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Gescher DM, Schanze D, Vavra P, Wolff P, Zimmer-Bensch G, Zenker M, Frodl T, Schmahl C. Differential methylation of OPRK1 in borderline personality disorder is associated with childhood trauma. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02628-z. [PMID: 38862675 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02628-z] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
According to a growing body of neurobiological evidence, the core symptoms of borderline personality disorder (BPD) may be linked to an opioidergic imbalance between the hedonic and stimulatory activity of mu opioid receptors (MOR) and the reward system inhibiting effects of kappa opioid receptors (KOR). Childhood trauma (CT), which is etiologically relevant to BPD, is also likely to lead to epigenetic and neurobiological adaptations by extensive activation of the stress and endogenous opioid systems. In this study, we investigated the methylation differences in the promoter of the KOR gene (OPRK1) in subjects with BPD (N = 47) and healthy controls (N = 48). Comparing the average methylation rates of regulatorily relevant subregions (specified regions CGI-1, CGI-2, EH1), we found no differences between BPD and HC. Analyzing individual CG nucleotides (N = 175), we found eight differentially methylated CG sites, all of which were less methylated in BPD, with five showing highly interrelated methylation rates. This differentially methylated region (DMR) was found on the falling slope (5') of the promoter methylation gap, whose effect is enhanced by the DMR hypomethylation in BPD. A dimensional assessment of the correlation between disease severity and DMR methylation rate revealed DMR hypomethylation to be negatively associated with BPD symptom severity (measured by BSL-23). Finally, analyzing the influence of CT on DMR methylation, we found DMR hypomethylation to correlate with physical and emotional neglect in childhood (quantified by CTQ). Thus, the newly identified DMR may be a biomarker of the risks caused by CT, which likely epigenetically contribute to the development of BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothee Maria Gescher
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
- Department for General Psychiatry, Center of Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany.
| | - Denny Schanze
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Vavra
- Department of Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Philip Wolff
- Division of Neuroepigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology II), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Geraldine Zimmer-Bensch
- Division of Neuroepigenetics, Institute of Zoology (Biology II), RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Martin Zenker
- Institute of Human Genetics, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Frodl
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C), Jena-Magdeburg-Halle, Germany
| | - Christian Schmahl
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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Tomasetti C, Autullo G, Ballerini A, de Bartolomeis A, Dell'Osso B, Fiorentini A, Tonioni F, Villari V, De Berardis D. Treating depression in patients with borderline personality disorder: clinical clues on the use of antidepressants. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2024; 23:21. [PMID: 38816843 PMCID: PMC11140967 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-024-00507-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Personality disorders (PD) are described as enduring patterns of markedly deviant and pervasive inner experiences and behaviors, with onset in adolescence, which lead to severe distress or impairment. Patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD) display higher rates of comorbidity with personality disorders, often complicating the treatment, and worsening the outcomes. Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is the most common of PD and is frequently associated with MDD, with which shares several features. The most part of research agrees on the fact that comorbid BPD in MDD patients quite doubles the poor response to treatments. Moreover, no treatment strategy stands out currently to emerge as more effective in these cases, thus urging the call for the need of new approaches. Herein, we revise the current literature on BPD, its neurobiology and comorbidity with MDD, as well as the more recent treatment strategies used. Then, based on its pharmacology, we propose a possible role of trazodone as a valuable tool to approach comorbid BPD-MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmine Tomasetti
- Department of Mental Health, Alzheimer Center of Giulianova, Hospital "Maria SS dello Splendore", ASL Teramo, Giulianova (TE), Italy.
| | - G Autullo
- Psychiatry and Psychology Institute, Catholic University of Sacred Heart of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Ballerini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Science, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, Florence, 50134, Italy
| | - A de Bartolomeis
- Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry and Unit of Treatment Resistant Psychosis, Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - B Dell'Osso
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Luigi Sacco, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A Fiorentini
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Fondazione Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - F Tonioni
- Psychiatric Emergency Service, Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health, A.O.U. "Città della Salute e della Scienza", Turin, Italy
| | - V Villari
- Psychiatry and Psychology Institute, Catholic University of Sacred Heart of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - D De Berardis
- Department of Mental Health, Mental Health Center of Giulianova, ASL Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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Li Piani L, Somigliana E, Micci LG, Spinelli G, Barbara G. Going Beyond Childhood and Gender-Based Violence: Epigenetic Modifications and Inheritance. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2024; 5:473-484. [PMID: 39035135 PMCID: PMC11257107 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2024.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Being exposed to childhood or gender-based violence is associated with subsequent adverse events in individual lives. Not only can it cause psychological distress but violence survivors suffer from a range of long-term adverse health outcomes, including higher morbidity, higher mortality, and higher risk of chronic diseases. Epigenetics may be involved in the determinisms of these long-term detrimental effects. A large body of evidence supports this biological mechanism to explain violence-related health impairment in the long term. However, studies specifically focusing on violence are scant and nonunivocal. Epigenetic modifications of genes involved in stress response and in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation are the most commonly and consistently reported. Promising evidence also emerged for the use of epigenetic clocks. Finally, although very limited, there is evidence supporting the notion that long-term health impairment may be transmitted from one generation to the other. Overall, despite promising, available evidence is yet incomplete. The overlap with pure psychological mechanisms of health impairment exposes the findings to confounders and hampers strong conclusions. Based on a literature search on PubMed/Embase, our narrative review aims to illustrate the evidence concerning the potential bond between epigenetics and violence, including also possible impacts on later generations. The goal is to encourage further research to help the development of a more holistic approach for such a vulnerable and often neglected population. Further research is warranted to precisely disentangle the role of epigenetics in mediating the long-term health impairment associated with childhood or gender-based violence. Advances in this area may open new avenues of treatment. Epigenetic modifications may indeed be reversible and could be an attractive therapeutic target to minimize the long-term consequences of childhood or gender-based violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Li Piani
- Dept of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Dept of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- SVSeD - Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Laila Giorgia Micci
- SVSeD - Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Spinelli
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- SVSeD - Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giussy Barbara
- Dept of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- SVSeD - Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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4
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Rossi E, Cassioli E, Dani C, Marchesoni G, Monteleone AM, Wonderlich SA, Ricca V, Castellini G. The maltreated eco-phenotype of eating disorders: A new diagnostic specifier? A systematic review of the evidence and comprehensive description. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 160:105619. [PMID: 38462152 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105619] [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: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review aimed to summarize the evidence on the existence of a distinct phenotypic expression of Eating Disorders (EDs) associated with childhood maltreatment (CM), the so-called maltreated eco-phenotype of EDs. PRISMA standards were followed. Articles providing data about the characteristics of individuals with an ED reporting CM were included. Relevant results were extracted and summarized. A quality assessment was performed. A total of 1207 records were identified and screened, and 97 articles published between 1994 and 2023 were included. Findings revealed distinct biological and clinical features in patients with EDs reporting CM, including neuroanatomical changes, altered stress responses, ghrelin levels, inflammation markers, and gut microbiota composition. Clinically, CM correlated with severer eating behaviors, higher psychiatric comorbidity, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, and risky behaviors. Additionally, CM was associated with poorer treatment outcomes, especially in general psychopathology and psychiatric comorbidities. This review highlighted the need to move towards an etiologically informed nosography, recognizing CM not merely as a risk factor, but also as an etiologic agent shaping different eco-phenotypic variants of EDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Cristiano Dani
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giorgia Marchesoni
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Rivi V, Rigillo G, Toscano Y, Benatti C, Blom JMC. Narrative Review of the Complex Interaction between Pain and Trauma in Children: A Focus on Biological Memory, Preclinical Data, and Epigenetic Processes. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1217. [PMID: 37508714 PMCID: PMC10378710 DOI: 10.3390/children10071217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The incidence and collective impact of early adverse experiences, trauma, and pain continue to increase. This underscores the urgent need for translational efforts between clinical and preclinical research to better understand the underlying mechanisms and develop effective therapeutic approaches. As our understanding of these issues improves from studies in children and adolescents, we can create more precise preclinical models and ultimately translate our findings back to clinical practice. A multidisciplinary approach is essential for addressing the complex and wide-ranging effects of these experiences on individuals and society. This narrative review aims to (1) define pain and trauma experiences in childhood and adolescents, (2) discuss the relationship between pain and trauma, (3) consider the role of biological memory, (4) decipher the relationship between pain and trauma using preclinical data, and (5) examine the role of the environment by introducing the importance of epigenetic processes. The ultimate scope is to better understand the wide-ranging effects of trauma, abuse, and chronic pain on children and adolescents, how they occur, and how to prevent or mitigate their effects and develop effective treatment strategies that address both the underlying causes and the associated physiological and psychological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Rivi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Rigillo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Ylenia Toscano
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Benatti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Johanna Maria Catharina Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
- Centre of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Piccinini A, Bailo P, Barbara G, Miozzo M, Tabano S, Colapietro P, Farè C, Sirchia SM, Battaglioli E, Bertuccio P, Manenti G, Micci L, La Vecchia C, Kustermann A, Gaudi S. Violence against Women and Stress-Related Disorders: Seeking for Associated Epigenetic Signatures, a Pilot Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11020173. [PMID: 36673541 PMCID: PMC9858929 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11020173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Violence against women is a relevant health and social problem with negative consequences on women's health. The interaction between genome and environmental factors, such as violence, represents one of the major challenges in molecular medicine. The Epigenetics for WomEn (EpiWE) project is a multidisciplinary pilot study that intends to investigate the epigenetic signatures associated with intimate partner and sexual violence-induced stress-related disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS In 2020, 62 women exposed to violence (13 women suffering from sexual violence and 49 from Intimate Partner Violence, IPV) and 50 women with no history of violence were recruited at the Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence. All women aged 18-65 were monitored for their physical and psychological conditions. Blood samples were collected, and DNAs were extracted and underwent the epigenetic analysis of 10 stress-related genes. RESULTS PTSD prevalence in victims was assessed at 8.1%. Quantitative methylation evaluation of the ten selected trauma/stress-related genes revealed the differential iper-methylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, dopamine receptor D2 and insulin-like growth factor 2 genes. These genes are among those related to brain plasticity, learning, and memory pathways. CONCLUSIONS The association of early detection of posttraumatic distress and epigenetic marker identification could represent a new avenue for addressing women survivors toward resilience. This innovative approach in gender-based violence studies could identify new molecular pathways associated with the long-term effects of violence and implement innovative protocols of precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Piccinini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20100 Milan, Italy
- Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence( SVSeD), Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20100 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)2-5031-5706
| | - Paolo Bailo
- Section of Legal Medicine, School of Law, University of Camerino, 62032 Camerino, Italy
| | - Giussy Barbara
- Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence( SVSeD), Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20100 Milan, Italy
- Gynecology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20100 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano di Milano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Miozzo
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Tabano
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20100 Milan, Italy
- Medical Genetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Colapietro
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Farè
- Medical Genetics Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Maria Sirchia
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Battaglioli
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Bertuccio
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Manenti
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Laila Micci
- Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence( SVSeD), Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo La Vecchia
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano di Milano, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Kustermann
- Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence( SVSeD), Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Simona Gaudi
- Department of Environment and Health, Italian National Institute of Health, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Sheldon EL, Ton R, Boner W, Monaghan P, Raveh S, Schrey AW, Griffith SC. Associations between DNA methylation and telomere length during early life: Insight from wild zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). Mol Ecol 2022; 31:6261-6272. [PMID: 34551154 DOI: 10.1111/mec.16187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Telomere length and DNA methylation (DNAm) are two promising biomarkers of biological age. Environmental factors and life history traits are known to affect variation in both these biomarkers, especially during early life, yet surprisingly little is known about their reciprocal association, especially in natural populations. Here, we explore how variation in DNAm, growth rate, and early-life conditions are associated with telomere length changes during development. We tested these associations by collecting data from wild, nestling zebra finches in the Australian desert. We found that increases in the level of DNAm were negatively correlated with telomere length changes across early life. We also confirm previously documented effects of post hatch growth rate and clutch size on telomere length in a natural ecological context for a species that has been extensively studied in the laboratory. However, we did not detect any effect of ambient temperature during developmental on telomere length dynamics. We also found that the absolute telomere length of wild zebra finches, measured using the in-gel TRF method, was similar to that of captive birds. Our findings highlight exciting new opportunities to link and disentangle potential relationships between DNA based biomarkers of ageing, and of physiological reactions to environmental change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth L Sheldon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Riccardo Ton
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Pat Monaghan
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Shirley Raveh
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Aaron W Schrey
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus, Savannah, Georgia, USA
| | - Simon C Griffith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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8
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Brewerton TD. Mechanisms by which adverse childhood experiences, other traumas and PTSD influence the health and well-being of individuals with eating disorders throughout the life span. J Eat Disord 2022; 10:162. [PMID: 36372878 PMCID: PMC9661783 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-022-00696-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple published sources from around the world have confirmed an association between an array of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and other traumatic events with eating disorders (EDs) and related adverse outcomes, including higher morbidity and mortality. METHODS In keeping with this Special Issue's goals, this narrative review focuses on the ACEs pyramid and its purported mechanisms through which child maltreatment and other forms of violence toward human beings influence the health and well-being of individuals who develop EDs throughout the life span. Relevant literature on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is highlighted when applicable. RESULTS At every level of the pyramid, it is shown that EDs interact with each of these proclaimed escalating mechanisms in a bidirectional manner that contributes to the predisposition, precipitation and perpetuation of EDs and related medical and psychiatric comorbidities, which then predispose to early death. The levels and their interactions that are discussed include the contribution of generational embodiment (genetics) and historical trauma (epigenetics), social conditions and local context, the ACEs and other traumas themselves, the resultant disrupted neurodevelopment, subsequent social, emotional and cognitive impairment, the adoption of health risk behaviors, and the development of disease, disability and social problems, all resulting in premature mortality by means of fatal complications and/or suicide. CONCLUSIONS The implications of these cascading, evolving, and intertwined perspectives have important implications for the assessment and treatment of EDs using trauma-informed care and trauma-focused integrated treatment approaches. This overview offers multiple opportunities at every level for the palliation and prevention of EDs and other associated trauma-related conditions, including PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy D Brewerton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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9
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White O, Roeder N, Blum K, Eiden RD, Thanos PK. Prenatal Effects of Nicotine on Obesity Risks: A Narrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159477. [PMID: 35954830 PMCID: PMC9368674 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine usage by mothers throughout pregnancy has been observed to relate to numerous deleterious effects in children, especially relating to obesity. Children who have prenatally been exposed to nicotine tend to have lower birth weights, with an elevated risk of becoming overweight throughout development and into their adolescent and adult life. There are numerous theories as to how this occurs: catch-up growth theory, thrifty phenotype theory, neurotransmitter or endocrine imbalances theory, and a more recent examination on the genetic factors relating to obesity risk. In addition to the negative effect on bodyweight and BMI, individuals with obesity may also suffer from numerous comorbidities involving metabolic disease. These may include type 1 and 2 diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and liver disease. Predisposition for obesity with nicotine usage may also be associated with genetic risk alleles for obesity, such as the DRD2 A1 variant. This is important for prenatally nicotine-exposed individuals as an opportunity to provide early prevention and intervention of obesity-related risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia White
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (O.W.); (N.R.)
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Nicole Roeder
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (O.W.); (N.R.)
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research, Center for Psychiatry, Medicine & Primary Care (Office of Provost), Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA;
| | - Rina D. Eiden
- Department of Psychology, Social Science Research Institute, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16801, USA;
| | - Panayotis K. Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology and Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addictions (BNNLA), Clinical Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA; (O.W.); (N.R.)
- Department of Psychology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(716)-881-7520
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10
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Alameda L, Trotta G, Quigley H, Rodriguez V, Gadelrab R, Dwir D, Dempster E, Wong CCY, Forti MD. Can epigenetics shine a light on the biological pathways underlying major mental disorders? Psychol Med 2022; 52:1645-1665. [PMID: 35193719 PMCID: PMC9280283 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721005559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A significant proportion of the global burden of disease can be attributed to mental illness. Despite important advances in identifying risk factors for mental health conditions, the biological processing underlying causal pathways to disease onset remain poorly understood. This represents a limitation to implement effective prevention and the development of novel pharmacological treatments. Epigenetic mechanisms have emerged as mediators of environmental and genetic risk factors which might play a role in disease onset, including childhood adversity (CA) and cannabis use (CU). Particularly, human research exploring DNA methylation has provided new and promising insights into the role of biological pathways implicated in the aetio-pathogenesis of psychiatric conditions, including: monoaminergic (Serotonin and Dopamine), GABAergic, glutamatergic, neurogenesis, inflammatory and immune response and oxidative stress. While these epigenetic changes have been often studied as disease-specific, similarly to the investigation of environmental risk factors, they are often transdiagnostic. Therefore, we aim to review the existing literature on DNA methylation from human studies of psychiatric diseases (i) to identify epigenetic modifications mapping onto biological pathways either transdiagnostically or specifically related to psychiatric diseases such as Eating Disorders, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Bipolar and Psychotic Disorder, Depression, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety Disorder, and (ii) to investigate a convergence between some of these epigenetic modifications and the exposure to known risk factors for psychiatric disorders such as CA and CU, as well as to other epigenetic confounders in psychiatry research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Alameda
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Centro Investigación Biomedica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Giulia Trotta
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Harriet Quigley
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Rodriguez
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Romayne Gadelrab
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniella Dwir
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Emma Dempster
- University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Barrack Road, Exeter, UK
| | - Chloe C. Y. Wong
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Marta Di Forti
- Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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11
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Binge eating, a core diagnostic symptom in binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa, increases the risk of multiple physiological and psychiatric disorders. The neurotransmitter dopamine is involved in food craving, decision making, executive functioning, and impulsivity personality trait; all of which contribute to the development and maintenance of binge eating. The objective of this paper is to review the associations of dopamine levels/activities, dopamine regulator (e.g., dopamine transporter, degrading enzymes) levels/activities, and dopamine receptor availability/affinity with binge eating. METHODS A literature search was conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO to obtain human and animal studies published since 2010. RESULTS A total of 31 studies (25 human, six animal) were included. Among the human studies, there were 12 case-control studies, eight randomized controlled trials, and five cross-sectional studies. Studies used neuroimaging (e.g., positron emission tomography), genetic, and pharmacological (e.g., dopamine transporter inhibitor) techniques to describe or compare dopamine levels/activities, dopamine transporter levels/activities, dopamine degrading enzyme (e.g., catechol-O-methyltransferase) levels/activities, and dopamine receptor (e.g., D1, D2) availability/affinity among participants with and without binge eating. Most human and animal studies supported an altered dopaminergic state in binge eating (26/31, 83.9%); however, results were divergent regarding whether the altered state was hyperdopaminergic (9/26, 34.6%) or hypodopaminergic (17/26, 65.4%). The mixed findings may be partially explained by the variability in sample characteristics, study design, diagnosis criteria, and neuroimaging/genetic/pharmacological techniques used. However, it is possible that instead of being mutually exclusive, the hyperdopaminergic and hypodopaminergic state may co-exist, but in different stages of binge eating or in different individual genotypes. CONCLUSIONS For future studies to clarify the inconsistent findings, a homogenous sample that controls for confounders that may influence dopamine levels (e.g., psychiatric diseases) is preferable. Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate whether the hyper- and hypo-dopaminergic states co-exist in different stages of binge eating or co-exist in individual phenotypes. Binge eating is characterized by eating a large amount of food in a short time and a feeling of difficulty to stop while eating. Binge eating is the defining symptom of binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa, both of which are associated with serious health consequences. Studies have identified several psychological risk factors of binge eating, including a strong desire for food, impaired cognitive skills, and distinct personality traits (e.g., quick action without careful thinking). However, the physiological markers of binge eating remain unclear. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is heavily involved in feeding behavior, human motivation, cognitive ability, and personality. Therefore, dopamine is believed to play a critical role in binge eating. This review synthesized study findings related to the levels and activities of dopamine, dopamine regulators, and dopamine receptors in the context of binge eating. The primary finding is that most studies that used neuroimaging, genetic, or drug techniques found an altered dopaminergic state related to binge eating. However, the literature is inconsistent concerning the direction of the alteration. Considering the mixed findings and the limitations in study design, future studies, especially those that include repeated measurements, are needed to clarify the role of dopamine in binge eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yu
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA.
| | - Renee Miller
- Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Rochester, 303F Meliora Hall, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Susan W Groth
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14642, USA
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12
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Genome-wide DNA methylation profiling in anorexia nervosa discordant identical twins. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:15. [PMID: 35013117 PMCID: PMC8748827 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01776-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Up until now, no study has looked specifically at epigenomic landscapes throughout twin samples, discordant for Anorexia nervosa (AN). Our goal was to find evidence to confirm the hypothesis that epigenetic variations play a key role in the aetiology of AN. In this study, we quantified genome-wide patterns of DNA methylation using the Infinium Human DNA Methylation EPIC BeadChip array ("850 K") in DNA samples isolated from whole blood collected from a group of 7 monozygotic twin pairs discordant for AN. Results were then validated performing a genome-wide DNA methylation profiling using DNA extracted from whole blood of a group of non-family-related AN patients and a group of healthy controls. Our first analysis using the twin sample revealed 9 CpGs associated to a gene. The validation analysis showed two statistically significant CpGs with the rank regression method related to two genes associated to metabolic traits, PPP2R2C and CHST1. When doing beta regression, 6 of them showed statistically significant differences, including 3 CpGs associated to genes JAM3, UBAP2L and SYNJ2. Finally, the overall pattern of results shows genetic links to phenotypes which the literature has constantly related to AN, including metabolic and psychological traits. The genes PPP2R2C and CHST1 have both been linked to the metabolic traits type 2 diabetes through GWAS studies. The genes UBAP2L and SYNJ2 have been related to other psychiatric comorbidity.
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13
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Guo Z, Li S, Wu J, Zhu X, Zhang Y. Maternal Deprivation Increased Vulnerability to Depression in Adult Rats Through DRD2 Promoter Methylation in the Ventral Tegmental Area. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:827667. [PMID: 35308874 PMCID: PMC8924051 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.827667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Early life adversity is a risk factor for depression in adulthood; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This study aims to investigate the effect of DNA methylation of DRD2 gene on early life stress-induced depression in adult rats. METHODS Newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to four groups: maternal deprivation group (MD), chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) group, maternal deprivation plus chronic unpredictable stress (MD/CUS) group, and normal control group (NOR). Behaviors were measured by open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT), and Original Research Article forced swimming test (FST). Fecal CORT level was detected by ELISA. Bisulfite amplicon sequencing PCR was used to assess methylation levels of DRD2 promoter. RESULTS CUS and MD/CUS rats had a significantly shorter total distance, longer immobility time, and higher CORT level, while MD and MD/CUS rats had a significantly lower percentage of central distance, more feces, lower rate of sucrose preference, and lower levels of DRD2 protein and mRNA in the VTA than NOR rats. CUS rats showed a significantly higher DRD2 mRNA and protein levels in the VTA than NOR rats. CUS, MD, and MD/CUS rats showed a significantly higher level of DRD2 promoter methylation than NOR rats. CORT level was significantly correlated with the sucrose preference rate in SPT, the immobility time in FST, the total distance, and the number of fecal pellets in OFT. DRD2 protein level was significantly correlated with the sucrose preference rate and the number of fecal pellets. DRD2 mRNA level was significantly correlated with the percentage of central distance and the number of fecal pellets in OFT. The level of DRD2 promoter methylation was significantly correlated with the sucrose preference rate, immobility time, total distance, the percentage of central distance, and the number of fecal pellets. CONCLUSIONS Early life MD increased vulnerability to stress-induced depressive-like behavior in adult rats. Enhanced DRD2 promoter methylation in the VTA may increase the susceptibility to depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenli Guo
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shansi Li
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jialing Wu
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiongzhao Zhu
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Medical Psychological Center, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Medical Psychological Institute of Central South University, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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14
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Thumfart KM, Jawaid A, Bright K, Flachsmann M, Mansuy IM. Epigenetics of childhood trauma: Long term sequelae and potential for treatment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:1049-1066. [PMID: 34742726 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood trauma (CT) can have persistent effects on the brain and is one of the major risk factors for neuropsychiatric diseases in adulthood. Recent advances in the field of epigenetics suggest that epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, as well as regulatory processes involving non-coding RNA are associated with the long-term sequelae of CT. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on the epigenetic basis of CT and describes studies in animal models and human subjects examining how the epigenome and transcriptome are modified by CT in the brain. It discusses psychological and pharmacological interventions that can counteract epigenetic changes induced by CT and the need to establish longitudinal assessment after CT for developing more effective diagnostics and treatment strategies based on epigenetic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Thumfart
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ali Jawaid
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland; Laboratory for Translational Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND), BRAINCITY: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Ludwika Pasteura 3, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
| | - Kristina Bright
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Flachsmann
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle M Mansuy
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
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15
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Liebl AL, Wesner JS, Russell AF, Schrey AW. Methylation patterns at fledging predict delayed dispersal in a cooperatively breeding bird. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252227. [PMID: 34086730 PMCID: PMC8177507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals may delay dispersing from their natal habitat, even after maturation to adulthood. Such delays can have broad consequences from determining population structure to allowing an individual to gain indirect fitness by helping parents rear future offspring. Dispersal in species that use delayed dispersal is largely thought to be opportunistic; however, how individuals, particularly inexperienced juveniles, assess their environments to determine the appropriate time to disperse is unknown. One relatively unexplored possibility is that dispersal decisions are the result of epigenetic mechanisms interacting between a genome and environment during development to generate variable dispersive phenotypes. Here, we tested this using epiRADseq to compare genome-wide levels of DNA methylation of blood in cooperatively breeding chestnut-crowned babblers (Pomatostomus ruficeps). We measured dispersive and philopatric individuals at hatching, before fledging, and at 1 year (following when first year dispersal decisions would be made). We found that individuals that dispersed in their first year had a reduced proportion of methylated loci than philopatric individuals before fledging, but not at hatching or as adults. Further, individuals that dispersed in the first year had a greater number of loci change methylation state (i.e. gain or lose) between hatching and fledging. The existence and timing of these changes indicate some influence of development on epigenetic changes that may influence dispersal behavior. However, further work needs to be done to address exactly how developmental environments may be associated with dispersal decisions and which loci in particular are manipulated to generate such changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Liebl
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Jeff S Wesner
- Department of Biology, University of South Dakota, Vermillion, South Dakota, United States of America
| | - Andrew F Russell
- Centre for Ecology and Conservation, University of Exeter, Penryn, Cornwall, United Kingdom
| | - Aaron W Schrey
- Department of Biology, Georgia Southern University, Armstrong, Georgia, United States of America
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16
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Lasley SM, Fornal CA, Mandal S, Strupp BJ, Beaudin SA, Smith DR. Early Postnatal Manganese Exposure Reduces Rat Cortical and Striatal Biogenic Amine Activity in Adulthood. Toxicol Sci 2021; 173:144-155. [PMID: 31560393 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence from studies with children and animal models suggests that elevated levels of manganese during early development lead to lasting cognitive and fine motor deficits. This study was performed to assess presynaptic biogenic amine function in forebrain of adult Long-Evans rats exposed orally to 0, 25, or 50 mg Mn/kg/day over postnatal day 1-21 or continuously from birth to the end of the study (approximately postnatal day 500). Intracerebral microdialysis in awake rats quantified evoked outflow of biogenic amines in the right medial prefrontal cortex and left striatum. Results indicated that brain manganese levels in the early life exposed groups (postnatal day 24) largely returned to control levels by postnatal day 66, whereas levels in the lifelong exposed groups remained elevated 10%-20% compared with controls at the same ages. Manganese exposure restricted to the early postnatal period caused lasting reductions in cortical potassium-stimulated extracellular norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, and reductions in striatal extracellular dopamine. Lifelong manganese exposure produced similar effects with the addition of significant decreases in cortical dopamine that were not evident in the early postnatal exposed groups. These results indicate that early postnatal manganese exposure produces persistent deficits in cortical and striatal biogenic amine function. Given that these same animals exhibited lasting impairments in attention and fine motor function, these findings suggest that reductions in catecholaminergic activity are a primary factor underlying the behavioral effects caused by manganese, and indicate that children exposed to elevated levels of manganese during early development are at the greatest risk for neuronal deficiencies that persist into adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Lasley
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, Illinois 61605
| | - Casimir A Fornal
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria, Peoria, Illinois 61605
| | - Shyamali Mandal
- Business Development, BioVision Inc, Milpitas, California 95035
| | - Barbara J Strupp
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Stephane A Beaudin
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of California Merced, Merced, California 95340
| | - Donald R Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California - Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, California 95064
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17
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Wiss DA, Avena N, Gold M. Food Addiction and Psychosocial Adversity: Biological Embedding, Contextual Factors, and Public Health Implications. Nutrients 2020; 12:E3521. [PMID: 33207612 PMCID: PMC7698089 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of stress, trauma, and adversity particularly early in life has been identified as a contributing factor in both drug and food addictions. While links between traumatic stress and substance use disorders are well documented, the pathways to food addiction and obesity are less established. This review focuses on psychosocial and neurobiological factors that may increase risk for addiction-like behaviors and ultimately increase BMI over the lifespan. Early childhood and adolescent adversity can induce long-lasting alterations in the glucocorticoid and dopamine systems that lead to increased addiction vulnerability later in life. Allostatic load, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and emerging data on epigenetics in the context of biological embedding are highlighted. A conceptual model for food addiction is proposed, which integrates data on the biological embedding of adversity as well as upstream psychological, social, and environmental factors. Dietary restraint as a feature of disordered eating is discussed as an important contextual factor related to food addiction. Discussion of various public health and policy considerations are based on the concept that improved knowledge of biopsychosocial mechanisms contributing to food addiction may decrease stigma associated with obesity and disordered eating behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Wiss
- Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Nicole Avena
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA;
- Department of Psychology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Mark Gold
- School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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18
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Studies indicate that environmental factors, acting at various moments throughout the life cycle, can result in epigenetically mediated alterations in gene expression. In this article, we review recent findings on the role of epigenetic factors in eating disorders, address methodological issues that need to be considered when interpreting research findings, and comment on possible clinical applications. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence suggests that eating disorders implicate alterations of methylation in genes involved in the mental status, metabolism, anthropometric features and immunity. Furthermore, some research in individuals with anorexia nervosa suggests the presence of reversible, malnutrition-induced epigenetic alterations that 'reset' as patients recover. SUMMARY Epigenetic studies in the eating disorders corroborate the idea that eating disorder cause is multifactorial, and identify markers that could help inform our understanding of illness staging and subtyping that may explain the commonly progressive course of these disorders, and that may provide insights towards the development of novel interventions. Already, there is evidence to suggest that, in people with eating disorders, epigenetically informed interventions help reduce stigma and shame, and increase self-acceptance and hopes of recovery. Although findings are intriguing, further research is required as, to date, studies apply modest sample sizes and disparate methodologies.
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19
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Lang J, McKie J, Smith H, McLaughlin A, Gillberg C, Shiels PG, Minnis H. Adverse childhood experiences, epigenetics and telomere length variation in childhood and beyond: a systematic review of the literature. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 29:1329-1338. [PMID: 30968208 PMCID: PMC7501093 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-019-01329-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to answer the question: What epigenetic, telomeric and associated biological changes are associated with exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in the under 12s? Using PRISMA guidelines, appropriate databases were searched. 190 papers were returned with 38 articles fully reviewed. Articles were each independently quality rated by two authors using the Crowe Critical Appraisal Tool and data were extracted. Of the 38 articles, 23 were rated as very high quality. Most study participants were adults (n = 7769) with n = 727 child participants. Only seven of the very/high-quality studies were prospective and involved children. Methylation was the most studied method of epigenetic modification. There is some evidence supporting epigenetic modification of certain markers in participants exposed to ACEs measured in adulthood. Research is lacking on non-coding aspects of the epigenome and on coding aspects other than DNA methylation. There is some evidence of a more powerful effect on telomere length if physical neglect was involved. Much further work is required to model biological and psychological effects of epigenetic changes during childhood using prospective study designs. The effect of ACEs on the cellular ageing process during childhood is inadequately investigated and relies solely on measure of telomere length. Future research suggestions are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Lang
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Judith McKie
- NHS Lanarkshire Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for Learning Disability, Motherwell, UK
| | - Helen Smith
- NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Forensic CAMHS Team, Glasgow, UK
| | - Angela McLaughlin
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Christopher Gillberg
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Paul G Shiels
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Helen Minnis
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, MVLS, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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20
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Wood NM, Trebilco T, Cohen-Woods S. Scars of childhood socioeconomic stress: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 118:397-410. [PMID: 32795493 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) is associated with the development of adult psychological outcomes, with DNA methylation (DNAm) as a mechanism to potentially explain these changes. We present the first systematic review synthesising the literature investigating childhood SEP and DNAm. Thirty-two publications were included. Seventeen studies focused on candidate genes, typically focusing on genes implicated with the stress response and/or development of psychiatric conditions. These studies typically investigated different regions of the genes, which revealed inconsistent results. Six studies calculated epigenetic age, with a small number revealing an elevated significant association with childhood SEP. Epigenome-wide studies revealed altered patterns of DNAm which varied between the nine studies. This research area is emerging and demonstrated great variance in findings with no clear patterns identified across studies. Multiple methodological shortcomings are identified, including at the phenotypic level where construct validity of childhood SEP is highly inconsistent, with studies using a wide range of measures. Larger cohorts will be required with international collaborations to strengthen this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Wood
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Thomas Trebilco
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Sarah Cohen-Woods
- Discipline of Psychology, College of Education, Psychology, and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Órama Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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21
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Conley TE, Beaudin SA, Lasley SM, Fornal CA, Hartman J, Uribe W, Khan T, Strupp BJ, Smith DR. Early postnatal manganese exposure causes arousal dysregulation and lasting hypofunctioning of the prefrontal cortex catecholaminergic systems. J Neurochem 2020; 153:631-649. [PMID: 31811785 PMCID: PMC7261255 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Studies have reported associations between environmental manganese (Mn) exposure and impaired cognition, attention, impulse control, and fine motor function in children. Our recent rodent studies established that elevated Mn exposure causes these impairments. Here, rats were exposed orally to 0, 25, or 50 mg Mn kg-1 day-1 during early postnatal life (PND 1-21) or lifelong to determine whether early life Mn exposure causes heightened behavioral reactivity in the open field, lasting changes in the catecholaminergic systems in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), altered dendritic spine density, and whether lifelong exposure exacerbates these effects. We also assessed astrocyte reactivity (glial fibrillary acidic protein, GFAP), and astrocyte complement C3 and S100A10 protein levels as markers of A1 proinflammatory or A2 anti-inflammatory reactive astrocytes. Postnatal Mn exposure caused heightened behavioral reactivity during the first 5-10 min intervals of daily open field test sessions, consistent with impairments in arousal regulation. Mn exposure reduced the evoked release of norepinephrine (NE) and caused decreased protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine (DA) and NE transporters, and DA D1 receptors, along with increased DA D2 receptors. Mn also caused a lasting increase in reactive astrocytes (GFAP) exhibiting increased A1 and A2 phenotypes, with a greater induction of the A1 proinflammatory phenotype. These results demonstrate that early life Mn exposure causes broad lasting hypofunctioning of the mPFC catecholaminergic systems, consistent with the impaired arousal regulation, attention, impulse control, and fine motor function reported in these animals, suggesting that mPFC catecholaminergic dysfunction may underlie similar impairments reported in Mn-exposed children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis E. Conley
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Stephane A. Beaudin
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Stephen M. Lasley
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, 61605, USA
| | - Casimir A. Fornal
- Department of Cancer Biology and Pharmacology, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Peoria, IL, 61605, USA
| | - Jasenia Hartman
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Walter Uribe
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Tooba Khan
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
| | - Barbara J. Strupp
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Donald R. Smith
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, USA
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22
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Steiger H, Booij L. Eating Disorders, Heredity and Environmental Activation: Getting Epigenetic Concepts into Practice. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9051332. [PMID: 32375223 PMCID: PMC7291135 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are believed to link environmental exposures to alterations in gene expression, and in so doing, to provide a physical substrate for the activation of hereditary potentials by life experiences. In keeping with this idea, accumulating data suggest that epigenetic processes are implicated in eating-disorder (ED) etiology. This paper reviews literature on putative links between epigenetic factors and EDs, and examines ways in which epigenetic programming of gene expression could account for gene-environment interactions acting in the EDs. The paper also presents evidence suggesting that epigenetic processes link malnutrition and life stresses (gestational, perinatal, childhood, and adult) to risk of ED development. Drawing from empirical evidence and clinical experience, we propose that an epigenetically informed understanding of ED etiology can benefit patients, caregivers, and clinicians alike, in the sense that the perspective can reduce judgmental or blameful attitudes on the part of clinicians and caregivers, and increase self-acceptance and optimism about recovery on the part of those affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Howard Steiger
- Eating Disorders Continuum, Douglas University Institute, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
- Douglas Institute Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H4H 1R3, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (L.B.)
| | - Linda Booij
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1A1, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (L.B.)
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Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Pucci M, Giusepponi ME, Romano A, Lambertucci C, Volpini R, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Gaetani S, Maccarrone M, D'Addario C, Cifani C. Regulation of adenosine A 2A receptor gene expression in a model of binge eating in the amygdaloid complex of female rats. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1550-1561. [PMID: 31161847 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119845798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pharmacological treatment approaches for eating disorders, such as binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa, are currently limited. METHODS AND AIMS Using a well-characterized animal model of binge eating, we investigated the epigenetic regulation of the A2A Adenosine Receptor (A2AAR) and dopaminergic D2 receptor (D2R) genes. RESULTS Gene expression analysis revealed a selective increase of both receptor mRNAs in the amygdaloid complex of stressed and restricted rats, which exhibited binge-like eating, when compared to non-stressed and non-restricted rats. Consistently, pyrosequencing analysis revealed a significant reduction of the percentage of DNA methylation but only at the A2AAR promoter region in rats showing binge-like behaviour compared to the control animals. Focusing thus on A2AAR agonist (VT 7) administration (which inhibited the episode of binge systemically at 0.1 mg/kg or intra-central amygdala (CeA) injection at 900 ng/side) induced a significant increase of A2AAR mRNA levels in restricted and stressed rats when compared to the control group. In addition, we observed a significant decrease in A2AAR mRNA levels in rats treated with the A2AAR antagonist (ANR 94) at 1 mg/kg. Consistent changes in the DNA methylation status of the A2AAR promoter were found in restricted and stressed rats after administration of VT 7 or ANR 94. CONCLUSION We confirm the role of A2AAR in binge eating behaviours, and we underline the importance of epigenetic regulation of the A2AAR gene, possibly due to a compensatory mechanism to counteract the effect of binge eating. We suggest that A2AAR activation, inducing receptor gene up-regulation, could be relevant to reduction of food consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mariangela Pucci
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | | | - Adele Romano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology V. Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Catia Lambertucci
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Rosaria Volpini
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Silvana Gaetani
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology V. Erspamer, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Campus Bio-Medico, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- European Center for Brain Research (CERC)/Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
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24
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Jiang S, Postovit L, Cattaneo A, Binder EB, Aitchison KJ. Epigenetic Modifications in Stress Response Genes Associated With Childhood Trauma. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:808. [PMID: 31780969 PMCID: PMC6857662 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may be referred to by other terms (e.g., early life adversity or stress and childhood trauma) and have a lifelong impact on mental and physical health. For example, childhood trauma has been associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The heritability of ACE-related phenotypes such as PTSD, depression, and resilience is low to moderate, and, moreover, is very variable for a given phenotype, which implies that gene by environment interactions (such as through epigenetic modifications) may be involved in the onset of these phenotypes. Currently, there is increasing interest in the investigation of epigenetic contributions to ACE-induced differential health outcomes. Although there are a number of studies in this field, there are still research gaps. In this review, the basic concepts of epigenetic modifications (such as methylation) and the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in the stress response are outlined. Examples of specific genes undergoing methylation in association with ACE-induced differential health outcomes are provided. Limitations in this field, e.g., uncertain clinical diagnosis, conceptual inconsistencies, and technical drawbacks, are reviewed, with suggestions for advances using new technologies and novel research directions. We thereby provide a platform on which the field of ACE-induced phenotypes in mental health may build.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shui Jiang
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Lynne Postovit
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatric Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Katherine J. Aitchison
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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25
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McDonald S. Understanding the genetics and epigenetics of bulimia nervosa/bulimia spectrum disorder and comorbid borderline personality disorder (BN/BSD-BPD): a systematic review. Eat Weight Disord 2019; 24:799-814. [PMID: 31119586 PMCID: PMC6751148 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-019-00688-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate and understand the genetic and epigenetic basis of bulimia nervosa/bulimia spectrum disorder and comorbid borderline personality disorder (BN/BSD-BPD). METHODS The present systematic review was conducted in accordance to PRISMA guidelines. Advanced systematic searches of Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, CINHAL plus, and the Cochrane Library were conducted using the search terms 'bulimia nervosa', 'bulimia spectrum disorder', 'borderline personality disorder', 'genes', and 'genetics'. The search strategy garnered seven studies for inclusion in the present review. RESULTS Women with BN/BSD-BPD had significantly lower serotonin and monoamine oxidise activity compared to women with BN/BSD or healthy controls (HC). As well, women with BN/BSD-BPD displayed elevated methylation of the dopamine receptor gene promoter, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and changes in the methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene promoter (NR3C1) compared to women with BN/BSD and HC. The results also demonstrated that rates of childhood sexual abuse and childhood physical abuse are higher in those with BN/BSD-BPD than those with BN/BSD and HC, and that these types of abuse are often correlated with the methylation differences seen in BN/BSD-BPD women. CONCLUSION Due to the differences observed between individuals with BN/BSD-BPD and those with BN/BSD and HC a genetic/epigenetic aetiological model of BN/BSD-BPD was developed and is proposed in this review. This evidence-based model visually illustrates the current state of the field and draws attention to the need for subsequent research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney McDonald
- Division of Medicine, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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26
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Neves I, Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Magalhães T. Epigenomic mediation after adverse childhood experiences: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Forensic Sci Res 2019; 6:103-114. [PMID: 34377567 PMCID: PMC8330736 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2019.1641954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are potential mediators of the physiological response to abuse by altering the genetic predisposition of the cellular response to the environment, leading to changes in the regulation of multiple organ systems. This study was established to review the epigenetic mechanisms associated with childhood abuse as well as the long-term determinants that these epigenetic changes may have on future illness. We retrospectively analysed the effect of exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs, specifically those relating to childhood maltreatment) between the ages of 0 and 16 years on the human epigenome, as well as possible clinical associations. After meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, 36 articles were included in this systematic review. Eight of these studies did not find a relationship between childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation. Of the remaining 28 studies, nine were genome-wide association studies, whereas the rest were candidate gene studies, mainly studying effects on neuroendocrine, serotoninergic and immunoregulatory systems. Meta-analysis of correlation coefficients from candidate gene studies estimated an association of childhood adversity and DNA methylation variation at r = 0.291 (P < 0.0001), and meta-analysis of two epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs) identified 44 differentially methylated CpG sites. In conclusion, childhood maltreatment may mediate epigenetic mechanisms through DNA methylation, thereby affecting physiological responses and conferring a predisposition to an increased risk for psychopathology and forensic repercussions. Similar evidence for somatic illnesses is not yet available. KEY POINTS Adverse childhood experiences are associated with increased mortality partly explained by acquired epigenetic changes There is a positive correlation between childhood abuse and DNA methylation at specific gene sites The cumulative effect of different types of childhood abuse and neglect may lead to changes in DNA methylation Epigenome changes associated with childhood abuse appear to be involved in the development of psychiatric illness in adulthood Studying epigenetic changes may have important public health and forensic applications in the future
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Neves
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal.,UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Magalhães
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
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27
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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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Klaus K, Pennington K. Dopamine and Working Memory: Genetic Variation, Stress and Implications for Mental Health. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2019; 41:369-391. [PMID: 31502081 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2019_113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
At the molecular level, the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) is a key regulatory component of executive function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and dysfunction in dopaminergic (DAergic) circuitry has been shown to result in impaired working memory (WM). Research has identified multiple common genetic variants suggested to impact on the DA system functionally and also behaviourally to alter WM task performance. In addition, environmental stressors impact on DAergic tone, and this may be one mechanism by which stressors confer vulnerability to the development of neuropsychiatric conditions. This chapter aims to evaluate the impact of key DAergic gene variants suggested to impact on both synaptic DA levels (COMT, DAT1, DBH, MAOA) and DA receptor function (ANKK1, DRD2, DRD4) in terms of their influence on visuospatial WM. The role of stressors and interaction with the genetic background is discussed in addition to discussion around some of the implications for precision psychiatry. This and future work in this area aim to disentangle the neural mechanisms underlying susceptibility to stress and their impact and relationship with cognitive processes known to influence mental health vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristel Klaus
- MRC Brain and Cognition Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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29
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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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Abstract
This article reviews the most salient neurobiological information available about borderline personality disorder (BPD) and presents a theoretic model for what lies at the heart of BPD that is grounded in those findings. It reviews the heritability, genetics, and the biological models of BPD, including the neurobiology of affective instability, impaired interoception, oxytocin and opiate models of poor attachment or interpersonal dysfunction, and structural brain imaging over the course of development in BPD; and posits that the core characteristic of BPD may be an impairment in emotional interoception or alexithymia.
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31
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Stanley B, Perez-Rodriguez MM, Labouliere C, Roose S. A Neuroscience-Oriented Research Approach to Borderline Personality Disorder. J Pers Disord 2018; 32:784-822. [PMID: 29469663 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2017_31_326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, the study of personality disorders had been based on psychoanalytic or behavioral models. Over the past two decades, there has been an emerging neuroscience model of borderline personality disorder (BPD) grounded in the concept of BPD as a condition in which dysfunctional neural circuits underlie its pathological dimensions, some of which include emotion dysregulation (broadly encompassing affective instability, negative affectivity, and hyperarousal), abnormal interpersonal functioning, and impulsive aggression. This article, initiated at a joint Columbia University- Cornell University Think Tank on BPD with representation from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, suggests how to advance research in BPD by studying the dimensions that underlie BPD in addition to studying the disorder as a unitary diagnostic entity. We suggest that linking the underlying neurobiological abnormalities to behavioral symptoms of the disorder can inform a research agenda to better understand BPD with its multiple presentations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Stanley
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City
| | | | | | - Steven Roose
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York City.,New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York City
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32
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Tiwari A, Gonzalez A. Biological alterations affecting risk of adult psychopathology following childhood trauma: A review of sex differences. Clin Psychol Rev 2018; 66:69-79. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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33
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review the existing literature on gene-environment interactions (G×E) and epigenetic changes primarily in borderline personality disorder (BPD) but also in antisocial, schizotypal, and avoidant personality disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Research supports that susceptibility genes to BPD or its underlying traits may be expressed under certain environmental conditions such as physical or childhood sexual abuse. Epigenetic modifications of neurodevelopment- and stress-related genes are suggested to underlie the relationship between early life adversary and borderline personality disorder. Only limited studies have investigated the role of gene-environment interactions and epigenetic changes in the genesis of antisocial, schizotypal, and avoidant personality disorders. Considering the lack of pharmacological treatment for most personality disorders, the emerging evidence on the critical role of G×E and epigenetic changes in the genesis of personality disorders could help develop more biologically oriented therapeutic approaches. Future studies should explore the potential of this new therapeutic dimension.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Hallucinations are common and often stressful experiences, occurring in all sensory modalities. They frequently complicate many disorders or situations, such as Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, hearing or vision loss, intoxications and delirium. Although psychoeducation, coping techniques and psychotherapy may be broadly applicable, they do not address a specific underlying brain mechanism. Pharmacotherapy may effectively alleviate hallucinations if the corresponding mechanism is present, whereas in its absence, may only cause harmful side effects. Therefore, pharmacotherapy needs input about underlying brain mechanisms. RECENT FINDINGS Recent findings suggest new underlying neurobiological mechanisms as possible therapeutic targets in selected patients, for example increased glutamate levels. In addition, neuronavigation can guide repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation treatment of auditory verbal hallucinations to target-specific cortical regions. SUMMARY We propose the use of neuroimaging methods to better understand the interaction of different mechanisms underlying hallucinations and to use this knowledge to guide pharmacotherapy or focal brain stimulation in a personalized manner. In addition, we suggest evidence from various imaging modalities should converge to answer a research question. We believe this 'convergence of evidence' avoids the problem of overreliance on single and isolated findings.
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35
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Liu C, Jiao C, Wang K, Yuan N. DNA Methylation and Psychiatric Disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:175-232. [PMID: 29933950 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation has been an important area of research in the study of molecular mechanism to psychiatric disorders. Recent evidence has suggested that abnormalities in global methylation, methylation of genes, and pathways could play a role in the etiology of many forms of mental illness. In this article, we review the mechanisms of DNA methylation, including the genetic and environmental factors affecting methylation changes. We report and discuss major findings regarding DNA methylation in psychiatric patients, both within the context of global methylation studies and gene-specific methylation studies. Finally, we discuss issues surrounding data quality improvement, the limitations of current methylation analysis methods, and the possibility of using DNA methylation-based treatment for psychiatric disorders in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyu Liu
- University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, United States; School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.
| | - Chuan Jiao
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kangli Wang
- School of Life Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ning Yuan
- Hunan Brain Hospital, Changsha, China
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36
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Forest M, O'Donnell KJ, Voisin G, Gaudreau H, MacIsaac JL, McEwen LM, Silveira PP, Steiner M, Kobor MS, Meaney MJ, Greenwood CMT. Agreement in DNA methylation levels from the Illumina 450K array across batches, tissues, and time. Epigenetics 2018; 13:19-32. [PMID: 29381404 PMCID: PMC5837078 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2017.1411443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have focused primarily on DNA methylation as a chemically stable and functional epigenetic modification. However, the stability and accuracy of the measurement of methylation in different tissues and extraction types is still being actively studied, and the longitudinal stability of DNA methylation in commonly studied peripheral tissues is of great interest. Here, we used data from two studies, three tissue types, and multiple time points to assess the stability of DNA methylation measured with the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array. Redundancy analysis enabled visual assessment of agreement of replicate samples overall and showed good agreement after removing effects of tissue type, age, and sex. At the probe level, analysis of variance contrasts separating technical and biological replicates clearly showed better agreement between technical replicates versus longitudinal samples, and suggested increased stability for buccal cells versus blood or blood spots. Intraclass correlations (ICCs) demonstrated that inter-individual variability is of similar magnitude to within-sample variability at many probes; however, as inter-individual variability increased, so did ICC. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate decreasing agreement in methylation levels with time, despite a maximal sampling interval of only 576 days. Finally, at 6 popular candidate genes, there was a large range of stability across probes. Our findings highlight important sources of technical and biological variation in DNA methylation across different tissues over time. These data will help to inform longitudinal sampling strategies of future EWAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Forest
- a Lady Davis Institute , Jewish General Hospital , Montreal , QC , Canada.,b Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada
| | - Kieran J O'Donnell
- b Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,c Douglas Hospital Research Centre , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,d Sackler Program for Epigenetics & Psychobiology , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,e Canadian Institute for Advanced Research , Child and Brain Development Program , Toronto , ON , Canada
| | - Greg Voisin
- a Lady Davis Institute , Jewish General Hospital , Montreal , QC , Canada
| | - Helene Gaudreau
- b Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,c Douglas Hospital Research Centre , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- f Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics , and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Lisa M McEwen
- f Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics , and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Patricia P Silveira
- b Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,c Douglas Hospital Research Centre , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,d Sackler Program for Epigenetics & Psychobiology , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada
| | | | - Michael S Kobor
- f Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics , and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia , Vancouver , BC , Canada
| | - Michael J Meaney
- b Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,c Douglas Hospital Research Centre , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,d Sackler Program for Epigenetics & Psychobiology , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,e Canadian Institute for Advanced Research , Child and Brain Development Program , Toronto , ON , Canada.,h Singapore Institute of Clinical Sciences , Singapore
| | - Celia M T Greenwood
- a Lady Davis Institute , Jewish General Hospital , Montreal , QC , Canada.,b Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,i Departments of Oncology and Human Genetics , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada.,j Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health , McGill University , Montreal , QC , Canada
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Gescher DM, Kahl KG, Hillemacher T, Frieling H, Kuhn J, Frodl T. Epigenetics in Personality Disorders: Today's Insights. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:579. [PMID: 30510522 PMCID: PMC6252387 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Epigenetic mechanisms have been described in several mental disorders, such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders and schizophrenia. However, less is known about the influence of epigenetic mechanisms with regard to personality disorders (PD). Therefore, we conducted a literature review on existing original data with regards to epigenetic peculiarities in connection with personality disorders. Methods: Systematic literature review using PRISMA guidelines. Search was performed via NCBI PubMed by keywords and their combinations. Used search terms included "epigenetic," "methylation," "acetylation" plus designations of specified personality traits and disorders according to DSM-IV. Results: Search yielded in total 345 publications, 257 thereof with psychiatric topic, 72 on personality disorder or traits, 43 of which were in humans and epigenetic, 23 thereof were original studies. Lastly, 23 original publications fulfilled the intended search criteria and were included. Those are 13 studies on gene methylation pattern with aggressive, antisocial and impulsive traits, 9 with borderline personality disorder (BPD), and 2 with antisocial personality disorder (ASPD). The results of these studies showed significant associations of PD with methylation aberrances in system-wide genes and suggest evidence for epigenetic processes in the development of personality traits and personality disorders. Environmental factors, of which childhood trauma showed a high impact, interfered with many neurofunctional genes. Methylation alterations in ASPD and BPD repeatedly affected HTR2A, HTR3A, NR3C1, and MAOA genes. Summary: Epigenetic studies in PD seem to be a useful approach to elucidate the interaction of co-working risk factors in the pathogenesis of personality traits and disorders. However, the complexity of pathogenesis leads to divergent results and impedes an explicit interpretation. Differing methylation patterns within the selected PD could indicate subgroups which would benefit from patient-oriented therapeutic adjustments. They might play a major role in the future design and observation of early therapeutic intervention and thus could help to prevent severe dysfunctional conduct or full-blown personality disorder in risk subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothee Maria Gescher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Kai G Kahl
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Thomas Hillemacher
- Department of Psychiatry, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hanover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Jens Kuhn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Frodl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Otto-von-Guericke University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany.,German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Magdeburg, Germany
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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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Update on Psychological Trauma, Other Severe Adverse Experiences and Eating Disorders: State of the Research and Future Research Directions. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2017. [PMID: 28624866 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-017-0806-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This paper provides an updated review of the literature on the relationship between psychological trauma exposure, other severe adverse experiences, and eating disorders. RECENT FINDINGS Trauma exposure and other severe adverse experiences (e.g., emotional abuse) in both childhood and adulthood are associated with eating disorders. The relationship between traumatic and other adverse experiences and eating disorders appears to be mediated by emotional and behavioral dysregulation, as well as by cognitive factors such as self-criticism. Biological vulnerabilities may also be relevant to this relationship. Overall, the literature is limited by predominantly cross-sectional designs. There is clear evidence of a correlational relationship between trauma exposure and other severe adverse events, and eating disorders. Both risk and maintenance factor hypotheses have been put forth; however, prospective research testing these hypotheses remains limited. Future research should use prospective designs and focus on trauma-related symptoms (rather than trauma exposure) in order to advance research on risk and maintaining factors for eating disorders and inform treatment directions.
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Molendijk ML, Hoek HW, Brewerton TD, Elzinga BM. Childhood maltreatment and eating disorder pathology: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2017; 47:1402-1416. [PMID: 28100288 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716003561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meta-analyses have established a high prevalence of childhood maltreatment (CM) in patients with eating disorders (EDs) relative to the general population. Whether the prevalence of CM in EDs is also high relative to that in other mental disorders has not yet been established through meta-analyses nor to what extent CM affects defining features of EDs, such as number of binge/purge episodes or age at onset. Our aim is to provide meta-analyses on the associations between exposure to CM (i.e. emotional, physical and sexual abuse) on the occurrence of all types of EDs and its defining features. METHOD Systematic review and meta-analyses. Databases were searched until 4 June 2016. RESULTS CM prevalence was high in each type of ED (total N = 13 059, prevalence rates 21-59%) relative to healthy (N = 15 092, prevalence rates 1-35%) and psychiatric (N = 7736, prevalence rates 5-46%) control groups. ED patients reporting CM were more likely to be diagnosed with a co-morbid psychiatric disorder [odds ratios (ORs) range 1.41-2.46, p < 0.05] and to be suicidal (OR 2.07, p < 0.001) relative to ED subjects who were not exposed to CM. ED subjects exposed to CM also reported an earlier age at ED onset [effect size (Hedges' g) = -0.32, p < 0.05], to suffer a more severe form of the illness (g = 0.29, p < 0.05), and to binge-purge (g = 0.31, p < 0.001) more often compared to ED patients who did not report any CM. CONCLUSION CM, regardless of type, is associated with the presence of all types of ED and with severity parameters that characterize these illnesses in a dose dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Molendijk
- Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - H W Hoek
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University, New York, USA
| | - T D Brewerton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - B M Elzinga
- Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology Unit, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Prevalence of dieting and fear of weight gain across ages: a community sample from adolescents to the elderly. Int J Public Health 2017; 62:911-919. [PMID: 28220234 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-017-0948-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The current study aimed to define the prevalence of dieting and fear of weight gain among men and women across the entire lifespan and identify factors associated with them. METHODS Data were available for 31,636 participants (60.2% women; age 13-98 years) from the Netherlands Twin Register. Dieting and fear of weight gain were described by age and sex. Associations with BMI, exercise behavior, urbanization and educational attainment were examined by regression analyses in 19,294 participants. RESULTS Dieting was most frequently reported by 35- to 65-year-old women (56.6-63%), and 45- to 65-year-old men (31.7-31.9%). Fear of weight gain was most prevalent in women between 16 and 25 (73.2-74.3%), and in 25- to 55-year-old men (43.2-46.1%). In addition to sex and BMI, dieting and fear of weight gain were associated with each other. Furthermore, fear was associated with the age × sex interaction and educational attainment. CONCLUSIONS Dieting and fear of weight gain is common during the entire lifespan for women, but is also endorsed by a substantial number of men. Given the low rate of overweight in young women, the high levels of fear of weight gain are striking.
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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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43
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Cicchetti D, Hetzel S, Rogosch FA, Handley ED, Toth SL. An investigation of child maltreatment and epigenetic mechanisms of mental and physical health risk. Dev Psychopathol 2016; 28:1305-1317. [PMID: 27691979 PMCID: PMC5087600 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579416000869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In the present investigation, differential methylation analyses of the whole genome were conducted among a sample of 548 school-aged low-income children (47.8% female, 67.7% Black, M age = 9.40 years), 54.4% of whom had a history of child maltreatment. In the context of a summer research camp, DNA samples via saliva were obtained. Using GenomeStudio, Methylation Module, and the Illumina Custom Model, differential methylation analyses revealed a pattern of greater methylation at low methylation sites (n = 197 sites) and medium methylation sites (n = 730 sites) and less methylation at high methylation sites (n = 907 sites) among maltreated children. The mean difference in methylation between the maltreated and nonmaltreated children was 6.2%. The relative risk of maltreatment with known disease biomarkers was also investigated using GenoGo MetaCore Software. A large number of network objects previously associated with mental health, cancer, cardiovascular systems, and immune functioning were identified evidencing differential methylation among maltreated and nonmaltreated children. Site-specific analyses were also conducted for aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), ankyrin repeat and kinase domain containing 1 (ANKK1), and nuclear receptor subfamily 3, group C, member 1 (NR3C1) genes, and the results highlight the importance of considering gender and the developmental timing of maltreatment. For ALDH2, the results indicated that maltreated girls evidenced significantly lower methylation compared to nonmaltreated girls, and maltreated boys evidenced significantly higher methylation compared to nonmaltreated boys. Moreover, early onset-not recently maltreated boys evidenced significantly higher methylation at ALDH2 compared to nonmaltreated boys. Similarly, children with early onset-nonrecent maltreatment evidenced significantly higher methylation compared to nonmaltreated children at ANKK1. The site-specific results were not altered by controlling for genotypic variation of respective genes. The findings demonstrate increased risk for adverse physical and mental health outcomes associated with differences in methylation in maltreated children and indicate differences among maltreated children related to developmental timing of maltreatment and gender in genes involved in mental health functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dante Cicchetti
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota
- Mt. Hope Family Center, University of Rochester
| | - Susan Hetzel
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota
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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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Epistatic interactions involving DRD2, DRD4, and COMT polymorphisms and risk of substance abuse in women with binge-purge eating disturbances. J Psychiatr Res 2016; 77:8-14. [PMID: 26950642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.02.011] [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] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 12/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Substance abuse is common in individuals with bulimia-spectrum (binge-purge) eating disturbances, a co-occurrence that has been attributed to shared neurobiological substrates--notably alterations in dopaminergic activity. We examined the implications of variations of selected, dopamine-relevant polymorphisms (DRD2 Taq1A, DRD4 7R, and COMT) for risk of substance abuse in women with binge-purge eating syndromes. We genotyped 183 women (66.1% showing full-threshold BN and 33.9% showing sub-syndromic variants), and assessed lifetime presence of alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and stimulant abuse or dependence using structured interviews. Tests for main and interaction effects of various allele combinations revealed that individuals who carried high function COMT and low-function DRD4 7R alleles (a combination expected to be associated with higher risk) did indeed show more lifetime substance abuse and, specifically, more cannabis abuse. Our findings suggest that a gene combination that, in theory, codes for low levels of dopaminergic neurotransmission coincides with sensitivity to substance abuse in a sample displaying binge-purge eating-disorder variants.
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46
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Teschler S, Gotthardt J, Dammann G, Dammann RH. Aberrant DNA Methylation of rDNA and PRIMA1 in Borderline Personality Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17010067. [PMID: 26742039 PMCID: PMC4730312 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17010067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2015] [Revised: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a serious psychic disease with a high risk for suicide. DNA methylation is a hallmark for aberrant epigenetic regulation and could be involved in the etiology of BPD. Previously, it has been reported that increased DNA methylation of neuropsychiatric genes is found in the blood of patients with BPD compared to healthy controls. Here, we analyzed DNA methylation patterns of the ribosomal RNA gene (rDNA promoter region and 5′-external transcribed spacer/5′ETS) and the promoter of the proline rich membrane anchor 1 gene (PRIMA1) in peripheral blood samples of 24 female patients (mean age (33 ± 11) years) diagnosed with DSM-IV BPD and in 11 female controls (mean age (32 ± 7) years). A significant aberrant methylation of rDNA and PRIMA1 was revealed for BPD patients using pyrosequencing. For the promoter of PRIMA1, the average methylation of six CpG sites was 1.6-fold higher in BPD patients compared to controls. In contrast, the methylation levels of the rDNA promoter region and the 5′ETS were significantly lower (0.9-fold) in patients with BPD compared to controls. Thus, for nine CpGs located in the rDNA promoter region and for four CpGs at the 5′ETS decreased methylation was found in peripheral blood of patients compared to controls. Our results suggest that aberrant methylation of rDNA and PRIMA1 is associated with the pathogenesis of BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Teschler
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Julia Gotthardt
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
| | - Gerhard Dammann
- Psychiatric Hospital, Psychiatric Services of Thurgovia, CH-8596 Münsterlingen, Switzerland and Department of Psychiatry, Paracelsus Medical University, A-5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Reinhard H Dammann
- Institute for Genetics, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, D-35392 Giessen, Germany.
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47
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Hillemacher T, Frieling H, Buchholz V, Hussein R, Bleich S, Meyer C, John U, Bischof A, Rumpf HJ. Alterations in DNA-methylation of the dopamine-receptor 2 gene are associated with abstinence and health care utilization in individuals with a lifetime history of pathologic gambling. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 63:30-4. [PMID: 26028496 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies point towards a role for dopaminergic circuits in the pathophysiology of problematic gambling behavior. The aim of the present study was to investigate alterations of DNA methylation in the dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2)-gene in participants with pathologic gambling behavior. RESULTS The study was part of a large epidemiological study on pathologic gambling in Germany. DNA methylation of the DRD2-gene was analyzed from oral mucosa using next generation bisulfite sequencing. The final sample included 77 participants. The study showed significantly lower methylation levels of the DRD2-gene in abstinent patients over the last 12 or 30months compared to non-abstinent participants. Furthermore, participants without any treatment utilization regarding gambling behavior showed higher DRD2-gene methylation levels compared to treatment-seeking participants. CONCLUSIONS DNA-methylation patterns in the DRD2-gene were altered in respect to abstinence over a 12-month or a 30-month period and to treatment utilization with higher methylation levels in non-abstinent and participants without treatment-seeking behavior. These results point towards a pathophysiologic relevance of altered DRD2-expression due to changes of DNA methylation in pathologic gambling behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hillemacher
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Germany.
| | - Helge Frieling
- Molecular Neurosciences Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Vanessa Buchholz
- Molecular Neurosciences Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Rim Hussein
- Molecular Neurosciences Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Stefan Bleich
- Center for Addiction Research (CARe), Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Germany
| | - Christian Meyer
- Institute of Social Medicine and Prevention, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Ulrich John
- Institute of Social Medicine and Prevention, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anja Bischof
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Rumpf
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Germany
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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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49
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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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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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