correlated with GA. Fetal exposure was most strongly associated with RCT in the parahippocampal region, ventromedial prefrontal cortex, and supramarginal gyrus suggesting that cortical alterations commonly associated with prenatal exposure could emerge in-utero. However, we note that while regional fetal brain involvement conformed to patterns observed in newborns and children exposed to prenatal maternal psychological distress, the reported associations did not survive multiple comparisons correction. This could be because the effects are more subtle in this early developmental window or because majority of the pregnant women in our study did not experience high levels of maternal distress. It is our hope that the current findings will spur future hypothesis-driven studies that include a full spectrum of maternal mental health scores.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jung-Hoon Kim
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Catherine Lopez
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kushal Kapse
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nickie Andescavage
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National, Washington, DC, USA; Division of Neonatology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gilbert Vezina
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology, Children's National, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National, Washington, DC, USA; Division of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology, Children's National, Washington, DC, USA.
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Romero AN, Dickinson E, Turcotte CM, Terhune CE. Skeletal age during hurricane impacts fluctuating asymmetry in Cayo Santiago rhesus macaques. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10425. [PMID: 37575591 PMCID: PMC10421717 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
As natural disasters become more frequent due to climate change, understanding the biological impact of these ecological catastrophes on wild populations becomes increasingly pertinent. Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), or random deviations from bilateral symmetry, is reflective of developmental instability and has long been positively associated with increases in environmental stress. This study investigates craniofacial FA in a population of free-ranging rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) that has experienced multiple Category 3 hurricanes since the colony's inception on Cayo Santiago, including 275 individuals from ages 9 months to 31 years (F = 154; M = 121). Using geometric morphometrics to quantify FA and a linear mixed-effect model for analysis, we found that sex, age, and decade of birth did not influence the amount of FA in the individuals included in the study, but the developmental stage at which individuals experienced these catastrophic events greatly impacted the amount of FA exhibited (p = .001). Individuals that experienced these hurricanes during fetal life exhibited greater FA than any other post-natal developmental period. These results indicate that natural disasters can be associated with developmental disruption that results in long-term effects if occurring during the prenatal period, possibly due to increases in maternal stress-related hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashly N. Romero
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of ArkansasFayettevilleArkansasUSA
- Department of Basic Medical SciencesUniversity of Arizona College of Medicine – PhoenixPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - Edwin Dickinson
- College of Osteopathic MedicineNew York Institute of TechnologyOld WestburyNew YorkUSA
| | - Cassandra M. Turcotte
- College of Osteopathic MedicineNew York Institute of TechnologyOld WestburyNew YorkUSA
| | - Claire E. Terhune
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of ArkansasFayettevilleArkansasUSA
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Misgina KH, Levine L, Boezen HM, Bezabih AM, van der Beek EM, Groen H. Influence of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes: A prospective study in the Tigray region, northern Ethiopia. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287686. [PMID: 37440555 PMCID: PMC10343148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low-income countries, where socioeconomic adversities and perinatal distress are common, adverse birth outcomes are significant public health problems. In these settings, perinatal distress, i.e., high symptoms of anxiety, depression, and/or stress during pregnancy, may be linked with adverse birth outcomes. However, few prospective studies have investigated the impact of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth (gestational age <37 weeks), low birth weight (<2.5 kg), and small for gestational age birth (birth weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age and sex). OBJECTIVES Our main objective was to assess the influence of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes. Secondly, to investigate if perinatal distress is an independent risk factor or a mediator in the pathway between socioeconomic adversity and adverse birth outcomes. METHODS In a prospective cohort study following 991 women from before 20 weeks of gestation until delivery in northern Ethiopia, we collected self-reported data on distress at a mean of 14.8 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.9) and 33.9 (SD = 1.1) weeks of gestation. Distress was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the Perceived Stress Scale. To determine birth outcomes, gestational age was estimated from the last menstrual period, fundal palpation, and/or ultrasound, while birth weight was obtained from delivery records and measured within three days after birth for those delivered at home. Logistic regression and mediation analysis were employed to evaluate the impact of perinatal distress on adverse birth outcomes. RESULTS Perinatal anxiety (OR [95% CI] 1.08 [1.02, 1.13]), depression (1.07 [1.03, 1.11]), stress (1.14 [1.07, 1.22]), and total distress (1.15 [1.07, 1.23]) were all associated with low birth weight, and small for gestational age birth but none did with preterm birth. Mediation analysis demonstrated that perinatal distress was a mediator in the pathway between socioeconomic adversity and adverse birth outcomes. CONCLUSION Our study revealed that perinatal distress was linked with adverse birth outcomes and acted as a mediator between socioeconomic adversity and these outcomes. Our findings highlight the importance of screening women for distress and providing appropriate interventions, focusing on women experiencing socioeconomic adversity. Integrating mental health services into primary maternal care in low-income countries could be an effective approach to achieve this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kebede Haile Misgina
- Department of Public Health, University of Aksum, Axum, Ethiopia
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Lindsay Levine
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - H. Marike Boezen
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Eline M. van der Beek
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Groen
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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11
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LaSalle JM. Epigenomic signatures reveal mechanistic clues and predictive markers for autism spectrum disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1890-1901. [PMID: 36650278 PMCID: PMC10560404 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01917-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) comprises a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with a commonality in deficits in social communication and language combined with repetitive behaviors and interests. The etiology of ASD is heterogeneous, as several hundred genes have been implicated as well as multiple in utero environmental exposures. Over the past two decades, epigenetic investigations, including DNA methylation, have emerged as a novel way to capture the complex interface of multivariate ASD etiologies. More recently, epigenome-wide association studies using human brain and surrogate accessible tissues have revealed some convergent genes that are epigenetically altered in ASD, many of which overlap with known genetic risk factors. Unlike transcriptomes, epigenomic signatures defined by DNA methylation from surrogate tissues such as placenta and cord blood can reflect past differences in fetal brain gene transcription, transcription factor binding, and chromatin. For example, the discovery of NHIP (neuronal hypoxia inducible, placenta associated) through an epigenome-wide association in placenta, identified a common genetic risk for ASD that was modified by prenatal vitamin use. While epigenomic signatures are distinct between different genetic syndromic causes of ASD, bivalent chromatin and some convergent gene pathways are consistently epigenetically altered in both syndromic and idiopathic ASD, as well as some environmental exposures. Together, these epigenomic signatures hold promising clues towards improved early prediction and prevention of ASD as well genes and gene pathways to target for pharmacological interventions. Future advancements in single cell and multi-omic technologies, machine learning, as well as non-invasive screening of epigenomic signatures during pregnancy or newborn periods are expected to continue to impact the translatability of the recent discoveries in epigenomics to precision public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine M LaSalle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, MIND Institute, Genome Center, Environmental Health Sciences Center, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
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12
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Robb L, Jordaan EM, Joubert G, Ngounda J, Walsh CM. Reported health, social support, stress and associations with choline intake in pregnant women in central South Africa: the NuEMI study 2018-2019. Arch Public Health 2023; 81:48. [PMID: 36997971 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-023-01061-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The health and well-being of pregnant women can influence pregnancy outcomes and are closely associated with social support and experiences of stress. Poor nutrition predisposes to poor health with choline intake affecting pregnancy outcome. This study determined reported health, social support, and stress and how these factors are associated with choline intake in pregnancy. METHODS A cross sectional study was performed. Pregnant women in their second and third trimesters attending a high-risk antenatal clinic at a regional hospital in Bloemfontein, South Africa, were included. Trained fieldworkers obtained information during structured interviews using standardised questionnaires. Logistic regression with backward selection (p < 0.05) was used to select significant independent factors associated with choline intake. Variables with a p-value < 0.15 in bivariate analysis were considered for inclusion in the model. RESULTS Median age and gestation in the sample (N = 682) were 31.8 years and 32.0 weeks, respectively. Most participants (84.7%) consumed less than the adequate intake (AI) of 450 mg of choline per day. Most participants (69.0%) were either overweight or obese. One in eight participants (12.6%) reported not having anyone that could help them in times of need, more than one third (36.0%) reported having unpayable debt and one in twelve (8.4%) reported experiencing physical abuse by their partners. Normotensive participants and those using anti-retroviral therapy (ART) (thus HIV-infected), were more likely to consume choline in amounts below the AI (p = 0.042 and p = 0.011, respectively). Logistic regression analysis showed that the odds of consuming choline in amounts below the AI were lower for participants that were not using ART versus those using ART, with an odds ratio of 0.53. CONCLUSION HIV-infected participants were more likely to consume choline in levels below the AI. This vulnerable group should be the focus of targeted efforts to improve choline intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liska Robb
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, internal box G24, 9300, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa.
| | - Elizabeth Margaretha Jordaan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, internal box G24, 9300, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
| | - Gina Joubert
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
| | - Jennifer Ngounda
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, internal box G24, 9300, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
| | - Corinna May Walsh
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, PO Box 339, internal box G24, 9300, Bloemfontein, Republic of South Africa
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13
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D'Addario SL, Municchi D, Mancini C, Ielpo D, Babicola L, Di Segni M, Iacono LL, Ferlazzo F, Cifani C, Andolina D, Ventura R. The long-lasting effects of early life adversities are sex dependent: The signature of miR-34a. J Affect Disord 2023; 322:277-288. [PMID: 36414112 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to early life adversities (ELA) can influence a plethora of biological mechanisms leading to stress-related disorders later in life through epigenetic mechanisms, such as microRNAs (miRs). MiR-34 is a critical modulator of stress response and stress-induced pathologies and a link between ELA and miR-34a has been reported. METHODS Here using our well-established model of ELA (Repeated Cross Fostering) we investigate the behavioral long-term effects of ELA in male and female mice. We also assess basal and ELA-induced miR-34a expression in adult mice and investigate whether ELA affects the later miR-34a response to adult acute stress exposure across brain areas (medial preFrontal Cortex, Dorsal Raphe Nuclei) and peripheral organs (heart, plasma) in animals from both sexes. Finally, based on our previous data demonstrating the critical role of Dorsal Raphe Nuclei miR-34a expression in serotonin (5-HT) transmission, we also investigated prefrontal-accumbal 5-HT outflow induced by acute stress exposure in ELA and Control females by in vivo intracerebral microdialysis. RESULTS ELA not just induces a depressive-like state as well as enduring changes in miR-34a expression, but also alters miR-34a expression in response to adult acute stress exclusively in females. Finally, altered DRN miR-34a expression is associated with prefrontal-accumbal 5-HT release under acute stress exposure in females. LIMITATIONS Translational study on humans is necessary to verify the results obtained in our animal models of ELA-induced depression. CONCLUSIONS This is the first evidence showing long-lasting sex related effects of ELA on brain and peripheral miR-34a expression levels in an animal model of depression-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Luca D'Addario
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Diana Municchi
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Camilla Mancini
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Donald Ielpo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Lucy Babicola
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | | | - Luisa Lo Iacono
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Diego Andolina
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
| | - Rossella Ventura
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy; Dept. of Psychology and Center "Daniel Bovet", Sapienza University, Rome 00184, Italy.
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14
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Comtois-Cabana M, Barr E, Provençal N, Ouellet-Morin I. Association between child maltreatment and depressive symptoms in emerging adulthood: The mediating and moderating roles of DNA methylation. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280203. [PMID: 36634080 PMCID: PMC9836296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Prospective studies suggest that child maltreatment substantially increases the risk for depression in adulthood. However, the mechanisms underlying this association require further elucidation. In recent years, DNA methylation has emerged as a potential mechanism by which maltreatment experiences (a) could partly explain the emergence or aggravation of depressive symptoms (i.e., mediation) and/or (b) could increase (or decrease) the risk for depressive symptoms (i.e., moderation). The present study tested whether the methylation levels of nine candidate genes mediated and/or moderated the association between maltreatment experiences in childhood and depressive symptoms in emerging adulthood. The sample comprised 156 men aged between 18 and 35 years. Maltreatment experiences and depressive symptoms were assessed retrospectively using self-reported questionnaires. Methylation levels of nine candidate genes (COMT, FKBP5, IL6, IL10, MAOA, NR3C1, OXTR, SLC6A3 and SLC6A4), previously reported to be sensitive to early-life stress, were quantified from saliva samples. Maltreatment experiences in childhood were significantly associated with depressive symptoms in emerging adulthood. Both maltreatment experiences and depressive symptoms were associated with the methylation levels of two genomic sites, which cumulatively, but not individually, explained 16% of the association between maltreatment experiences in childhood and depressive symptoms in emerging adulthood. Moreover, maltreatment experiences in childhood interacted with the methylation levels of fourteen genomic sites, which cumulatively, but not individually, modulated the level of depressive symptoms in young male adults who were maltreated as children. However, none of these effects survived multiple testing correction. These findings bring attention to the cumulative effects of DNA methylation measured in several candidate genes on the risk of reporting depressive symptoms following maltreatment experiences in childhood. Nonetheless, future studies need to clarify the robustness of these putative cumulative effects in larger samples and longitudinal cohorts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maude Comtois-Cabana
- Department of Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Emily Barr
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nadine Provençal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- * E-mail:
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15
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Demaili A, Portugalov A, Dudai M, Maroun M, Akirav I, Braun K, Bock J. Epigenetic (re)programming of gene expression changes of CB1R and FAAH in the medial prefrontal cortex in response to early life and adolescence stress exposure. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1129946. [PMID: 36909279 PMCID: PMC9992175 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1129946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental factors, including stress, that are experienced during early life (ELS) or adolescence are potential risk factors for the development of behavioral and mental disorders later in life. The endocannabinoid system plays a major role in the regulation of stress responses and emotional behavior, thereby acting as a mediator of stress vulnerability and resilience. Among the critical factors, which determine the magnitude and direction of long-term consequences of stress exposure is age, i.e., the maturity of brain circuits during stress exposure. Thus, the present study addressed the hypotheses that ELS and adolescent stress differentially affect the expression of regulatory elements of the endocannabinoid system, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1R) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of adult female rats. We also tested the hypothesis that the proposed gene expression changes are epigenetically modulated via altered DNA-methylation. The specific aims were to investigate if (i) ELS and adolescent stress as single stressors induce changes in CB1R and FAAH expression (ii) ELS exposure influences the effect of adolescent stress on CB1R and FAAH expression, and (iii) if the proposed gene expression changes are paralleled by changes of DNA methylation. The following experimental groups were investigated: (1) non-stressed controls (CON), (2) ELS exposure (ELS), (3) adolescent stress exposure (forced swimming; FS), (4) ELS + FS exposure. We found an up-regulation of CB1R expression in both single-stressor groups and a reduction back to control levels in the ELS + FS group. An up-regulation of FAAH expression was found only in the FS group. The data indicate that ELS, i.e., stress during a very immature stage of brain development, exerts a buffering programming effect on gene expression changes induced by adolescent stress. The detected gene expression changes were accompanied by altered DNA methylation patterns in the promoter region of these genes, specifically, a negative correlation of mean CB1R DNA methylation with gene expression was found. Our results also indicate that ELS induces a long-term "(re)programming" effect, characterized by CpG-site specific changes within the promoter regions of the two genes that influence gene expression changes in response to FS at adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arijana Demaili
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anna Portugalov
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Dudai
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Mouna Maroun
- The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Irit Akirav
- Department of Psychology, School of Psychological Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Katharina Braun
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Brain and Behavioral Science, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jörg Bock
- Department of Zoology and Developmental Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Brain and Behavioral Science, Magdeburg, Germany.,Project Group (PG) Epigenetics and Structural Plasticity, Institute of Biology, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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16
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Jeličić L, Veselinović A, Ćirović M, Jakovljević V, Raičević S, Subotić M. Maternal Distress during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: Underlying Mechanisms and Child's Developmental Outcomes-A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213932. [PMID: 36430406 PMCID: PMC9692872 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal mental health may be considered a determining factor influencing fetal and child development. An essential factor with potentially negative consequences for a child's psychophysiological development is the presence of maternal distress during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The review is organized and presented to explore and describe the effects of anxiety, stress, and depression in pregnancy and the postpartum period on adverse child developmental outcomes. The neurobiology of maternal distress and the transmission mechanisms at the molecular level to the fetus and child are noted. In addition, the paper discusses the findings of longitudinal studies in which early child development is monitored concerning the presence of maternal distress in pregnancy and the postpartum period. This topic gained importance in the COVID-19 pandemic context, during which a higher frequency of maternal psychological disorders was observed. The need for further interdisciplinary research on the relationship between maternal mental health and fetal/child development was highlighted, especially on the biological mechanisms underlying the transmission of maternal distress to the (unborn) child, to achieve positive developmental outcomes and improve maternal and child well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Jeličić
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +381-11-3208-519; Fax: +381-11-2624-168
| | - Aleksandra Veselinović
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Ćirović
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, Institute for Experimental Phonetics and Speech Pathology, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Jakovljević
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Human Pathology, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Saša Raičević
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
- Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Clinical Center of Montenegro, 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro
| | - Miško Subotić
- Cognitive Neuroscience Department, Research and Development Institute “Life Activities Advancement Institute”, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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17
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Luningham JM, Seth G, Saini G, Bhattarai S, Awan S, Collin LJ, Swahn MH, Dai D, Gogineni K, Subhedar P, Mishra P, Aneja R. Association of Race and Area Deprivation With Breast Cancer Survival Among Black and White Women in the State of Georgia. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2238183. [PMID: 36306134 PMCID: PMC9617173 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.38183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Importance Increasing evidence suggests that low socioeconomic status and geographic residence in disadvantaged neighborhoods contribute to disparities in breast cancer outcomes. However, little epidemiological research has sought to better understand these disparities within the context of location. Objective To examine the association between neighborhood deprivation and racial disparities in mortality among Black and White patients with breast cancer in the state of Georgia. Design, Setting, and Participants This population-based cohort study collected demographic and geographic data from patients diagnosed with breast cancer between January 1, 2004, and February 11, 2020, in 3 large health care systems in Georgia. A total of 19 580 patients with breast cancer were included: 12 976 from Piedmont Healthcare, 2285 from Grady Health System, and 4319 from Emory Healthcare. Data were analyzed from October 2, 2020, to August 11, 2022. Exposures Area deprivation index (ADI) scores were assigned to each patient based on their residential census block group. The ADI was categorized into quartile groups, and associations between ADI and race and ADI × race interaction were examined. Main Outcomes and Measures Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs associating ADI with overall mortality by race. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to visualize mortality stratified across racial and ADI groups. Results Of the 19 580 patients included in the analysis (mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 58.8 [13.2] years), 3777 (19.3%) died during the course of the study. Area deprivation index contributed differently to breast cancer outcomes for Black and White women. In multivariable-adjusted models, living in a neighborhood with a greater ADI (more deprivation) was associated with increased mortality for White patients with breast cancer; compared with the ADI quartile of less than 25 (least deprived), increased mortality HRs were found in quartiles of 25 to 49 (1.22 [95% CI, 1.07-1.39]), 50 to 74 (1.32 [95% CI, 1.13-1.53]), and 75 or greater (1.33 [95% CI, 1.07-1.65]). However, an increase in the ADI quartile group was not associated with changes in mortality for Black patients with breast cancer (quartile 25 to 49: HR, 0.81 [95% CI, 0.61-1.07]; quartile 50 to 74: HR, 0.91 [95% CI, 0.70-1.18]; and quartile ≥75: HR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.70-1.36]). In neighborhoods with an ADI of 75 or greater, no racial disparity was observed in mortality (HR, 1.11 [95% CI, 0.92-1.36]). Conclusions and Relevance Black women with breast cancer had higher mortality than White women in Georgia, but this disparity was not explained by ADI: among Black patients, low ADI was not associated with lower mortality. This lack of association warrants further investigation to inform community-level approaches that may mitigate the existing disparities in breast cancer outcomes in Georgia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M. Luningham
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Ft Worth
| | - Gaurav Seth
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Geetanjali Saini
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Shristi Bhattarai
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Sofia Awan
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Lindsay J. Collin
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Monica H. Swahn
- Department of Health Promotion and Physical Education, Wellstar College of Health and Human Services, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia
| | - Dajun Dai
- Department of Geosciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta
| | - Keerthi Gogineni
- Department of Hematology–Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Grady Health System, Atlanta
| | - Preeti Subhedar
- Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Pooja Mishra
- Georgia Cancer Center for Excellence, Grady Health System, Atlanta
| | - Ritu Aneja
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Georgia State University, Atlanta
- Department of Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, School of Health Professions, University of Alabama at Birmingham
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18
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Mbiydzenyuy NE, Hemmings SMJ, Qulu L. Prenatal maternal stress and offspring aggressive behavior: Intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:977416. [PMID: 36212196 PMCID: PMC9539686 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.977416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though studies have shown that prenatal maternal stress is associated with increased reactivity of the HPA axis, the association between prenatal maternal stress and fetal glucocorticoid exposure is complex and most likely dependent on unidentified and poorly understood variables including nature and timing of prenatal insults. The precise mechanisms in which prenatal maternal stress influence neuroendocrine signaling between the maternal-placental-fetal interface are still unclear. The aim of this review article is to bring comprehensive basic concepts about prenatal maternal stress and mechanisms of transmission of maternal stress to the fetus. This review covers recent studies showing associations between maternal stress and alterations in offspring aggressive behavior, as well as the possible pathways for the “transmission” of maternal stress to the fetus: (1) maternal-fetal HPA axis dysregulation; (2) intrauterine environment disruption due to variations in uterine artery flow; (3) epigenetic modifications of genes implicated in aggressive behavior. Here, we present evidence for the phenomenon of intergenerational and transgenerational transmission, to better understands the mechanism(s) of transmission from parent to offspring. We discuss studies showing associations between maternal stress and alterations in offspring taking note of neuroendocrine, brain architecture and epigenetic changes that may suggest risk for aggressive behavior. We highlight animal and human studies that focus on intergenerational transmission following exposure to stress from a biological mechanistic point of view, and maternal stress-induced epigenetic modifications that have potential to impact on aggressive behavior in later generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy
- Department of Basic Science, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
- Division of Medical Physiology, Biomedical Science Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy,
| | - Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lihle Qulu
- Division of Medical Physiology, Biomedical Science Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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19
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Petković A, Chaudhury D. Encore: Behavioural animal models of stress, depression and mood disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:931964. [PMID: 36004305 PMCID: PMC9395206 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.931964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal studies over the past two decades have led to extensive advances in our understanding of pathogenesis of depressive and mood disorders. Among these, rodent behavioural models proved to be of highest informative value. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the most popular behavioural models with respect to physiological, circuit, and molecular biological correlates. Behavioural stress paradigms and behavioural tests are assessed in terms of outcomes, strengths, weaknesses, and translational value, especially in the domain of pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dipesh Chaudhury
- Laboratory of Neural Systems and Behaviour, Department of Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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20
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Effects of early life stress on brain cytokines: A systematic review and meta-analysis of rodent studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 139:104746. [PMID: 35716876 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to early life stress (ELS) may lead to long-lasting neurobiological and behavioral impairments. Alterations in the immune system and neuroinflammatory state induced by ELS exposure are considered risk factors for developing psychiatric disorders. Here, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of rodent studies investigating the short and long-term effects of ELS exposure on anti and pro-inflammatory cytokines in brain tissues. Our analysis shows that animals exposed to ELS present an increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. On the other hand, no alteration was observed in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Meta-regression revealed that alterations were more prominent in the hippocampus of adult animals that were exposed to more extended periods of ELS. These inflammatory effects were not permanent since few alterations were identified in aged animals. Our findings suggest that ELS exposure alters pro-inflammatory cytokines expression and may act as a primer for a secondary challenge that may induce lifelong immune alterations. Moreover, the actual evidence is insufficient to comprehend the relationship between anti-inflammatory cytokines and ELS fully.
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de Rooij SR. Are Brain and Cognitive Reserve Shaped by Early Life Circumstances? Front Neurosci 2022; 16:825811. [PMID: 35784851 PMCID: PMC9243389 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.825811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
When growing older, many people are faced with cognitive deterioration, which may even amount to a form of dementia at some point in time. Although neuropathological signs of dementia disorders can often be demonstrated in brains of patients, the degree to which clinical symptoms are present does mostly not accurately reflect the amount of neuropathology that is present. Sometimes existent pathology even goes without any obvious clinical presentation. An explanation for this phenomenon may be found in the concept of reserve capacity. Reserve capacity refers to the ability of the brain to effectively buffer changes that are associated with normal aging processes and to cope with pathological damage. A larger reserve capacity has been suggested to increase resilience against age-associated cognitive deterioration and dementia disorders. Traditionally, a division has been made between brain reserve, which is based on morphological characteristics of the brain, and cognitive reserve, which is based on functional characteristics of the brain. The present review discusses the premises that brain and cognitive reserve capacity are shaped by prenatal and early postnatal factors. Evidence is accumulating that circumstances during the first 1,000 days of life are of the utmost importance for the lifelong health of an individual. Cognitive deterioration and dementia disorders may also have their origin in early life and a potentially important pathway by which the early environment affects the risk for neurodegenerative diseases is by developmental programming of the reserve capacity of the brain. The basic idea behind developmental programming of brain and cognitive reserve is explained and an overview of studies that support this idea is presented. The review is concluded by a discussion of potential mechanisms, synthesis of the evidence and relevance and future directions in the field of developmental origins of reserve capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne R. de Rooij
- Epidemiology and Data Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Aging and Later Life, Health Behaviors and Chronic Diseases, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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22
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Molderings GJ. Systemic mast cell activation disease variants and certain genetically determined comorbidities may be consequences of a common underlying epigenetic disease. Med Hypotheses 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2022.110862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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23
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Musillo C, Berry A, Cirulli F. Prenatal psychological or metabolic stress increases the risk for psychiatric disorders: the "funnel effect" model. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 136:104624. [PMID: 35304226 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Adverse stressful experiences in utero can redirect fetal brain development, ultimately leading to increased risk for psychiatric disorders. Obesity during pregnancy can have similar effects as maternal stress, affecting mental health in the offspring. In order to explain how similar outcomes may originate from different prenatal conditions, we propose a "funnel effect" model whereby maternal psychological or metabolic stress triggers the same evolutionarily conserved response pathways, increasing vulnerability for psychopathology. In this context, the placenta, which is the main mother-fetus interface, appears to facilitate such convergence, re-directing "stress" signals to the fetus. Characterizing converging pathways activated by different adverse environmental conditions is fundamental to assess the emergence of risk signatures of major psychiatric disorders, which might enable preventive measures in risk populations, and open up new diagnostics, and potentially therapeutic approaches for disease prevention and health promotion already during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Musillo
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Berry
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
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24
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Prenatal earthquake stress exposure in different gestational trimesters is associated with methylation changes in the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and long-term working memory in adulthood. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:176. [PMID: 35487912 PMCID: PMC9054818 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01945-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress exposure is thought to affect the long-term development of the foetal brain via the HPA axis and to change health outcomes in adulthood, including working memory (WM). The potential mechanism is that there is a critical period of brain development of the foetus, which is a result of selective adaptation to the external environment. The human glucocorticoid gene (NR3C1) is associated with memory and cognition. This study investigates the association between earthquake stress during pregnancy and CpG methylation of the NR3C1 exon 1F promoter and its influence on working memory in adulthood. DNA methylation analysis using bisulfite sequencing PCR was quantified in 176 subjects who were exposed or not exposed to intrauterine earthquake and were divided into three groups based on the pregnancy trimester. The Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised (HVLT-R) and Brief Visuospatial Memory Test-Revised (BVMT-R) were used to assess working memory performance. The methylated NR3C1 exon 1F promoter of the prenatal earthquake exposure (PEE) group was significantly higher than that of the control group (CN). Analysis of subgroups indicated that the subjects in the second trimester of PEE group showed significantly higher methylation than those in the third trimester. Significantly low BVMT-R scores were detected in those who experienced prenatal earthquake in the second trimester of PEE group. Methylated CpG site 1 may play a critical role in contributing to lower BVMT-R scores in the second trimester in the PEE group, and may offer a potential epigenetic mechanism that links prenatal stress and long-term effects on working memory.
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25
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Ozmen O, Topsakal S, Ozdamar Unal G. Experimental model of unpredictable maternal stress and diabetes risk of offspring: An immunohistochemical study. Acta Histochem 2022; 124:151878. [PMID: 35303510 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The effect of stress on the occurrence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is commonly reported in recent studies. Maternal stress may have a negative effect on the later life of offspring. However, most studies only investigated long-term intrauterine stress on behavioral, emotional, psychological, and immunological disorders of offspring. The relationship between maternal stress and DM occurrence in the later life period of offspring is not known. This rat model study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of offspring to DM after exposure to intrauterine stress. The purpose of this study is to examine serum glucose levels of mothers and offspring exposed to maternal stress and to evaluate pancreatic tissues pathologically and immunohistochemically. Twelve, Wistar Albino female rats were equally divided into two groups: controls and maternal stress groups. Normal routine conditions were applied to the control group without any stress. The pregnant rats in the maternal stress group were exposed to chronic unpredictable stressors throughout the 21-day gestation. One female and one male offspring and mothers from each term delivery were randomly selected and euthanatized at the 35th day. During the necropsy, blood and pancreatic tissue samples were collected from both mothers and pups. High serum glucose levels from mothers and offspring in the maternal stress group and the control group were compared. Additionally, histopathological examinations assessed the increased cell degeneration in mother rats and offspring. Immunohistochemical examinations revealed decreased insulin, amylin, and insulin receptor expressions and slightly increased glucagon expression in Langerhans islet cells in the maternal stress group. These results indicated that maternal stress may be a predisposing factor for DM in both mothers and offspring in their later life periods.
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26
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Martins J, Yusupov N, Binder EB, Brückl TM, Czamara D. Early adversity as the prototype gene × environment interaction in mental disorders? Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 215:173371. [PMID: 35271857 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Childhood adversity (CA) as a significant stressor has consistently been associated with the development of mental disorders. The interaction between CA and genetic variants has been proposed to play a substantial role in disease etiology. In this review, we focus on the gene by environment (GxE) paradigm, its background and interpretation and stress the necessity of its implementation in psychiatric research. Further, we discuss the findings supporting GxCA interactions, ranging from candidate gene studies to polygenic and genome-wide approaches, their strengths and limitations. To illustrate potential underlying epigenetic mechanisms by which GxE effects are translated, we focus on results from FKBP5 × CA studies and discuss how molecular evidence can supplement previous GxE findings. In conclusion, while GxE studies constitute a valuable line of investigation, more harmonized GxE studies in large, deep-phenotyped, longitudinal cohorts, and across different developmental stages are necessary to further substantiate and understand reported GxE findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Martins
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany.
| | - Natan Yusupov
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Tanja M Brückl
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany
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27
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Moog NK, Heim CM, Entringer S, Simhan HN, Wadhwa PD, Buss C. Transmission of the adverse consequences of childhood maltreatment across generations: Focus on gestational biology. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 215:173372. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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28
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Müller S, Moser D, Frach L, Wimberger P, Nitzsche K, Li SC, Kirschbaum C, Alexander N. No long-term effects of antenatal synthetic glucocorticoid exposure on epigenetic regulation of stress-related genes. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:62. [PMID: 35173143 PMCID: PMC8850596 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01828-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Antenatal synthetic glucocorticoid (sGC) treatment is a potent modifier of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In this context, epigenetic modifications are discussed as potential regulators explaining how prenatal exposure to GCs might translate into persistent changes of HPA axis "functioning". The purpose of this study was to investigate whether DNA methylation and gene expression profiles of stress-associated genes (NR3C1; FKBP5; SLC6A4) may mediate the persistent effects of sGC on cortisol stress reactivity that have been previously observed. In addition, hair cortisol concentrations (hairC) were investigated as a valid biomarker of long-term HPA axis activity. This cross-sectional study comprised 108 term-born children and adolescents, including individuals with antenatal GC treatment and controls. From whole blood, DNA methylation was analyzed by targeted deep bisulfite sequencing. Relative mRNA expression was determined by RT-qPCR experiments and qBase analysis. Acute stress reactivity was assessed by the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) measuring salivary cortisol by ELISA and hairC concentrations were determined from hair samples by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. First, no differences in DNA methylation and mRNA expression levels of the stress-associated genes between individuals treated with antenatal sGC compared to controls were found. Second, DNA methylation and mRNA expression levels were neither associated with cortisol stress reactivity nor with hairC. These findings do not corroborate the belief that DNA methylation and mRNA expression profiles of stress-associated genes (NR3C1; FKBP5; SLC6A4) play a key mediating role of the persistent effects of sGC on HPA axis functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Müller
- Department of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Dirk Moser
- grid.5570.70000 0004 0490 981XDepartment of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Leonard Frach
- grid.5570.70000 0004 0490 981XDepartment of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr Universität Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany ,grid.83440.3b0000000121901201Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, 26 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0AP UK
| | - Pauline Wimberger
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Katharina Nitzsche
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstr. 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Shu-Chen Li
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 17, 01602 Dresden, Germany ,grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257CeTI – Centre for Tactile Internet with Human-in-the-Loop, Technische Universität Dresden, Georg-Schumann-Str. 9, 01187 Dresden, Germany
| | - Clemens Kirschbaum
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Zellescher Weg 17, 01602 Dresden, Germany
| | - Nina Alexander
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps University Marburg, Rudolf-Bultmann-Str. 8, 35039, Marburg, Germany. .,Center for Mind, Brain and Behavior, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Str. 6, 35032, Marburg, Germany.
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29
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Guo Z, Li S, Wu J, Zhu X, Zhang Y. Maternal Deprivation Increased Vulnerability to Depression in Adult Rats Through DRD2 Promoter Methylation in the Ventral Tegmental Area. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:827667. [PMID: 35308874 PMCID: PMC8924051 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.827667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early life adversity is a risk factor for depression in adulthood; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study aims to investigate the effect of DNA methylation of DRD2 gene on early life stress-induced depression in adult rats. METHODS Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: maternal deprivation group (MD), chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) group, maternal deprivation plus chronic unpredictable stress (MD/CUS) group, and normal control group (NOR). Behaviors were measured by open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), and Original Research Article forced swimming test (FST). Fecal CORT level was detected by ELISA. Bisulfite amplicon sequencing PCR was used to assess methylation levels of DRD2 promoter. RESULTS CUS and MD/CUS rats had a significantly shorter total distance, longer immobility time, and higher CORT level, while MD and MD/CUS rats had a significantly lower percentage of central distance, more feces, lower rate of sucrose preference, and lower levels of DRD2 protein and mRNA in the VTA than NOR rats. CUS rats showed a significantly higher DRD2 mRNA and protein levels in the VTA than NOR rats. CUS, MD, and MD/CUS rats showed a significantly higher level of DRD2 promoter methylation than NOR rats. CORT level was significantly correlated with the sucrose preference rate in SPT, the immobility time in FST, the total distance, and the number of fecal pellets in OFT. DRD2 protein level was significantly correlated with the sucrose preference rate and the number of fecal pellets. DRD2 mRNA level was significantly correlated with the percentage of central distance and the number of fecal pellets in OFT. The level of DRD2 promoter methylation was significantly correlated with the sucrose preference rate, immobility time, total distance, the percentage of central distance, and the number of fecal pellets. CONCLUSIONS Early life MD increased vulnerability to stress-induced depressive-like behavior in adult rats. Enhanced DRD2 promoter methylation in the VTA may increase the susceptibility to depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenli Guo
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shansi Li
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jialing Wu
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiongzhao Zhu
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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30
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Morton SU, Leyshon BJ, Tamilia E, Vyas R, Sisitsky M, Ladha I, Lasekan JB, Kuchan MJ, Grant PE, Ou Y. A Role for Data Science in Precision Nutrition and Early Brain Development. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:892259. [PMID: 35815018 PMCID: PMC9259898 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.892259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Multimodal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provide biomarkers of early influences on neurodevelopment such as nutrition, environmental and genetic factors. As the exposure to early influences can be separated from neurodevelopmental outcomes by many months or years, MRI markers can serve as an important intermediate outcome in multivariate analyses of neurodevelopmental determinants. Key to the success of such work are recent advances in data science as well as the growth of relevant data resources. Multimodal MRI assessment of neurodevelopment can be supplemented with other biomarkers of neurodevelopment such as electroencephalograms, magnetoencephalogram, and non-imaging biomarkers. This review focuses on how maternal nutrition impacts infant brain development, with three purposes: (1) to summarize the current knowledge about how nutrition in stages of pregnancy and breastfeeding impact infant brain development; (2) to discuss multimodal MRI and other measures of early neurodevelopment; and (3) to discuss potential opportunities for data science and artificial intelligence to advance precision nutrition. We hope this review can facilitate the collaborative march toward precision nutrition during pregnancy and the first year of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah U Morton
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Eleonora Tamilia
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rutvi Vyas
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Michaela Sisitsky
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Imran Ladha
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | - P Ellen Grant
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Yangming Ou
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Fetal-Neonatal Neuroimaging and Developmental Science Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Radiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
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31
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Wiegand A, Blickle A, Brückmann C, Weller S, Nieratschker V, Plewnia C. Dynamic DNA Methylation Changes in the COMT Gene Promoter Region in Response to Mental Stress and Its Modulation by Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1726. [PMID: 34827724 PMCID: PMC8615564 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in epigenetic modifications present a mechanism how environmental factors, such as the experience of stress, can alter gene regulation. While stress-related disorders have consistently been associated with differential DNA methylation, little is known about the time scale in which these alterations emerge. We investigated dynamic DNA methylation changes in whole blood of 42 healthy male individuals in response to a stressful cognitive task, its association with concentration changes in cortisol, and its modulation by transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS). We observed a continuous increase in COMT promotor DNA methylation which correlated with higher saliva cortisol levels and was still detectable one week later. However, this lasting effect was suppressed by concurrent activity-enhancing anodal tDCS to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. Our findings support the significance of gene-specific DNA methylation in whole blood as potential biomarkers for stress-related effects. Moreover, they suggest alternative molecular mechanisms possibly involved in lasting behavioral effects of tDCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Wiegand
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Psychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.B.); (C.B.); (V.N.)
- International Max Planck Research School for Cognitive and Systems Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Arne Blickle
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Psychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.B.); (C.B.); (V.N.)
| | - Christof Brückmann
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Psychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.B.); (C.B.); (V.N.)
| | - Simone Weller
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Neurophysiology & Interventional Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.W.); (C.P.)
| | - Vanessa Nieratschker
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Molecular Psychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.B.); (C.B.); (V.N.)
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian Plewnia
- Tübingen Center for Mental Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Neurophysiology & Interventional Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 14, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (S.W.); (C.P.)
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32
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Ghai M, Kader F. A Review on Epigenetic Inheritance of Experiences in Humans. Biochem Genet 2021; 60:1107-1140. [PMID: 34792705 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-021-10155-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
If genetics defines the inheritance of DNA, epigenetics aims to regulate and make it adaptable. Epigenetic alterations include DNA methylation, chromatin remodelling, post-translational modifications of histone proteins and activity of non-coding RNAs. Several studies, especially in animal models, have reported transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic marks. However, evidence of transgenerational inheritance in humans via germline in the absence of any direct exposure to the driving external stimulus remains controversial. Most of the epimutations exist in relation with genetic variants. The present review looks at intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance in humans, (both father and mother) in response to diet, exposure to chemicals, stress, exercise, and disease status. If not transgenerational, at least intergenerational human studies could help to understand early processes of inheritance. In humans, female and male germline development follow separate paths of epigenetic events and both oocyte and sperm possess their own unique epigenomes. While DNA methylation alterations are reset during epigenetic reprogramming, non-coding RNAs via human sperm provide evidence of being reliable carriers for transgenerational inheritance. Human studies reveal that one mechanism of epigenetic inheritance cannot be applied to the complete human genome. Multiple factors including time, type, and tissue of exposure determine if the modified epigenetic mark could be transmissible and till which generation. Population-specific differences should also be taken into consideration while associating inheritance to an environmental exposure. A longitudinal study targeting one environmental factor, but different population groups should be conducted at a specific geographical location to pinpoint heritable epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Ghai
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
| | - Farzeen Kader
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
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Beveridge JK, Yeates KO, Madigan S, Stone AL, Wilson AC, Sumpton JE, Salberg S, Mychasiuk R, Noel M. Examining Parent Adverse Childhood Experiences as a Distal Risk Factor in Pediatric Chronic Pain. Clin J Pain 2021; 38:95-107. [PMID: 34743137 PMCID: PMC8719510 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; ie, exposure to abuse, neglect, household dysfunction in childhood) are associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes across the lifespan. Emerging research suggests parent ACEs also confer risk for poor child outcomes. The relation between parent ACEs and child pain in youth with chronic pain has not yet been examined. The aim of the current longitudinal study was to examine the associations among parent ACEs, parent health, and child pain, in a clinical sample of youth with chronic pain. METHODS In total, 192 youth (75.5% female, 10 to 18 y old) and one of their parents (92.2% female) were recruited from tertiary pediatric chronic pain clinics in Canada. At baseline, parents completed self-report measures of ACEs, chronic pain status, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. At a 3-month follow-up, youth completed self-report measures of pain intensity and pain interference. RESULTS Regression and mediation analyses revealed that parent ACEs significantly predicted parent chronic pain status and depressive symptoms, but not parent anxiety or posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Moreover, parent ACEs were not significantly related to youth pain, either directly or indirectly through parent health variables. DISCUSSION Findings suggest that an intergenerational cascade from parent ACEs to parent health to child pain was not present in the current sample. Further research that examines the role of parent ACEs in the development of child chronic pain, as well as other risk and resiliency factors that may mediate or moderate the association between parent ACEs and child chronic pain, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith O. Yeates
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute
| | - Amanda L. Stone
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Anna C. Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | | | - Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB
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Martins J, Czamara D, Sauer S, Rex-Haffner M, Dittrich K, Dörr P, de Punder K, Overfeld J, Knop A, Dammering F, Entringer S, Winter SM, Buss C, Heim C, Binder EB. Childhood adversity correlates with stable changes in DNA methylation trajectories in children and converges with epigenetic signatures of prenatal stress. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100336. [PMID: 34095363 PMCID: PMC8163992 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment (CM) is an established major risk factor for a number of negative health outcomes later in life. While epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), have been proposed as a means of embedding this environmental risk factor, little is known about its timing and trajectory, especially in very young children. It is also not clear whether additional environmental adversities, often experienced by these children, converge on similar DNAm changes. Here, we calculated a cumulative adversity score, which additionally to CM includes socioeconomic status (SES), other life events, parental psychopathology and epigenetic biomarkers of prenatal smoking and alcohol consumption. We investigated the effects of CM alone as well as the adversity score on longitudinal DNAm trajectories in the Berlin Longitudinal Child Study. This is a cohort of 173 children aged 3-5 years at baseline of whom 86 were exposed to CM. These children were followed-up for 2 years with extensive psychometric and biological assessments as well as saliva collection at 5 time points providing genome-wide DNAm levels. Overall, only a few DNAm patterns were stable over this timeframe, but less than 10 DNAm regions showed significant changes. At baseline, neither CM nor the adversity score associated with DNAm changes. However, in 6 differentially methylated regions (DMRs), CM and the adversity score significantly moderated DNAm trajectories over time. A number of these DMRs have previously been associated with adverse prenatal exposures. In our study, children exposed to CM also presented with epigenetic signatures indicative of increased prenatal exposure to tobacco and alcohol, as compared to non-CM exposed children. These epigenetic signatures of prenatal exposure strongly correlate with DNAm regions associated with CM and the adversity score. Finally, weighted correlation network analysis revealed a module of CpGs exclusively associated with CM. While our study identifies DNAm loci specifically associated with CM, especially within long non-coding RNAs, the majority of associations were found with the adversity score with convergent association with indicators of adverse prenatal exposures. This study highlights the importance of mapping not only of the epigenome but also the exposome and extending the observational timeframe to well before birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Martins
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Susann Sauer
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Rex-Haffner
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Katja Dittrich
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Peggy Dörr
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Karin de Punder
- Natura Foundation, Research and Development, Numansdrop, 3281, NC, Netherlands
| | - Judith Overfeld
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Knop
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Dammering
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sonja Entringer
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Sibylle M. Winter
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Campus Virchow, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Buss
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- University of California, Irvine, Development, Health, and Disease Research Program, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Christine Heim
- Charité − Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Campus Charité Mitte, Luisenstraße 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Dept. of Biobehavioral Health, College of Health & Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- Dept. of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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Su X, Li W, Lv L, Li X, Yang J, Luo XJ, Liu J. Transcriptome-Wide Association Study Provides Insights Into the Genetic Component of Gene Expression in Anxiety. Front Genet 2021; 12:740134. [PMID: 34650599 PMCID: PMC8505959 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.740134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are common mental disorders that often result in disability. Recently, large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have identified several novel risk variants and loci for anxiety disorders (or anxiety traits). Nevertheless, how the reported risk variants confer risk of anxiety remains unknown. To identify genes whose cis-regulated expression levels are associated with risk of anxiety traits, we conducted a transcriptome-wide association study (TWAS) by integrating genome-wide associations from a large-scale GWAS (N = 175,163) (which evaluated anxiety traits based on Generalized Anxiety Disorder 2-item scale (GAD-2) score) and brain expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data (from the PsychENCODE and GTEx). We identified 19 and 17 transcriptome-wide significant (TWS) genes in the PsychENCODE and GTEx, respectively. Intriguingly, 10 genes showed significant associations with anxiety in both datasets, strongly suggesting that genetic risk variants may confer risk of anxiety traits by regulating the expression of these genes. Top TWS genes included RNF123, KANSL1-AS1, GLYCTK, CRHR1, DND1P1, MAPT and ARHGAP27. Of note, 25 TWS genes were not implicated in the original GWAS. Our TWAS identified 26 risk genes whose cis-regulated expression were significantly associated with anxiety, providing important insights into the genetic component of gene expression in anxiety disorders/traits and new clues for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Su
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Wenqiang Li
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Luxian Lv
- Henan Mental Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China.,Henan Key Lab of Biological Psychiatry, International Joint Research Laboratory for Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Henan, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Xiaoyan Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Jinfeng Yang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Xiong-Jian Luo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Kunming College of Life Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China.,KIZ-CUHK Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research in Common Diseases, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Jiewei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
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36
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Bowers K, Ding L, Yolton K, Ji H, Nidey N, Meyer J, Ammerman RT, Van Ginkel J, Folger A. Pregnancy and Infant Development (PRIDE)-a preliminary observational study of maternal adversity and infant development. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:452. [PMID: 34649513 PMCID: PMC8518281 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02801-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged families have a markedly elevated risk for impaired cognitive and social-emotional development. Children in poverty experience have a high risk for developmental delays. Poverty engenders disproportionate exposure to psychological adversity which may contribute to impaired offspring development; however the effect may be mitigated by social support and other aspects of resilience. Our objective was to determine the association between maternal stress, adversity and social support and early infant neurobehavior and child behavior at two and three years. Methods We conducted a longitudinal mother-infant cohort study nested within a regional home visiting program in Cincinnati, Ohio. Four home study visits were completed to collect measures of maternal stress, adversity and social support and infant and child behavior. A measure of infant neurobehavior (‘high-arousal’ infant) was derived from the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) at 1 month and externalizing and internalizing symptoms were measured by the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at 24 and 36 months. Linear and logistic regression identified associations between maternal risk/protective factors and infant and child behavioral measures. We used stratification and multiplicative interaction terms to examine potential interactions. Results We enrolled n = 55 pregnant mothers and follow 53 mother–offspring dyads at 1 month, 40 dyads at 24 months and 27 dyads at 36 months. Maternal adversity and protective factors were not associated with neurobehavior at one month. However, maternal depression and measures of distress in pregnancy were significantly associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms at 24 and 36 months. Conclusions This pilot study established the feasibility of conducting longitudinal research within a community intervention program. In addition, although there were no statistically significant associations between maternal psychosocial factors in pregnancy and infant neurobehavior, there were several associations at 24 months, primarily internalizing symptoms, which persisted through 36 months. Future work will replicate findings within a larger study as well as explore mediators and modifiers of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Bowers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA. .,Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Lili Ding
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kimberly Yolton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of General and Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Hong Ji
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Asthma Research, Pyrosequencing Core Lab for Epigenomic and Genomic Research, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell biology California National Primate Research Center School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nichole Nidey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jerrold Meyer
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Neuroscience and Behavior Program, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Robert T Ammerman
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Every Child Succeeds, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Judith Van Ginkel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Every Child Succeeds, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Alonzo Folger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Every Child Succeeds, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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37
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Lux V, Non AL, Pexman PM, Stadler W, Weber LAE, Krüger M. A Developmental Framework for Embodiment Research: The Next Step Toward Integrating Concepts and Methods. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:672740. [PMID: 34393730 PMCID: PMC8360894 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.672740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Embodiment research is at a turning point. There is an increasing amount of data and studies investigating embodiment phenomena and their role in mental processing and functions from across a wide range of disciplines and theoretical schools within the life sciences. However, the integration of behavioral data with data from different biological levels is challenging for the involved research fields such as movement psychology, social and developmental neuroscience, computational psychosomatics, social and behavioral epigenetics, human-centered robotics, and many more. This highlights the need for an interdisciplinary framework of embodiment research. In addition, there is a growing need for a cross-disciplinary consensus on level-specific criteria of embodiment. We propose that a developmental perspective on embodiment is able to provide a framework for overcoming such pressing issues, providing analytical tools to link timescales and levels of embodiment specific to the function under study, uncovering the underlying developmental processes, clarifying level-specific embodiment criteria, and providing a matrix and platform to bridge disciplinary boundaries among the involved research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Lux
- Department of Genetic Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Amy L Non
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Penny M Pexman
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Waltraud Stadler
- Chair of Human Movement Science, Department of Sports and Health Sciences, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lilian A E Weber
- Department of Psychiatry, Oxford Centre for Human Brain Activity, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Translational Neuromodeling Unit, Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Krüger
- Institute of Sports Science, Faculty of Humanities, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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38
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Milligan Armstrong A, Porter T, Quek H, White A, Haynes J, Jackaman C, Villemagne V, Munyard K, Laws SM, Verdile G, Groth D. Chronic stress and Alzheimer's disease: the interplay between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, genetics and microglia. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 96:2209-2228. [PMID: 34159699 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic psychosocial stress is increasingly being recognised as a risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) is the major stress response pathway in the body and tightly regulates the production of cortisol, a glucocorticoid hormone. Dysregulation of the HPA axis and increased levels of cortisol are commonly found in AD patients and make a major contribution to the disease process. The underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In addition, within the general population there are interindividual differences in sensitivities to glucocorticoid and stress responses, which are thought to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. These differences could ultimately impact an individuals' risk of AD. The purpose of this review is first to summarise the literature describing environmental and genetic factors that can impact an individual's HPA axis reactivity and function and ultimately AD risk. Secondly, we propose a mechanism by which genetic factors that influence HPA axis reactivity may also impact inflammation, a key driver of neurodegeneration. We hypothesize that these factors can mediate glucocorticoid priming of the immune cells of the brain, microglia, to become pro-inflammatory and promote a neurotoxic environment resulting in neurodegeneration. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms and identifying these genetic factors has implications for evaluating stress-related risk/progression to neurodegeneration, informing the success of interventions based on stress management and potential risks associated with the common use of glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayeisha Milligan Armstrong
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.,Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Tenielle Porter
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.,Collaborative Genomics and Translation Group, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Hazel Quek
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Anthony White
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Institute, 300 Herston Rd, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - John Haynes
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Connie Jackaman
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.,Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Victor Villemagne
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia.,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Kylie Munyard
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.,Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
| | - Simon M Laws
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.,Collaborative Genomics and Translation Group, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - Giuseppe Verdile
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.,Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.,School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, Joondalup, WA, 6027, Australia
| | - David Groth
- Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia.,Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Kent St, Bentley, WA, 6102, Australia
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39
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Dick A, Chen A. The role of TET proteins in stress-induced neuroepigenetic and behavioural adaptations. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100352. [PMID: 34189192 PMCID: PMC8220100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, critical, non-redundant roles of the ten-eleven translocation (TET) family of dioxygenase enzymes have been identified in the brain during developmental and postnatal stages. Specifically, TET-mediated active demethylation, involving the iterative oxidation of 5-methylcytosine to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and subsequent oxidative derivatives, is dynamically regulated in response to environmental stimuli such as neuronal activity, learning and memory processes, and stressor exposure. Such changes may therefore perpetuate stable and dynamic transcriptional patterns within neuronal populations required for neuroplasticity and behavioural adaptation. In this review, we will highlight recent evidence supporting a role of TET protein function and active demethylation in stress-induced neuroepigenetic and behavioural adaptations. We further explore potential mechanisms by which TET proteins may mediate both the basal and pathological embedding of stressful life experiences within the brain of relevance to stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alec Dick
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| | - Alon Chen
- Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- The Ruhman Family Laboratory for Research on the Neurobiology of Stress, Department of Neurobiology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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40
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Pang TY, Yaeger JDW, Summers CH, Mitra R. Cardinal role of the environment in stress induced changes across life stages and generations. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 124:137-150. [PMID: 33549740 PMCID: PMC9286069 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The stress response in rodents and humans is exquisitely dependent on the environmental context. The interactive element of the environment is typically studied by creating laboratory models of stress-induced plasticity manifested in behavior or the underlying neuroendocrine mediators of the behavior. Here, we discuss three representative sets of studies where the role of the environment in mediating stress sensitivity or stress resilience is considered across varying windows of time. Collectively, these studies testify that environmental variation at an earlier time point modifies the relationship between stressor and stress response at a later stage. The metaplastic effects of the environment on the stress response remain possible across various endpoints, including behavior, neuroendocrine regulation, region-specific neural plasticity, and regulation of receptors. The timescale of such variation spans adulthood, across stages of life history and generational boundaries. Thus, environmental variables are powerful determinants of the observed diversity in stress response. The predominant role of the environment suggests that it is possible to promote stress resilience through purposeful modification of the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terence Y Pang
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, 3052, VIC, Australia; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, The University of Melbourne, 3010, VIC, Australia
| | - Jazmine D W Yaeger
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Cliff H Summers
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Neuroscience Group, Division of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD, 57069, USA; Veterans Affairs Research Service, Sioux Falls VA Health Care System, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105, USA
| | - Rupshi Mitra
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 637551, Singapore.
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41
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de Assis Pinheiro J, Freitas FV, Borçoi AR, Mendes SO, Conti CL, Arpini JK, Dos Santos Vieira T, de Souza RA, Dos Santos DP, Barbosa WM, Archanjo AB, de Oliveira MM, Dos Santos JG, Sorroche BP, Casali-da-Rocha JC, Trivilin LO, Borloti EB, Louro ID, Arantes LMRB, Alvares-da-Silva AM. Alcohol consumption, depression, overweight and cortisol levels as determining factors for NR3C1 gene methylation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6768. [PMID: 33762648 PMCID: PMC7990967 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86189-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The NR3C1 glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene is a component of the stress response system, which can be regulated by epigenetic mechanisms. NR3C1 methylation has been associated with trauma and mental issues, including depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and personality disorders. Previous studies have reported that stressful events are involved in NR3C1 gene methylation, suggesting that its regulation under environmental effects is complex. The present study aimed to analyze associations involving stressors such as socioeconomic status, health conditions, and lifestyle in relation to NR3C1 methylation in adults. This study included 386 individual users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS), and evaluated socioeconomic and health conditions, body mass index, cortisol levels, and lifestyle. Data were correlated with NR3C1 methylation, determined using DNA pyrosequencing. The results showed that alcohol consumption, overweight, and high cortisol levels were related to NR3C1 demethylation, while depression was related to its methylation. Habits, lifestyle, and health status may influence NR3C1 gene regulation via methylation, revealing the complexity of environmental impacts on NR3C1 methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia de Assis Pinheiro
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Flávia Vitorino Freitas
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil.,Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Alegre, ES, Brazil
| | - Aline Ribeiro Borçoi
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Suzanny Oliveira Mendes
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Catarine Lima Conti
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Juliana Krüger Arpini
- Graduate Program in Forest Sciences, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Alegre, ES, Brazil
| | - Tamires Dos Santos Vieira
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | | | | | - Wagner Miranda Barbosa
- Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Alegre, ES, Brazil
| | - Anderson Barros Archanjo
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Mayara Mota de Oliveira
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna Pereira Sorroche
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Hospital do Câncer de Barretos, Barretos, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | - Elizeu Batista Borloti
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | - Iuri Drumond Louro
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil
| | | | - Adriana Madeira Alvares-da-Silva
- Biotechnology/Renorbio Graduate Program, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil. .,Department of Morphology, Health Science Center, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Vitoria, ES, Brazil. .,Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Espirito Santo, Alto Universitário Sem Número, Alegre, ES, 29500000, Brazil.
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Wiegand A, Kreifelts B, Munk MHJ, Geiselhart N, Ramadori KE, MacIsaac JL, Fallgatter AJ, Kobor MS, Nieratschker V. DNA methylation differences associated with social anxiety disorder and early life adversity. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:104. [PMID: 33542190 PMCID: PMC7862482 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01225-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by extensive fear in social situations. Multiple genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to its pathogenesis. One of the main environmental risk factors is early life adversity (ELA). Evidence is emerging that epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation might play an important role in the biological mechanisms underlying SAD and ELA. To investigate the relationship between ELA, DNA methylation, and SAD, we performed an epigenome-wide association study for SAD and ELA examining DNA from whole blood of a cohort of 143 individuals using DNA methylation arrays. We identified two differentially methylated regions (DMRs) associated with SAD located within the genes SLC43A2 and TNXB. As this was the first epigenome-wide association study for SAD, it is worth noting that both genes have previously been associated with panic disorder. Further, we identified two DMRs associated with ELA within the SLC17A3 promoter region and the SIAH3 gene and several DMRs that were associated with the interaction of SAD and ELA. Of these, the regions within C2CD2L and MRPL28 showed the largest difference in DNA methylation. Lastly, we found that two DMRs were associated with both the severity of social anxiety and ELA, however, neither of them was found to mediate the contribution of ELA to SAD later in life. Future studies are needed to replicate our findings in independent cohorts and to investigate the biological pathways underlying these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariane Wiegand
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany ,grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Benjamin Kreifelts
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Matthias H. J. Munk
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany ,grid.6546.10000 0001 0940 1669Department of Biology, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Nadja Geiselhart
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katia E. Ramadori
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, V5Z 4H4 BC Canada
| | - Julia L. MacIsaac
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, V5Z 4H4 BC Canada
| | - Andreas J. Fallgatter
- grid.10392.390000 0001 2190 1447Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- grid.17091.3e0000 0001 2288 9830Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, V5Z 4H4 BC Canada
| | - Vanessa Nieratschker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany. .,Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, Tübingen, Germany.
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Soga T, Teo CH, Parhar I. Genetic and Epigenetic Consequence of Early-Life Social Stress on Depression: Role of Serotonin-Associated Genes. Front Genet 2021; 11:601868. [PMID: 33584798 PMCID: PMC7874148 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.601868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity caused by poor social bonding and deprived maternal care is known to affect mental wellbeing and physical health. It is a form of chronic social stress that persists because of a negative environment, and the consequences are long-lasting on mental health. The presence of social stress during early life can have an epigenetic effect on the body, possibly resulting in many complex mental disorders, including depression in later life. Here, we review the evidence for early-life social stress-induced epigenetic changes that modulate juvenile and adult social behavior (depression and anxiety). This review has a particular emphasis on the interaction between early-life social stress and genetic variation of serotonin associate genes including the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTT; also known as SLC6A4), which are key molecules involved in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Soga
- Brain Research Institute, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway, Malaysia
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Engdahl E, Alavian-Ghavanini A, Forsell Y, Lavebratt C, Rüegg J. Childhood adversity increases methylation in the GRIN2B gene. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 132:38-43. [PMID: 33038564 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Childhood adversity is an early life stressor associated with increased risk of several psychiatric disorders such as depression. Epigenetic changes, primarily DNA methylation, can be affected by early life stress, which in turn might contribute to altered disease susceptibility later in life. One plausible biomarker of early life stress is methylation of the ionotropic glutamate receptor NMDA type subunit 2B (GRIN2B) gene, which has been previously shown to be epigenetically affected by prenatal environmental stressors. Here, we set out to investigate if stress-inducing adversity during childhood is associated with changes in methylation of GRIN2B in adulthood. We studied 186 individuals from a Swedish naturalistic population-based cohort who had provided saliva samples (DNA) as well as information regarding both childhood adversity (CA) and depressive symptoms (dep) (nCA,dep = 41, nCA,no-dep = 56, nno-CA,dep = 40, Nno-CA,no-dep = 49). Methylation at four CpG sites in a regulatory region of GRIN2B was analysed using bisulfite pyrosequencing. Associations for methylation status to childhood adversity and to depression status were investigated using linear regression models. Our study shows that childhood adversity is associated with increased methylation levels of GRIN2B in adulthood, for three of the measured CpGs (p = 0.007, 0.006 and 5 × 10-14). This indicates that GRIN2B methylation is susceptible to early life stress, and that methylation at this gene is persistent over time. No association was found between GRIN2B methylation and depression status. Yet, this does not rule out a role for alterations in GRIN2B methylation for other neuropsychological outcomes not studied here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elin Engdahl
- Karolinska Institutet, Institute of Environmental Medicine (IMM), Unit of Integrative Toxicology, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | | | - Yvonne Forsell
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Global Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Lavebratt
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joëlle Rüegg
- Uppsala University, Department of Organismal Biology, Uppsala, Sweden
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45
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Cattaneo A, Suderman M, Cattane N, Mazzelli M, Begni V, Maj C, D'Aprile I, Pariante CM, Luoni A, Berry A, Wurst K, Hommers L, Domschke K, Cirulli F, Szyf M, Menke A, Riva MA. Long-term effects of stress early in life on microRNA-30a and its network: Preventive effects of lurasidone and potential implications for depression vulnerability. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100271. [PMID: 33344724 PMCID: PMC7739180 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to early life stress can interfere with neurodevelopmental trajectories to increase the vulnerability for psychiatric disorders later in life. With this respect, epigenetic mechanisms play a key role for the long-lasting changes in brain functions that may elicit and sustain psychopathologic outcomes. Here, we investigated DNA methylation changes as possible epigenetic mechanism mediating the effect of prenatal stress (PNS), an experimental paradigm associated with behavioral and molecular alterations relevant for psychiatric disorders. We identified 138 genes as being differentially methylated in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and in the hippocampus (HIP) of male and female adult rats exposed to PNS. Among these genes, miR-30a and Neurod1 emerged as potential players for the negative outcomes associated with PNS exposure. Indeed, in addition to showing consistent methylation differences in both brain regions and in both sexes, and interacting with each other, they are both involved in Axon guidance and Neurotrophin signaling, which are important to neurodevelopmental disorders. We also found a significant reduction in the expression of a panel of genes (CAMK2A, c-JUN, LIMK1, MAP2K1, MAP2K2, PIK3CA and PLCG1) that belong to these two biological pathways and are also validated targets of miR-30a, pointing to a down-regulation of these pathways as a consequence of PNS exposure. Interestingly, we also found that miR-30a levels were significantly upregulated in depressed patients exposed to childhood trauma, as compared to control individuals. Importantly, we also found that a sub-chronic treatment with the atypical antipsychotic drug, lurasidone, during adolescence was able to prevent the up-regulation of miR-30a and normalized the expression of its target genes in response to PNS exposure. Our results demonstrate that miR-30a undergoes epigenetic changes following early life stress exposure and suggest that this miRNA could play a key role in producing broad and long-lasting alterations in neuroplasticity-related pathways, contributing to the etiology of psychiatric disorders. MiR-30a and Neurod1 undergo epigenetic changes following PNS exposure. MiR-30 and Neurod1 are involved in Axon guidance and Neurotrophin signaling, two important pathways for neurodevelopment. We found lower expression levels of a panel of genes targeted by miR-30a. MiR-30a was significantly up-regulated in depressed patients exposed to childhood trauma. A chronic treatment with lurasidone during adolescence prevented the up-regulation of miR-30a following PNS exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Matthew Suderman
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit, School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BSB 1TH, UK
| | - Nadia Cattane
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Monica Mazzelli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy.,Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Veronica Begni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Maj
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ilari D'Aprile
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessia Luoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Berry
- Section of Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Katharina Wurst
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Leif Hommers
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Domschke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Section of Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Sir William Osler Promenade #1311, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3G 1Y6
| | - Andreas Menke
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Würzburg, Germany.,Interdisciplinary Center for Clinical Research, University Hospital of Würzburg, Germany.,Center for Basics in Neuromodulation, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Sigrist C, Mürner-Lavanchy I, Peschel SKV, Schmidt SJ, Kaess M, Koenig J. Early life maltreatment and resting-state heart rate variability: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 120:307-334. [PMID: 33171141 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.10.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Recent focus on the consequences of early life adversity (ELA) in neurobiological research led to a variety of findings suggesting alterations in several physiological systems, such as the cardiovascular system. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we focused on the relationship between early life maltreatment (ELM), one form of ELA, and resting vagal activity indexed by resting-state heart rate variability (HRV). A systematic search of the literature yielded 1'264 hits, of which 32 studies reporting data for group comparisons or correlations were included. By quantitative synthesis of existing studies using random-effect models, we found no evidence for a relationship between ELM exposure and resting vagal activity in principal. Conducting meta-regression analyses, however, we found the relationship between ELM and resting vagal activity to significantly vary as a function of both age and the presence of psychopathology. In light of the current multitude of vastly unclear pathways linking ELM to the onset of disease, we emphasize the need for further research and outline several aspects to consider in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Sigrist
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Ines Mürner-Lavanchy
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephanie K V Peschel
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefanie J Schmidt
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Kaess
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Section for Translational Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julian Koenig
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Section for Experimental Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
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47
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Braun K, Bock J, Wainstock T, Matas E, Gaisler-Salomon I, Fegert J, Ziegenhain U, Segal M. Experience-induced transgenerational (re-)programming of neuronal structure and functions: Impact of stress prior and during pregnancy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 117:281-296. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Lorigooini Z, Nasiri Boroujeni S, Balali-Dehkordi S, Ebrahimi L, Bijad E, Rahimi-Madiseh M, Amini-Khoei H. Possible involvement of NMDA receptor in the anxiolytic-like effect of caffeic acid in mice model of maternal separation stress. Heliyon 2020; 6:e04833. [PMID: 32944669 PMCID: PMC7481568 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e04833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aim Anxiety disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders worldwide. Common anti-anxiety medications are associated with several side effects. Caffeic acid (CA) is a phenolic compound with several pharmacological effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the anxiolytic-like effect of CA in maternally separated (MS) mice focusing on the possible involvement of the NMDA receptor. Materials and methods In this study, we used the MS paradigm (as a valid animal model of anxiety) in male mice and examined their anxiety-like behavior in postnatal day (PND) 45. The animals were divided into 12 experimental groups. Mice treated with CA alone and in combination with the NMDA receptor agonist/antagonist and then using open field (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) anxiety-like behavior was assessed. Finally, the expression of NMDA receptor subtypes was assessed in the hippocampus using RT- PCR. Results Finding showed that CA exerted anxiolytic –like effects in the OFT and EPM tests. We showed that administration of effective dose of NMDA significantly reversed the anxiolytic-like effect of effective dose of CA and co-administration of ketamine (a NMDA receptor antagonist) significantly potentiated the effect of sub-effective dose of CA. Furthermore, ketamine enhanced the CA-reducing effect on NMDA receptors in the MS mice. Conclusion Our finding demonstrated that, probably at least, NMDA receptors are involved in the anxiety-like properties of CA in MS mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Lorigooini
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Shakiba Nasiri Boroujeni
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Shima Balali-Dehkordi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Leila Ebrahimi
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Elham Bijad
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rahimi-Madiseh
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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Lloyd S, Larivée A. Time, trauma, and the brain: How suicide came to have no significant precipitating event. SCIENCE IN CONTEXT 2020; 33:299-327. [PMID: 34096495 DOI: 10.1017/s0269889721000065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we trace shifting narratives of trauma within psychiatric, neuroscience, and environmental epigenetics research. We argue that two contemporary narratives of trauma - each of which concerns questions of time and psychopathology, of the past invading the present - had to be stabilized in order for environmental epigenetics models of suicide risk to be posited. Through an examination of these narratives, we consider how early trauma came to be understood as playing an etiologically significant role in the development of suicide risk. Suicide, in these models, has come to be seen as a behavior that has no significant precipitating event, but rather an exceptional precipitating neurochemical state, whose origins are identified in experiences of early traumatic events. We suggest that this is a part of a broader move within contemporary neurosciences and biopsychiatry to see life as post: seeing life as specific form of post-traumatic subjectivity.
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50
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Barrero-Castillero A, Morton SU, Nelson CA, Smith VC. Psychosocial Stress and Adversity: Effects from the Perinatal Period to Adulthood. Neoreviews 2020; 20:e686-e696. [PMID: 31792156 DOI: 10.1542/neo.20-12-e686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Early exposure to stress and adversity can have both immediate and lasting effects on physical and psychological health. Critical periods have been identified in infancy, during which the presence or absence of experiences can alter developmental trajectories. There are multiple explanations for how exposure to psychosocial stress, before conception or early in life, has an impact on later increased risk for developmental delays, mental health, and chronic metabolic diseases. Through both epidemiologic and animal models, the mechanisms by which experiences are transmitted across generations are being identified. Because psychosocial stress has multiple components that can act as stress mediators, a comprehensive understanding of the complex interactions between multiple adverse or beneficial experiences and their ultimate effects on health is essential to best identify interventions that will improve health and outcomes. This review outlines what is known about the biology, transfer, and effects of psychosocial stress and early life adversity from the perinatal period to adulthood. This information can be used to identify potential areas in which clinicians in neonatal medicine could intervene to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandra Barrero-Castillero
- Division of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.,Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Sarah U Morton
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.,Harvard Graduate School of Education, Boston, MA
| | - Vincent C Smith
- Division of Neonatology, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA.,Department of Pediatrics, Boston University, Boston, MA
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