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Barbagallo F, Bosoni D, Perone V, Cucinella L, Dealberti D, Cannarella R, Calogero AE, Nappi RE. Gene-environment interaction in functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1423898. [PMID: 39268244 PMCID: PMC11390525 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1423898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a common cause of amenorrhea and chronic anovulation in adolescent girls and young women, diagnosed after excluding other organic causes. It is commonly associated with calorie restriction, excessive physical exercise, and psychosocial stress. These stressors alter the pulsatile secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone, leading to a chronic condition of hypoestrogenism and significant health consequences. Recent evidence has highlighted a genetic predisposition to FHA that could explain interindividual variability in stress response. Indeed, not all women experience FHA in response to stress. Rare variants in genes associated with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism have been identified in women with FHA, suggesting that these mutations may contribute to an increased susceptibility of women to the trigger of stress exposure. FHA appears today as a complex disease resulting from the combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and epigenetic changes. Furthermore, the genetic background of FHA allows for the hypothesis of a male counterpart. Despite the paucity of data, preliminary findings indicate that an equivalent condition of FHA exists in men, warranting further investigation. This narrative review aims to summarize the recent genetic evidence contributing to the pathophysiology of FHA and to raise awareness on a possible male counterpart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Barbagallo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - David Bosoni
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Nazionale SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Valeria Perone
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Laura Cucinella
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Davide Dealberti
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Azienda Ospedaliera Nazionale SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Glickman Urological and Kidney Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Aldo E Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella E Nappi
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Research Center for Reproductive Medicine, Gynecological Endocrinology and Menopause, IRCCS San Matteo Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Käver L, Hinney A, Rajcsanyi LS, Maier HB, Frieling H, Steiger H, Voelz C, Beyer C, Trinh S, Seitz J. Epigenetic alterations in patients with anorexia nervosa-a systematic review. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02601-w. [PMID: 38849516 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02601-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a complex metabolic and psychological disorder that is influenced by both heritable genetic components and environmental factors. Exposure to various environmental influences can lead to epigenetically induced changes in gene expression. Epigenetic research in AN is still in its infancy, and studies to date are limited in determining clear, valid links to disease onset and progression are limited. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to compile and critically evaluate the available results of epigenetic studies specifically in AN and to provide recommendations for future studies. In accordance with the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature search was performed in three different databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science) through May 2023. Twenty-three original papers or conference abstracts on epigenetic studies in AN were collected. Epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs), which analyze DNA methylation across the genome in patients with AN and identify potential disease-relevant changes in promoter/regulatory regions of genes, are the most promising for future research. To date, five EWASs on AN have been published, suggesting a potential reversibility of malnutrition-induced epigenetic changes once patients recover. Hence, determining differential DNA methylation levels could serve as a biomarker for disease status or early diagnosis and might be involved in disease progression or chronification. For future research, EWASs with a larger sample size, longitudinal study design and uniform methods should be performed to contribute to the understanding of the pathophysiology of AN, the development of individual interventions and a better prognosis for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Käver
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Anke Hinney
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstrasse 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational and Behavioral Neuroscience, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Luisa Sophie Rajcsanyi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, Virchowstrasse 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational and Behavioral Neuroscience, University Hospital Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, 45147, Essen, Germany
| | - Hannah Benedictine Maier
- Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Socialpsychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Howard Steiger
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1A1, Canada
| | - Clara Voelz
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Cordian Beyer
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Trinh
- Institute of Neuroanatomy, RWTH Aachen University, Wendlingweg 2, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH Aachen University, Neuenhofer Weg 21, 52074, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, LVR University Hospital Essen, Virchowstrasse 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
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Özkan-Kotiloğlu S, Kaya-Akyüzlü D, Güven E, Doğan Ö, Ağtaş-Ertan E, Özgür-İlhan İ. A case control study investigating the methylation levels of GHRL and GHSR genes in alcohol use disorder. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:663. [PMID: 38771494 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09585-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a relapsing disease described as excessive use of alcohol. Evidence of the role of DNA methylation in addiction is accumulating. Ghrelin is an important peptide known as appetite hormone and its role in addictive behavior has been identified. Here we aimed to determine the methylation levels of two crucial genes (GHRL and GHSR) in ghrelin signaling and further investigate the association between methylation ratios and plasma ghrelin levels. METHODS Individuals diagnosed with (n = 71) and without (n = 82) AUD were recruited in this study. DNA methylation levels were measured through methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM). Acylated ghrelin levels were detected by ELISA. The GHRL rs696217 polymorphism was analyzed by the standard PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS GHRL was significantly hypermethylated (P < 0.0022) in AUD between 25 and 50% methylation than in control subjects but no significant changes of GHSR methylation were observed. Moreover, GHRL showed significant positive correlation of methylation ratio between 25 and 50% with age. A significant positive correlation between GHSR methylation and ghrelin levels in the AUD group was determined (P = 0.037). The level of GHRL methylation and the ghrelin levels showed a significant association in the control subjects (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION GHSR and GHRL methylation levels did not change significantly between control and AUD groups. However, GHRL and GHSR methylations seemed to have associations with plasma ghrelin levels in two groups. This is the first study investigating the DNA methylation of GHRL and GHSR genes in AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selin Özkan-Kotiloğlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science and Art, Kırşehir Ahi Evran University, Kırşehir, Türkiye.
| | | | - Emine Güven
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Düzce University, Düzce, Türkiye
- Neuroscience Institute, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, USA
| | - Özlem Doğan
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - Ece Ağtaş-Ertan
- Department of Mental Health and Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
| | - İnci Özgür-İlhan
- Department of Mental Health and Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Ankara University, Ankara, Türkiye
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Ramsay S, Allison K, Temples HS, Boccuto L, Sarasua SM. Inclusion of the severe and enduring anorexia nervosa phenotype in genetics research: a scoping review. J Eat Disord 2024; 12:53. [PMID: 38685102 PMCID: PMC11059621 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-01009-9] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anorexia nervosa has one of the highest mortality rates of all mental illnesses. For those who survive, less than 70% fully recover, with many going on to develop a more severe and enduring phenotype. Research now suggests that genetics plays a role in the development and persistence of anorexia nervosa. Inclusion of participants with more severe and enduring illness in genetics studies of anorexia nervosa is critical. OBJECTIVE The primary goal of this review was to assess the inclusion of participants meeting the criteria for the severe enduring anorexia nervosa phenotype in genetics research by (1) identifying the most widely used defining criteria for severe enduring anorexia nervosa and (2) performing a review of the genetics literature to assess the inclusion of participants meeting the identified criteria. METHODS Searches of the genetics literature from 2012 to 2023 were performed in the PubMed, PsycINFO, and Web of Science databases. Publications were selected per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The criteria used to define the severe and enduring anorexia nervosa phenotype were derived by how often they were used in the literature since 2017. The publications identified through the literature search were then assessed for inclusion of participants meeting these criteria. RESULTS most prevalent criteria used to define severe enduring anorexia nervosa in the literature were an illness duration of ≥ 7 years, lack of positive response to at least two previous evidence-based treatments, a body mass index meeting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 for extreme anorexia nervosa, and an assessment of psychological and/or behavioral severity indicating a significant impact on quality of life. There was a lack of consistent identification and inclusion of those meeting the criteria for severe enduring anorexia nervosa in the genetics literature. DISCUSSION This lack of consistent identification and inclusion of patients with severe enduring anorexia nervosa in genetics research has the potential to hamper the isolation of risk loci and the development of new, more effective treatment options for patients with anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Ramsay
- Healthcare Genetics and Genomics Program, School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA.
| | - Kendra Allison
- School of Nursing, Clemson University , Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Heide S Temples
- School of Nursing, Clemson University , Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Luigi Boccuto
- Healthcare Genetics and Genomics Program, School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
| | - Sara M Sarasua
- Healthcare Genetics and Genomics Program, School of Nursing, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA
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Andruszko A, Szydłowski J, Grabarek BO, Mazur K, Sirek T, Ossowski P, Kozikowski M, Kaminiów K, Zybek-Kocik A, Banaszewski J. Impact of Nutritional Status of Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma on the Expression Profile of Ghrelin, Irisin, and Titin. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:437. [PMID: 38275878 PMCID: PMC10814803 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020437] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The goal of this paper was the evaluation of the changes in the expression profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin in the carcinoma tissue and in the blood of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including determining the profile of their expression in relation to patient nutrition. The study included 56 patients with diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of HNSCC in the T3 and T4 stages of the disease. Healthy control tissue specimens were collected from an area 10 mm outside the histologically negative margin. In turn, the blood and serum from the control group came from healthy volunteers treated for non-oncologic reasons (n = 70). The molecular analysis allowed us to determine the profile of irisin, ghrelin, and titin methylation, evaluate their expression on the level of mRNA (quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction; qRT-PCR) and protein (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay Reaction; ELISA) in the carcinoma tissue and the margin of healthy tissue, as well as in serum of patients in the study and control groups. At the start of our observations, a Body Mass Index (BMI) < 18.5 was noted in 42 of the patients, while six months after the treatment a BMI < 18.5 was noted in 29 patients. We also noted a decrease in the expression of irisin, ghrelin, and titin both on the level of mRNA and protein, as well as a potential regulation of their expression via DNA methylation. There is no convincing evidence that the proteins assayed in the present work are specific with regard to HNSSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Andruszko
- Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Jarosław Szydłowski
- Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Beniamin Oskar Grabarek
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
- Gyncentrum, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Virology, 40-851 Katowice, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Mazur
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The Higher School of Strategic Planning in Dąbrowa Górnicza, 41-300 Dabrowa Gornicza, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Sirek
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Academia of Silesia, 40-555 Katowice, Poland;
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Hospital for Minimally Invasive and Reconstructive Surgery, 43-316 Bielsko-Biała, Poland
| | - Piotr Ossowski
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Mieszko Kozikowski
- Faculty of Medicine, Uczelnia Medyczna im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie, 00-136 Warszawa, Poland;
| | - Konrad Kaminiów
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Collegium Medicum, WSB University, 41-300 Dąbrowa Górnicza, Poland; (B.O.G.); (P.O.); (K.K.)
| | - Ariadna Zybek-Kocik
- Department of Metabolism Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
| | - Jacek Banaszewski
- Department of Otolaryngology and Laryngological Oncology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-701 Poznan, Poland;
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Breton E, Fotso Soh J, Booij L. Immunoinflammatory processes: Overlapping mechanisms between obesity and eating disorders? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104688. [PMID: 35594735 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and eating disorders are conditions that involve eating behaviors and are sometimes comorbid. Current evidence supports alterations in immunoinflammatory processes in both obesity and eating disorders. A plausible hypothesis is that immunoinflammatory processes may be involved in the pathophysiology of obesity and eating disorders. The aim of this review is to highlight the link between obesity and eating disorders, with a particular focus on immunoinflammatory processes. First, the relation between obesity and eating disorders will be presented, followed by a brief review of the literature on their association with immunoinflammatory processes. Second, developmental factors will be discussed to clarify the link between obesity, eating disorders, and immunoinflammatory processes. Genetic and epigenetic risk factors as well as the potential roles of stress pathways and early life development will be presented. Finally, implications of these findings for future research are discussed. This review highlighted biological and developmental aspects that overlap between obesity and EDs, emphasizing the need for biopsychosocial research approaches to advance current knowledge and practice in these fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Breton
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - J Fotso Soh
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada; Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - L Booij
- Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada.
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Fontana L, Garzia E, Marfia G, Galiano V, Miozzo M. Epigenetics of functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:953431. [PMID: 36034425 PMCID: PMC9415998 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.953431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is a temporary infertility characterized by the suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, induced by the inhibition of the hypothalamic pulsatile secretion of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), in the presence of stressors, including eating disorders, excessive exercise, and psychological distress. Although the stressful factors that may lead to FHA are well-established, little is known about the inter-individual variability in response to stress and the consequent inhibition of the HPG axis. Not all women, indeed, manifest FHA in presence of stressful conditions. Recent studies highlighted a genetic contribution to FHA. Rare or polymorphic variants in genes that control the development and/or function of GnRH neurons may contribute, indeed, to the adaptability of the reproductive axis to stress factors. Also epigenetic changes have been associated with different pathways involved in the HPG axis and therefore, take part in FHA and confer a personal predisposition to anovulation consequent to a stressful event, or represent biological markers of response to stress. This review summarizes recent advances in the identification of the contribution of (epi)genetics to FHA and to long-term complications of functional amenorrhea, and reports insights into the involvement of additional genetic loci in FHA development on the bases of the clinical and molecular overlap with other gynecological and/or psychological conditions. Finally, we describe the promising application of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) as a new approach to investigate the molecular pathways involved in FHA.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Fontana
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - E. Garzia
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Mother and Child, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- Aerospace Medicine Institute “A. Mosso”, Italian Air Force, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Marfia
- Aerospace Medicine Institute “A. Mosso”, Italian Air Force, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurosurgery and Cell Therapy, Neurosurgery Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - V. Galiano
- Reproductive Medicine Unit, Department of Mother and Child, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Miozzo
- Medical Genetics, Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Medical Genetics, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: M. Miozzo,
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