1
|
Oginga FO, Mpofana T. Understanding the role of early life stress and schizophrenia on anxiety and depressive like outcomes: An experimental study. Behav Brain Res 2024; 470:115053. [PMID: 38768688 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2024.115053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse experiences due to early life stress (ELS) or parental psychopathology such as schizophrenia (SZ) have a significant implication on individual susceptibility to psychiatric disorders in the future. However, it is not fully understood how ELS affects social-associated behaviors as well as the developing prefrontal cortex (PFC). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ELS and ketamine induced schizophrenia like symptoms (KSZ) on anhedonia, social behavior and anxiety-like behavior. METHODS Male and female Sprague-Dawley rat pups were allocated randomly into eight experimental groups, namely control, gestational stress (GS), GS+KSZ, maternal separation (MS), MS+KSZ pups, KSZ parents, KSZ parents and Pups and KSZ pups only. ELS was induced by subjecting the pups to GS and MS, while schizophrenia like symptoms was induced through subcutaneous administration of ketamine. Behavioral assessment included sucrose preference test (SPT) and elevated plus maze (EPM), followed by dopamine testing and analysis of astrocyte density. Statistical analysis involved ANOVA and post hoc Tukey tests, revealing significant group differences and yielding insights into behavioral and neurodevelopmental impacts. RESULTS GS, MS, and KSZ (dams) significantly reduced hedonic response and increased anxiety-like responses (p < 0.05). Notably, the presence of normal parental mental health demonstrated a reversal of the observed decline in Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein-positive astrocytes (GFAP+ astrocytes) (p < 0.05) and a reduction in anxiety levels, implying its potential protective influence on depressive-like symptoms and PFC astrocyte functionality. CONCLUSION The present study provides empirical evidence supporting the hypothesis that exposure to ELS and KSZ on dams have a significant impact on the on development of anxiety and depressive like symptoms in Sprague Dawley rats, while positive parenting has a reversal effect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fredrick Otieno Oginga
- Department of Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Science, Kabarak University, Nakuru 20157, Kenya.
| | - Thabisile Mpofana
- Department of Human Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences North West University, Potchefstroom campus, 11 Hoffman St., Potchefstroom 2531, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gu J, Guo Y, Wang JL. Childhood maltreatment and Internet addiction among Chinese adolescents: A moderated mediation model. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:721-727. [PMID: 38272359 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Although childhood maltreatment has been suggested to play an important role in developing Internet addiction among adolescents, little is known about the mediating and moderating mechanisms underlying this association. The present study investigated (a) the mediating role of maladaptive cognitive emotion regulation strategy (MCERS) in the association between childhood maltreatment and Internet addiction, and (b) the moderating role of peer support in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and Internet addiction. A sample of 4163 Chinese adolescents (50.3 % females, Mage = 14.25, SD = 1.53) were recruited. The moderated mediation model showed that MCERS mediated the relationship between childhood maltreatment and Internet addiction. Furthermore, the mediating process was moderated by peer support. Interestingly, peer support can protect adolescents from being affected by higher levels of MCERS while it displays limited protective effect when adolescents suffered from higher levels of childhood maltreatment. These findings indicate that reducing the MCERS and enhancing peer support can contribute to the alleviation of negative influences of childhood maltreatment on Internet addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JingJing Gu
- Center for Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, China
| | - YuanYuan Guo
- Center for Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, China
| | - Jin-Liang Wang
- Center for Mental Health Education, Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bentele UU, Klink ESC, Benz ABE, Meier M, Gaertner RJ, Denk BF, Dimitroff SJ, Unternaehrer E, Pruessner JC. The effect of cognitive reappraisal and early-life maternal care on neuroendocrine stress responses. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6837. [PMID: 38514744 PMCID: PMC10957921 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57106-x] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA) is related to profound dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reflected in both, blunted or exaggerated cortisol stress responses in adulthood. Emotion regulation strategies such as cognitive reappraisal might contribute to this inconsistent finding. Here, we investigate an interaction of early-life maternal care (MC), where low MC represents a form of ELA, and instructed emotion regulation on cortisol responses to acute stress. Ninety-three healthy young women were assigned to a low (n = 33) or high (n = 60) MC group, based on self-reported early-life MC. In the laboratory, participants received regulation instructions, asking to cognitively reappraise (reappraisal group, n = 45) or to focus on senses (control group, n = 48) during subsequent stress exposure, induced by the Trier Social Stress Test. Salivary cortisol and subjective stress levels were measured repeatedly throughout the experiment. Multilevel model analyses confirmed a MC by emotion regulation interaction effect on cortisol trajectories, while controlling for hormonal status. Individuals with low MC in the control compared with the reappraisal group showed increased cortisol responses; individuals with high MC did not differ. These results highlight the significance of emotion regulation for HPA axis stress regulation following ELA exposure. They provide methodological and health implications, indicating emotion regulation as a promising target of treatment interventions for individuals with a history of ELA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike U Bentele
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany.
| | - Elea S C Klink
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
| | - Annika B E Benz
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
| | - Maria Meier
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
- Child- and Adolescent Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Raphaela J Gaertner
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
| | - Bernadette F Denk
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| | | | - Eva Unternaehrer
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
- Child- and Adolescent Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jens C Pruessner
- Department of Psychology, Division of Neuropsychology, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstrasse 10, 78464, Constance, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, University of Konstanz, Constance, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Abnormal brain gray matter volume in patients with major depressive disorder: Associated with childhood trauma? J Affect Disord 2022; 308:562-568. [PMID: 35460746 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with major depressive disorders (MDD) have abnormalities in the frontal-limbic structures of the brain. Childhood trauma is a risk factor for both structural brain alterations and MDD. However, the relationships among the three have not been confirmed. METHODS Sixty-four patients with MDD and sixty-one healthy controls (HC) were checked by using MRI, the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was used to compare gray matter volume (GMV) differences between the two groups. Moreover, partial correlation and mediation analyses were conducted to test for potential associations between CTQ scores, different GMV, and clinical variables. RESULTS Compared to the HC group, the MDD patients showed decreased GMV in the right middle frontal gyrus (rMFG) and right precentral gyrus (rPreCG). In the patient group, reduced GMV in rMFG was associated with CTQ scores (r = -0.30, P = 0.019) and HAMD scores (r = -0.53, P < 0.001). Finally, in the patient group, mediation analysis revealed that the indirect effect of rMFG GMV in CTQ scores and HAMD scores was 0.115 and the proportion of indirect effect to total effect was 23.86%. LIMITATIONS This study used a cross-sectional collection, and it is unclear whether at the longitudinal level the brain GMV mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and depression. CONCLUSIONS Abnormalities in the frontal GMV were presented in the MDD patients. It is possible that childhood traumatic experiences cause inefficient GMV and ultimately lead to an increased susceptibility to depression.
Collapse
|
5
|
Purcell JB, Goodman AM, Harnett NG, Davis ES, Wheelock MD, Mrug S, Elliott MN, Emery ST, Schuster MA, Knight DC. Stress-elicited neural activity in young adults varies with childhood sexual abuse. Cortex 2021; 137:108-123. [PMID: 33609897 PMCID: PMC8044018 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2020.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Childhood physical and sexual abuse are stressful experiences that may alter the emotional response to future stressors. Stress-related emotional function is supported by brain regions that include the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus, and amygdala. The present study investigated whether childhood physical and sexual abuse are associated with stress-elicited brain activity in young adulthood. METHODS Participants (N = 300; Mage = 20.0; 151 female) completed a psychosocial stress task during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Measures of physical and sexual abuse were included in a linear mixed effects model to estimate the unique relationship each type of childhood abuse had with stress-elicited brain activity. RESULTS Stress-elicited dorsolateral PFC, ventromedial PFC, and hippocampal activity decreased as the frequency of childhood sexual abuse increased. There were no regions in which stress-elicited activation varied with physical abuse. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest there is a unique relationship between childhood sexual abuse and the stress-elicited PFC and hippocampal activity of young adults that is not observed following childhood physical abuse. SIGNIFICANCE These findings may have important implications for understanding the mechanisms by which childhood sexual abuse impacts the development of future psychopathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juliann B Purcell
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychology, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Adam M Goodman
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychology, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Nathaniel G Harnett
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychology, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Elizabeth S Davis
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychology, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Muriah D Wheelock
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychology, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | - Sylvie Mrug
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychology, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| | | | - Susan Tortolero Emery
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) School of Public Health, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Mark A Schuster
- Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David C Knight
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Psychology, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Davila M, Tubman JG. Gender, Maltreatment and Psychiatric Symptoms among Adolescents in Outpatient Substance Abuse Treatment. CHILD & ADOLESCENT SOCIAL WORK JOURNAL : C & A 2020; 37:385-396. [PMID: 34531635 PMCID: PMC8443220 DOI: 10.1007/s10560-019-00637-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment experiences are risk factors for externalizing and internalizing symptoms, as well as substance abuse problems during adolescence. In the present study, we administered structured interviews to 394 adolescents receiving outpatient substance abuse treatment services (280 males; M years=16.33; SD years=1.15). K-means cluster analysis was used to examine: (a) the co-patterning of childhood maltreatment experiences and past-year externalizing symptoms (for drug and alcohol abuse and dependence, conduct disorder); (b) between-cluster differences in serious internalizing problems (for past-year anxiety and depression symptoms and current distress); and (c) gender differences in these relations. Both similarities and differences were identified in maltreatment-externalizing behavior patterns and relations with serious internalizing problems across gender groups. Childhood maltreatment and subsequent psychopathology have implications for the adaptation and delivery of substance abuse treatment services to boys and girls to improve their engagement and treatment outcomes.
Collapse
|
7
|
Yuan M, Rubin-Falcone H, Lin X, Rizk MM, Miller JM, Sublette ME, Oquendo MA, Burke A, Ogden RT, Mann JJ. Smaller left hippocampal subfield CA1 volume is associated with reported childhood physical and/or sexual abuse in major depression: A pilot study. J Affect Disord 2020; 272:348-354. [PMID: 32553377 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smaller hippocampal volumes are reported in adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and in reported childhood abuse. The hippocampus is a complex structure with distinct functional subfields. We sought to examine the effect of MDD diagnosis and childhood abuse on hippocampal subfields. METHODS Forty-one MDD participants (17 reported abuse and 24 did not) and 46 healthy volunteers (HV) (2 reported abuse) underwent T1- weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical characterization in a retrospective design. A subfield segmentation program was used to measure the whole and subfield hippocampal volumes. Linear mixed-effects models were fitted for group comparisons. RESULTS No main effect of diagnosis interaction effect between diagnosis and subfield region was observed. However, a comparison of abused MDD vs. HVs showed a group by region interaction. A significant interaction between childhood abuse and region was observed. Effects were confined to the left side of the brain, and post hoc, exploratory region-specific tests indicated smaller left CA1 volume in abused MDD compared with non-abused MDD. In addition, smaller amygdala volume was found in all MDD compared with HVs. LIMITATIONS We did not have a sample of healthy volunteers with reported childhood abuse. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of pure MDD may not be sufficient to exert effects on hippocampal volumes, indicating the importance of taking into account childhood trauma in studies on psychopathological mechanisms. Left CA1 might be the hippocampal subfield most relevant to reported childhood abuse. Smaller amygdala volume may be related to MDD diagnosis independent of childhood abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Minlan Yuan
- Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Harry Rubin-Falcone
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xuejing Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mina M Rizk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Egypt
| | - Jeffrey M Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - M Elizabeth Sublette
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - Maria A Oquendo
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ainsley Burke
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States
| | - R Todd Ogden
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States; Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - J John Mann
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States; Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology Division, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, United States; Department of Radiology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Su Y, D'Arcy C, Yuan S, Meng X. How does childhood maltreatment influence ensuing cognitive functioning among people with the exposure of childhood maltreatment? A systematic review of prospective cohort studies. J Affect Disord 2019; 252:278-293. [PMID: 30991256 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment is closely related to normal cognitive development and ensuing adverse mental health outcomes and cognitive dysfunction. Our current comprehensive systematic review examines the relationship between childhood maltreatment and cognitive functioning focusing only on prospective studies, which allow us to draw inferences about the temporal relationships among the constructs and make causal inferences. METHODS The databases, EMBASE, HealthStar, PsychoInfo, Medline, and Cochrane Library, were searched using a systematic methodology to identify prospective studies published up to December, 2017 to explore the relationship between childhood maltreatment and cognitive functioning. Quality assessment of each study was rated using Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale (NOS). RESULTS 10 articles with 11 studies were included evaluating cognitive development, memory, academic achievement, literacy/verbal comprehension, intelligence, executive function, processing speed, perceptional reasoning, and non-verbal reasoning among children exposed to abuse, neglect or domestic violence either individually or combined. Intelligence and executive function were the most frequently reported cognitive impairments. The findings of this review collectively indicated that nine domains of the cognitive functioning impairments were significantly related to multiple forms of maltreatment and that significance remained in multivariable analyses after controlling for potential confounders. LIMITATIONS A high degree of heterogeneity of various domains of cognitive functioning and different measurements among selected studies precluded the use of meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS Childhood maltreatment is considered as one of the most consistent factors related to later life cognitive dysfunction. The study outcomes provide direction for future research on children who have experienced child abuse and have implications for the delivery of health and mental health services to develop clinical practice and intervention for maltreated children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Su
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | - Carl D'Arcy
- School of Public Health, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada
| | | | - Xiangfei Meng
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 6875 boulevard LaSalle, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3, Canada; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Current Psychopathological Symptoms in Children and Adolescents Who Suffered Different Forms of Maltreatment. ScientificWorldJournal 2016; 2016:8654169. [PMID: 27579345 PMCID: PMC4989087 DOI: 10.1155/2016/8654169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2015] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the current psychopathological problems of different forms associated with maltreatment on children's and adolescents' mental health. Ninety-five females and ninety males with a mean age of 8.8 years who have suffered in the last six months different forms of abuse (physical, sexual, and emotional) and neglect were included in the study. The current reaction to trauma as directly observed by clinical instruments was examined. Differences in gender, age at the time of medical examination, familial psychiatric disorders, neuropsychiatric status, and type of maltreatment were also taken into account. Results documented that 95.1% of abused children and adolescents developed a psychiatric disorder or a subclinical form of a Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Moreover, our data demonstrate a role for gender, age, and familial psychiatric comorbidity in the current psychopathological problems associated with maltreatment. Overall, our findings can help clinicians make a diagnosis and provide efficient treatment and prevention strategies for child maltreatment and abuse.
Collapse
|
10
|
Dalvie S, Stein DJ, Koenen K, Cardenas V, Cuzen NL, Ramesar R, Fein G, Brooks SJ. The BDNF p.Val66Met polymorphism, childhood trauma, and brain volumes in adolescents with alcohol abuse. BMC Psychiatry 2014; 14:328. [PMID: 25510982 PMCID: PMC4295262 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-014-0328-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have indicated that early life adversity, genetic factors and alcohol dependence are associated with reduced brain volume in adolescents. However, data on the interactive effects of early life adversity, genetic factors (e.g. p.Met66 allele of BDNF), and alcohol dependence, on brain structure in adolescents is limited. We examined whether the BDNF p.Val66Met polymorphism interacts with childhood trauma to predict alterations in brain volume in adolescents with alcohol use disorders (AUDs). METHODS We examined 160 participants (80 adolescents with DSM-IV AUD and 80 age- and gender-matched controls) who were assessed for trauma using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). Magnetic resonance images were acquired for a subset of the cohort (58 AUD and 58 controls) and volumes of global and regional structures were estimated using voxel-based morphometry (VBM). Samples were genotyped for the p.Val66Met polymorphism using the TaqMan® Assay. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and post-hoc t-tests were conducted using SPM8 VBM. RESULTS No significant associations, corrected for multiple comparisons, were found between the BDNF p.Val66Met polymorphism, brain volumes and AUD in adolescents with childhood trauma. CONCLUSIONS These preliminary findings suggest that the BDNF p.Met66 allele and childhood trauma may not be associated with reduced structural volumes in AUD. Other genetic contributors should be investigated in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shareefa Dalvie
- MRC/UCT Human Genetics Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Karestan Koenen
- Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Natalie L Cuzen
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Raj Ramesar
- MRC/UCT Human Genetics Research Unit, Division of Human Genetics, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Observatory, 7925, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - George Fein
- Neurobehavioral Research Inc, Honolulu, HI, USA.
| | - Samantha J Brooks
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Observatory, Cape Town, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|