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Sanwald S, Montag C, Kiefer M. Group differences in OXT methylation between patients with Major Depressive Disorder and healthy controls: A pre-registered replication study. Psychiatry Res 2024; 335:115855. [PMID: 38522151 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115855] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Depression is linked to stress which leaves traces in the epigenetic signature of genes. The oxytocin system is implicated in allostatic processes promoting adaption to environmental stressors. Interactions of the oxytocin system with the environment, e.g., methylation of the gene coding for oxytocin (OXT), are candidates for the investigation of the biological underpinnings of depression. Recently, we found hypomethylation of OXT in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) compared to healthy controls (HC). Since the replicability of findings is a key point of criticism in (epi‑)genetic research, we aimed to confirm our previous findings in a pre-registered study (data was stored in a database prior to pre-registration) within a new sample of n = 85 patients with MDD and n = 85 HC. We investigated OXT DNA-methylation in peripheral blood samples, stressful life events and depression severity. In accordance with our previous study, we found hypomethylation of OXT in patients with MDD compared to HC. Methylation was not associated with stressful life events. Patients reported significantly more stressful life events compared to HC. Our study revealed that hypomethylation of OXT can be demonstrated in a reproducible fashion and provides further evidence for the involvement of the oxytocin system in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Sanwald
- Ulm University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Germany.
| | - Christian Montag
- Ulm University, Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Germany
| | - Markus Kiefer
- Ulm University, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Germany
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Yuan D, Meng Y, Ai Z, Zhou S. Research trend of epigenetics and depression: adolescents' research needs to strengthen. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1289019. [PMID: 38249586 PMCID: PMC10799345 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1289019] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective With its high prevalence, depression's pathogenesis remains unclear. Recent attention has turned to the interplay between depression and epigenetic modifications. However, quantitative bibliometric analyses are lacking. This study aims to visually analyze depression epigenetics trends, utilizing bibliometric tools, while comprehensively reviewing its epigenetic mechanisms. Methods Utilizing the Web of Science core dataset, we collected depression and epigenetics-related studies. Employing VOSViewer software, we visualized data on authors, countries, journals, and keywords. A ranking table highlighted field leaders. Results Analysis encompassed 3,469 depression epigenetics studies published from January 2002 to June 2023. Key findings include: (1) Gradual publication growth, peaking in 2021; (2) The United States and its research institutions leading contributions; (3) Need for enhanced collaborations, spanning international and interdisciplinary efforts; (4) Keyword clustering revealed five main themes-early-life stress, microRNA, genetics, DNA methylation, and histone acetylation-highlighting research hotspots; (5) Limited focus on adolescent depression epigenetics, warranting increased attention. Conclusion Taken together, this study revealed trends and hotspots in depression epigenetics research, underscoring global collaboration, interdisciplinary fusion, and multi-omics data's importance. It discussed in detail the potential of epigenetic mechanisms in depression diagnosis and treatment, advocating increased focus on adolescent research in this field. Insights aid researchers in shaping their investigative paths toward understanding depression's epigenetic mechanisms and antidepressant interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongfeng Yuan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Yitong Meng
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhongzhu Ai
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Shizhen Laboratory, Wuhan, China
- Modern Engineering Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ethnic Medicine of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Shiquan Zhou
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, China
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Sanwald S, Montag C, Kiefer M. Association between parental separation, childhood trauma, neuroticism, and depression: a case control study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1112664. [PMID: 37229385 PMCID: PMC10204799 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1112664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parental separation has been suggested to be associated with depression development in offspring. The new family constellation subsequent to separation could be associated with elevated scores of childhood trauma, shaping more emotionally instable personalities. This could ultimately be a risk factor for mood disorders and particularly the development of depression in life. Methods To test this hypothesis, we investigated the associations between parental separation, childhood trauma (CTQ) and personality (NEO-FFI) in a sample of N = 119 patients diagnosed with depression and N = 119 age and sex matched healthy controls. Results While parental separation was associated with elevated scores of childhood trauma, there was no association between parental separation and Neuroticism. Furthermore, in a logistic regression analysis, Neuroticism and childhood trauma were found to be significant predictors for depression diagnosis (yes/no), but not parental separation (yes/no). Conclusion Parental separation might be associated with depression only indirectly via childhood trauma. Childhood trauma or Neuroticism seem more directly related to the development of depression. However, it is worthwhile to install prevention programs helping parents and children to cope with parental separation in order to minimize the impact of separation and associated stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Sanwald
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Christian Montag
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Kiefer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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The associations between DNA methylation and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 327:439-450. [PMID: 36717033 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.079] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence suggests that epigenetic modification is vital in biological processes of depression. Findings from studies exploring the associations between DNA methylation and depression have been inconsistent. METHODS A systematical search of EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO databases was conducted to include studies focusing on the associations between DNA methylation and depression (up to November 1st 2021) according to PRISMA guidelines with registration in PROSPERO (CRD42021288664). RESULTS A total of 47 studies met inclusion criteria and 31 studies were included in the meta-analysis. This meta-analysis found that genes hypermethylation, including BDNF (OR: 1.15, 95%CI: 1.01-1.32, I2 = 90 %), and NR3C1 (OR: 1.43, 95%CI: 1.09-1.87, I2 = 88 %) was associated with increased risk of depression. Significant association of SLC6A4 hypermethylation with depression was only found in the subgroup of using original data (OR: 1.09, 95%CI: 1.01-1.19, I2 = 52 %). BDNF hypermethylation could increase the risk of depression only in the Asian population (OR: 1.18, 95%CI: 1.01-1.40, I2 = 91 %), and significant associations of NR3C1 hypermethylation with depression were found in the group for depressive symptoms (OR: 1.34, 95%CI: 1.08-1.67, I2 = 85 %), but not for depressive disorder (OR: 1.89, 95%CI: 0.54-6.55, I2 = 94 %). LIMITATIONS More studies are needed to explore the factors that might influence the estimates owing to the contextual heterogeneity of the pooling of included studies. CONCLUSIONS It is noted that DNA hypermethylation, namely BDNF and NR3C1, is associated with increased risk of depression. The findings in this study could provide some material evidence for preventing and diagnosing of depression.
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Paoli C, Misztak P, Mazzini G, Musazzi L. DNA Methylation in Depression and Depressive-Like Phenotype: Biomarker or Target of Pharmacological Intervention? Curr Neuropharmacol 2022; 20:2267-2291. [PMID: 35105292 PMCID: PMC9890294 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220201084536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder, the third leading global cause of disability. Regarding aetiopathogenetic mechanisms involved in the onset of depressive disorders, the interaction between genetic vulnerability traits and environmental factors is believed to play a major role. Although much is still to be elucidated about the mechanisms through which the environment can interact with genetic background shaping the disease risk, there is a general agreement about a key role of epigenetic marking. In this narrative review, we focused on the association between changes in DNA methylation patterns and MDD or depressive-like phenotype in animal models, as well as mechanisms of response to antidepressant drugs. We discussed studies presenting DNA methylation changes at specific genes of interest and profiling analyses in both patients and animal models of depression. Overall, we collected evidence showing that DNA methylation could not only be considered as a promising epigenetic biomarker of pathology but could also help in predicting antidepressant treatment efficacy. Finally, we discussed the hypothesis that specific changes in DNA methylation signature could play a role in aetiopathogenetic processes as well as in the induction of antidepressant effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Paoli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacy Unit, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Paulina Misztak
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Giulia Mazzini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Musazzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
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Sanwald S, Widenhorn-Müller K, Montag C, Kiefer M. Primary emotions as predictors for fear of COVID-19 in former inpatients with Major Depressive Disorder and healthy control participants. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:94. [PMID: 35135505 PMCID: PMC8822792 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03677-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are reports of an increase in depressive symptoms and fear during the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular in patients with depression. This study investigates factors related to fear of COVID-19 in former inpatients suffering from depression and healthy controls by assessing variables typically associated with depression and anxiety disorders, i.e. stressful life events (SLEs), the primary emotions SADNESS, PLAY and SEEKING as well as dysfunctional emotion regulation strategies with respect to suppression and reappraisal. METHODS Data of n = 44 former inpatients suffering from depression and n = 49 healthy controls were collected. The study had a longitudinal design with two measurement points. Before the pandemic, SLEs, primary emotions, emotion regulation and depression severity were assessed. During the pandemic, COVID-19 associated stressors and life events, emotion regulation, depression severity and fear of COVID-19 were assessed. RESULTS Fear of COVID-19 and depression severity during the pandemic were significantly higher in former inpatients than in healthy controls. Depression diagnosis, SLEs and depression severity before the pandemic were significant positive predictors of fear of COVID-19. The primary emotion PLAY was a significant negative predictor of fear of COVID-19. Depression severity did not change significantly in healthy controls. CONCLUSION The results show that risk factors for depression might be risk factors for high fear of COVID-19. In addition, a playful personality could help preventing mental stress in pandemic situations. Thus, positivity based interventions could counteract elevated fear scores during a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Sanwald
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Katharina Widenhorn-Müller
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Christian Montag
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Kiefer
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Nishitani S, Fujisawa TX, Hiraoka D, Makita K, Takiguchi S, Hamamura S, Yao A, Shimada K, Smith AK, Tomoda A. A multi-modal MRI analysis of brain structure and function in relation to OXT methylation in maltreated children and adolescents. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:589. [PMID: 34789725 PMCID: PMC8599663 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01714-y] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Child maltreatment dysregulates the brain's oxytocinergic system, resulting in dysfunctional attachment patterns. However, how the oxytocinergic system in children who are maltreated (CM) is epigenetically affected remains unknown. We assessed differences in salivary DNA methylation of the gene encoding oxytocin (OXT) between CM (n = 24) and non-CM (n = 31), alongside its impact on brain structures and functions using multi-modal brain imaging (voxel-based morphometry, diffusion tensor imaging, and task and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging). We found that CM showed higher promoter methylation than non-CM, and nine CpG sites were observed to be correlated with each other and grouped into one index (OXTmi). OXTmi was significantly negatively correlated with gray matter volume (GMV) in the left superior parietal lobule (SPL), and with right putamen activation during a rewarding task, but not with white matter structures. Using a random forest regression model, we investigated the sensitive period and type of maltreatment that contributed the most to OXTmi in CM, revealing that they were 5-8 years of age and physical abuse (PA), respectively. However, the presence of PA (PA+) was meant to reflect more severe cases, such as prolonged exposure to multiple types of abuse, than the absence of PA. PA+ was associated with significantly greater functional connectivity between the right putamen set as the seed and the left SPL and the left cerebellum exterior. The results suggest that OXT promoter hypermethylation may lead to the atypical development of reward and visual association structures and functions, thereby potentially worsening clinical aspects raised by traumatic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shota Nishitani
- grid.163577.10000 0001 0692 8246Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan ,grid.163577.10000 0001 0692 8246Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan ,grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Takashi X. Fujisawa
- grid.163577.10000 0001 0692 8246Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan ,grid.163577.10000 0001 0692 8246Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Daiki Hiraoka
- grid.163577.10000 0001 0692 8246Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan ,grid.54432.340000 0004 0614 710XJapan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kai Makita
- grid.163577.10000 0001 0692 8246Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Takiguchi
- grid.413114.2Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Medicine, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Shoko Hamamura
- grid.163577.10000 0001 0692 8246Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan ,grid.413114.2Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Medicine, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan
| | - Akiko Yao
- grid.163577.10000 0001 0692 8246Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Shimada
- grid.163577.10000 0001 0692 8246Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan ,grid.163577.10000 0001 0692 8246Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan ,grid.163577.10000 0001 0692 8246Biomedical Imaging Research Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Alicia K. Smith
- grid.189967.80000 0001 0941 6502Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Akemi Tomoda
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan. .,Division of Developmental Higher Brain Functions, United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University, and University of Fukui, Osaka, Japan. .,Life Science Innovation Center, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan. .,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychological Medicine, University of Fukui Hospital, Fukui, Japan.
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Sanwald S, Widenhorn-Müller K, Schönfeldt-Lecuona C, Montag C, Kiefer M. Factors related to age at depression onset: the role of SLC6A4 methylation, sex, exposure to stressful life events and personality in a sample of inpatients suffering from major depression. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:167. [PMID: 33765975 PMCID: PMC7995700 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03166-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An early onset of depression is associated with higher chronicity and disability, more stressful life events (SLEs), higher negative emotionality as described by the primary emotion SADNESS and more severe depressive symptomatology compared to depression onset later in life. Additionally, methylation of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) is associated with SLEs and depressive symptoms. METHODS We investigated the relation of SLEs, SLC6A4 methylation in peripheral blood, the primary emotions SADNESS and SEEKING (measured by the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales) as well as depressive symptom severity to age at depression onset in a sample of N = 146 inpatients suffering from major depression. RESULTS Depressed women showed higher SADNESS (t (91.05) = - 3.17, p = 0.028, d = - 0.57) and higher SLC6A4 methylation (t (88.79) = - 2.95, p = 0.02, d = - 0.55) compared to men. There were associations between SLEs, primary emotions and depression severity, which partly differed between women and men. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) indicated the selection of a model including sex, SLEs, SEEKING and SADNESS for the prediction of age at depression onset. SLC6A4 methylation was not related to depression severity, age at depression onset or SLEs in the entire group, but positively related to depression severity in women. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, we provide further evidence that age at depression onset is associated with SLEs, personality and depression severity. However, we found no associations between age at onset and SLC6A4 methylation. The joint investigation of variables originating in biology, psychology and psychiatry could make an important contribution to understanding the development of depressive disorders by elucidating potential subtypes of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Sanwald
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
| | | | | | - Christian Montag
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Department of Molecular Psychology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Kiefer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy III, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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