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Ruge J, Ehlers MR, Kastrinogiannis A, Klingelhöfer-Jens M, Koppold A, Abend R, Lonsdorf TB. How adverse childhood experiences get under the skin: A systematic review, integration and methodological discussion on threat and reward learning mechanisms. eLife 2024; 13:e92700. [PMID: 39012794 PMCID: PMC11251725 DOI: 10.7554/elife.92700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are a major risk factor for the development of multiple psychopathological conditions, but the mechanisms underlying this link are poorly understood. Associative learning encompasses key mechanisms through which individuals learn to link important environmental inputs to emotional and behavioral responses. ACEs may impact the normative maturation of associative learning processes, resulting in their enduring maladaptive expression manifesting in psychopathology. In this review, we lay out a systematic and methodological overview and integration of the available evidence of the proposed association between ACEs and threat and reward learning processes. We summarize results from a systematic literature search (following PRISMA guidelines) which yielded a total of 81 articles (threat: n=38, reward: n=43). Across the threat and reward learning fields, behaviorally, we observed a converging pattern of aberrant learning in individuals with a history of ACEs, independent of other sample characteristics, specific ACE types, and outcome measures. Specifically, blunted threat learning was reflected in reduced discrimination between threat and safety cues, primarily driven by diminished responding to conditioned threat cues. Furthermore, attenuated reward learning manifested in reduced accuracy and learning rate in tasks involving acquisition of reward contingencies. Importantly, this pattern emerged despite substantial heterogeneity in ACE assessment and operationalization across both fields. We conclude that blunted threat and reward learning may represent a mechanistic route by which ACEs may become physiologically and neurobiologically embedded and ultimately confer greater risk for psychopathology. In closing, we discuss potentially fruitful future directions for the research field, including methodological and ACE assessment considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Ruge
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
| | | | - Alexandros Kastrinogiannis
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
- Department of Neurology, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain SciencesLeipzigGermany
| | - Maren Klingelhöfer-Jens
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
- University of BielefeldBielefeldGermany
| | - Alina Koppold
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
| | | | - Tina B Lonsdorf
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Systems NeuroscienceHamburgGermany
- University of BielefeldBielefeldGermany
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2
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Bolouki A. Role of Epigenetic Modification in the Intergeneration Transmission of War Trauma. Indian J Clin Biochem 2024; 39:312-321. [PMID: 39005862 PMCID: PMC11239641 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-023-01136-1] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
War trauma has been linked to changes in the neuroendocrine and immunological systems and increases the risk of physical disorders. Traumatic events during the war may have long-term repercussions on psychological and biological parameters in future generations, implying that traumatic stress may have transgenerational consequences. This article addresses how epigenetic mechanisms, which are a key biological mechanism for dynamic adaptation to environmental stressors, may help explain the long-term and transgenerational consequences of trauma. In war survivors, epigenetic changes in genes mediating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, as well as the immune system, have been reported. These genetic modifications may cause long-term changes in the stress response as well as physical health risks. Also, the finding of biomarkers for diagnosing the possibility of psychiatric illnesses in people exposed to stressful conditions such as war necessitates extensive research. While epigenetic research has the potential to further our understanding of the effects of trauma, the findings must be interpreted with caution because epigenetic molecular mechanisms is only one piece of a complicated puzzle of interwoven biological and environmental components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayeh Bolouki
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Unit on Cellular Biology (URBC), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
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3
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Baghaei A, Zoshk MY, Hosseini M, Fasihi H, Nassireslami E, Shayesteh S, Laripour R, Amoli AE, Heidari R, Chamanara M. Prominent genetic variants and epigenetic changes in post-traumatic stress disorder among combat veterans. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:325. [PMID: 38393604 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09276-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most widespread and disabling psychiatric disorders among combat veterans. Substantial interindividual variability in susceptibility to PTSD suggests the presence of different risk factors for this disorder. Twin and family studies confirm genetic factors as important risk factors for PTSD. In addition to genetic factors, epigenetic factors, especially DNA methylation, can be considered as a potential mechanism in changing the risk of PTSD. So far, many genetic and epigenetic association studies have been conducted in relation to PTSD. In genetic studies, many single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified as PTSD risk factors. Meanwhile, the variations in catecholamines-related genes, serotonin transporter and receptors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, inflammatory factors, and apolipoprotein E are the most prominent candidates. CpG methylation in the upstream regions of many genes is also considered a PTSD risk factor. Accurate identification of genetic and epigenetic changes associated with PTSD can lead to the presentation of suitable biomarkers for susceptible individuals to this disorder. This study aimed to delineate prominent genetic variations and epigenetic changes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans who have experienced combat, focusing on genetic and epigenetic association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmadali Baghaei
- Trauma Research center, AJA university of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Hosseini
- The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Fasihi
- Biomaterial and Medicinal Chemistry Research Center, AJA University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Nassireslami
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sevda Shayesteh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Reza Laripour
- Social and Preventive Medicine Department, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aynaz Eslami Amoli
- Trauma Research center, AJA university of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Center (AJA-CERTC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Chamanara
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Student research committee, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Antolasic EJ, Jaehne EJ, van den Buuse M. Interaction of Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor, Exercise, and Fear Extinction: Implications for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:543-556. [PMID: 37491857 PMCID: PMC10845100 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230724101321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) plays an important role in brain development, neural plasticity, and learning and memory. The Val66Met single-nucleotide polymorphism is a common genetic variant that results in deficient activity-dependent release of BDNF. This polymorphism and its impact on fear conditioning and extinction, as well as on symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), have been of increasing research interest over the last two decades. More recently, it has been demonstrated that regular physical activity may ameliorate impairments in fear extinction and alleviate symptoms in individuals with PTSD via an action on BDNF levels and that there are differential responses to exercise between the Val66Met genotypes. This narrative literature review first describes the theoretical underpinnings of the development and persistence of intrusive and hypervigilance symptoms commonly seen in PTSD and their treatment. It then discusses recent literature on the involvement of BDNF and the Val66Met polymorphism in fear conditioning and extinction and its involvement in PTSD diagnosis and severity. Finally, it investigates research on the impact of physical activity on BDNF secretion, the differences between the Val66Met genotypes, and the effect on fear extinction learning and memory and symptoms of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J. Antolasic
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Emily J. Jaehne
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
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Young DA, Chao LL, Zhang H, Metzler T, Ross J, Richards A, O'Donovan A, Inslicht SS, Neylan TC. Ventromedial and insular cortical volume moderates the relationship between BDNF Val66Met and threat sensitivity. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 142:337-344. [PMID: 34425486 PMCID: PMC9526516 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
While the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism has been linked to various trauma and anxiety - related psychiatric disorders, limited focus has been on the neural structures that might modulate its relationship with objective measures of threat sensitivity. Therefore, we assessed whether there was an interaction of Val66Met polymorphism with brain area volumes previously associated with anxiety and PTSD, such as the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), insular cortex (IC), and dorsal and ventral anterior cingulate cortices (dACC and vACC), in predicting fear-potentiated psychophysiological response in a clinical sample of Veterans. 110 participants engaged in a fear-potentiated acoustic startle paradigm and provided genetic and imaging data. Fear conditions included no, ambiguous, and high threat conditions (shock). Psychophysiological response measures included electromyogram (EMG), skin conductance response (SCR), and heart rate (HR). PTSD status, trauma history, and demographics were also assessed. There was an interaction of Met allele carrier status with vmPFC, IC, dACC, and vACC volumes for predicting SCR (p < 0.001 for all regions). However, only vmPFC and IC significantly moderated the relationship between Val66Met and psychophysiological response (SCR). The Val66met polymorphism may increase susceptibility to PTSD and anxiety disorders via an interaction with reduced vmPFC and IC volume. Future research should examine whether these relationships might be associated with a differential course of illness longitudinally or response to treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dmitri A Young
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St. (116P), San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE), The Veterans Health Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Linda L Chao
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St. (116P), San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE), The Veterans Health Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Huaiyu Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Thomas Metzler
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St. (116P), San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE), The Veterans Health Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Jessica Ross
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Anne Richards
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St. (116P), San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE), The Veterans Health Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Aoife O'Donovan
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St. (116P), San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE), The Veterans Health Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Sabra S Inslicht
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St. (116P), San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE), The Veterans Health Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, 4150 Clement St. (116P), San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Northern California Institute for Research and Education (NCIRE), The Veterans Health Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, 94121, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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6
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Early-life trauma endophenotypes and brain circuit-gene expression relationships in functional neurological (conversion) disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:3817-3828. [PMID: 32051548 PMCID: PMC7423688 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0665-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Functional neurological (conversion) disorder (FND) is a neuropsychiatric condition whereby individuals present with sensorimotor symptoms incompatible with other neurological disorders. Early-life maltreatment (ELM) is a risk factor for developing FND, yet few studies have investigated brain network-trauma relationships in this population. In this neuroimaging-gene expression study, we used two graph theory approaches to elucidate ELM subtype effects on resting-state functional connectivity architecture in 30 patients with motor FND. Twenty-one individuals with comparable depression, anxiety, and ELM scores were used as psychiatric controls. Thereafter, we compared trauma endophenotypes in FND with regional differences in transcriptional gene expression as measured by the Allen Human Brain Atlas (AHBA). In FND patients only, we found that early-life physical abuse severity, and to a lesser extent physical neglect, correlated with corticolimbic weighted-degree functional connectivity. Connectivity profiles influenced by physical abuse occurred in limbic (amygdalar-hippocampal), paralimbic (cingulo-insular and ventromedial prefrontal), and cognitive control (ventrolateral prefrontal) areas, as well as in sensorimotor and visual cortices. These findings held adjusting for individual differences in depression/anxiety, PTSD, and motor phenotypes. In FND, physical abuse also correlated with amygdala and insula coupling to motor cortices. In exploratory analyses, physical abuse correlated connectivity maps overlapped with the AHBA spatial expression of three gene clusters: (i) neuronal morphogenesis and synaptic transmission genes in limbic/paralimbic areas; (ii) locomotory behavior and neuronal generation genes in left-lateralized structures; and (iii) nervous system development and cell motility genes in right-lateralized structures. These circuit-specific architectural profiles related to individual differences in childhood physical abuse burden advance our understanding of the pathophysiology of FND.
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7
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Tomasi J, Zai CC, Zai G, Kennedy JL, Tiwari AK. Genetics of human startle reactivity: A systematic review to acquire targets for an anxiety endophenotype. World J Biol Psychiatry 2021; 22:399-427. [PMID: 33040669 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2020.1834619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Startle response is an objective physiological measure integral to the human defense system and a promising target for endophenotype investigations of anxiety. Given the alterations in startle reactivity observed among anxiety and related disorders, we searched for genetic variants associated with startle reactivity as they may be further involved in pathological anxiety risk. METHODS A systematic literature review was performed to identify genetic variants associated with startle reactivity in humans, specifically baseline and fear- or anxiety-potentiated startle. RESULTS The polymorphisms Val66Met (rs6265) from brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), Val158Met (rs4680) from catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and the serotonin transporter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) from the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) were most commonly studied in human startle. In addition, several other genetic variants have also been identified as potential candidates that warrant further research, especially given their novelty in in the context of anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Similar to psychiatric genetic studies, the studies on startle reactivity primarily focus on candidate genes and are plagued by non-replication. Startle reactivity is a promising endophenotype that requires concerted efforts to collect uniformly assessed, large, well-powered samples and hypothesis-free genome-wide strategies. To further support startle as an endophenotype for anxiety, this review suggests advanced genetic strategies for startle research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Tomasi
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Clement C Zai
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gwyneth Zai
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,General Adult Psychiatry and Health Systems Division, CAMH, Toronto, Canada
| | - James L Kennedy
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Arun K Tiwari
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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8
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Hu XY, Wu YL, Cheng CH, Liu XX, Zhou L. Association of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor rs6265 G>A polymorphism and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder susceptibility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02118. [PMID: 33835731 PMCID: PMC8119822 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2118] [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: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 G > A polymorphism is closely related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk. However, the results were not consistent. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to explore the underlying relationships between BDNF rs6265 G > A polymorphism and PTSD risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five online databases were searched, and all related studies were reviewed up to July 1, 2020. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine the statistical power of each genetic model. In addition, heterogeneity, sensitivity accumulative analysis, and publication bias were examined to check the statistical power. RESULT Overall, 16 publications involving 5,369 subjects were included in this systematic review and 11 case-control studies were analyses in meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated an increasing risk of A allele mutations with PTSD risk. Moreover, the sequential subgroup analysis also demonstrated some similar situations in Asian populations and other groups. CONCLUSION Current meta-analysis suggests that the BDNF rs6265 G > A polymorphism might be involved in PTSD susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Yi Hu
- Department of Mental Health, Linyi Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Yu-Long Wu
- Department of Mental Health, Linyi Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Chao-Hui Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Liu
- Department of Mental Health, Linyi Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Lan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
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9
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Nedic Erjavec G, Nikolac Perkovic M, Tudor L, Uzun S, Kovacic Petrovic Z, Konjevod M, Sagud M, Kozumplik O, Svob Strac D, Peraica T, Mimica N, Havelka Mestrovic A, Zilic D, Pivac N. Moderating Effects of BDNF Genetic Variants and Smoking on Cognition in PTSD Veterans. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11050641. [PMID: 33926045 PMCID: PMC8146493 DOI: 10.3390/biom11050641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is frequently associated with cognitive disturbances and high prevalence of smoking. This study evaluated cognition in war veterans with PTSD and control subjects, controlled for the effect of smoking and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 and rs56164415 genotypes/alleles. Study included 643 male war veterans with combat related PTSD and 120 healthy controls. Genotyping was done by real time PCR. Cognitive disturbances were evaluated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) cognition subscale and the Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure (ROCF) test scores. Diagnosis (p < 0.001), BDNF rs56164415 (p = 0.011) and smoking (p = 0.028) were significant predictors of the cognitive decline in subjects with PTSD. BDNF rs56164415 T alleles were more frequently found in subjects with PTSD, smokers and non-smokers, with impaired cognition, i.e., with the higher PANSS cognition subscale scores and with the lower ROCF immediate recall test scores. Presence of one or two BDNF rs56164415 T alleles was related to cognitive decline in PTSD. The T allele carriers with PTSD had advanced cognitive deterioration in smokers and nonsmokers with PTSD, and worse short-term visual memory function. Our findings emphasize the role of the BDNF rs56164415 T allele and smoking in cognitive dysfunction in war veterans with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Nedic Erjavec
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.N.E.); (M.N.P.); (L.T.); (M.K.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Matea Nikolac Perkovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.N.E.); (M.N.P.); (L.T.); (M.K.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Lucija Tudor
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.N.E.); (M.N.P.); (L.T.); (M.K.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Suzana Uzun
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.U.); (Z.K.P.); (O.K.); (N.M.)
- School of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Zrnka Kovacic Petrovic
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.U.); (Z.K.P.); (O.K.); (N.M.)
- School of Medicine, The University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Marcela Konjevod
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.N.E.); (M.N.P.); (L.T.); (M.K.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Marina Sagud
- School of Medicine, The University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Oliver Kozumplik
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.U.); (Z.K.P.); (O.K.); (N.M.)
- School of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dubravka Svob Strac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.N.E.); (M.N.P.); (L.T.); (M.K.); (D.S.S.)
| | - Tina Peraica
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Dubrava, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Ninoslav Mimica
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia; (S.U.); (Z.K.P.); (O.K.); (N.M.)
- School of Medicine, The University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | | | | | - Nela Pivac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (G.N.E.); (M.N.P.); (L.T.); (M.K.); (D.S.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-145-712-07
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10
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Peripheral blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241928. [PMID: 33152026 PMCID: PMC7644072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in the survival, differentiation, growth, and plasticity of the central nervous system (CNS). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex syndrome that affects CNS function. Evidence indicates that changes in peripheral levels of BDNF may interfere with stress. However, the results are mixed. This study investigates whether blood levels of BDNF in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are different. METHODS We conducted a systematic search in the major electronic medical databases from inception through September 2019 and identified Observational studies that measured serum levels of BDNF in patients with PTSD compared to controls without PTSD. RESULTS 20 studies were eligible to be included in the present meta-analysis. Subjects with PTSD (n = 909) showed lower BDNF levels compared to Non-PTSD controls (n = 1679) (SMD = 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 0.85). Subgroup meta-analyses confirmed higher levels of BDNF in patients with PTSD compared to non-PTSD controls in plasma, not serum, and in studies that used sandwich ELISA, not ELISA, for BDNF measurement. Meta-regressions showed no significant effect of age, gender, NOS, and sample size. CONCLUSIONS PTSD patients had increased serum BDNF levels compared to healthy controls. Our finding of higher BDNF levels in patients with PTSD supports the notion that PTSD is a neuroplastic disorder.
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11
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de Assis GG, Gasanov EV. BDNF and Cortisol integrative system - Plasticity vs. degeneration: Implications of the Val66Met polymorphism. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100784. [PMID: 31425696 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED BDNF is the neurotrophin mediating pro-neuronal survival and plasticity. Cortisol (COR), in turn, is engaged in the coordination of several processes in the brain homeostasis. Stress-responsive, both factors show an integrative role through their receptor's dynamics in neurophysiology. Furthermore, the Val66Met BDNF polymorphism may play a role in this mechanism. AIM to investigate BDNF-COR interaction in the human neurophysiology context. METHODS We collected all papers containing BDNF and COR parameters or showing COR analyses in genotyped individuals in a PubMed search - full description available on PROSPERO - CRD42016050206. DISCUSSION BDNF and COR perform distinct roles in the physiology of the brain whose systems are integrated by glucocorticoid receptors dynamics. The BDNF polymorphism appears to have an influence on individual COR responsivity to stress. BDNF and COR play complementary roles in the nervous system where COR is a regulator of positive/negative effects. Exercise positively regulates both factors, regardless of BDNF polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilmara Gomes de Assis
- Department of Applied Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Centre Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland; Lab. of Behavioral Endocrinology, Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil.
| | - Eugene V Gasanov
- Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland
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Richter-Levin G, Stork O, Schmidt MV. Animal models of PTSD: a challenge to be met. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1135-1156. [PMID: 30816289 PMCID: PMC6756084 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0272-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen increased interest in psychopathologies related to trauma exposure. Specifically, there has been a growing awareness to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in part due to terrorism, climate change-associated natural disasters, the global refugee crisis, and increased violence in overpopulated urban areas. However, notwithstanding the increased awareness to the disorder, the increasing number of patients, and the devastating impact on the lives of patients and their families, the efficacy of available treatments remains limited and highly unsatisfactory. A major scientific effort is therefore devoted to unravel the neural mechanisms underlying PTSD with the aim of paving the way to developing novel or improved treatment approaches and drugs to treat PTSD. One of the major scientific tools used to gain insight into understanding physiological and neuronal mechanisms underlying diseases and for treatment development is the use of animal models of human diseases. While much progress has been made using these models in understanding mechanisms of conditioned fear and fear memory, the gained knowledge has not yet led to better treatment options for PTSD patients. This poor translational outcome has already led some scientists and pharmaceutical companies, who do not in general hold opinions against animal models, to propose that those models should be abandoned. Here, we critically examine aspects of animal models of PTSD that may have contributed to the relative lack of translatability, including the focus on the exposure to trauma, overlooking individual and sex differences, and the contribution of risk factors. Based on findings from recent years, we propose research-based modifications that we believe are required in order to overcome some of the shortcomings of previous practice. These modifications include the usage of animal models of PTSD which incorporate risk factors and of the behavioral profiling analysis of individuals in a sample. These modifications are aimed to address factors such as individual predisposition and resilience, thus taking into consideration the fact that only a fraction of individuals exposed to trauma develop PTSD. We suggest that with an appropriate shift of practice, animal models are not only a valuable tool to enhance our understanding of fear and memory processes, but could serve as effective platforms for understanding PTSD, for PTSD drug development and drug testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gal Richter-Levin
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. .,The Integrated Brain and Behavior Research Center (IBBR), University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel. .,Psychology Department, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Oliver Stork
- 0000 0001 1018 4307grid.5807.aDepartment of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany ,grid.452320.2Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Universitätsplatz 2, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Mathias V. Schmidt
- 0000 0000 9497 5095grid.419548.5Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
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