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Käver L, Hinney A, Rajcsanyi LS, Maier HB, Frieling H, Steiger H, Voelz C, Beyer C, Trinh S, Seitz J. Epigenetic alterations in patients with anorexia nervosa-a systematic review. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02601-w. [PMID: 38849516 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02601-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex metabolic and psychological disorder that is influenced by both heritable genetic components and environmental factors. Exposure to various environmental influences can lead to epigenetically induced changes in gene expression. Epigenetic research in AN is still in its infancy, and studies to date are limited in determining clear, valid links to disease onset and progression are limited. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to compile and critically evaluate the available results of epigenetic studies specifically in AN and to provide recommendations for future studies. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was performed in three different databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) through May 2023. Twenty-three original papers or conference abstracts on epigenetic studies in AN were collected. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs), which analyze DNA methylation across the genome in patients with AN and identify potential disease-relevant changes in promoter/regulatory regions of genes, are the most promising for future research. To date, five EWASs on AN have been published, suggesting a potential reversibility of malnutrition-induced epigenetic changes once patients recover. Hence, determining differential DNA methylation levels could serve as a biomarker for disease status or early diagnosis and might be involved in disease progression or chronification. For future research, EWASs with a larger sample size, longitudinal study design and uniform methods should be performed to contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of AN, the development of individual interventions and a better prognosis for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Käver
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Anke Hinney
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstrasse 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational and Behavioral Neuroscience, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Luisa Sophie Rajcsanyi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstrasse 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational and Behavioral Neuroscience, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Hannah Benedictine Maier
- Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Howard Steiger
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Clara Voelz
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Trinh
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, LVR University Hospital Essen, Virchowstrasse 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
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Zou Z, Huang Y, Maes M, Wang J, He Y, Min W, Zhou B. Effects of antidepressant on FKBP51 mRNA expression and neuroendocrine hormones in patients with panic disorder. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:269. [PMID: 38600448 PMCID: PMC11005249 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05704-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of escitalopram on the peripheral expression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis-related genes (FKBP51, HSP90, NR3C1 and POMC) and HPA-axis hormones in patients with panic disorder (PD). METHODS Seventy-seven patients with PD were treated with escitalopram for 12 weeks. All participants were assessed for the severity of panic symptoms using the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS). The expression of HPA-axis genes was measured using real-time quantitative fluorescent PCR, and ACTH and cortisol levels were measured using chemiluminescence at baseline and after 12 weeks of treatment. RESULTS At baseline, patients with PD had elevated levels of ACTH and cortisol, and FKBP51 expression in comparison to healthy controls (all p < 0.01). Correlation analysis revealed that FKBP51 expression levels were significantly positively related to cortisol levels and the severity of PD (all p < 0.01). Furthermore, baseline ACTH and cortisol levels, and FKBP51 expression levels were significantly reduced after 12 weeks of treatment, and the change in the PDSS score from baseline to post-treatment was significantly and positively related to the change in cortisol (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that PD may be associated with elevated levels of ACTH and cortisol, and FKBP51 expression, and that all three biomarkers are substantially decreased in patients who have received escitalopram treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhili Zou
- Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, China.
| | - Yulan Huang
- Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, China
| | - Michael Maes
- Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinyu Wang
- Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying He
- Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenjiao Min
- Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, 610072, Chengdu, China
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Rajcsanyi LS, Zheng Y, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, Seitz J, de Zwaan M, Herzog W, Ehrlich S, Zipfel S, Giel K, Egberts K, Burghardt R, Föcker M, Antel J, Fischer-Posovszky P, Hebebrand J, Hinney A. Unexpected identification of obesity-associated mutations in LEP and MC4R genes in patients with anorexia nervosa. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7067. [PMID: 38528040 PMCID: PMC10963783 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57517-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations leading to a reduced or loss of function in genes of the leptin-melanocortin system confer a risk for monogenic forms of obesity. Yet, gain of function variants in the melanocortin-4-receptor (MC4R) gene predispose to a lower BMI. In individuals with reduced body weight, we thus expected mutations leading to an enhanced function in the respective genes, like leptin (LEP) and MC4R. Therefore, we have Sanger sequenced the coding regions of LEP and MC4R in 462 female patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), and 445 healthy-lean controls. In total, we have observed four and eight variants in LEP and MC4R, respectively. Previous studies showed different functional in vitro effects for the detected frameshift and non-synonymous variants: (1) LEP: reduced/loss of function (p.Val94Met), (2) MC4R: gain of function (p.Val103Ile, p.Ile251Leu), reduced or loss of function (p.Thr112Met, p.Ser127Leu, p.Leu211fsX) and without functional in vitro data (p.Val50Leut). In LEP, the variant p.Val94Met was detected in one patient with AN. For MC4R variants, one patient with AN carried the frameshift variant p.Leu211fsX. One patient with AN was heterozygous for two variants at the MC4R (p.Val103Ile and p.Ser127Leu). All other functionally relevant variants were detected in similar frequencies in patients with AN and lean individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Sophie Rajcsanyi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany.
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
- Section for Molecular Genetics of Mental Disorders, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
- Institute of Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Yiran Zheng
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of the RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Martina de Zwaan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herzog
- Department of Internal Medicine II, General Internal and Psychosomatic Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Eating Disorders Research and Treatment Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan Zipfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Center of Excellence in Eating Disorders KOMET, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katrin Giel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Center of Excellence in Eating Disorders KOMET, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Karin Egberts
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Burghardt
- Oberberg Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Fasanenkiez, Berlin, Germany
| | - Manuel Föcker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Münster, Munster, Germany
- LWL-University Hospital Hamm for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ruhr-University Bochum, Hamm, Germany
| | - Jochen Antel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anke Hinney
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstraße 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioural Sciences, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Section for Molecular Genetics of Mental Disorders, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Sex- and Gender-Sensitive Medicine, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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Branham EM, McLean SA, Deliwala I, Mauck MC, Zhao Y, McKibben LA, Lee A, Spencer AB, Zannas AS, Lechner M, Danza T, Velilla MA, Hendry PL, Pearson C, Peak DA, Jones J, Rathlev NK, Linnstaedt SD. CpG Methylation Levels in HPA Axis Genes Predict Chronic Pain Outcomes Following Trauma Exposure. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1127-1141. [PMID: 36906051 PMCID: PMC10330094 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic post-traumatic musculoskeletal pain (CPTP) is a common outcome of traumatic stress exposure. Biological factors that influence the development of CPTP are poorly understood, though current evidence indicates that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a critical role in its development. Little is known about molecular mechanisms underlying this association, including epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we assessed whether peritraumatic DNA methylation levels at 248 5'-C-phosphate-G-3' (CpG) sites in HPA axis genes (FKBP5, NR3C1, CRH, CRHR1, CRHR2, CRHBP, POMC) predict CPTP and whether identified CPTP-associated methylation levels influence expression of those genes. Using participant samples and data collected from trauma survivors enrolled into longitudinal cohort studies (n = 290), we used linear mixed modeling to assess the relationship between peritraumatic blood-based CpG methylation levels and CPTP. A total of 66 (27%) of the 248 CpG sites assessed in these models statistically significantly predicted CPTP, with the three most significantly associated CpG sites originating from the POMC gene region (ie, cg22900229 [β = .124, P < .001], cg16302441 [β = .443, P < .001], cg01926269 [β = .130, P < .001]). Among the genes analyzed, both POMC (z = 2.36, P = .018) and CRHBP (z = 4.89, P < .001) were enriched in CpG sites significantly associated with CPTP. Further, POMC expression was inversely correlated with methylation levels in a CPTP-dependent manner (6-months NRS<4: r = -.59, P < .001; 6-months NRS ≥ 4: r = -.18, P = .2312). Our results suggest that methylation of HPA axis genes including POMC and CRHBP predict risk for and may contribute to vulnerability to CPTP. PERSPECTIVE: Peritraumatic blood levels of CpG methylation sites in HPA axis genes, particularly CpG sites in the POMC gene, predict CPTP development. This data substantially advances our understanding of epigenetic predictors and potential mediators of CPTP, a highly common, morbid, and hard-to-treat form of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica M Branham
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Samuel A McLean
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ishani Deliwala
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Matthew C Mauck
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ying Zhao
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Lauren A McKibben
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Aaron Lee
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Alex B Spencer
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anthony S Zannas
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Carolina Stress Initiative, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Megan Lechner
- Forensic Nursing Program, Memorial Health System, Colorado Springs, Colorado
| | - Teresa Danza
- Forensic Nursing Program, Albuquerque SANE Collaborative, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | | | - Phyllis L Hendry
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Jacksonville, Florida
| | - Claire Pearson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Detroit Receiving, Detroit, Michigan
| | - David A Peak
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jeffrey Jones
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Spectrum Health Butterworth Campus, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Niels K Rathlev
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School Baystate, Springfield, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah D Linnstaedt
- Institute for Trauma Recovery, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina; Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
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Maier HB, Moschny N, Eberle F, Jahn K, Folsche T, Schülke R, Bleich S, Frieling H, Neyazi A. DNA Methylation of POMC and NR3C1-1F and Its Implication in Major Depressive Disorder and Electroconvulsive Therapy. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2023; 56:64-72. [PMID: 36944329 PMCID: PMC10070046 DOI: 10.1055/a-2034-6536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Precision medicine in psychiatry is still in its infancy. To establish patient-tailored treatment, adequate indicators predicting treatment response are required. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered one of the most effective options for pharmacoresistant major depressive disorder (MDD), yet remission rates were reported to be below 50%. METHODS Since epigenetics of the stress response system seem to play a role in MDD, we analyzed the DNA methylation (DNAm) of genes encoding the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC) through Sanger Sequencing. For analysis, blood was taken before and after the first and last ECT from MDD patients (n=31), unmedicated depressed controls (UDC; n=19, baseline), and healthy controls (HC; n=20, baseline). RESULTS Baseline DNAm in NR3C1 was significantly lower in UDCs compared to both other groups (UDC: 0.014(±0.002), ECT: 0.031(±0.001), HC: 0.024(±0.002); p<0.001), whereas regarding POMC, ECT patients had the highest DNAm levels (ECT: 0.252(±0.013), UDC: 0.156(±0.015), HC: 0.162(±0.014); p<0.001). NR3C1m and POMCm decreased after the first ECT (NR3C1: p<0.001; POMC: p=0.001), and responders were less methylated compared to non-responders in NR3C1(p<0.001). DISCUSSION Our findings indicate that both genes might play a role in the chronification of depression and NR3C1 may be relevant for ECT response prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah B Maier
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Moschny
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Franziska Eberle
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kirsten Jahn
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thorsten Folsche
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Rasmus Schülke
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Bleich
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexandra Neyazi
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg (OVGU), Germany
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Franzago M, Orecchini E, Porreca A, Mondanelli G, Orabona C, Dalla Ragione L, Di Nicola M, Stuppia L, Vitacolonna E, Beccari T, Ceccarini MR. SLC6A4 DNA Methylation Levels and Serum Kynurenine/Tryptophan Ratio in Eating Disorders: A Possible Link with Psychopathological Traits? Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15020406. [PMID: 36678277 PMCID: PMC9866524 DOI: 10.3390/nu15020406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The incidence of eating disorders (EDs), serious mental and physical conditions characterized by a disturbance in eating or eating-related behaviors, has increased steadily. The present study aims to develop insights into the pathophysiology of EDs, spanning over biochemical, epigenetic, psychopathological, and clinical data. In particular, we focused our attention on the relationship between (i) DNA methylation profiles at promoter-associated CpG sites of the SCL6A4 gene, (ii) serum kynurenine/tryptophan levels and ratio (Kyn/Trp), and (iii) psychopathological traits in a cohort of ED patients. Among these, 45 patients were affected by restricting anorexia nervosa (AN0), 21 by purging AN (AN1), 21 by bulimia (BN), 31 by binge eating disorders (BED), 23 by unspecified feeding or eating disorders (UFED), and finally 14 by other specified eating disorders (OSFED) were compared to 34 healthy controls (CTRs). Results: Kyn level was higher in BED, UFED, and OSFED compared to CTRs (p ≤ 0.001). On the other hand, AN0, AN1, and BN patients showed significatively lower Kyn levels compared to the other three ED groups but were closed to CTRs. Trp was significantly higher in AN0, AN1, and BN in comparison to other ED groups. Moreover, AN1 and BN showed more relevant Trp levels than CTRs (p <0.001). BED patients showed a lower Trp as compared with CTRs (p ≤ 0.001). In addition, Kyn/Trp ratio was lower in the AN1 subtype but higher in BED, UFED, and OSFED patients than in CTRs (p ≤ 0.001). SCL6A4 DNA methylation level at CpG5 was lower in AN0 compared to BED (p = 0.021), and the CpG6 methylation was also significantly lower in AN0 in comparison to CTRs (p = 0.025). The mean methylation levels of the six CpGs analyzed were lower only in the AN0 subgroup compared to CTRs (p = 0.008). Relevant psychological trait EDI-3 subscales were correlated with biochemical and epigenetic data. Conclusions: These findings underline the complexity of psychological and pathophysiological components of EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marica Franzago
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Elena Orecchini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Porreca
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giada Mondanelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Ciriana Orabona
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
| | - Laura Dalla Ragione
- Food Science and Human Nutrition Unit, University Campus Biomedico of Rome, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Di Nicola
- Laboratory of Biostatistics, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Liborio Stuppia
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ester Vitacolonna
- Department of Medicine and Aging, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology, “G. d’Annunzio” University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Tommaso Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Maria Rachele Ceccarini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-075-585-7905
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Chen M, Zhou L, Li S, Wei H, Chen J, Yang P, Peng H. Toxoplasma gondii DNA methyltransferases regulate parasitic energy metabolism. Acta Trop 2022; 229:106329. [PMID: 35122712 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2022.106329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The intracellular protozoan Toxoplasma gondii results in serious diseases such as encephalitis, and retinochoroiditis in immunocompromised patients. The interconversion between tachyzoites and bradyzoites under the host's immune pressure results in the interchange of acute infection and chronic infection. We previously reported two functional DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) in Toxoplasma gondii named TgDNMTa and TgDNMTb. In this research, proteomics analysis for T. gondii tachyzoites of ME49 WT, dnmta knockout (ME49-∆Tgdnmta), and dnmtb knockout (ME49-∆Tgdnmtb) strains, revealed 362 significantly regulated proteins for ME49-∆Tgdnmta, and 219 for ME49-∆Tgdnmtb, compared with the proteins of ME49 WT. TgDNMTa down regulated three glycolytic enzymes, one gluconeogenic enzyme and four pyruvate metabolic enzymes. Furthermore, TgDNMTb up regulated two proteins in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Glucose metabolic flux detection showed that TgDNMTa inhibited the glycolysis pathway, while TgDNMTb promoted the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle so as to promote parasite's proliferation. These findings demonstrated that the functions of Toxoplasma gondii DNA methyltransferases extended beyond DNA methylation to the regulation of parasitic energy metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Lijuan Zhou
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Shengmin Li
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Hiaxia Wei
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 511436, China
| | - Jiating Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Pei Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China
| | - Hongjuan Peng
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510515, China.
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8
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Gangisetty O, Chaudhary S, Palagani A, Sarkar DK. Transgenerational inheritance of fetal alcohol effects on proopiomelanocortin gene expression and methylation, cortisol response to stress, and anxiety-like behaviors in offspring for three generations in rats: Evidence for male germline transmission. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263340. [PMID: 35143549 PMCID: PMC8830645 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously it has been shown that fetal alcohol exposure increases the stress response partly due to lowering stress regulatory proopiomelanocortin (Pomc) gene expression in the hypothalamus via epigenetic mechanisms for multiple generations in mixed-breed rats. In this study we assess the induction of heritable epigenetic changes of Pomc-related variants by fetal alcohol exposure in isogenic Fischer 344 rats. Using transgenerational breeding models and fetal alcohol exposure procedures, we determined changes in hypothalamic Pomc gene expression and its methylation levels, plasma corticosterone hormone response to restraint stress, and anxiety-like behaviors using elevated plus maze tests in fetal alcohol-exposed offspring for multiple generations in isogenic Fischer rats. Fetal alcohol-exposed male and female rat offspring showed significant deficits in POMC neuronal functions with increased Pomc gene methylation and reduced expression. These changes in POMC neuronal functions were associated with increased plasma corticosterone response to restraint stress and increased anxiety-like behavior. These effects of fetal alcohol exposure persisted in the F1, F2, and F3 progeny of the male germline but not of the female germline. These data suggest that fetal alcohol exposure induces heritable changes in Pomc-related variants involving stress hyperresponsiveness and anxiety-like behaviors which perpetuate into subsequent generations through the male germline via epigenetic modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omkaram Gangisetty
- Rutgers Endocrine Research Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Shaista Chaudhary
- Rutgers Endocrine Research Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Ajay Palagani
- Rutgers Endocrine Research Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
| | - Dipak K. Sarkar
- Rutgers Endocrine Research Program, Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States of America
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9
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Tolle V, Ramoz N, Epelbaum J. Is there a hypothalamic basis for anorexia nervosa? HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 181:405-424. [PMID: 34238474 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820683-6.00030-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamus has long been known to control food intake and energy metabolism through a complex network of primary and secondary neurons and glial cells. Anorexia nervosa being a complex disorder characterized by abnormal feeding behavior and food aversion, it is thus quite surprising that not much is known concerning potential hypothalamic modifications in this disorder. In this chapter, we review the recent advances in the fields of genetics, epigenetics, structural and functional imaging, and brain connectivity, as well as neuroendocrine findings and emerging animal models, which have begun to unravel the importance of hypothalamic adaptive processes to our understanding of the pathology of eating disorders.
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10
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Batury VL, Walton E, Tam F, Wronski ML, Buchholz V, Frieling H, Ehrlich S. DNA methylation of ghrelin and leptin receptors in underweight and recovered patients with anorexia nervosa. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 131:271-278. [PMID: 33091847 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms, which modulate gene expression, are becoming increasingly important in the research on anorexia nervosa (AN). Patients with AN have difficulties with the perception of hunger even though hormones like high ghrelin and low leptin signal the need for energy intake. Given the prominent role of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a) and the leptin receptor (LEPR) in appetite regulation, a dysregulation of the receptors' expression levels, possibly resulting from altered DNA promoter methylation, may contribute to the pathophysiology of AN. Such alterations could be secondary effects of undernutrition (state markers) or biological processes that may play an antecedent, possibly causal, role in the pathophysiology (trait markers). Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine DNA promoter methylation of the GHS-R1a and LEPR gene promoter regions and investigate whether methylation levels are associated with AN symptoms. We studied medication-free underweight patients with acute AN as well as weight-recovered patients and normal-weight, healthy female control subjects. While DNA methylation of the LEPR gene was similar across groups, GHS-R1a promoter methylation was increased in underweight AN compared to healthy controls - a finding which can be interpreted within the framework of the "ghrelin-resistance" hypothesis in AN. The results of the current study suggest for the first time a potential epigenetic mechanism underlying altered GHS-R1a sensitivity or altered ghrelin signaling in acutely underweight AN. If a ghrelin-centered model of AN can be verified, a next step could be the search for a dietary or psychopharmacological modulation at the ghrelin receptor, potentially via epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria-Luise Batury
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Esther Walton
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Friederike Tam
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marie-Louis Wronski
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Vanessa Buchholz
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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11
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Wang J, Hao F, Song K, Jin W, Fu B, Wei Y, Shi Y, Guo H, Liu W. Identification of a Novel NtLRR-RLK and Biological Pathways That Contribute to Tolerance of TMV in Nicotiana tabacum. MOLECULAR PLANT-MICROBE INTERACTIONS : MPMI 2020; 33:996-1006. [PMID: 32196398 DOI: 10.1094/mpmi-12-19-0343-r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) infection can causes serious damage to tobacco crops. To explore the approach of preventing TMV infection of plants, two tobacco cultivars with different resistances to TMV were used to analyze transcription profiling before and after TMV infection. The involvement of biological pathways differed between the tolerant variety (Yuyan8) and the susceptible variety (NC89). In particular, the plant-virus interaction pathway was rapidly activated in Yuyan8, and specific resistance genes were enriched. Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analysis detected large quantities of antiviral substances in the tolerant Yuyan8. A novel Nicotiana tabacum leucine-rich repeat receptor kinase (NtLRR-RLK) gene was identified as being methylated and this was verified using bisulfite sequencing. Transient expression of TMV-green fluorescent protein in pRNAi-NtLRR-RLK transgenic plants confirmed that NtLRR-RLK was important for susceptibility to TMV. The specific protein interaction map generated from our study revealed that levels of BIP1, E3 ubiquitin ligase, and LRR-RLK were significantly elevated, and all were represented at node positions in the protein interaction map. The same expression tendency of these proteins was also found in pRNAi-NtLRR-RLK transgenic plants at 24 h after TMV inoculation. These data suggested that specific genes in the infection process can activate the immune signal cascade through different resistance genes, and the integration of signal pathways could produce resistance to the virus. These results contribute to the overall understanding of the molecular basis of plant resistance to TMV and in the long term could identify new strategies for prevention and control virus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fengsheng Hao
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Kunfeng Song
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weihuan Jin
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bo Fu
- College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yuanfang Wei
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yongchun Shi
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hongxiang Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weiqun Liu
- College of Tobacco Science, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
- College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, China
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12
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D'Addario C, Zaplatic E, Giunti E, Pucci M, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Scherma M, Dainese E, Maccarrone M, Nilsson IA, Cifani C, Fadda P. Epigenetic regulation of the cannabinoid receptor CB1 in an activity-based rat model of anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2020; 53:432-446. [PMID: 32275093 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Both environmental and genetic factors are known to contribute to the development of anorexia nervosa (AN), but the exact etiology remains poorly understood. Herein, we studied the transcriptional regulation of the endocannabinoid system, an interesting target for body weight maintenance and the control of food intake and energy balance. METHOD We used two well-characterized animal models of AN: (a) the activity-based anorexia (ABA) model in which rats, housed with running wheels and subjected to daily food restriction, show reductions in body weight and increase in physical activity; (b) the genetic anx/anx mouse displaying the core features of AN: low food intake and emaciation. RESULTS Among the evaluated endocannabinoid system components, we observed a selective and significant down-regulation of the gene encoding for the type 1 cannabinoid receptor (Cnr1) in ABA rats' hypothalamus and nucleus accumbens and, in the latter area, a consistent, significant and correlated increase in DNA methylation at the gene promoter. No changes were evident in the anx/anx mice except for a down-regulation of Cnr1, in the prefrontal cortex. DISCUSSION Our findings support a possible role for Cnr1 in the ABA animal model of AN. In particular, its regulation in the nucleus accumbens appears to be triggered by environmental cues due to the consistent epigenetic modulation of the promoter. These data warrant further studies on Cnr1 regulation as a possible target for treatment of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy.,Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Elizabeta Zaplatic
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Elisa Giunti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mariangela Pucci
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Maria Scherma
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Enrico Dainese
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Lipid Neurochemistry Unit, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida A Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Paola Fadda
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Division of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,CNR Institute of Neuroscience - Cagliari, National Research Council, Cagliari, Italy
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13
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Gjevestad GO, Holven KB, Rundblad A, Flatberg A, Myhrstad M, Karlsen K, Mutt SJ, Herzig KH, Ottestad I, Ulven SM. Increased protein intake affects pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) processing, immune function and IGF signaling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of home-dwelling old subjects using a genome-wide gene expression approach. GENES AND NUTRITION 2019; 14:32. [PMID: 31798754 PMCID: PMC6883584 DOI: 10.1186/s12263-019-0654-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Adequate protein intake among older adults is associated with better health outcomes such as immune function and metabolic regulation of skeletal muscle, but conflicting results make it difficult to define the optimal intake. To further understand the impact of protein intake on metabolic processes, the aim of the study was to explore genome-wide gene expression changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in home-dwelling old subjects after increased protein intake for 12 weeks. Method In a parallel double-blind randomized controlled intervention study, subjects (≥ 70 years) received a protein-enriched milk (2 × 20 g protein/day, n = 14, mean (±SD) age 76.9 ± 4.9 years) or an isocaloric carbohydrate drink (n = 17, mean (±SD) age 77.7 ± 4.8 years) for breakfast and evening meal for 12 weeks. PBMCs were isolated before and after the intervention. Microarray analysis was performed using Illumina technology. Serum levels of gut peptides and insulin growth factor (IGF)-1 were also measured. Results In total 758 gene transcripts were regulated after increased protein intake, and 649 gene transcripts were regulated after intake of carbohydrates (p < 0.05). Forty-two of these genes were overlapping. After adjusting for multiple testing, 27 of the 758 gene transcripts were regulated (FDR, q-value < 0.25) after protein intake. Of these 25 were upregulated and two downregulated. In particular, genes and signaling pathways involved in pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) processing, immune function, and IGF signaling were significantly altered. Conclusions PBMCs can be used to study gene expression changes after long-term protein intake, as many signaling pathways were regulated after increased protein intake. The functional significance of these findings needs to be further investigated. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, ID no. NCT02218333. The study was registered on August 18, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyrd O Gjevestad
- 1Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway.,2Innovation and marketing, TINE SA, Lakkegata 23, 0187 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsten B Holven
- 1Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway.,3National Advisory Unit on Familial Hypercholesterolemia, Department of Endocrinology, Morbid Obesity and Preventive Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4950 Nydalen, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Amanda Rundblad
- 1Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Arnar Flatberg
- 4Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Genomics Core Facility, Norwegian University of Sciences and Technology, Olav Kyrres gt. 9, 7489 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Mari Myhrstad
- 5Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, OsloMet - Oslo Metropolitan University, P.O. Box 4 St. Olavs plass, 0130 Oslo, Norway
| | - Karina Karlsen
- 1Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Shivaprakash J Mutt
- 6Research Unit of Biomedicine, and Biocenter of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University, P.O Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland
| | - Karl-Heinz Herzig
- 6Research Unit of Biomedicine, and Biocenter of Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University, P.O Box 5000, 90014 Oulu, Finland.,7Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-572 Poznan, Poland
| | - Inger Ottestad
- 1Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
| | - Stine M Ulven
- 1Department of Nutrition, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1046, Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway
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14
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Maussion G, Demirova I, Gorwood P, Ramoz N. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells; New Tools for Investigating Molecular Mechanisms in Anorexia Nervosa. Front Nutr 2019; 6:118. [PMID: 31457016 PMCID: PMC6700384 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2019.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a dramatic psychiatric disorder characterized by dysregulations in food intake and reward processing, involving molecular and cellular changes in several peripheral cell types and central neuronal networks. Genomic and epigenomic analyses have allowed the identification of multiple genetic and epigenetic modifications highlighting the complex pathophysiology of AN. Behavioral and genetic rodent models have been used to recapitulate and investigate, with some limitations, the cellular and molecular changes that potentially underlie eating disorders. In the last 5 years, the use of induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSCs), combined with CRISPR-Cas9 technology, has led to the generation of specific neuronal cell subtypes engineered from human somatic samples, representing a powerful tool to complement observations made in human samples and data collected from animal models. Systems biology using IPSCs has indeed proved to be a valuable approach for the study of metabolic disorders, in addition to neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. The manuscript, while reviewing the main findings related to the genetic, epigenetic, and cellular bases of AN, will present how new studies published, or to be performed, in the field of IPSC-derived cells should improve our current understanding of the pathophysiology of AN and provide potential therapeutic strategies addressing specific endophenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Maussion
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Iveta Demirova
- Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Philip Gorwood
- INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France.,Hôpital Sainte-Anne (CMME), University Paris-Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Ramoz
- INSERM U1266, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris, Paris, France
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15
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Epigenetic regulation of POMC; implications for nutritional programming, obesity and metabolic disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 54:100773. [PMID: 31344387 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is a key mediator of satiety. Epigenetic marks such as DNA methylation may modulate POMC expression and provide a biological link between early life exposures and later phenotype. Animal studies suggest epigenetic marks at POMC are influenced by maternal energy excess and restriction, prenatal stress and Triclosan exposure. Postnatal factors including energy excess, folate, vitamin A, conjugated linoleic acid and leptin may also affect POMC methylation. Recent human studies suggest POMC DNA methylation is influenced by maternal nutrition in early pregnancy and associated with childhood and adult obesity. Studies in children propose a link between POMC DNA methylation and elevated lipids and insulin, independent of body habitus. This review brings together evidence from animal and human studies and suggests that POMC is sensitive to nutritional programming and is associated with a wide range of weight-related and metabolic outcomes.
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16
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Hübel C, Marzi SJ, Breen G, Bulik CM. Epigenetics in eating disorders: a systematic review. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:901-915. [PMID: 30353170 PMCID: PMC6544542 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0254-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Eating disorders are complex heritable conditions influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. Given the progress of genomic discovery in anorexia nervosa, with the identification of the first genome-wide significant locus, as well as animated discussion of epigenetic mechanisms in linking environmental factors with disease onset, our goal was to conduct a systematic review of the current body of evidence on epigenetic factors in eating disorders to inform future directions in this area. Following PRISMA guidelines, two independent authors conducted a search within PubMed and Web of Science and identified 18 journal articles and conference abstracts addressing anorexia nervosa (n = 13), bulimia nervosa (n = 6), and binge-eating disorder (n = 1), published between January 2003 and October 2017. We reviewed all articles and included a critical discussion of field-specific methodological considerations. The majority of epigenetic analyses of eating disorders investigated methylation at candidate genes (n = 13), focusing on anorexia and bulimia nervosa in very small samples with considerable sample overlap across published studies. Three studies used microarray-based technologies to examine DNA methylation across the genome of anorexia nervosa and binge-eating disorder patients. Overall, results were inconclusive and were primarily exploratory in nature. The field of epigenetics in eating disorders remains in its infancy. We encourage the scientific community to apply methodologically sound approaches using genome-wide designs including epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS), to increase sample sizes, and to broaden the focus to include all eating disorder types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hübel
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK,UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley Hospital and King’s College London, London, UK,Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sarah J. Marzi
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK,The Blizard Institute, Barts and the London Medical School, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Gerome Breen
- Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, UK,UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley Hospital and King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Cynthia M. Bulik
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC,Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
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17
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Himmerich H, Bentley J, Kan C, Treasure J. Genetic risk factors for eating disorders: an update and insights into pathophysiology. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2019; 9:2045125318814734. [PMID: 30800283 PMCID: PMC6378634 DOI: 10.1177/2045125318814734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide-association studies (GWASs), epigenetic, gene-expression and gene-gene interaction projects, nutritional genomics and investigations of the gut microbiota have increased our knowledge of the pathophysiology of eating disorders (EDs). However, compared with anorexia nervosa, genetic studies in patients with bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder are relatively scarce, with the exception of a few formal genetic and small-sized candidate-gene-association studies. In this article, we review important findings derived from formal and molecular genetics in order to outline a genetics-based pathophysiological model of EDs. This model takes into account environmental and nutritional factors, genetic factors related to the microbiome, the metabolic and endocrine system, the immune system, and the brain, in addition to phenotypical traits of EDs. Shortcomings and advantages of genetic research in EDs are discussed against the historical background, but also in light of potential future treatment options for patients with EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Bentley
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Carol Kan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
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18
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Raue S, Wedekind D, Wiltfang J, Schmidt U. The Role of Proopiomelanocortin and α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone in the Metabolic Syndrome in Psychiatric Disorders: A Narrative Mini-Review. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:834. [PMID: 31798479 PMCID: PMC6867997 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00834] [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: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The metabolic syndrome (MetS) comprises abdominal obesity, preclinical or full diabetes type 2, arterial hypertension, and dyslipidemia and affects a significant proportion of the general population with a remarkably higher prevalence in patients suffering from psychiatric disorders. However, studies exploring the pathogenetic link between MetS and psychiatric diseases are rare. Here, we aim to narrow this gap in knowledge by providing a narrative review on this topic that focuses on two psychiatric diseases, namely on schizophrenia and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) since we assume them to be associated with two different main causalities of MetS: in schizophrenia, MetS evidently develops or aggravates in response to antipsychotic drug treatment while it assumingly develops in response to stress-induced endocrine and/or epigenetic alterations in PTSD. First, we compared the prevalences of MetS and associated pathologies (which we took from the latest meta-analyses) among different psychiatric disorders and were surprised that the prevalences of arterial hypertension and hyperglycemia in PTSD almost doubles those of the other psychiatric disorders. Next, we performed a literature search on the neurobiology of MetS and found numerous articles describing a role for proopiomelanocortin (POMC) in MetS. Thus, we concentrated further analysis on POMC and one of its downstream effector hormones, α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). We found some evidence for a role of POMC in both PTSD and schizophrenia, in particular in antipsychotic-induced MetS, as well as for α-MSH in schizophrenia, but, surprisingly, no study on α-MSH in PTSD. Taken together, our synopsis reveals, first, a potential interaction between the POMC system and stress in the assumingly at least partially shared pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders and MetS, second, that modulation of the POMC system, in particular of the melanocortin 3 and 4 receptors, might be a promising target for the treatment of MetS and, third, that the DNA methylation status of POMC might speculatively be a promising biomarker for MetS in general and, possibly, in particular in the context of stress-related psychiatric conditions such as PTSD. To best of our knowledge, this is the first review on the role of the POMC system in MetS in psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Raue
- Psychotrauma Treatment Unit & RG Stress Modulation of Neurodegeneration, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Dirk Wedekind
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Georg August University, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Georg August University, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany.,Medical Sciences Department, iBiMED, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ulrike Schmidt
- Psychotrauma Treatment Unit & RG Stress Modulation of Neurodegeneration, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Göttingen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
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19
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Neyazi A, Buchholz V, Burkert A, Hillemacher T, de Zwaan M, Herzog W, Jahn K, Giel K, Herpertz S, Buchholz CA, Dinkel A, Burgmer M, Zeeck A, Bleich S, Zipfel S, Frieling H. Association of Leptin Gene DNA Methylation With Diagnosis and Treatment Outcome of Anorexia Nervosa. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:197. [PMID: 31031654 PMCID: PMC6470249 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00197] [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: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations are increasingly implicated in the pathophysiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) but are as yet poorly understood. We investigated possible associations between the leptin gene (LEP) and the leptin receptor gene (LEPR) DNA promoter methylation and (1) a diagnosis of AN and (2) outcome after a 10 months psychotherapeutic outpatient treatment. 129 (LEPR: n = 135) patients with AN were investigated during the large scale psychotherapeutic Anorexia Nervosa Treatment Outpatient Study (ANTOP) trial, compared to 117 (LEPR: n = 119) age and height matched, normal-weight healthy controls. Blood samples were taken at baseline, the end of therapy (40 weeks) and the 12-months follow-up and compared to controls. Methylation was measured in whole blood via bisulfite sequencing. Within the promoter region 32 (LEP) and 39 CpG sites (LEPR) were analyzed. Two key findings were observed. First, LEP and LEPR methylation at baseline were lower in patients compared to controls (LEP: [%] AN: 30.94 ± 13.2 vs. controls: 34.53 ± 14.6); LEPR ([%] AN: 3.73 ± 5.4 vs. controls: 5.22 ± 8.3, mixed linear models: both P < 0.001). Second, lower DNA methylation of the LEP promoter, with a dynamic upregulation during treatment, was associated with a full recovery in AN patients (% change from baseline to follow-up in full recovery patients: +35.13% (SD: 47.56); mixed linear model: P < 0.0001). To test for potential predictive properties of mean LEP DNA methylation a LEP DNA methylation cut-off (31.25% DNA methylation) was calculated, which significantly discriminated full recovery vs. full syndrome AN patients. This cut-off was then tested in a group of previously unclassified patients (missing follow-up data of the Structured Interview for Anorexic and Bulimic disorders; n = 33). Patients below the cut-off (31.25% LEP DNA methylation) showed an increase in BMI over time, while those above the cut-off had a decrease in BMI (ANOVA at the 12-months follow-up: P = 0.0142). To our knowledge, this is the first study investigating epigenetic alterations in AN over time. Our findings indicate that LEP DNA methylation might be involved in the disease course of AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Neyazi
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Vanessa Buchholz
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Alexandra Burkert
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Hillemacher
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Martina de Zwaan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Herzog
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Jahn
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Katrin Giel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stephan Herpertz
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, LWL University Clinic Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christian A Buchholz
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Dinkel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Burgmer
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Almut Zeeck
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Center of Mental Disorders, University Medical Center Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Bleich
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephan Zipfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Molecular Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry, and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
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20
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Bian F, Ma X, Villivalam SD, You D, Choy LR, Paladugu A, Fung S, Kang S. TET2 facilitates PPARγ agonist-mediated gene regulation and insulin sensitization in adipocytes. Metabolism 2018; 89:39-47. [PMID: 30193945 PMCID: PMC6221917 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Emerging evidence indicates that epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation directly contribute to metabolic regulation. For example, we previously demonstrated that de novo DNA methyltransferase Dnmt3a plays a causal role in the development of adipocyte insulin resistance. Recent studies suggest that DNA demethylation plays an important role in the developmental process of adipocytes. However, little is known about whether DNA demethylase ten-eleven translocation (TET) proteins regulate the metabolic functions of adipocytes. METHODS The expression of Tet genes was assessed in the fractionated adipocytes of chow- and high fat diet-fed C57/Bl6 mice using qPCR and western blotting. The effect of Tet2 gain- or loss-of-function in fully mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes in the presence/absence of Rosiglitazone (Rosi) and TNF-α on insulin sensitivity was using the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and insulin signaling assays. Gene expression and DNA methylation analyses of PPARγ target genes was performed in the same setting. In addition, PPARγ reporter assays, co-immunoprecipitation assays, PPARγ ChIP-PCR analyses were performed. RESULTS We found that adipose expression of TET2, alone among its family members, was significantly reduced in diet-induced insulin resistance. TET2 gain-of-function was sufficient to promote insulin sensitivity while loss-of-function was necessary to facilitate insulin sensitization in response to the PPARγ agonist Rosiglitazone (Rosi) in cultured adipocytes. Consistent with this, TET2 was required for Rosi-dependent gene activation of certain PPARγ targets accompanied by changes in DNA demethylation at the promoter regions. Furthermore, TET2 was necessary to sustain PPARγ binding to target loci upon activation with Rosi via physical interaction with PPARγ. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrate that TET2 works as an epigenetic regulator of Rosi-mediated insulin sensitization and transcriptional regulation in adipocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuyun Bian
- Key Laboratory of Aquaculture Nutrition, Ministry of Agriculture, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Xiang Ma
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | | | - Dongjoo You
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Lauren Raquel Choy
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Anushka Paladugu
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sarah Fung
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Sona Kang
- Department of Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology, UC Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA.
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21
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Effects of SCFA on the DNA methylation pattern of adiponectin and resistin in high-fat-diet-induced obese male mice. Br J Nutr 2018; 120:385-392. [PMID: 29925443 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114518001526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Specific adipokines, such as adiponectin and resistin, are secreted from adipose tissue and are associated with the development of obesity. Supplementation of dietary SCFA can prevent and reverse high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced obesity. However, it is not clear whether SCFA ameliorate abnormal expression of adiponectin and resistin in the obese state. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of SCFA on adiponectin and resistin's expressions in diet-induced obese mice, as well as the potential mechanisms associated with DNA methylation. C57BL/6J male mice were fed for 16 weeks with five types of HFD (34·9 % fat by wt., 60 % kJ) - a control HFD and four HFD with acetate (HFD-A), propionate (HFD-P), butyrate (HFD-B) and their admixture (HFD-SCFA). Meanwhile, a low-fat diet (4·3 % fat by wt., 10 % kJ) was used as the control group. The reduced mRNA levels of adiponectin and resistin in the adipose tissue of the HFD-fed mice were significantly reversed by dietary supplementation of acetate, propionate, butyrate or their admixture to the HFD. Moreover, the expressional changes of adiponectin and resistin induced by SCFA were associated with alterations in DNA methylation at their promoters, which was mediated by reducing the expressions of enzyme-catalysed DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1, 3a, 3b) and the methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 (MBD2) and suppressing the binding of these enzymes to the promoters of adiponectin and resistin. Our results indicate that SCFA may correct aberrant expressions of adiponectin and resistin in obesity by epigenetic regulation.
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22
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Abstract
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between methylation patterns of the histone deacetylase 4 gene and eating disorders in a site previously associated with anorexia nervosa (AN). Women with AN (N=28) or bulimia nervosa (BN) (N=19) were age-matched and sex-matched to controls (N=45). We obtained saliva-derived DNA and use bisulfite pyrosequencing to examine region-specific methylation differences between cases and controls. The region assayed includes 15 CpGs. We found no significant association between the previously implicated CpG and either AN or BN. We found that three CpGs were nominally associated with AN (P=0.02-0.03); the largest difference was a 9% hypermethylation in AN. One CpG was nominally associated with BN (P=0.04), with 4% hypomethylation. None of these results remained significant after correction for multiple testing. We did not replicate previous findings, though through expanded coverage, we identified additional CpGs that were nominally associated with eating disorders.
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23
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You D, Nilsson E, Tenen DE, Lyubetskaya A, Lo JC, Jiang R, Deng J, Dawes BA, Vaag A, Ling C, Rosen ED, Kang S. Dnmt3a is an epigenetic mediator of adipose insulin resistance. eLife 2017; 6:30766. [PMID: 29091029 PMCID: PMC5730374 DOI: 10.7554/elife.30766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin resistance results from an intricate interaction between genetic make-up and environment, and thus may be orchestrated by epigenetic mechanisms like DNA methylation. Here, we demonstrate that DNA methyltransferase 3a (Dnmt3a) is both necessary and sufficient to mediate insulin resistance in cultured mouse and human adipocytes. Furthermore, adipose-specific Dnmt3a knock-out mice are protected from diet-induced insulin resistance and glucose intolerance without accompanying changes in adiposity. Unbiased gene profiling studies revealed Fgf21 as a key negatively regulated Dnmt3a target gene in adipocytes with concordant changes in DNA methylation at the Fgf21 promoter region. Consistent with this, Fgf21 can rescue Dnmt3a-mediated insulin resistance, and DNA methylation at the FGF21 locus was elevated in human subjects with diabetes and correlated negatively with expression of FGF21 in human adipose tissue. Taken together, our data demonstrate that adipose Dnmt3a is a novel epigenetic mediator of insulin resistance in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjoo You
- Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Emma Nilsson
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Danielle E Tenen
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, United States
| | | | - James C Lo
- Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, United States
| | - Rencong Jiang
- Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Jasmine Deng
- Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Brian A Dawes
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, United States
| | - Allan Vaag
- Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Endocrinology, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Early Clinical Development, AstraZeneca, Innovative Medicines, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Ling
- Epigenetics and Diabetes Unit, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University Diabetes Centre, Scania University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Evan D Rosen
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, United States.,Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, United States
| | - Sona Kang
- Nutritional Sciences and Toxicology Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
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24
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Schaumberg K, Welch E, Breithaupt L, Hübel C, Baker JH, Munn-Chernoff MA, Yilmaz Z, Ehrlich S, Mustelin L, Ghaderi A, Hardaway AJ, Bulik-Sullivan EC, Hedman AM, Jangmo A, Nilsson IAK, Wiklund C, Yao S, Seidel M, Bulik CM. The Science Behind the Academy for Eating Disorders' Nine Truths About Eating Disorders. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2017; 25:432-450. [PMID: 28967161 PMCID: PMC5711426 DOI: 10.1002/erv.2553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2015, the Academy for Eating Disorders collaborated with international patient, advocacy, and parent organizations to craft the 'Nine Truths About Eating Disorders'. This document has been translated into over 30 languages and has been distributed globally to replace outdated and erroneous stereotypes about eating disorders with factual information. In this paper, we review the state of the science supporting the 'Nine Truths'. METHODS The literature supporting each of the 'Nine Truths' was reviewed, summarized and richly annotated. RESULTS Most of the 'Nine Truths' arise from well-established foundations in the scientific literature. Additional evidence is required to further substantiate some of the assertions in the document. Future investigations are needed in all areas to deepen our understanding of eating disorders, their causes and their treatments. CONCLUSIONS The 'Nine Truths About Eating Disorders' is a guiding document to accelerate global dissemination of accurate and evidence-informed information about eating disorders. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Schaumberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elisabeth Welch
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lauren Breithaupt
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Christopher Hübel
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- MRC Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jessica H Baker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Zeynep Yilmaz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Linda Mustelin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Public Health and Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland FIMM, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ata Ghaderi
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew J Hardaway
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Emily C Bulik-Sullivan
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Anna M Hedman
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Jangmo
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ida A K Nilsson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Camilla Wiklund
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shuyang Yao
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Seidel
- Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cynthia M Bulik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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25
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Cuesto G, Everaerts C, León LG, Acebes A. Molecular bases of anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa and binge eating disorder: shedding light on the darkness. J Neurogenet 2017; 31:266-287. [PMID: 28762842 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2017.1353092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Eating-disorders (EDs) consequences to human health are devastating, involving social, mental, emotional, physical and life-threatening aspects, concluding on impairment and death in cases of extreme anorexia nervosa. It also implies that people suffering an ED need to find psychiatric and psychological help as soon as possible to achieve a fully physical and emotional recovery. Unfortunately, to date, there is a crucial lack of efficient clinical treatment to these disorders. In this review, we present an overview concerning the actual pharmacological and psychological treatments, the knowledge of cells, circuits, neuropeptides, neuromodulators and hormones in the human brain- and other organs- underlying these disorders, the studies in animal models and, finally, the genetic approaches devoted to face this challenge. We will also discuss the need for new perspectives, avenues and strategies to be developed in order to pave the way to novel and more efficient therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Germán Cuesto
- a Centre for Biomedical Research of the Canary Islands , Institute of Biomedical Technologies, University of La Laguna , Tenerife , Spain
| | - Claude Everaerts
- b Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation , UMR 6265 CNRS, UMR 1324 INRA, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté , Dijon , France
| | - Leticia G León
- c Cancer Pharmacology Lab , AIRC Start Up Unit, University of Pisa , Pisa , Italy
| | - Angel Acebes
- a Centre for Biomedical Research of the Canary Islands , Institute of Biomedical Technologies, University of La Laguna , Tenerife , Spain
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26
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Grandmaternal stress during pregnancy and DNA methylation of the third generation: an epigenome-wide association study. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1202. [PMID: 28809857 PMCID: PMC5611722 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress during pregnancy may impact subsequent generations, which is demonstrated by an increased susceptibility to childhood and adulthood health problems in the children and grandchildren. Although the importance of the prenatal environment is well reported with regards to future physical and emotional outcomes, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that mediate the long-term consequences of early stress across generations. Recent studies have identified DNA methylation as a possible mediator of the impact of prenatal stress in the offspring. Whether psychosocial stress during pregnancy also affects DNA methylation of the grandchildren is still not known. In the present study we examined the multigenerational hypothesis, that is, grandmaternal exposure to psychosocial stress during pregnancy affecting DNA methylation of the grandchildren. We determined the genome-wide DNA methylation profile in 121 children (65 females and 56 males) and tested for associations with exposure to grandmaternal interpersonal violence during pregnancy. We observed methylation variations of five CpG sites significantly (FDR<0.05) associated with the grandmother's report of exposure to violence while pregnant with the mothers of the children. The results revealed differential methylation of genes previously shown to be involved in circulatory system processes (FDR<0.05). This study provides support for DNA methylation as a biological mechanism involved in the transmission of stress across generations and motivates further investigations to examine prenatal-dependent DNA methylation as a potential biomarker for health problems.
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27
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Belling K, Russo F, Jensen AB, Dalgaard MD, Westergaard D, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Skakkebæk NE, Juul A, Brunak S. Klinefelter syndrome comorbidities linked to increased X chromosome gene dosage and altered protein interactome activity. Hum Mol Genet 2017; 26:1219-1229. [PMID: 28369266 PMCID: PMC5390676 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddx014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS) (47,XXY) is the most common male sex chromosome aneuploidy. Diagnosis and clinical supervision remain a challenge due to varying phenotypic presentation and insufficient characterization of the syndrome. Here we combine health data-driven epidemiology and molecular level systems biology to improve the understanding of KS and the molecular interplay influencing its comorbidities. In total, 78 overrepresented KS comorbidities were identified using in- and out-patient registry data from the entire Danish population covering 6.8 million individuals. The comorbidities extracted included both clinically well-known (e.g. infertility and osteoporosis) and still less established KS comorbidities (e.g. pituitary gland hypofunction and dental caries). Several systems biology approaches were applied to identify key molecular players underlying KS comorbidities: Identification of co-expressed modules as well as central hubs and gene dosage perturbed protein complexes in a KS comorbidity network build from known disease proteins and their protein–protein interactions. The systems biology approaches together pointed to novel aspects of KS disease phenotypes including perturbed Jak-STAT pathway, dysregulated genes important for disturbed immune system (IL4), energy balance (POMC and LEP) and erythropoietin signalling in KS. We present an extended epidemiological study that links KS comorbidities to the molecular level and identify potential causal players in the disease biology underlying the identified comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstine Belling
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Francesco Russo
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders B Jensen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marlene D Dalgaard
- Center for Biological Sequence Analysis, Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - David Westergaard
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels E Skakkebæk
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Juul
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Centre in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Søren Brunak
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Protein Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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28
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Argentieri MA, Nagarajan S, Seddighzadeh B, Baccarelli AA, Shields AE. Epigenetic Pathways in Human Disease: The Impact of DNA Methylation on Stress-Related Pathogenesis and Current Challenges in Biomarker Development. EBioMedicine 2017; 18:327-350. [PMID: 28434943 PMCID: PMC5405197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
HPA axis genes implicated in glucocorticoid regulation play an important role in regulating the physiological impact of social and environmental stress, and have become a focal point for investigating the role of glucocorticoid regulation in the etiology of disease. We conducted a systematic review to critically assess the full range of clinical associations that have been reported in relation to DNA methylation of CRH, CRH-R1/2, CRH-BP, AVP, POMC, ACTH, ACTH-R, NR3C1, FKBP5, and HSD11β1/2 genes in adults. A total of 32 studies were identified. There is prospective evidence for an association between HSD11β2 methylation and hypertension, and functional evidence of an association between NR3C1 methylation and both small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and breast cancer. Strong associations have been reported between FKBP5 and NR3C1 methylation and PTSD, and biologically-plausible associations have been reported between FKBP5 methylation and Alzheimer's Disease. Mixed associations between NR3C1 methylation and mental health outcomes have been reported according to different social and environmental exposures, and according to varying gene regions investigated. We conclude by highlighting key challenges and future research directions that will need to be addressed in order to develop both clinically meaningful prognostic biomarkers and an evidence base that can inform public policy practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Austin Argentieri
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St., Suite 901, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sairaman Nagarajan
- Department of Pediatrics, State University of New York Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11218, USA
| | - Bobak Seddighzadeh
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St., Suite 901, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St., Suite 901, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W. 168th St., 11th Floor, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Alexandra E Shields
- Harvard/MGH Center on Genomics, Vulnerable Populations, and Health Disparities, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford St., Suite 901, Boston, MA 02114, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Thaler L, Steiger H. Eating Disorders and Epigenetics. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 978:93-103. [PMID: 28523542 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-53889-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by intense preoccupation with shape and weight and maladaptive eating practices. The complex of symptoms that characterize EDs often arise through the activation of latent genetic potentials by environmental exposures, and epigenetic mechanisms are believed to link environmental exposures to gene expression. This chapter provides an overview of genetic factors acting in the etiology of EDs. It then provides a background to the hypothesis that epigenetic mechanisms link stresses such as obstetric complications and childhood abuse as well as effects of malnutrition to eating disorders (EDs). The chapter then summarizes the emerging body of literature on epigenetics and EDs-mainly studies on DNA methylation in samples of anorexia and bulimia. The available evidence base suggests that an epigenetically informed perspective contributes in valuable ways to the understanding of why people develop EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Thaler
- Eating Disorders Continuum, Douglas Institute, Montreal West Island Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Verdun, QC, Canada, H4H 1R3. .,Psychiatry Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada, H3A 1Y2.
| | - Howard Steiger
- Eating Disorders Continuum, Douglas Institute, Montreal West Island Integrated University Health and Social Services Centre, 6875 LaSalle Blvd, Verdun, QC, Canada, H4H 1R3.,Psychiatry Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada, H3A 1Y2
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Preconception Alcohol Increases Offspring Vulnerability to Stress. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:2782-93. [PMID: 27296153 PMCID: PMC5026748 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The effect of preconception drinking by the mother on the life-long health outcomes of her children is not known, and therefore, in this study using an animal model, we determined the impact of preconception alcohol drinking of the mother on offspring stress response during adulthood. In our preconception alcohol exposure model, adult female rats were fed with 6.7% alcohol in their diet for 4 weeks, went without alcohol for 3 weeks and were bred to generate male and female offspring. Preconception alcohol-exposed offsprings' birth weight, body growth, stress response, anxiety-like behaviors, and changes in stress regulatory gene and protein hormone levels were evaluated. In addition, roles of epigenetic mechanisms in preconception alcohol effects were determined. Alcohol feeding three weeks prior to conception significantly affected pregnancy outcomes of female rats, with respect to delivery period and birth weight of offspring, without affecting maternal care behaviors. Preconception alcohol negatively affected offspring adult health, producing an increased stress hormone response to an immune challenge. In addition, preconception alcohol was associated with changes in expression and methylation profiles of stress regulatory genes in various brain areas. These changes in stress regulatory genes were normalized following treatment with a DNA methylation blocker during the postnatal period. These data highlight the novel possibility that preconception alcohol affects the inheritance of stress-related diseases possibly by epigenetic mechanisms.
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Eating disorders, gene-environment interactions and the epigenome: Roles of stress exposures and nutritional status. Physiol Behav 2016; 162:181-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2016.01.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Shih PAB, Woodside DB. Contemporary views on the genetics of anorexia nervosa. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:663-73. [PMID: 26944296 PMCID: PMC4801707 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a serious mental illness characterized by severe dietary restriction that leads to high rates of morbidity, chronicity, and mortality. Unfortunately, effective treatment is lacking and few options are available. High rates of familial aggregation and significant heritability suggested that the complex etiology of AN is affected by both genetic and environmental factors. In this paper, we review studies that reported common and rare genetic variation that influence susceptibility of AN through candidate gene studies, genome-wide association studies, and sequencing-based studies. We also discuss gene expression, methylation, imaging genetics, and pharmacogenetics to demonstrate that these studies have collectively advanced our knowledge of how genetic variation contributes to AN susceptibility and clinical course. Lastly, we highlight the importance of gene by environment interactions (G×E) and share our enthusiasm for the use of nutritional genomic approaches to elucidate the interaction among nutrients, metabolic intermediates, and genetic variation in AN. A deeper understanding of how nutrition alters genome stability, how genetic variation influences uptake and metabolism of nutrients, and how response to food components affects disordered eating, will lead to personalized dietary interventions and effective nutraceutical and pharmacological treatments for AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-an Betty Shih
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0664, La Jolla, CA 92093-0664, USA.
| | - D Blake Woodside
- Inpatient Eating Disorders Service, Toronto General Hospital, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Canada.
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Associations among child abuse, mental health, and epigenetic modifications in the proopiomelanocortin gene (POMC): A study with children in Tanzania. Dev Psychopathol 2016; 28:1401-1412. [PMID: 26753719 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579415001248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Child abuse is associated with a number of emotional and behavioral problems. Nevertheless, it has been argued that these adverse consequences may not hold for societies in which many of the specific acts of abuse are culturally normed. Epigenetic modifications in the genes of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis may provide a potential mechanism translating abuse into altered gene expression, which subsequently results in behavioral changes. Our investigation took place in Tanzania, a society in which many forms of abuse are commonly employed as disciplinary methods. We included 35 children with high exposure and compared them to 25 children with low exposure. Extreme group comparisons revealed that children with high exposure reported more mental health problems. Child abuse was associated with differential methylation in the proopiomelanocortin gene (POMC), measured both in saliva and in blood. Hierarchical clustering based on the methylation of the POMC gene found two distinct clusters. These corresponded with children's self-reported abuse, with two-thirds of the children allocated into their respective group. Our results emphasize the consequences of child abuse based on both molecular and behavioral grounds, providing further evidence that acts of abuse affect children, even when culturally acceptable. Furthermore, on a molecular level, our findings strengthen the credibility of children's self-reports.
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Interacting Neural Processes of Feeding, Hyperactivity, Stress, Reward, and the Utility of the Activity-Based Anorexia Model of Anorexia Nervosa. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2016; 24:416-436. [PMID: 27824637 PMCID: PMC5485261 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric illness with minimal effective treatments and a very high rate of mortality. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of the disease is imperative for improving outcomes and can be aided by the study of animal models. The activity-based anorexia rodent model (ABA) is the current best parallel for the study of AN. This review describes the basic neurobiology of feeding and hyperactivity seen in both ABA and AN, and compiles the research on the role that stress-response and reward pathways play in modulating the homeostatic drive to eat and to expend energy, which become dysfunctional in ABA and AN.
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Culbert KM, Racine SE, Klump KL. Research Review: What we have learned about the causes of eating disorders - a synthesis of sociocultural, psychological, and biological research. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2015; 56:1141-64. [PMID: 26095891 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 286] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eating disorders are severe psychiatric disorders with a complex etiology involving transactions among sociocultural, psychological, and biological influences. Most research and reviews, however, focus on only one level of analysis. To address this gap, we provide a qualitative review and summary using an integrative biopsychosocial approach. METHODS We selected variables for which there were available data using integrative methodologies (e.g., twin studies, gene-environment interactions) and/or data at the biological and behavioral level (e.g., neuroimaging). Factors that met these inclusion criteria were idealization of thinness, negative emotionality, perfectionism, negative urgency, inhibitory control, cognitive inflexibility, serotonin, dopamine, ovarian hormones. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed. Variables were classified as risk factors or correlates of eating disorder diagnoses and disordered eating symptoms using Kraemer et al.'s (1997) criteria. FINDINGS Sociocultural idealization of thinness variables (media exposure, pressures for thinness, thin-ideal internalization, thinness expectancies) and personality traits (negative emotionality, perfectionism, negative urgency) attained 'risk status' for eating disorders and/or disordered eating symptoms. Other factors were identified as correlates of eating pathology or were not classified given limited data. Effect sizes for risk factors and correlates were generally small-to-moderate in magnitude. CONCLUSIONS Multiple biopsychosocial influences are implicated in eating disorders and/or disordered eating symptoms and several can now be considered established risk factors. Data suggest that psychological and environmental factors interact with and influence the expression of genetic risk to cause eating pathology. Additional studies that examine risk variables across multiple levels of analysis and that consider specific transactional processes amongst variables are needed to further elucidate the intersection of sociocultural, psychological, and biological influences on eating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah E Racine
- Department of Psychology, Ohio University, Athens, OH, USA
| | - Kelly L Klump
- Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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Booij L, Casey KF, Antunes JM, Szyf M, Joober R, Israël M, Steiger H. DNA methylation in individuals with anorexia nervosa and in matched normal-eater controls: A genome-wide study. Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:874-82. [PMID: 25808061 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evidence associates anorexia nervosa (AN) with epigenetic alterations that could contribute to illness risk or entrenchment. We investigated the extent to which AN is associated with a distinct methylation profile compared to that seen in normal-eater women. METHOD Genome-wide methylation profiles, obtained using DNA from whole blood, were determined in 29 women currently ill with AN (10 with AN-restrictive type, 19 with AN-binge/purge type) and 15 normal-weight, normal-eater control women, using 450 K Illumina bead arrays. RESULTS Regardless of type, AN patients showed higher and less-variable global methylation patterns than controls. False Discovery Rate corrected comparisons identified 14 probes that were hypermethylated in women with AN relative to levels obtained in normal-eater controls, representing genes thought to be associated with histone acetylation, RNA modification, cholesterol storage and lipid transport, and dopamine and glutamate signaling. Age of onset was significantly associated with differential methylation in gene pathways involved in development of the brain and spinal cord, while chronicity of illness was significantly linked to differential methylation in pathways involved with synaptogenesis, neurocognitive deficits, anxiety, altered social functioning, and bowel, kidney, liver and immune function. DISCUSSION Although pre-existing differences cannot be ruled out, our findings are consistent with the idea of secondary alterations in methylation at genomic regions pertaining to social-emotional impairments and physical sequelae that are commonly seen in AN patients. Further investigation is needed to establish the clinical relevance of the affected genes in AN, and, importantly, reversibility of effects observed with nutritional rehabilitation and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Booij
- Department of Psychology, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada, K7L 3N6.,Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, 3175, Chemin Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3T 1C5.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A1 A1
| | - Kevin F Casey
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, 3175, Chemin Côte Ste-Catherine, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3T 1C5
| | - Juliana M Antunes
- Eating Disorders Program, Douglas University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H4H 1R3
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology, McGill University, 1309-3655 Sir William Osler Promenade, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3G 1Y6
| | - Ridha Joober
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A1 A1.,Research Centre, Douglas University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H4H 1R3
| | - Mimi Israël
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A1 A1.,Eating Disorders Program, Douglas University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H4H 1R3.,Research Centre, Douglas University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H4H 1R3
| | - Howard Steiger
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A1 A1.,Eating Disorders Program, Douglas University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H4H 1R3.,Research Centre, Douglas University Institute, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H4H 1R3
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Xue J, Ideraabdullah FY. An assessment of molecular pathways of obesity susceptible to nutrient, toxicant and genetically induced epigenetic perturbation. J Nutr Biochem 2015; 30:1-13. [PMID: 27012616 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2015.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the etiology of human disease has greatly improved with the inclusion of epigenetic mechanisms, in particular as a common link between environment and disease. However, for most diseases we lack a detailed interpretation of the epigenetic regulatory pathways perturbed by environment and causal mechanisms. Here, we focus on recent findings elucidating nutrient-related epigenetic changes linked to obesity. We highlight studies demonstrating that obesity is a complex disease linked to disruption of epigenetically regulated metabolic pathways in the brain, adipose tissue and liver. These pathways regulate (1) homeostatic and hedonic eating behaviors, (2) adipocyte differentiation and fat accumulation, and (3) energy expenditure. By compiling these data, we illustrate that obesity-related phenotypes are repeatedly linked to disruption of critical epigenetic mechanisms that regulate key metabolic genes. These data are supported by genetic mutation of key epigenetic regulators, and many of the diet-induced epigenetic mechanisms of obesity are also perturbed by exposure to environmental toxicants. Identifying similarly perturbed epigenetic mechanisms in multiple experimental models of obesity strengthens the translational applications of these findings. We also discuss many of the ongoing challenges to understanding the role of environmentally induced epigenetic pathways in obesity and suggest future studies to elucidate these roles. This assessment illustrates our current understanding of molecular pathways of obesity that are susceptible to environmental perturbation via epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, it lays the groundwork for dissecting the complex interactions between diet, genes and toxicants that contribute to obesity and obesity-related phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xue
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA
| | - Folami Y Ideraabdullah
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 500 Laureate Way, Kannapolis, NC 28081, USA; Department of Genetics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 120 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States; Department of Nutrition, 120 Mason Farm Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States.
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Gestational dietary betaine supplementation suppresses hepatic expression of lipogenic genes in neonatal piglets through epigenetic and glucocorticoid receptor-dependent mechanisms. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2015; 1861:41-50. [PMID: 26494244 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2015.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Methyl donors play critical roles in nutritional programming through epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Here we fed gestational sows with control or betaine-supplemented diets (3g/kg) throughout the pregnancy to explore the effects of maternal methyl-donor nutrient on neonatal expression of hepatic lipogenic genes. Betaine-exposed piglets demonstrated significantly lower liver triglyceride content associated with down-regulated hepatic expression of lipogenic genes acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid synthase (FAS), stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c. Moreover, s-adenosyl methionine to s-adenosyl homocysteine ratio was elevated in the liver of betaine-exposed piglets, which was accompanied by DNA hypermethylation on FAS and SCD gene promoters and more enriched repression histone mark H3K27me3 on SCD gene promoter. Furthermore, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding to SCD gene promoter was diminished along with reduced serum cortisol and liver GR protein content in betaine-exposed piglets. GR-mediated SCD gene regulation was confirmed in HepG2 cells in vitro. Dexamethasone (Dex) drastically increased the luciferase activity of porcine SCD promoter, while the deletion of GR response element on SCD promoter significantly attenuated Dex-mediated SCD transactivation. In addition, miR-let-7e, miR-1285 and miR-124a, which respectively target porcine SCD, ACC and GR, were significantly up-regulated in the liver of betaine-exposed piglets, being in accordance with decreased protein content of these three genes. Taken together, our results suggest that maternal dietary betaine supplementation during gestation attenuates hepatic lipogenesis in neonatal piglets via epigenetic and GR-mediated mechanisms.
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Xiao K, Yu Z, Shi DT, Lei Z, Chen H, Cao J, Tian W, Chen W, Zhang HT. Inactivation of BLU is associated with methylation of Sp1-binding site of BLU promoter in gastric cancer. Int J Oncol 2015; 47:621-31. [PMID: 26043875 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BLU is a candidate tumor suppressor gene, which is epigenetically inactivated in many human malignancies. However, the expression and biological functions of BLU in gastric cancer has not yet been reported. In the present study, we identified a functional BLU promoter which was regulated by the transcription activator Sp1. Bisulfite sequencing and qRT-PCR assays indicated that the silence of BLU expression in gastric cancer was significantly associated with DNA hypermethylation of BLU promoter including -39 CpG site located in the Sp1 transcription element. The expression of BLU was notably restored in AGS and SGC7901 cells following the demethylation-treatment with 5'-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Moreover, the results from ChIP, EMSA and luciferase reporter gene showed that -39 CpG methylation could prevent Sp1 from binding to the promoter of BLU and decreased transcription activity of the BLU gene by ~70%. In addition, knockdown of BLU significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation in gastric cancer cells. In conclusion, we identified a novel functional BLU promoter and proved that BLU promoter activity was regulated by Sp1. Furthermore, we found that hypermethylated -39 CpG in BLU proximal promoter directly reduced its binding with Sp1, which may be one of the mechanisms accounting for the inactivation of BLU in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunting Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P.R. China
| | - Zhuwen Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P.R. China
| | - Dong-Tao Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P.R. China
| | - Zhe Lei
- Soochow University Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P.R. China
| | - Hongbing Chen
- Soochow University Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P.R. China
| | - Jian Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Municipal Hospital (Main Campus), Suzhou 215004, P.R. China
| | - Wenyan Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P.R. China
| | - Weichang Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Tao Zhang
- Soochow University Laboratory of Cancer Molecular Genetics, Medical College of Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, P.R. China
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Corbetta F, Tremolizzo L, Conti E, Ferrarese C, Neri F, Bomba M, Nacinovich R. Paradoxical increase of plasma vitamin B12 and folates with disease severity in anorexia nervosa. Int J Eat Disord 2015; 48:317-22. [PMID: 25446249 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex disorder involving severe psychological manifestations and multiple organ damage, including liver dysfunction. The primary aim of this study consisted in assessing plasma levels of vitamin B12 and folates with respect to liver function enzymes considering the liver-storage properties of this vitamin. METHOD We recruited 70 restrictive type AN adolescents and the severity of psychopathological traits was assessed using EDI-3 scale. Plasma levels of vitamin B12 , folates, transaminases (AST, ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and cholinesterase (CHE) were determined. RESULTS About 38.5% of patients displayed vitamin B12 values (H-B12) above the upper range of normal reference; 4.3% of patients had increased values of folates; 20 and 11.4% of patients displayed ALT and AST values above reference limits; none had GGT values above normal range. Albeit low CHE and ALP values were found in 55 and 20% of patients, respectively, a linear correlation with both transaminases was present only for vitamin B12 and folates; furthermore, H-B12 patients had both higher AST and ALT values. EDI- 3 subscores significantly correlated with vitamin B12 and folates plasma values and H-B12 patients displayed EDI-3 higher values. DISCUSSION These data suggest that plasma levels of vitamin B12 might be an early marker of liver dysfunction, possibly also related to more severe psychopathological aspects. The identification of patients with higher fasting plasma vitamin B12 levels could therefore lead to earlier and more careful refeeding interventions. Further studies will clarify the potential role of this vitamin in AN clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Corbetta
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, San Gerardo Hospital and Department of Surgery and Translational Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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Neuropeptide Y and α-MSH circadian levels in two populations with low body weight: anorexia nervosa and constitutional thinness. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0122040. [PMID: 25798605 PMCID: PMC4370702 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Anorexia nervosa (AN) presents an adaptive appetite regulating profile including high levels of ghrelin and 26RFa (orexigenic) and low levels of leptin and PYY (anorexigenic). However, this adaptive mechanism is not effective in promoting food intake. The NPY/proopiomelanocortin (POMC) system plays a crucial role in the regulation of feeding behavior as NPY is the most potent orexigenic neuropeptide identified so far and as the POMC-derived peptide α-MSH drastically reduces food intake, and this peptidergic system has not been thoroughly studied in AN. Objective The aim of the present study was thus to investigate whether a dysfunction of the NPY/POMC occurs in two populations with low body weight, AN and constitutional thinness (CT). Design and Settings This was a cross-sectional study performed in an endocrinological unit and in an academic laboratory. Investigated Subjects Three groups of age-matched young women were studied: 23 with AN (AN), 22 CT and 14 normal weight controls. Main Outcome Measures Twelve-point circadian profiles of plasma NPY and α-MSH levels were measured in the three groups of investigated subjects. Results No significant circadian variation of NPY was detected between the three groups. Plasma α-MSH levels were significantly lower in AN (vs controls) all over the day. The CT group, compared to controls, presented lower levels of α-MSH in the morning and the evening, and an important rise during lunchtime. Conclusion In AN patients, the NPY system is not up-regulated under chronic undernutrition suggesting that this may play a role in the inability of anorectic women to adapt food intake to their energy demand. In contrast, low circadian α-MSH levels integrate the adaptive profile of appetite regulation of this disease. Finally, in CT women, the important α-MSH peak detected during lunchtime could explain why these patients are rapidly food satisfied.
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Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are serious psychiatric conditions influenced by biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. A better understanding of the genetics of these complex traits and the development of more sophisticated molecular biology tools have advanced our understanding of the etiology of EDs. The aim of this review is to critically evaluate the literature on the genetic research conducted on three major EDs: anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED). We will first review the diagnostic criteria, clinical features, prevalence, and prognosis of AN, BN, and BED, followed by a review of family, twin, and adoption studies. We then review the history of genetic studies of EDs covering linkage analysis, candidate gene association studies, genome-wide association studies, and the study of rare variants in EDs. Our review also incorporates a translational perspective by covering animal models of ED-related phenotypes. Finally, we review the nascent field of epigenetics of EDs and a look forward to future directions for ED genetic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Yilmaz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - J Andrew Hardaway
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cynthia M Bulik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Strober M, Peris T, Steiger H. The plasticity of development: how knowledge of epigenetics may advance understanding of eating disorders. Int J Eat Disord 2014; 47:696-704. [PMID: 24976293 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To depict the processes through which animals and human beings engage their environment in continuously evolving states of conflict and cooperation. METHOD Descriptive literature review. RESULTS Life history outcomes are more relative than they are absolute. Genetic variations play a crucial role, but heavily influencing behavioral outcomes, psychopathology included, are external cues that epigenetically remodel DNA along experience-dependent signaling pathways. The result is phenotypes that either optimize adjustment, or constrain it. DISCUSSION Knowledge of epigenetic mechanisms may help shed new light on the origin of maturational phenotypes underlying eating disorders and why adjusting treatments to these realities warrants our attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Strober
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience & Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles; Stewart & Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital at UCLA, Los Angeles, California
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Methylation of BDNF in women with bulimic eating syndromes: associations with childhood abuse and borderline personality disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2014; 54:43-9. [PMID: 24801751 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2014.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation allows for the environmental regulation of gene expression and is believed to link environmental stressors to such mental-illness phenotypes as eating disorders. Numerous studies have shown an association between bulimia nervosa (BN) and variations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF has also been linked to borderline personality disorder (BPD) and to such traits as reward dependence. We examined the extent to which BDNF methylation corresponded to bulimic or normal-eater status, and also to the presence of comorbid borderline personality disorder (BPD) and childhood abuse. Our sample consisted of 64 women with BN and 32 normal-eater (NE) control women. Participants were assessed for eating-disorder symptoms, comorbid psychopathology, and childhood trauma, and then they were required to provide blood samples for methylation analyses. We observed a significant site×group (BN vs. NE) interaction indicating that women with BN showed increases in methylation at specific regions of the BDNF promoter. Furthermore, examining effects of childhood abuse and BPD, we observed significant site×group interactions such that groups composed of individuals with childhood abuse or BPD had particularly high levels of methylation at selected CpG sites. Our findings suggest that BN, especially when co-occurring with childhood abuse or BPD, is associated with a propensity towards elevated methylation at specific BDNF promoter region sites. These findings imply that hypermethylation of the BDNF gene may be related to eating disorder status, developmental stress exposure, and comorbid psychopathology.
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Cassarino MF, Sesta A, Pagliardini L, Losa M, Lasio G, Cavagnini F, Pecori Giraldi F. AZA-deoxycytidine stimulates proopiomelanocortin gene expression and ACTH secretion in human pituitary ACTH-secreting tumors. Pituitary 2014; 17:464-9. [PMID: 24085685 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-013-0527-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is well known that methylation plays an important role in regulating tissue expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and recent studies have shown that demethylation can occur also in vitro in neuroendocrine tumors. Aim of the present study was to evaluate whether inhibition of methylation modulates POMC expression and ACTH secretion by human corticotrope tumors. METHODS Twenty two ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors were incubated with 5-AZA-2'-deoxycytidine (AZA), an inhibitor of DNA-methyltransferases, with or without 10 nM corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Both dose response (100 nM-10 μM AZA) and time course (4-96 h) experiments were carried out for measurement of ACTH secretion and POMC gene expression. RESULTS Incubation with AZA increased constitutive POMC expression and ACTH secretion by human corticotrope adenomas. The effect appeared most notable at 24 and 48 h with 1 μM AZA. Incubation with AZA did not exert an additional stimulatory effect on CRH-stimulated POMC and ACTH. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that AZA increases POMC gene expression and ACTH secretion in human pituitary ACTH-secreting tumors. This can be taken to indicate that mechanisms set into motion by AZA play a role in the regulation of ACTH secretion/POMC expression in tumoral corticotropes and paves the way to further studies in Cushing's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francesca Cassarino
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, Milan, Italy
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Radoi V, Carsote M, Petris R, Paun D, Poiana C. MicroRNAs with Specific Roles in Diabetes and Psychiatric Diseases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 87:87-90. [PMID: 26528003 PMCID: PMC4620849 DOI: 10.15386/cjmed-288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is one of the most cited non communicable diseases and the most common metabolic disorder. Epigenetics represents the field of study of heritable changes in gene expression which are not directly related to DNA. Epigenetics is concerned, alongside histone modifications, short interfering RNAs etc., with microRNAs (miRNAs) as well. These are small noncoding RNAs, 21 to 23 nucleotides in length, which either inhibit translation or affect mRNA stability and degradation. At present, there are dozens of miRNAs which have been proven to be involved in the animal and human pathology of diabetes (type 1 or 2). This review focuses on the miRNAs which have been identified as playing a role in both psychiatric diseases and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Radoi
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Carsote
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania ; C. I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Rodica Petris
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania ; C. I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Diana Paun
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania ; C. I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalina Poiana
- Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania ; C. I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
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Pharmacoepigenetics of depression: no major influence of MAO-A DNA methylation on treatment response. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 122:99-108. [PMID: 24809685 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-014-1227-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) gene has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis as well as the pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder. In the present analysis, for the first time a pharmacoepigenetic approach was applied investigating the influence of DNA methylation patterns in the MAO-A regulatory and exon1/intron1 region on antidepressant treatment response. 94 patients of Caucasian descent with major depressive disorder (f = 61; DSM-IV) were analyzed for DNA methylation status at 43 MAO-A CpG sites via direct sequencing of sodium bisulfite treated DNA extracted from blood cells. Patients were also genotyped for the functional MAO-A VNTR. Clinical response to antidepressant treatment with escitalopram was assessed by intra-individual changes of HAM-D-21 scores after 6 weeks of treatment. Apart from two CpG sites, male subjects showed no or only very minor methylation. In female patients, lower methylation at two individual CpG sites in the MAO-A promoter region was nominally associated with impaired response to antidepressant treatment after 6 weeks (GRCh37/hg19: CpG 43.514.063, p = 0.04; CpG 43.514.684, p = 0.009), not, however, withstanding correction for multiple testing. MAO-A VNTR genotypes did not influence MAO-A methylation status. The present pilot data do not suggest a major influence of MAO-A DNA methylation on antidepressant treatment response. However, the presently observed trend towards CpG-specific MAO-A gene hypomethylation-possibly via increased gene expression and consecutively decreased serotonin and/or norepinephrine availability-to potentially drive impaired antidepressant treatment response in female patients might be worthwhile to be followed up in larger pharmacoepigenetic studies.
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Zhang X, Yang R, Jia Y, Cai D, Zhou B, Qu X, Han H, Xu L, Wang L, Yao Y, Yang G. Hypermethylation of Sp1 binding site suppresses hypothalamic POMC in neonates and may contribute to metabolic disorders in adults: impact of maternal dietary CLAs. Diabetes 2014; 63:1475-87. [PMID: 24379351 DOI: 10.2337/db13-1221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation of neuropeptide genes associated with central appetite control plays an important part in the development of nutritional programming. While proopiomelanocortin (POMC) is critical in appetite control, the molecular mechanism of methylation-related regulation of POMC remains unclear. Based on the report that the proximal specificity protein 1 (Sp1) binding site in POMC promoter is crucial for the leptin-mediated activation of POMC, the methylation of this site was investigated in this study in both cultured cells and postnatal mice reared by the dams with dietary supplementation of conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs). The change of milk composition made the offspring undergo the increase of food intake, suppression of POMC, attenuation of Sp1-promoter interaction, and the hypermethylation of cytosine guanine (CpG) dinucleotides at -100 and -103 within the Sp1 binding site of POMC promoter, which may be associated with the decrease of hypothalamic Sp1 and/or plasma S-adenosylhomocystein. In cultured cells, the methylation of the -100 CpG dinucleotides of the POMC promoter blocked both the formation of Sp1-promoter complex and the leptin-induced activation of POMC. In addition, a catch-up growth and adult metabolic changes like adult hyperglycemia and insulin resistance were observed in these postnatal pups, suggesting that this CLA-mediated hypermethylation may contribute, at least in part, to the metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Zhang
- Laboratory of Animal Gene Engineering, College of Life Sciences, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
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Tremolizzo L, Conti E, Bomba M, Uccellini O, Rossi MS, Marfone M, Corbetta F, Santarone ME, Raggi ME, Neri F, Ferrarese C, Nacinovich R. Decreased whole-blood global DNA methylation is related to serum hormones in anorexia nervosa adolescents. World J Biol Psychiatry 2014; 15:327-33. [PMID: 24286295 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2013.860467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The one-carbon metabolism, also known as methionine-homocysteine cycle, governs the dynamics of DNA methylation, epigenetically regulating gene expression, and has been reported altered in anorexia nervosa (AN) adult patients. The aim of this study consisted in assessing whole-blood DNA methylation in adolescent AN patients, assessing its significance in relationship to clinical and hormonal variables. METHODS Whole-blood global DNA methylation was measured as incorporation of [(3)H]dCTP following HpaII cut in 32 adolescent females affected by restrictive type AN and compared to 13 healthy controls. Homocysteine, vitamin B12 and folate plasma levels were assessed as well as fasting plasma levels of leptin and steroid hormones. Clinical variables, including severity and associate states and traits, were assessed by means of the EDI-3, CDI and STAI-Y scales. RESULTS We confirm that whole-blood global DNA methylation is modestly albeit significantly reduced in AN adolescents with respect to controls, correlating with plasma leptin and steroid hormone levels. Conversely, clinical traits did not correlate with the outcome variable. CONCLUSIONS A better definition of the epigenetic dysregulation underlying AN pathology or vulnerability might lead to develop useful markers for diagnosis, prognostic classification and tailored therapeutic interventions in these vulnerable patients since the earliest phases of their disease.
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