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Cannon-Albright LA, Romesser J, Teerlink CC, Thomas A, Meyer LJ. Evidence for excess familial clustering of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in the US Veterans Genealogy resource. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 150:332-337. [PMID: 34953562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
A genealogy of the United States has been record-linked to National Veteran's Health Administration (VHA) patient data to allow non-identifiable analysis of familial clustering. This genealogy, including over 70 million individuals linked to over 1 million VHA patients, is the largest such combined resource reported. Analysis of familial clustering among VHA patients diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) allowed a test of the hypothesis of an inherited contribution to PTSD. PTSD is associated strongly with military service and extended familial clustering data have not previously been presented. PTSD-affected VHA patients with genealogy data were identified by presence of an ICD diagnosis code in the VHA medical record in at least 2 different years. The Genealogical Index of Familiality (GIF) method was used to compare the average relatedness of VHA patients diagnosed with PTSD with their expected average relatedness, estimated from randomly selected sets of matched linked VHA patient controls. Relative risks for PTSD were estimated in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives of PTSD patients who were also VHA patients, using sex and age-matched rates for PTSD estimated from all linked VHA patients. Significant excess pairwise relatedness, and significantly elevated risk for PTSD in first-, second-, and third-degree relatives was observed; multiple high-risk extended PTSD pedigrees were identified. The analysis provides evidence for excess familial clustering of PTSD and identified high-risk PTSD pedigrees. These results support an inherited contribution to PTSD predisposition and identify a powerful resource of high-risk PTSD pedigrees for predisposition gene identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa A Cannon-Albright
- Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Huntsman Cancer Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Jennifer Romesser
- George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Craig C Teerlink
- Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Alun Thomas
- Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
| | - Lawrence J Meyer
- George E. Wahlen Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Dermatology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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2
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Aykac A, Kalkan R. Epigenetic Approach to PTSD: In the Aspects of Rat Models. Glob Med Genet 2021; 9:7-13. [PMID: 35169777 PMCID: PMC8837403 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress-related mental disorder and develops after exposure to life-threatening traumatic experiences. The risk factors of PTSD included genetic factors; alterations in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis; neurotrophic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, and catecholaminergic systems; and a variety of environmental factors, such as war, accident, natural disaster, pandemic, physical, or sexual abuse, that cause stress or trauma in individuals. To be able to understand the molecular background of PTSD, rodent animal models are widely used by researchers. When looking for a solution for PTSD, it is important to consider preexisting genetic risk factors and physiological, molecular, and biochemical processes caused by trauma that may cause susceptibility to this disorder. In studies, it is reported that epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in the biological response affected by environmental factors, as well as the task of programming cell identity. In this article, we provided an overview of the role of epigenetic modifications in understanding the biology of PTSD. We also summarized the data from animal studies and their importance during the investigation of PTSD. This study shed light on the epigenetic background of stress and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Aykac
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Rasime Kalkan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
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3
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Thakur A, Choudhary D, Kumar B, Chaudhary A. A review on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): "Symptoms, Therapies and Recent Case Studies". Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:502-516. [PMID: 34036925 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210525160944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), previously known as battle fatigue syndrome or shell shock, is a severe mental disturbance condition that is normally triggered by the experience of some frightening/scary events or trauma where a person undergoes some serious physical or mental harm or threatened. PTSD is a long-life effect of the continuous occurrence of traumatic conditions which, leading the production of feelings of helplessness, intense fear, and horror in the person. There are various examples of events that can cause PTSD, such as physical, mental, or sexual assault at home or working place by others, unexpected death of a loved one, an accidental event, war, or some kind of natural disaster. Treatment of PTSD includes the removal or reduction of these emotional feelings or symptoms with the aim to improve the daily life functioning of a person. Problems which are needed to be considered in case of PTSD like ongoing trauma, abusive or bad relationships. Various drugs which are used for the treatment of PTSD include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (citalopram, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, etc.); tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline and isocarboxazid); mood stabilizers (Divalproex and lamotrigine); atypical antipsychotics (aripiprazole and quetiapine), etc. In this review, we have covered the different risk factors, case studies related to various treatment options with different age group peoples in PTSD and their effects on them. We have also covered the symptoms and associated disorders which can play a key role in the development of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandeep Thakur
- School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wuxing Street, Taipei 11031. Taiwan
| | - Diksha Choudhary
- Department of School of Pharmacy, Abhilashi University, Chail Chowk, tehsil Chachyot, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175028, India
| | - Bhupinder Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, ISF College of Pharmacy, Ghal Kalan, G.T Road, Moga, Punjab, India
| | - Amit Chaudhary
- Department of School of Pharmacy, Abhilashi University, Chail Chowk, tehsil Chachyot, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh 175028, India
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4
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Seo JH, Kim TY, Kim SJ, Choi JH, So HS, Kang JI. Possible Association of Polymorphisms in Ubiquitin Specific Peptidase 46 Gene With Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:663647. [PMID: 34456759 PMCID: PMC8385240 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.663647] [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: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Dynamic proteolysis, through the ubiquitin-proteasome system, has an important role in DNA transcription and cell cycle, and is considered to modulate cell stress response and synaptic plasticity. We investigated whether genetic variants in the ubiquitin carboxyl-terminal hydrolase 46 (USP46) would be associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in people with exposure to combat trauma using a case-control candidate gene association design. Methods: Korean male veterans exposed to the Vietnam War were grouped into those with (n = 128) and without (n = 128) PTSD. Seven tagging SNPs of USP46 were selected, and single-marker and haplotype-based association analyses were performed. All analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and levels of combat exposure severity and alcohol problem. Results: One single-marker (rs2244291) showed nominal evidence of association with PTSD status and with the "re-experiencing" cluster, although the association was not significant after Bonferroni correction. No significant association with the other SNPs or the haplotypes was detected. Conclusion: The present finding suggests preliminarily that genetic vulnerability regarding the ubiquitin-proteasome system may be related to fear memory processes and the development of PTSD symptoms after trauma exposure. Further studies with a larger sample size will be needed to examine the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system including USP46 in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ho Seo
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae Yong Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Neuropsychiatry, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Se Joo Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Hee Choi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung Seok So
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jee In Kang
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine and Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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5
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Sheerin CM, Lind MJ, Bountress KE, Marraccini ME, Amstadter AB, Bacanu SA, Nugent NR. Meta-Analysis of Associations Between Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Genes and Risk of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:688-698. [PMID: 32216170 PMCID: PMC7529653 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been of interest in attempts to identify genetic vulnerability for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although numerous HPA-axis genes have been implicated in candidate gene studies, the findings are mixed and interpretation is limited by study design and methodological inconsistencies. To address these inconsistencies in the PTSD candidate gene literature, we conducted meta-analyses of HPA-related genes from both a traditional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-level analysis and a gene-level analysis, using novel methods aggregating markers in the same gene. Database searches (PubMed and PsycINFO) identified 24 unique articles examining six HPA-axis genes in PTSD; analyses were conducted on four genes (ADCYAP1R1, CRHR1, FKBP5, NR3C1) that met study eligibility criteria (original research, human subjects, main effect association study of selected genes, PTSD as an outcome, trauma-exposed control group) and had sufficient data and number of studies for use in meta-analysis, within 20 unique articles. Findings from SNP-level analyses indicated that two variants (rs9296158 in FKBP5 and rs258747 in NR3C1) were nominally associated with PTSD, ps = .001 and .001, respectively, following multiple testing correction. At the gene level, significant relations between PTSD and both NR3C1 and FKBP5 were detected and robust to sensitivity analyses. Although study limitations exist (e.g., varied outcomes, inability to test moderators), taken together, these results provide support for FKBP5 and NR3C1 in risk for PTSD. Overall, this work highlights the utility of meta-analyses in resolving discrepancies in the literature and the value of adopting gene-level approaches to investigate the etiology of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Sheerin
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Mackenzie J. Lind
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Kaitlin E. Bountress
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Marisa E. Marraccini
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ananda B. Amstadter
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA,Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Silviu-Alin Bacanu
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicole R. Nugent
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA,Department of Pediatrics Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA,Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center of Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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6
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Allene C, Kalalou K, Durand F, Thomas F, Januel D. Acute and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: A biased nervous system. Rev Neurol (Paris) 2020; 177:23-38. [PMID: 32800536 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurol.2020.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder are generally triggered by an exceptionally intense threat. The consequences of this traumatogenic situation are explored here in chronological order, from exposure to the threat to development of symptoms. Such a situation may disrupt the equilibrium between two fundamental brain circuits, referred to as the "defensive" and "cognitive". The defensive circuit triggers the stress response as well as the formation of implicit memory. The cognitive circuit triggers the voluntary response and the formation of explicit autobiographical memory. During a traumatogenic situation, the defensive circuit could be over-activated while cognitive circuit is under-activated. In the most severe cases, overactivation of the defensive circuit may cause its brutal deactivation, resulting in dissociation. Here, we address the underlying neurobiological mechanisms at every scale: from neurons to behaviors, providing a detailed explanatory model of trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Allene
- Unité de recherche clinique, établissement public de santé Ville-Evrard, 202, avenue Jean-Jaurès, 93332 Neuilly-sur-Marne, France; Centre de psychothérapie, établissement public de santé Ville-Evrard, 5, rue du Docteur-Delafontaine, 93200 Saint-Denis, France.
| | - K Kalalou
- Unité de recherche clinique, établissement public de santé Ville-Evrard, 202, avenue Jean-Jaurès, 93332 Neuilly-sur-Marne, France; Centre de psychothérapie, établissement public de santé Ville-Evrard, 5, rue du Docteur-Delafontaine, 93200 Saint-Denis, France.
| | - F Durand
- Unité de recherche clinique, établissement public de santé Ville-Evrard, 202, avenue Jean-Jaurès, 93332 Neuilly-sur-Marne, France; Centre de psychothérapie, établissement public de santé Ville-Evrard, 5, rue du Docteur-Delafontaine, 93200 Saint-Denis, France.
| | - F Thomas
- Unité de recherche clinique, établissement public de santé Ville-Evrard, 202, avenue Jean-Jaurès, 93332 Neuilly-sur-Marne, France.
| | - D Januel
- Unité de recherche clinique, établissement public de santé Ville-Evrard, 202, avenue Jean-Jaurès, 93332 Neuilly-sur-Marne, France.
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7
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Kang JI, Kim TY, Choi JH, So HS, Kim SJ. Allele-specific DNA methylation level of FKBP5 is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 103:1-7. [PMID: 30605803 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.12.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND FK506-binding protein 5 (FKBP5) binds to glucocorticoid receptors and modulates glucocorticoid sensitivity. The FKBP5 gene has been implicated in the dysregulation of human stress responses, contributing to the risk and treatment response of stress-related disorders. The present study examined whether epigenetic changes in FKBP5 are associated with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) status in the context of FKBP5 genetic variation (rs1360780 polymorphism) among male veterans exposed to combat trauma. METHODS Korean male veterans who served on active duty during the Vietnam War were categorized into 2 groups: with PTSD (n = 123) and without PTSD (n = 116). The genotype of FKBP5 rs1360780 and DNA methylation levels of two CpG sites at the FKBP5 intron 7 region were assessed in peripheral blood. Analysis of covariance was performed to examine main and interaction effects of PTSD status and FKBP5 genotype on FKBP5 DNA methylation level, with age, trauma levels, and alcohol use as covariates. RESULTS A significant main effect of FKBP5 rs1360780 and PTSD and an interaction effect between genotype and PTSD status were found on mean FKBP5 DNA methylation level. The T allele of rs1360780 was associated with lower FKBP5 methylation level. In addition, the PTSD group showed significantly higher methylation than did the non-PTSD group among veterans carrying the risk T allele (n = 96), while no group difference was observed on methylation levels among veterans with the CC genotype (n = 143). Among veterans carrying the T allele, FKBP5 methylation levels were positively correlated with the severity of PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The present study demonstrated different FKBP5 methylation levels in PTSD depending on FKBP5 genetic variation among veterans exposed to combat trauma. The present finding suggests that the genetic and epigenetic modulation of FKBP5 is involved in the pathophysiology of PTSD. Further longitudinal research involving people exposed to trauma is required to understand causal relationships of FKBP5 in the development and recovery of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee In Kang
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine & Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Tae Yong Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine & Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Hee Choi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyung Seok So
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Se Joo Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine & Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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8
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Kim YK, Amidfar M, Won E. A review on inflammatory cytokine-induced alterations of the brain as potential neural biomarkers in post-traumatic stress disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 91:103-112. [PMID: 29932946 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms indicates that multiple neurobiological mechanisms underlie the pathophysiology of the condition. However, no generally accepted PTSD biomarkers in clinical practice currently exist. The sequential responses to recurrent and chronic stress by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) system are considered to play a significant role in the onset and progression of PTSD. Decreased activity of the HPA axis and parasympathetic nervous system, along with increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, have been observed in PTSD, which may lead to increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Such heightened activity of the immune system may cause alterations in the structure and function of brain regions-for example, the amygdala, hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and insula-through changes in levels of serotonin and kynurenine pathway metabolites, and direct neurotoxic effects of cytokines. Although chronic inflammation-induced alterations in brain regions critical in controlling emotional behavior and fear regulation may represent a strong candidate biomarker of PTSD, future studies are necessary to further elucidate inflammation-associated neural biomarkers of PTSD. Continued research on therapeutic methods that involve the normalization of the HPA axis, ANS, and immune system is expected to contribute to the development of novel ways to treat PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ku Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Meysam Amidfar
- Department of Neuroscience, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Eunsoo Won
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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9
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Voisey J, Lawford B, Bruenig D, Harvey W, Morris CP, Young RM, Mehta D. Differential BDNF methylation in combat exposed veterans and the association with exercise. Gene 2019; 698:107-112. [PMID: 30831210 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.02.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is associated with increased risk of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and plays a role in neuroplasticity, cognition and memory. BDNF has strong potential as a therapeutic target as studies have shown that antidepressants, electroconvulsive treatment and exercise modulate BDNF expression and methylation. In this study we examined the role of BDNF methylation and expression in PTSD and the implications of exercise in mediating these effects. BDNF DNA methylation and gene expression analysis was performed in a sample of 96 male Vietnam veterans. Cases were combat-exposed veterans with current PTSD (n = 48) and controls were combat exposed veterans with no past or current PTSD diagnosis (n = 48). No association between BDNF mRNA and PTSD was identified. PTSD was associated with decreased methylation at three BDNF CpG sites (cg01546433 P = 0.004835; cg24650785 P = 0.000259 and cg002298481 P = 0.000672). Differential BDNF methylation was associated with exercise, with active exercise associated with lower methylation levels at three CpG sites (cg04481212 P = 0.005; cg01546433 P = 0.025 and cg00298481 P = 0.035). Given that exercise mediates BDNF action on cognitive plasticity, exercise may be a non-invasive, drug free option in the treatment of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Voisey
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), School of Biomedical Sciences, 60 Musk Avenue, Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia.
| | - Bruce Lawford
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), School of Biomedical Sciences, 60 Musk Avenue, Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Dagmar Bruenig
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), School of Psychological and Counselling, 60 Musk Avenue, Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Newdegate Street Greenslopes, Queensland 4120, Australia
| | - Wendy Harvey
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Newdegate Street Greenslopes, Queensland 4120, Australia
| | - Charles P Morris
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), School of Biomedical Sciences, 60 Musk Avenue, Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Ross McD Young
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), School of Psychological and Counselling, 60 Musk Avenue, Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Divya Mehta
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI), School of Psychological and Counselling, 60 Musk Avenue, Queensland University of Technology Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
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10
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Papadopoulou Z, Vlaikou AM, Theodoridou D, Markopoulos GS, Tsoni K, Agakidou E, Drosou-Agakidou V, Turck CW, Filiou MD, Syrrou M. Stressful Newborn Memories: Pre-Conceptual, In Utero, and Postnatal Events. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:220. [PMID: 31057437 PMCID: PMC6482218 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life stressful experiences are critical for plasticity and development, shaping adult neuroendocrine response and future health. Stress response is mediated by the autonomous nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis while various environmental stimuli are encoded via epigenetic marks. The stress response system maintains homeostasis by regulating adaptation to the environmental changes. Pre-conceptual and in utero stressors form the fetal epigenetic profile together with the individual genetic profile, providing the background for individual stress response, vulnerability, or resilience. Postnatal and adult stressful experiences may act as the definitive switch. This review addresses the issue of how preconceptual in utero and postnatal events, together with individual differences, shape future stress responses. Putative markers of early-life adverse effects such as prematurity and low birth weight are emphasized, and the epigenetic, mitochondrial, and genomic architecture regulation of such events are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Angeliki-Maria Vlaikou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Daniela Theodoridou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Georgios S Markopoulos
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Konstantina Tsoni
- 1st Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Faculty, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Eleni Agakidou
- 1st Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Faculty, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Drosou-Agakidou
- 1st Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Medical Faculty, Aristotle University School of Health Sciences, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Michaela D Filiou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Biological Applications and Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece.,Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Syrrou
- Laboratory of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
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11
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Conrad D, Wilker S, Schneider A, Karabatsiakis A, Pfeiffer A, Kolassa S, Freytag V, Vukojevic V, Vogler C, Milnik A, Papassotiropoulos A, J-F de Quervain D, Elbert T, Kolassa IT. Integrated genetic, epigenetic, and gene set enrichment analyses identify NOTCH as a potential mediator for PTSD risk after trauma: Results from two independent African cohorts. Psychophysiology 2018; 57:e13288. [PMID: 30328613 PMCID: PMC7379258 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Revised: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The risk of developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) increases with the number of traumatic event types experienced (trauma load) in interaction with other psychobiological risk factors. The NOTCH (neurogenic locus notch homolog proteins) signaling pathway, consisting of four different trans‐membrane receptor proteins (NOTCH1–4), constitutes an evolutionarily well‐conserved intercellular communication pathway (involved, e.g., in cell–cell interaction, inflammatory signaling, and learning processes). Its association with fear memory consolidation makes it an interesting candidate for PTSD research. We tested for significant associations of common genetic variants of NOTCH1–4 (investigated by microarray) and genomic methylation of saliva‐derived DNA with lifetime PTSD risk in independent cohorts from Northern Uganda (N1 = 924) and Rwanda (N2 = 371), and investigated whether NOTCH‐related gene sets were enriched for associations with lifetime PTSD risk. We found associations of lifetime PTSD risk with single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2074621 (NOTCH3) (puncorrected = 0.04) in both cohorts, and with methylation of CpG site cg17519949 (NOTCH3) (puncorrected = 0.05) in Rwandans. Yet, none of the (epi‐)genetic associations survived multiple testing correction. Gene set enrichment analyses revealed enrichment for associations of two NOTCH pathways with lifetime PTSD risk in Ugandans: NOTCH binding (pcorrected = 0.003) and NOTCH receptor processing (pcorrected = 0.01). The environmental factor trauma load was significant in all analyses (all p < 0.001). Our integrated methodological approach suggests NOTCH as a possible mediator of PTSD risk after trauma. The results require replication, and the precise underlying pathophysiological mechanisms should be illuminated in future studies. Integrating genetic, epigenetic, and gene set enrichment analyses, while accounting for the environmental factor traumatic load, we identified stress‐ and memory‐associated neurogenic locus notch homolog protein (NOTCH) genes and related gene sets as potential risk mediators for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after trauma. Thus, our results strengthen the presumed role of memory‐ and inflammation‐associated genes in PTSD development, and revealed a promising target for future treatment studies. Furthermore, we demonstrated the importance of traumatic load in PTSD etiology, and of an integrated approach in order to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the functionality of PTSD‐associated markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Conrad
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sarah Wilker
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anna Schneider
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander Karabatsiakis
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anett Pfeiffer
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Virginie Freytag
- Division of Molecular Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vanja Vukojevic
- Division of Molecular Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department Biozentrum, Life Sciences Training Facility, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christian Vogler
- Division of Molecular Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Annette Milnik
- Division of Molecular Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Papassotiropoulos
- Division of Molecular Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department Biozentrum, Life Sciences Training Facility, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Dominique J-F de Quervain
- Transfaculty Research Platform Molecular and Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Psychiatric University Clinics, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Elbert
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
- Clinical & Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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12
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Aguilar-Raab C, Jarczok MN, Warth M, Stoffel M, Winter F, Tieck M, Berg J, Negi LT, Harrison T, Pace TWW, Ditzen B. Enhancing Social Interaction in Depression (SIDE study): protocol of a randomised controlled trial on the effects of a Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT) for couples. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e020448. [PMID: 30287601 PMCID: PMC6173246 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-020448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Positive social interactions (PSIs) and stable relationships can exert substantial benefits on health. However, patients suffering from depression benefit less from these health-promoting effects. Moreover, relationship quality and even partners' health has been found to be negatively affected by depressive symptomatology, which may result in overall impairments in social functioning of a romantic couple. Psychobiological research indicates that these impairments may be accompanied by a maladaptive regulation of the patient's neuroendocrine response to external stressors. Concerning the improvement of social functioning, first studies showed promising results of "Cognitively Based Compassion Training (CBCT®)". However, randomised trials are still scarce. Previous programmes did not involve participation of the patient's romantic partner. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate whether a CBCT® programme adapted for couples (CBCT®-fC) can improve depressive symptoms, distress, social interaction skills and the neurobiological regulation of stress. METHODS AND ANALYSIS Couples with the female partner suffering from depression will be invited to participate in a pre-to-post intervention assessment on two consecutive days, respectively, involving a standardised PSI task, eye-tracking, ECG recordings, saliva-sampling, blood-sampling and questionnaire data. After baseline assessment, participating couples will be randomised to either a 10 week CBCT®-fC or to a treatment as usual control condition. The primary endpoint is the reduction of depressive symptoms measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Secondary outcomes encompass self-rated depression (Beck Depression Inventory), attention towards the partners face during PSI (eye tracking), stress-related biomarkers (cortisol, α-amylase, interleukin (IL)-1ß/IL-6, heart rate variability), methylation of oxytocin-receptor-genes and serotonin-transporter-genes and self-ratings of psychological constructs such as relationship quality and empathy. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Ethical approval has been obtained by the Ethics Committee of the Medical Faculty Heidelberg. Results will be presented in international, peer-reviewed journals and on conferences in the field of clinical psychology and psychiatry. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03080025.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corina Aguilar-Raab
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marc N Jarczok
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Clinic Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marco Warth
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Stoffel
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Friederike Winter
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maria Tieck
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Judith Berg
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lobsang Tenzin Negi
- Department of Religion, Emory-Tibet Partnership, Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, Emory College, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tim Harrison
- Emory-Tibet Partnership, Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, CBCT® Teacher Training, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Thaddeus W W Pace
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
- Department of Psychology, College of Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Beate Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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13
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Stover CS, Keeshin B. Research domain criteria and the study of trauma in children: Implications for assessment and treatment research. Clin Psychol Rev 2018; 64:77-86. [PMID: 27863803 PMCID: PMC5423862 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2014] [Revised: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
By definition, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) requires exposure to a traumatic event. Yet, the DSM diagnostic requirements for children and adolescents for PTSD may fail to capture traumatized youth with significant distress and functional impairment. Many important studies have utilized PTSD diagnosis as a mechanism for grouping individuals for comparative studies examining brain functioning, neuroendocrinology, genetics, attachment, and cognition; however, focusing only on those with the diagnosis of PTSD can miss the spectrum of symptoms and difficulties that impact children who experience trauma and subsequent impairment. Some studying child trauma have focused on examining brain and biology of those with exposure and potential impairment rather than only those with PTSD. This line of inquiry, complementary to PTSD specific studies, has aided our understanding of some of the changes in brain structure and neuroregulatory systems at different developmental periods following traumatic exposure. Application of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework proposed by NIMH to the study of child trauma exposure and subsequent impairment is an opportunity to examine domains of function and how they are impacted by trauma. Research to date has focused largely in the areas of negative valence, regulatory, and cognitive systems, however those studying complex or developmental trauma have identified an array of domains that are impacted which map onto many of the RDoC categories. This paper will review the relevant literature associated with child trauma as it relates to the RDoC domains, outline areas of needed research, and describe their implications for treatment and the advancement of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Smith Stover
- University of South Florida, 13301 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa, FL 33647, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
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14
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Danzi BA, La Greca AM. Genetic pathways to posttraumatic stress disorder and depression in children: Investigation of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met using different PTSD diagnostic models. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 102:81-86. [PMID: 29627597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism has been linked to PTSD, although findings have been inconsistent. Recently, different diagnostic criteria for PTSD have been introduced by ICD-11 and DSM-5, including separate criteria for adults and for young children (i.e., the preschool criteria). The preschool criteria may be applicable to older children as well. This study is the first to examine COMT associations with depression and PTSD, using new diagnostic models, in school-age children (7-11 years) exposed to a natural disaster. Children (n = 115) provided saliva samples for genotyping and completed measures assessing disaster exposure, posttraumatic stress, and depressive symptoms. COMT Met allele carriers were at risk for PTSD, but only when using ICD-11 (OR = 6.99) or the preschool criteria (OR = 4.77); there was a trend for DSM-IV and no association for DSM-5 (adult criteria). However, all children agreed upon as having PTSD by both DSM-5 and ICD-11 were Met allele carriers. The genetic association between the COMT Met allele and PTSD seemed primarily driven by arousal symptoms, as a significant relationship emerged only for the PTSD arousal symptom cluster. In contrast, COMT Val allele homozygosity was associated with depression (OR = 4.34). Thus, findings suggest that opposing COMT genotypes increased vulnerability to depressive versus arousal-based clinical presentations following trauma exposure. As a result, the heterogeneity of the DSM-5 PTSD criteria and its inclusion of depressive symptoms may mask COMT associations with DSM-5 PTSD. Future research should consider how the use of different diagnostic models of PTSD may influence genetic findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- BreAnne A Danzi
- University of Miami, Department of Psychology, 5665 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.
| | - Annette M La Greca
- University of Miami, Department of Psychology, 5665 Ponce de Leon Boulevard, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.
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15
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O’Neill L, Fraser T, Kitchenham A, McDonald V. Hidden Burdens: a Review of Intergenerational, Historical and Complex Trauma, Implications for Indigenous Families. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2018; 11:173-186. [PMID: 32318148 PMCID: PMC7163829 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-016-0117-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Drawing on decades of work as allies with Indigenous families and communities in Canada, the authors present a review of literature on intergenerational, historical trauma and the effects of early trauma. Included in the review are critical considerations as to whether understanding of stressed human capacity, as described by family members of various generations affected by traumatic events, may be increased through exploring the developmental implications of complex trauma. Research on brain-based effects of early trauma and work from the field of epigenetics may contribute other components to the understanding of complex, intergenerational impacts of multiple trauma contexts. Informed support for individuals and families combined with political advocacy at a systems level is critical in intergenerational trauma work in order to break historic patterns affecting family development and interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda O’Neill
- School of Education, Counselling Program, School of Education, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9 Canada
| | - Tina Fraser
- School of Education, Aboriginal Education, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC Canada
| | - Andrew Kitchenham
- School of Education, Special Education, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC Canada
| | - Verna McDonald
- School of Education, Teacher Education, University of Northern British Columbia, Prince George, BC Canada
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16
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Liu L, Wang L, Cao C, Cao X, Zhu Y, Liu P, Luo S, Zhang J. Serotonin transporter 5-HTTLPR genotype is associated with intrusion and avoidance symptoms of DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Chinese earthquake survivors. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2017; 31:318-327. [PMID: 29280387 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2017.1420174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Prior studies have found that the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) interacts with trauma exposure to increase general risk for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, there is little knowledge about the effects of the interaction on distinct symptom clusters of PTSD. This study aimed to investigate the relation between the interaction of 5-HTTLPR and earthquake-related exposures and a contemporary phenotypic model of DSM-5 PTSD symptoms in a traumatised adult sample from China. DESIGN A cross-sectional design with gene-environment interaction (G × E) approach was adopted. METHODS Participants were 1131 survivors who experienced 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. PTSD symptoms were assessed with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was genotyped with capillary electrophoresis (CE) in ABI 3730xl genetic Analyzer. RESULTS Although there was no significant interaction between 5-HTTLPR and traumatic exposure on total PTSD symptoms, respondents with the LL genotype of 5-HTTLPR who were highly exposed to the earthquake experienced lower intrusion and avoidance symptoms than those with the S-allele carriers. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the 5-HTTLPR may have an important impact on the development of PTSD and add to the extant knowledge on understanding and treating of posttraumatic psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luobing Liu
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Chengqi Cao
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Cao
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Zhu
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Liu
- c People's Hospital of Deyang City , Deyang , People's Republic of China
| | - Shu Luo
- c People's Hospital of Deyang City , Deyang , People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Zhang
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
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17
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Mehta D, Bruenig D, Carrillo-Roa T, Lawford B, Harvey W, Morris CP, Smith AK, Binder EB, Young RM, Voisey J. Genomewide DNA methylation analysis in combat veterans reveals a novel locus for PTSD. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2017; 136:493-505. [PMID: 28795405 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation may play a key role in the aetiology and serve as biomarkers for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We performed a genomewide analysis to identify genes whose DNA methylation levels are associated with PTSD. METHOD A total of 211 individuals comprising Australian male Vietnam War veterans (n = 96) and males from a general population belonging to the Grady Trauma Project (n = 115) were included. Genomewide DNA methylation was performed from peripheral blood using the Illumina arrays. Data analysis was performed using generalized linear regression models. RESULTS Differential DNA methylation of 17 previously reported PTSD candidate genes was associated with PTSD symptom severity. Genomewide analyses revealed CpG sites spanning BRSK1, LCN8, NFG and DOCK2 genes were associated with PTSD symptom severity. We replicated the findings of DOCK2 in an independent cohort. Pathway analysis revealed that among the associated genes, genes within actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion molecular pathways were enriched. CONCLUSION These data highlight the role of DNA methylation as biomarkers of PTSD. The results support the role of previous candidates and uncover novel genes associated with PTSD, such as DOCK2. This study contributes to our understanding of the biological underpinnings of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Mehta
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - D Bruenig
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia.,Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Greenslopes, QLD, Australia
| | - T Carrillo-Roa
- Department of Translational Research, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - B Lawford
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - W Harvey
- Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Greenslopes, QLD, Australia
| | - C P Morris
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - A K Smith
- Genetics and Molecular Biology Program, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - E B Binder
- Department of Translational Research, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - R McD Young
- Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - J Voisey
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
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18
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Lind MJ, Marraccini ME, Sheerin CM, Bountress K, Bacanu SA, Amstadter AB, Nugent NR. Association of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder With rs2267735 in the ADCYAP1R1 Gene: A Meta-Analysis. J Trauma Stress 2017; 30:389-398. [PMID: 28746747 PMCID: PMC5706560 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies point to the potential role of the (pituitary) adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide receptor 1 (ADCYAP1R1) gene, which has been implicated in stress response, in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Multiple genetic association studies have examined potential PTSD risk related to this gene, with mixed results. We conducted a meta-analysis of rs2267735 in ADCYAP1R1 in PTSD. A literature search was conducted using PubMed and PsycINFO, resulting in nine studies that met criteria for inclusion in analysis. Biostat's Comprehensive Meta-Analysis was used to conduct the main meta-analysis on the combined sex sample, as well as two subanalyses examining effects separately in female and male participants. Results indicated that the C allele of rs2267735 conferred significant risk for PTSD in the combined sex data, OR = 1.210, 95% CI [1.007, 1.454], p = .042, and in the subsample of women and girls, OR = 1.328, 95% CI [1.026, 1.719], p = .031; but not in the subsample of men and boys, OR = 0.964, 95% CI [0.733, 1.269], p = .796. These results provide evidence for an association between ADCYAP1R1 and PTSD and indicate that there may indeed be sex differences. Implications of these findings, including the role of rs2267735 as one modulator of the stress system, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie J. Lind
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Marisa E. Marraccini
- Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center of Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA,Departments of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Christina M. Sheerin
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Kaitlin Bountress
- National Crime Victims Research & Treatment Center (NCVC), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Silviu-Alin Bacanu
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Ananda B. Amstadter
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA,Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicole R. Nugent
- Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center of Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA,Departments of Psychiatry and Human Behavior and Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
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19
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Abstract
Human genetic studies have been the driving force in bringing to light the underlying biology of psychiatric conditions. As these studies fill in the gaps in our knowledge of the mechanisms at play, we will be better equipped to design therapies in rational and targeted ways, or repurpose existing therapies in previously unanticipated ways. This review is intended for those unfamiliar with psychiatric genetics as a field and provides a primer on different modes of genetic variation, the technologies currently used to probe them, and concepts that provide context for interpreting the gene-phenotype relationship. Like other subfields in human genetics, psychiatric genetics is moving from microarray technology to sequencing-based approaches as barriers of cost and expertise are removed, and the ramifications of this transition are discussed here. A summary is then given of recent genetic discoveries in a number of neuropsychiatric conditions, with particular emphasis on neurodevelopmental conditions. The general impact of genetics on drug development has been to underscore the extensive etiological heterogeneity in seemingly cohesive diagnostic categories. Consequently, the path forward is not in therapies hoping to reach large swaths of patients sharing a clinically defined diagnosis, but rather in targeting patients belonging to specific "biotypes" defined through a combination of objective, quantifiable data, including genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob J Michaelson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa College of Engineering, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Iowa College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Iowa Institute of Human Genetics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- Genetics Cluster Initiative, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- The DeLTA Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
- University of Iowa Informatics Initiative, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
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20
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Schöner J, Heinz A, Endres M, Gertz K, Kronenberg G. Post-traumatic stress disorder and beyond: an overview of rodent stress models. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:2248-2256. [PMID: 28374949 PMCID: PMC5618668 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder of high prevalence and major socioeconomic impact. Patients suffering from PTSD typically present intrusion and avoidance symptoms and alterations in arousal, mood and cognition that last for more than 1 month. Animal models are an indispensable tool to investigate underlying pathophysiological pathways and, in particular, the complex interplay of neuroendocrine, genetic and environmental factors that may be responsible for PTSD induction. Since the 1960s, numerous stress paradigms in rodents have been developed, based largely on Seligman's seminal formulation of 'learned helplessness' in canines. Rodent stress models make use of physiological or psychological stressors such as foot shock, underwater trauma, social defeat, early life stress or predator-based stress. Apart from the brief exposure to an acute stressor, chronic stress models combining a succession of different stressors for a period of several weeks have also been developed. Chronic stress models in rats and mice may elicit characteristic PTSD-like symptoms alongside, more broadly, depressive-like behaviours. In this review, the major existing rodent models of PTSD are reviewed in terms of validity, advantages and limitations; moreover, significant results and implications for future research-such as the role of FKBP5, a mediator of the glucocorticoid stress response and promising target for therapeutic interventions-are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Schöner
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Endres
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karen Gertz
- Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Golo Kronenberg
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany.,Center for Stroke Research Berlin (CSB), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Klinik und Hochschulambulanz für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Zentrum für Nervenheilkunde, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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21
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Support for the association between RORA gene polymorphisms and the DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in male earthquake survivors in China. Asian J Psychiatr 2017; 25:138-141. [PMID: 28262136 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2016.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examined the association between interaction of retinoid-related orphan receptor alpha (RORA) (rs8042149) genotype x trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. METHODS A total of 1196 Chinese adults who suffered from a deadly 2008 Wenchuan earthquake participated in this study. PTSD symptoms were measured with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). A custom-by-design 2×48-Plex SNPscan™Kit were used to genotype the RORA rs8042149 SNP. RESULTS Our results showed that the interaction of rs8042149 genotype x trauma exposure was associated with total PTSD symptoms in males. Moreover, the rs8042149 genotype x trauma exposure interaction was only associated with severity of the negative affect, anhedonia and dysphoric arousal symptoms in males. LIMITATIONS A moderate sample exposed to a specific event was assessed with a self-reported PTSD measure. CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the functional role of RORA in PTSD, and adds to the knowledge for understanding the genetic underpinnings of PTSD. Moreover, this study carries implications for understanding the comorbidity of PTSD and the sex-specific expression of PTSD's symptoms.
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22
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Kim TY, Kim SJ, Chung HG, Choi JH, Kim SH, Kang JI. Epigenetic alterations of the BDNF gene in combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2017; 135:170-179. [PMID: 27886370 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in modulating resilience and vulnerability to stress. The aim of this study was to investigate whether epigenetic regulation of the BDNF gene is a biomarker of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) development among veterans exposed to combat in the Vietnam War. METHODS Using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, combat veterans were grouped into those with (n = 126) and without (n = 122) PTSD. DNA methylation levels at four CpG sites within the BDNF promoter I region were quantified in the peripheral blood using pyrosequencing. The effects of BDNF DNA methylation levels and clinical variables on the diagnosis of PTSD were tested using binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Subjects with PTSD showed a higher DNA methylation of four CpG sites at the BDNF promoter compared with those without PTSD. High methylation levels at the BDNF promoter CpG site, high combat exposure, and alcohol problems were significantly associated with PTSD diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated an association between higher DNA methylation of the BDNF promoter and PTSD diagnosis in combat-exposed individuals. Our findings suggest that altered BDNF methylation may be a valuable biomarker of PTSD after trauma exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Y Kim
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - S J Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - H G Chung
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - J H Choi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Veterans Health Service Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - S H Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Clinical Psychopharmacology, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang, Gyeonggi, South Korea
| | - J I Kang
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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23
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Bountress KE, Wei W, Sheerin C, Chung D, Amstadter AB, Mandel H, Wang Z. Relationships between GAT1 and PTSD, Depression, and Substance Use Disorder. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7010006. [PMID: 28067785 PMCID: PMC5297295 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) have large public health impacts. Therefore, researchers have attempted to identify those at greatest risk for these phenotypes. PTSD, MDD, and SUD are in part genetically influenced. Additionally, genes in the glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system are implicated in the encoding of emotional and fear memories, and thus may impact these phenotypes. The current study examined the associations of single nucleotide polymorphisms in GAT1 individually, and at the gene level, using a principal components (PC) approach, with PTSD, PTSD comorbid with MDD, and PTSD comorbid with SUD in 486 combat-exposed veterans. Findings indicate that several GAT1 SNPs, as well as one of the GAT1 PCs, was associated with PTSD, with and without MDD and SUD comorbidity. The present study findings provide initial insights into one pathway by which shared genetic risk influences PTSD-MDD and PTSD-SUD comorbidities, and thus identify a high-risk group (based on genotype) on whom prevention and intervention efforts should be focused.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin E Bountress
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Wei Wei
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425-8350, USA.
| | - Christina Sheerin
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatry and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219-1534, USA.
| | - Dongjun Chung
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425-8350, USA.
| | - Ananda B Amstadter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatry and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23219-1534, USA.
| | - Howard Mandel
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401, USA.
| | - Zhewu Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC 29401, USA.
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24
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Bountress KE, Bacanu SA, Tomko RL, Korte KJ, Hicks T, Sheerin C, Lind MJ, Marraccini M, Nugent N, Amstadter AB. The Effects of a BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Neuropsychobiology 2017; 76:136-142. [PMID: 29874672 PMCID: PMC6057796 DOI: 10.1159/000489407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given evidence that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is moderately heritable, a number of studies utilizing candidate gene approaches have attempted to examine the potential contributions of theoretically relevant genetic variation. Some of these studies have found sup port for a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) variant, Val66Met, in the risk of developing PTSD, while others have failed to find this link. METHODS This study sought to reconcile these conflicting findings using a meta-analysis framework. Analyses were also used to determine whether there is significant heterogeneity in the link between this variant and PTSD. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on BDNF and PTSD from the PsycINFO and PubMed databases. A total of 11 studies were included in the analysis. RESULTS Findings indicate a marginally significant effect of the BDNF Val66Met variant on PTSD (p < 0.1). However, of the 11 studies included, only 2 suggested an effect with a non-zero confidence interval, one of which showed a z score of 3.31. We did not find any evidence for heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this meta-analytic investigation of the published literature provide little support for the Val66Met variant of BDNF as a predictor of PTSD. Future well-powered agnostic genome-wide association studies with more refined phenotyping are needed to clarify genetic influences on PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin E. Bountress
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Silviu-Alin Bacanu
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Rachel L. Tomko
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Kristina J. Korte
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Global Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Terrell Hicks
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Christina Sheerin
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Mackenzie J. Lind
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | | | - Nicole Nugent
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
| | - Ananda B. Amstadter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
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25
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Wang Z, Caughron B, Young MRI. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Immunological Disorder? Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:222. [PMID: 29163241 PMCID: PMC5681483 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit an increased state of inflammation. Various animal models for PTSD have shown some of the same immune imbalances as have been shown in human subjects with PTSD, and some of these studies are discussed in this review. However, animal studies can only indirectly implicate immune involvement in PTSD in humans. This review of mainly studies with human subjects focuses on dissecting the immunological role in the pathogenesis of PTSD following initial trauma exposure. It addresses both the inflammatory state associated with PTSD and the immune imbalance between stimulatory and inhibitory immune mediators, as well as variables that can lead to discrepancies between analyses. The concept of immunological treatment approaches is proposed for PTSD, as new treatments are needed for this devastating disorder that is affecting unprecedented numbers of Veterans from the long-standing wars in the Middle East and which affects civilians following severe trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhewu Wang
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Blaine Caughron
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - M Rita I Young
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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26
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Prediction of Possible Biomarkers and Novel Pathways Conferring Risk to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0168404. [PMID: 27997584 PMCID: PMC5172609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0168404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the common mental ailments that is triggered by exposure to traumatic events. Till date, the molecular factors conferring risk to the development of PTSD is not well understood. In this study, we have conducted a meta-analysis followed by hierarchical clustering and functional enrichment, to uncover the potential molecular networks and critical genes which play an important role in PTSD. Two datasets of expression profiles from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from 62 control samples and 63 PTSD samples were included in our study. In PTSD samples of GSE860 dataset, we identified 26 genes informative when compared with Post-deploy PTSD condition and 58 genes informative when compared with Pre-deploy and Post-deploy PTSD of GSE63878 dataset. We conducted the meta-analysis using Fisher, roP, Stouffer, AW, SR, PR and RP methods in MetaDE package. Results from the rOP method of MetaDE package showed that among these genes, the following showed significant changes including, OR2B6, SOX21, MOBP, IL15, PTPRK, PPBPP2 and SEC14L5. Gene ontology analysis revealed enrichment of these significant PTSD-related genes for cell proliferation, DNA damage and repair (p-value ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, interaction network analysis was performed on these 7 significant genes. This analysis revealed highly connected functional interaction networks with two candidate genes, IL15 and SEC14L5 highly enriched in networks. Overall, from these results, we concluded that these genes can be recommended as some of the potential targets for PTSD.
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27
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Ryan J, Chaudieu I, Ancelin ML, Saffery R. Biological underpinnings of trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder: focusing on genetics and epigenetics. Epigenomics 2016; 8:1553-1569. [PMID: 27686106 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Certain individuals are more susceptible to stress and trauma, as well as the physical and mental health consequences following such exposure, including risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This differing vulnerability is likely to be influenced by genetic predisposition and specific characteristics of the stress itself (nature, intensity and duration), as well as epigenetic mechanisms. In this review we provide an overview of research findings in this field. We highlight some of the key genetic risk factors identified for PTSD, and the evidence that epigenetic processes might play a role in the biological response to trauma, as well as being potential biomarkers of PTSD risk. We also discuss important considerations for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Ryan
- Cancer & Disease Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Childrens Hospital, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.,Inserm, U1061, University of Montpellier, Montpellier F-34093, France.,Department of Epidemiology & Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Prahran 3004, Australia
| | - Isabelle Chaudieu
- Inserm, U1061, University of Montpellier, Montpellier F-34093, France
| | | | - Richard Saffery
- Cancer & Disease Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Childrens Hospital, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
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28
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Sheerin CM, Lind MJ, Bountress KE, Nugent NR, Amstadter AB. The genetics and epigenetics of PTSD: overview, recent advances, and future directions. Curr Opin Psychol 2016; 14:5-11. [PMID: 28813320 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This paper provides a brief summary and commentary on the growing literature and current developments related to the genetic underpinnings of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We first briefly provide an overview of the behavioral genetic literature on PTSD, followed by a short synopsis of the substantial candidate gene literature with a focus on genes that have been meta-analyzed. We then discuss the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that have been conducted, followed by an introduction to other molecular platforms used in PTSD genomic studies, such as epigenetic and expression approaches. We close with a discussion of developments in the field that include the creation of the PTSD workgroup of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, statistical advances that can be applied to GWAS data to answer questions of heritability and genetic overlap across phenotypes, and bioinformatics techniques such as gene pathway analyses which will further advance our understanding of the etiology of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Sheerin
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| | - Mackenzie J Lind
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kaitlin E Bountress
- National Crime Victim Research & Treatment Center (NCVC), Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Nicole R Nugent
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center of Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Pediatrics in Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Ananda B Amstadter
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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29
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Zoladz PR, Diamond DM. Predator-based psychosocial stress animal model of PTSD: Preclinical assessment of traumatic stress at cognitive, hormonal, pharmacological, cardiovascular and epigenetic levels of analysis. Exp Neurol 2016; 284:211-219. [PMID: 27283115 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is faced with the challenge of understanding how a traumatic experience produces long-lasting detrimental effects on behavior and brain functioning, and more globally, how stress exacerbates somatic disorders, including cardiovascular disease. Moreover, the design of translational research needs to link animal models of PTSD to clinically relevant risk factors which address why only a subset of traumatized individuals develop persistent psychopathology. In this review, we have summarized our psychosocial stress rodent model of PTSD which is based on well-described PTSD-inducing risk factors, including a life-threatening experience, a sense of horror and uncontrollability, and insufficient social support. Specifically, our animal model of PTSD integrates acute episodes of inescapable exposure of immobilized rats to a predator with chronic daily social instability. This stress regimen produces PTSD-like effects in rats at behavioral, cognitive, physiological, pharmacological and epigenetic levels of analysis. We have discussed a recent extension of our animal model of PTSD in which stress exacerbated coronary pathology following an ischemic event, assessed in vitro. In addition, we have reviewed our research investigating pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies which may have value in clinical approaches toward the treatment of traumatized people. Overall, our translational approach bridges the gap between human and animal PTSD research to create a framework with which to enhance our understanding of the biological basis of trauma-induced pathology and to assess therapeutic approaches in the treatment of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip R Zoladz
- Department of Psychology, Sociology, & Criminal Justice, Ohio Northern University, 525 S. Main St., Ada, OH 45810, USA
| | - David M Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Department of Molecular Pharmacology & Physiology, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA; Center for Preclinical & Clinical Research on PTSD, University of South Florida, 4202 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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30
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Perathoner S, Cordero-Maldonado ML, Crawford AD. Potential of zebrafish as a model for exploring the role of the amygdala in emotional memory and motivational behavior. J Neurosci Res 2016; 94:445-62. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Revised: 12/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon Perathoner
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB); University of Luxembourg; Belvaux Luxembourg
| | | | - Alexander D. Crawford
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB); University of Luxembourg; Belvaux Luxembourg
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31
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Thomas CR. Epigenetics and Child Psychiatry: Ethical and Legal Issues. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2015; 33:644-652. [PMID: 26358684 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetics has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment in psychiatry, especially child psychiatry, as it may offer the opportunity for early detection and prevention, as well as development of new treatments. As with the previous introduction of genetic research in psychiatry, there is also the problem of unrealistic expectations and new legal and ethical problems. This article reviews the potential contributions and problems of epigenetic research in child psychiatry. Previous legal and ethical issues in genetic research serve as a guide to those in epigenetic research. Recommendations for safeguards and guidelines on the use of epigenetics with children and adolescents are outlined based on the identified issues.
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