1
|
Carpita B, Nardi B, Bonelli C, Pascariello L, Massimetti G, Cremone IM, Pini S, Palego L, Betti L, Giannaccini G, Dell’Osso L. Platelet Levels of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Is There a Specific Association with Autism Spectrum Psychopathology? Biomedicines 2024; 12:1529. [PMID: 39062102 PMCID: PMC11274613 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12071529] [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: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
To date, although several studies have investigated the circulating levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), only a few authors have addressed their evaluation in adults. Furthermore, an important limitation of these studies lies in the fact that circulating BDNF is stored in platelets and released into the circulation when needed. To the best of our knowledge, a very limited number of studies have related peripheral BDNF values to platelet counts, and yet no study has evaluated intra-platelet BDNF levels in adults with ASD. In this framework, the aim of the present work is to pave the way in this field and evaluate platelet BNDF levels in adult ASD patients, as well as their correlation with autistic symptoms and related psychopathological dimensions. We recruited 22 ASD and 22 healthy controls, evaluated with the Adult autism subthreshold spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), the Social Anxiety Spectrum-self report (SHY-SR), the Trauma and loss spectrum-self report (TALS-SR), the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), and the Mood Spectrum-self report for suicidality. Intra-platelet BDNF levels were also assessed. The results highlighted lower BDNF levels in the ASD group; moreover, AdAS Spectrum and WSAS total score as well as AdAS Spectrum Restricted interest and rumination, WSAS Private leisure activities, TALS-SR Arousal, and SHY-SR Childhood domains were significant negative predictors of platelet BDNF levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Benedetta Nardi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Chiara Bonelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Lavinia Pascariello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Stefano Pini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| | - Lionella Palego
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Gino Giannaccini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Liliana Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (B.C.); (C.B.); (L.P.); (G.M.); (I.M.C.); (S.P.); (L.D.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zou Y, Zhang Y, Tu M, Ye Y, Li M, Ran R, Zou Z. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels across psychiatric disorders: A systemic review and network meta-analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110954. [PMID: 38286331 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110954] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
As an important neurotrophic factor in the central nervous system, Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders in many studies. However, its value as a biomarker for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of mental disorders is still controversial, and its change patterns among different mental disorders have not been compared. We conducted a network meta-analysis of BDNF levels in different psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia(SCZ), major depressive disorder(MDD), bipolar disorder(BD), panic disorder(PD), post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD), generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) and insomnia. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases through 31/05/2023. BDNF levels decreased in patients with BD, MDD, OCD, PD, SCZ compared with controls, while significantly increased in patients with PTSD. According to the network meta-analysis, BDNF levels were significantly decreased in MDD and SCZ compared with BD (-2.6, 95% CIs [-5.32 to -0.15] and - 2.68 95% CIs [-5.18 to -0.23] respectively). However, in the traditional meta-analysis, there was a trend towards lower BDNF levels in SCZ compared to BD, with no significant difference (SMD = -0.20, 95% CIs [-0.49 to 0.08]). In conclusion, abnormal BDNF levels have been found in psychiatric disorders, and the changes in peripheral BDNF levels in patients with psychiatric disorders were reconfirmed in this study, which suggests BDNF exhibits promising clinical utility and may hold diagnostic value in distinguishing between MDD and BD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yazhu Zou
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengtian Tu
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Ye
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingmei Li
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rongting Ran
- Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhili Zou
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of psychosomatic medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dell’Oste V, Palego L, Betti L, Fantasia S, Gravina D, Bordacchini A, Pedrinelli V, Giannaccini G, Carmassi C. Plasma and Platelet Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels in Bipolar Disorder Patients with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or in a Major Depressive Episode Compared to Healthy Controls. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3529. [PMID: 38542503 PMCID: PMC10970837 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly disabling mental disorder arising after traumatism exposure, often revealing critical and complex courses when comorbidity with bipolar disorder (BD) occurs. To search for PTSD or depression biomarkers that would help clinicians define BD presentations, this study aimed at preliminarily evaluating circulating brain-derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in BD subjects with PTSD or experiencing a major depressive episode versus controls. Two bloodstream BDNF components were specifically investigated, the storage (intraplatelet) and the released (plasma) ones, both as adaptogenic/repair signals during neuroendocrine stress response dynamics. Bipolar patients with PTSD (n = 20) or in a major depressive episode (n = 20) were rigorously recruited together with unrelated healthy controls (n = 24) and subsequently examined by psychiatric questionnaires and blood samplings. Platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and intraplatelet (PLT) BDNF were measured by ELISA assays. The results showed markedly higher intraplatelet vs. plasma BDNF, confirming platelets' role in neurotrophin transport/storage. No between-group PPP-BDNF difference was reported, whereas PLT-BDNF was significantly reduced in depressed BD patients. PLT-BDNF negatively correlated with mood scores but not with PTSD items like PPP-BDNF, which instead displayed opposite correlation trends with depression and manic severity. Present findings highlight PLT-BDNF as more reliable at detecting depression than PTSD in BD, encouraging further study into BDNF variability contextually with immune-inflammatory parameters in wider cohorts of differentially symptomatic bipolar patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Dell’Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- UFCSMA Zona Valdinievole, Azienda USL Toscana Centro, 51016 Montecatini Terme, Italy
| | - Lionella Palego
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Laura Betti
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Sara Fantasia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Davide Gravina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Andrea Bordacchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
| | - Virginia Pedrinelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- UFSMA Zona Apuana, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 54100 Massa, Italy
| | - Gino Giannaccini
- Department of Pharmacy, Section of Biochemistry, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (G.G.)
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.P.); (S.F.); (D.G.); (A.B.); (V.P.); (C.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Vyas N, Wimberly CE, Beaman MM, Kaplan SJ, Rasmussen LJH, Wertz J, Gifford EJ, Walsh KM. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 151:106071. [PMID: 36857833 PMCID: PMC10073327 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
There is continued interest in identifying dysregulated biomarkers that mediate associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and negative long-term health outcomes. However, little is known regarding how ACE exposure modulates neural biomarkers to influence poorer health outcomes in ACE-exposed children. To address this, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the impact of ACE exposure on Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) levels - a neural biomarker involved in childhood and adult neurogenesis and long-term memory formation. Twenty-two studies were selected for inclusion within the systematic review, ten of which were included in meta-analysis. Most included studies retrospectively assessed impacts of childhood maltreatment in clinical populations. Sample size, BDNF protein levels in ACE-exposed and unexposed subjects, and standard deviations were extracted from ten publications to estimate the BDNF ratio of means (ROM) across exposure categories. Overall, no significant difference was found in BDNF protein levels between ACE-exposed and unexposed groups (ROM: 1.08; 95 % CI: 0.93-1.26). Age at sampling, analyte type (e.g., sera, plasma, blood), and categories of ACE exposure contributed to high between-study heterogeneity, some of which was minimized in subset-based analyses. These results support continued investigation into the impact of ACE exposure on neural biomarkers and highlight the potential importance of analyte type and timing of sample collection on study results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Neha Vyas
- Duke University, Trinity College of Arts and Sciences, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Courtney E Wimberly
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke University Department of Neurosurgery, Durham, NC, USA
| | - M Makenzie Beaman
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Children's Health and Discovery Initiative, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Line J H Rasmussen
- Duke University Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Clinical Research, Copenhagen University Hospital Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jasmin Wertz
- Duke University Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Durham, NC, USA; University of Edinburgh, Department of Psychology, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Elizabeth J Gifford
- Duke Children's Health and Discovery Initiative, Durham, NC, USA; Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy, Center for Child and Family Policy, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Kyle M Walsh
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA; Duke University Department of Neurosurgery, Durham, NC, USA; Duke Children's Health and Discovery Initiative, Durham, NC, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Al Jowf GI, Ahmed ZT, Reijnders RA, de Nijs L, Eijssen LMT. To Predict, Prevent, and Manage Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Review of Pathophysiology, Treatment, and Biomarkers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065238. [PMID: 36982313 PMCID: PMC10049301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can become a chronic and severely disabling condition resulting in a reduced quality of life and increased economic burden. The disorder is directly related to exposure to a traumatic event, e.g., a real or threatened injury, death, or sexual assault. Extensive research has been done on the neurobiological alterations underlying the disorder and its related phenotypes, revealing brain circuit disruption, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction. Psychotherapy remains the first-line treatment option for PTSD given its good efficacy, although pharmacotherapy can also be used as a stand-alone or in combination with psychotherapy. In order to reduce the prevalence and burden of the disorder, multilevel models of prevention have been developed to detect the disorder as early as possible and to reduce morbidity in those with established diseases. Despite the clinical grounds of diagnosis, attention is increasing to the discovery of reliable biomarkers that can predict susceptibility, aid diagnosis, or monitor treatment. Several potential biomarkers have been linked with pathophysiological changes related to PTSD, encouraging further research to identify actionable targets. This review highlights the current literature regarding the pathophysiology, disease development models, treatment modalities, and preventive models from a public health perspective, and discusses the current state of biomarker research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghazi I. Al Jowf
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (G.I.A.J.); (L.M.T.E.)
| | - Ziyad T. Ahmed
- College of Medicine, Sulaiman Al Rajhi University, Al-Bukairyah 52726, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rick A. Reijnders
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Laurence de Nijs
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lars M. T. Eijssen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University Medical Centre, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- European Graduate School of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Bioinformatics—BiGCaT, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence: (G.I.A.J.); (L.M.T.E.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Di Benedetto MG, Scassellati C, Cattane N, Riva MA, Cattaneo A. Neurotrophic factors, childhood trauma and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of genetic, biochemical, cognitive and imaging studies to identify potential biomarkers. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:76-88. [PMID: 35378148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to traumatic experience represents one of the key environmental factors influencing the risk for several psychiatric disorders, in particular when suffered during childhood, a critical period for brain development, characterized by a high level of neuroplasticity. Abnormalities affecting neurotrophic factors might play a fundamental role in the link between childhood trauma (CT) and early life stress (ELS) and psychiatric disorders. METHODS A systematic review was conducted, considering genetic, biochemical and expression studies along with cognitive and brain structure imaging investigations, based on PubMed and Web of Science databases (available up until November 2021), to identify potential neuroplasticity related biomarkers associated both with CT/ELS and psychiatric disorders. The search was followed by data abstraction and study quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale). RESULTS 103 studies met our eligibility criteria. Among them, 65 were available for genetic, 30 for biochemical and 3 for mRNA data; 45 findings were linked to specific symptomatology/pathologies, 16 with various cognitive functions, 19 with different brain areas, 6 on methylation and 36 performed on control subjects for the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF); whereas 4 expression/biochemical studies covered Neurotrophin 4 (NT-4), Vascular Endothelium Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), and Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1). LIMITATIONS Heterogeneity of assessments (biological, psychological, of symptomatology, and CT/ELS), age range and ethnicity of samples for BDNF studies; limited studies for other neurotrophins. CONCLUSIONS Results support the key role of BDNF (in form of Met allele) as biomarker, both at genetic and biochemical level, in mediating the effect of CT/ELS in psychiatric disorders, passing through specific cognitive functions and specific brain region architecture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Di Benedetto
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Catia Scassellati
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nadia Cattane
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Basso L, Boecking B, Neff P, Brueggemann P, Peters EMJ, Mazurek B. Hair-cortisol and hair-BDNF as biomarkers of tinnitus loudness and distress in chronic tinnitus. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1934. [PMID: 35121746 PMCID: PMC8817043 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-04811-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of stress and its neuroendocrine mediators in tinnitus is unclear. In this study, we measure cortisol as an indicator of hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis alterations and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) as a marker of adaptive neuroplasticity in hair of chronic tinnitus patients to investigate relationships with tinnitus-related and psychological factors. Cross-sectional data from chronic tinnitus inpatients were analyzed. Data collection included hair sampling, pure tone audiometry, tinnitus pitch and loudness matching, and psychometric questionnaires. Elastic net regressions with n-fold cross-validation were performed for cortisol (N = 91) and BDNF (N = 87). For hair-cortisol (R2 = 0.10), the strongest effects were sampling in autumn and body-mass index (BMI) (positive), followed by tinnitus loudness (positive) and smoking (negative). For hair-BDNF (R2 = 0.28), the strongest effects were hearing aid use, shift work (positive), and tinnitus loudness (negative), followed by smoking, tinnitus-related distress (Tinnitus Questionnaire), number of experienced traumatic events (negative), and physical health-related quality of life (Short Form-12 Health Survey) (positive). These findings suggest that in chronic tinnitus patients, higher perceived tinnitus loudness is associated with higher hair-cortisol and lower hair-BDNF, and higher tinnitus-related distress with lower hair-BDNF. Regarding hair-BDNF, traumatic experiences appear to have additional stress-related effects, whereas hearing aid use and high physical health-related quality of life appear beneficial. Implications include the potential use of hair-cortisol and hair-BDNF as biomarkers of tinnitus loudness or distress and the need for intensive future research into chronic stress-related HPA axis and neuroplasticity alterations in chronic tinnitus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Basso
- Tinnitus Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benjamin Boecking
- Tinnitus Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Patrick Neff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.,University Research Priority Program 'Dynamics of Healthy Aging', University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Petra Brueggemann
- Tinnitus Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Eva M J Peters
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Charité Center 12 Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Mazurek
- Tinnitus Center, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Provenzi L, Villa M, Mambretti F, Citterio A, Grumi S, Bertazzoli E, Biasucci G, Decembrino L, Gardella B, Giacchero R, Magnani ML, Nacinovich R, Pisoni C, Prefumo F, Orcesi S, Scelsa B, Giorda R, Borgatti R. Is Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Methylation Involved in the Association Between Prenatal Stress and Maternal Postnatal Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic? Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:950455. [PMID: 35911240 PMCID: PMC9329563 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.950455] [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: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic is a collective trauma that may expose susceptible individuals to high levels of stress. Pregnant women represent a high-risk population, considering that pregnancy is a period of heightened neuroplasticity and susceptibility to stress through epigenetic mechanisms. Previous studies showed that the methylation status of the BDNF gene is linked with prenatal stress exposure. The goals of this study were (a) to assess the association between pandemic-related stress and postnatal anxiety and (b) to investigate the potential role of maternal BDNF methylation as a significant mediator of this association. METHODS In the present study, we report data on the association among pandemic-related stress during pregnancy, maternal BDNF methylation, and postnatal anxiety symptoms. Pandemic-related stress and postnatal anxiety were assessed through self-report instruments. BDNF methylation was estimated in 11 CpG sites in DNA from mothers' buccal cells. Complete data were available from 108 mothers. RESULTS Results showed that pandemic-related stress was associated with an increased risk of postnatal anxiety, r = 0.20, p < 0.05. CpG-specific BDNF methylation was significantly associated with both prenatal pandemic-related stress, r = 0.21, p < 0.05, and postnatal maternal anxious symptoms, r = 0.25, p = 0.01. Moreover, a complete mediation by the BDNF CpG6 methylation emerged between pandemic-related stress during pregnancy and postnatal maternal anxiety, ACME = 0.66, p < 0.05. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that BDNF epigenetic regulation by pandemic-related stress might contribute to increase the risk of anxiety in mothers. Policymakers should prioritize the promotion of health and wellbeing in pregnant women and mothers during the present healthcare emergency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Villa
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | | | | | - Serena Grumi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Barbara Gardella
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Renata Nacinovich
- ASST Monza, Monza, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Federico Prefumo
- ASST Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy.,Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Simona Orcesi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Giorda
- Scientific Institute IRCCS E. Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Piotrkowicz M, Janoska-Jazdzik M, Koweszko T, Szulc A. The Influence of Psychotherapy on Peripheral Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Concentration Levels and Gene Methylation Status: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:4424. [PMID: 34640441 PMCID: PMC8509187 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychotherapy is a well-established method of treating many mental disorders. It has been proven that psychotherapy leads to structural and functional changes in the brain; however, knowledge about the molecular and cellular mechanisms of these changes is limited. Neuroplasticity and one of its mediators, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are potential research targets in this field. To define the role of BDNF concentration in serum, or in plasma, and BDNF promoter gene methylation in saliva or leucocytes, in psychotherapy, an extensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. The literature review was conducted based on papers published up until May 2021 that included pre and post psychotherapy measurements of either BDNF concentration levels or promoter gene methylation status. Ten studies were indicated as eligible for analysis: eight studies that investigated peripheral BDNF concentration levels, one study that investigated methylation status, and one study that included an evaluation of both subject matters. Patients underwent cognitive behavioral therapy or interpersonal psychotherapy. Patients were diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, major depressive disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or post-traumatic stress disorder. There were only three of the nine studies that showed statistically significant increases in BDNF concentration levels after psychotherapy. The two studies that involved BDNF gene methylation status showed a decrease in methylation after dialectical behavioral therapy of borderline patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michal Piotrkowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw, Partyzantow 2/4, 05-802 Pruszkow, Poland; (M.J.-J.); (T.K.); (A.S.)
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wu GWY, Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Kang JI, Elnar M, Sarwal R, Flory JD, Abu-Amara D, Hammamieh R, Gautam A, Doyle FJ, Yehuda R, Marmar CR, Jett M, Mellon SH. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor remains elevated after long term follow-up of combat veterans with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 134:105360. [PMID: 34757255 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Attempts to correlate blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have provided conflicting results. Some studies found a positive association between BDNF and PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity, while others found the association to be negative. The present study investigated whether serum levels of BDNF are different cross-sectionally between combat trauma-exposed veterans with and without PTSD, as well as whether longitudinal changes in serum BDNF differ as a function of PTSD diagnosis over time. We analyzed data of 270 combat trauma-exposed veterans (230 males, 40 females, average age: 33.29 ± 8.28 years) and found that, at the initial cross-sectional assessment (T0), which averaged 6 years after the initial exposure to combat trauma (SD=2.83 years), the PTSD positive group had significantly higher serum BDNF levels than the PTSD negative controls [31.03 vs. 26.95 ng/mL, t(268) = 3.921, p < 0.001]. This difference remained significant after excluding individuals with comorbid major depressive disorder, antidepressant users and controlling for age, gender, race, BMI, and time since trauma. Fifty-nine of the male veterans who participated at the first timepoint (T0) were re-assessed at follow-up evaluation (T1), approximately 3 years (SD=0.88 years) after T0. A one-way ANOVA comparing PTSD positive, "subthreshold PTSD" and control groups revealed that serum BDNF remained significantly higher in the PTSD positive group than the control group at T1 [30.05 vs 24.66 ng/mL, F(2, 56)= 3.420, p = 0.040]. Serum BDNF levels did not correlate with PTSD symptom severity at either time point within the PTSD group [r(128) = 0.062, p = 0.481 and r(28) = 0.157, p = 0.407]. Serum BDNF did not significantly change over time within subjects [t(56) = 1.269, p = 0.210] nor did the change of serum BDNF from T0 to T1 correlate with change in PTSD symptom severity within those who were diagnosed with PTSD at T0 [r(27) = -0.250, p = 0.192]. Our longitudinal data are the first to be reported in combat PTSD and suggest that higher serum BDNF levels may be a stable biological characteristic of chronic combat PTSD independent of symptom severity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gwyneth W Y Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victor I Reus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jee In Kang
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine & Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mathea Elnar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Reuben Sarwal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Janine D Flory
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx NY; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Duna Abu-Amara
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Aarti Gautam
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Francis J Doyle
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx NY; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles R Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marti Jett
- Headquarter, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB-GYN and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hu XY, Wu YL, Cheng CH, Liu XX, Zhou L. Association of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor rs6265 G>A polymorphism and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder susceptibility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02118. [PMID: 33835731 PMCID: PMC8119822 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) rs6265 G > A polymorphism is closely related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk. However, the results were not consistent. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to explore the underlying relationships between BDNF rs6265 G > A polymorphism and PTSD risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS Five online databases were searched, and all related studies were reviewed up to July 1, 2020. Odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to examine the statistical power of each genetic model. In addition, heterogeneity, sensitivity accumulative analysis, and publication bias were examined to check the statistical power. RESULT Overall, 16 publications involving 5,369 subjects were included in this systematic review and 11 case-control studies were analyses in meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated an increasing risk of A allele mutations with PTSD risk. Moreover, the sequential subgroup analysis also demonstrated some similar situations in Asian populations and other groups. CONCLUSION Current meta-analysis suggests that the BDNF rs6265 G > A polymorphism might be involved in PTSD susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Yi Hu
- Department of Mental Health, Linyi Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Yu-Long Wu
- Department of Mental Health, Linyi Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Chao-Hui Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| | - Xiao-Xi Liu
- Department of Mental Health, Linyi Central Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Lan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Almeida FB, Barros HMT, Pinna G. Neurosteroids and Neurotrophic Factors: What Is Their Promise as Biomarkers for Major Depression and PTSD? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041758. [PMID: 33578758 PMCID: PMC7916492 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are among the most prevalent and incapacitating mental illnesses in the world, their diagnosis still relies solely on the characterization of subjective symptoms (many of which are shared by multiple disorders) self-reported by patients. Thus, the need for objective measures that aid in the detection of and differentiation between psychiatric disorders becomes urgent. In this paper, we explore the potential of neurosteroids and neurotrophic proteins as biomarkers for MDD and PTSD. Circulating levels of the GABAergic neuroactive steroid, allopregnanolone, are diminished in MDD and PTSD patients, which corroborates the finding of depleted neurosteroid levels observed in animal models of these disorders. The neurotrophic protein, brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF), is also reduced in the periphery and in the brain of MDD patients and depressed-like animals that express lower neurosteroid levels. Although the role of BDNF in PTSD psychopathology seems less clear and merits more research, we propose a causal link between allopregnanolone levels and BDNF expression that could function as a biomarker axis for the diagnosis of both MDD and PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Borges Almeida
- Graduate Program in Health Science, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil; (F.B.A.); (H.M.T.B.)
| | - Helena Maria Tannhauser Barros
- Graduate Program in Health Science, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil; (F.B.A.); (H.M.T.B.)
| | - Graziano Pinna
- Department of Psychiatry, The Psychiatric Institute, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor Str., Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence: or
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Peripheral blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241928. [PMID: 33152026 PMCID: PMC7644072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in the survival, differentiation, growth, and plasticity of the central nervous system (CNS). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex syndrome that affects CNS function. Evidence indicates that changes in peripheral levels of BDNF may interfere with stress. However, the results are mixed. This study investigates whether blood levels of BDNF in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are different. METHODS We conducted a systematic search in the major electronic medical databases from inception through September 2019 and identified Observational studies that measured serum levels of BDNF in patients with PTSD compared to controls without PTSD. RESULTS 20 studies were eligible to be included in the present meta-analysis. Subjects with PTSD (n = 909) showed lower BDNF levels compared to Non-PTSD controls (n = 1679) (SMD = 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 0.85). Subgroup meta-analyses confirmed higher levels of BDNF in patients with PTSD compared to non-PTSD controls in plasma, not serum, and in studies that used sandwich ELISA, not ELISA, for BDNF measurement. Meta-regressions showed no significant effect of age, gender, NOS, and sample size. CONCLUSIONS PTSD patients had increased serum BDNF levels compared to healthy controls. Our finding of higher BDNF levels in patients with PTSD supports the notion that PTSD is a neuroplastic disorder.
Collapse
|
14
|
Brahmajothi MV, Abou-Donia MB. PTSD Susceptibility and Challenges: Pathophysiological Consequences of Behavioral Symptoms. Mil Med 2020; 185:279-285. [DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usz321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop during the aftermath of traumatic events. Although many are impacted by several stressors, nearly 3.6% suffer from PTSD in the United States with higher incidence reported in military service personnel. Any injury to the blood-brain barrier can ignite an array of biological signaling molecules in the immune-privileged brain parenchyma, which can disrupt the synaptic neural network, resulting in altered behavior.
Materials and Methods
In this preliminary study, we compared 20 PTSD veterans with age-matched healthy veterans to identify plasma levels of brain-specific protein markers using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay/immunofluorometric sandwich assay for neurotrophic factors and neuropoietic cytokines, and catalytic activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) by zymography.
Results
We observed an increased level of glial fibrillary acidic protein, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 6, and MMP2 and MMP9 but decreased level of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor-beta, and negligible difference in astroglial marker S100 calcium-binding protein B compared to controls.
Conclusion
Identification of neural biomarkers is essential to understand the subclinical symptoms for the diagnosis PTSD, which may not be visible by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI/fMRI) and may take years to clinically manifest.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mulugu V Brahmajothi
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, PO Box 3813, 308 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710
| | - Mohamed B Abou-Donia
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, PO Box 3813, 308 Research Drive, Durham, NC 27710
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Zuj DV, Norrholm SD. The clinical applications and practical relevance of human conditioning paradigms for posttraumatic stress disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 88:339-351. [PMID: 30134147 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The classical conditioning paradigm of fear learning has spawned a number of experimental variations for the explanation of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) etiology. These paradigms include extinction learning and recall, fear inhibition, fear generalization, and conditioned avoidance. As such, each of these paradigms have significant applications for understanding the development, maintenance, treatment, and relapse of the fear-related features of PTSD. In the present review, we describe each of these conditioning-based paradigms with reference to the clinical applications, and supported by case examples from patients with severe PTSD symptoms. We also review the neurobiological models of conditioning and extinction in animals, psychiatrically healthy humans, and PTSD patients, and discuss the current balance of evidence suggesting a number of biological, behavioral, and cognitive mechanisms/moderators of the conditioning and extinction process in experimental and clinical contexts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel V Zuj
- Department of Psychology, Swansea University, UK
| | - Seth Davin Norrholm
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mental Health Service Line, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Corne R, Leconte C, Ouradou M, Fassina V, Zhu Y, Déou E, Besson V, Plotkine M, Marchand-Leroux C, Mongeau R. Spontaneous resurgence of conditioned fear weeks after successful extinction in brain injured mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 88:276-286. [PMID: 30096331 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major risk factor for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and both disorders share common symptoms and neurobiological defects. Relapse after successful treatment, known as long-term fear resurgence, is common in PTSD patients and a major therapeutic hurdle. We induced a mild focal TBI by controlled cortical impact (CCI) in male C57BL/6 J mice and used fear conditioning to assess PTSD-like behaviors and concomitant alterations in the fear circuitry. We found for the first time that mild TBI, and to a lesser extent sham (craniotomy), mice displayed a spontaneous resurgence of conditioned fear when tested for fear extinction memory recall, despite having effectively acquired and extinguished conditioned fear 6 weeks earlier in the same context. Other characteristic symptoms of PTSD are risk-taking behaviors and cognitive deficits. CCI mice displayed risk-taking behaviors, behavioral inflexibility and reductions in processing speed compared to naïve mice. In conjunction with these changes there were alterations in amygdala morphology 3 months post-trauma, and decreased myelin basic protein density at the primary lesion site and in distant secondary sites such as the hippocampus, thalamus, and amygdala, compared to sham mice. Furthermore, activity-dependent brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) transcripts were decreased in the prefrontal cortex, a key region for fear extinction consolidation, following fear extinction training in both TBI and, to a lesser extent, sham mice. This study shows for the first time that a mild brain injury can generate a spontaneous resurgence of conditioned fear associated with defective BDNF signalling in the prefrontal cortex, PTSD-like behaviors, and have enduring effects on the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Corne
- EA4475 - Pharmacologie de la Circulation Cérébrale, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - C Leconte
- EA4475 - Pharmacologie de la Circulation Cérébrale, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - M Ouradou
- EA4475 - Pharmacologie de la Circulation Cérébrale, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - V Fassina
- EA4475 - Pharmacologie de la Circulation Cérébrale, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Y Zhu
- EA4475 - Pharmacologie de la Circulation Cérébrale, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - E Déou
- EA4475 - Pharmacologie de la Circulation Cérébrale, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - V Besson
- EA4475 - Pharmacologie de la Circulation Cérébrale, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - M Plotkine
- EA4475 - Pharmacologie de la Circulation Cérébrale, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - C Marchand-Leroux
- EA4475 - Pharmacologie de la Circulation Cérébrale, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - R Mongeau
- EA4475 - Pharmacologie de la Circulation Cérébrale, Faculté de Pharmacie de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Tillman KS, Prazak MD. Trauma in Forensic Adolescent Females: Predictors, Correlates and Mental Health Outcomes. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2018; 11:401-409. [PMID: 32318164 PMCID: PMC7163881 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-018-0216-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the demographic predictors of trauma in adolescent females. The role of trauma in the outcomes of psychopathology were examined. Additionally, alcohol and substance use were examined as a product of trauma and leading cause of forensic status. Finally, the mental health of the present sample was compared to paired national averages. Participants included 35 adolescent females currently in the juvenile justice system. Results indicate that the present forensic sample demonstrated significantly worse mental health than non-forensic youth. Additionally, those with a history of trauma showed worse outcomes than youth with fewer traumas experienced. Several demographic factors were predictors of trauma, and trauma in turn predicted alcohol abuse. Those with a history of trauma showed significantly poorer behavioral and academic functioning in addition to mental health difficulties. Implications for the juvenile justice system and mental health treatment are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen S. Tillman
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Community Services, University of North Dakota, 231 Centennial Drive, Stop 8255, Grand Forks, ND 58202 USA
| | - Michael D. Prazak
- Department of Counseling Psychology and Community Services, University of North Dakota, 231 Centennial Drive, Stop 8255, Grand Forks, ND 58202 USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are two complex and debilitating psychiatric disorders that result in poor life and destructive behaviors against self and others. Currently, diagnosis is based on subjective rather than objective determinations leading to misdiagnose and ineffective treatments. Advances in novel neurobiological methods have allowed assessment of promising biomarkers to diagnose depression and PTSD, which offers a new means of appropriately treating patients. Areas covered: Biomarkers discovery in blood represents a fundamental tool to predict, diagnose, and monitor treatment efficacy in depression and PTSD. The potential role of altered HPA axis, epigenetics, NPY, BDNF, neurosteroid biosynthesis, the endocannabinoid system, and their function as biomarkers for mood disorders is discussed. Insofar, we propose the identification of a biomarker axis to univocally identify and discriminate disorders with large comorbidity and symptoms overlap, so as to provide a base of support for development of targeted treatments. We also weigh in on the feasibility of a future blood test for early diagnosis. Expert commentary: Potential biomarkers have already been assessed in patients' blood and need to be further validated through multisite large clinical trial stratification. Another challenge is to assess the relation among several interdependent biomarkers to form an axis that identifies a specific disorder and secures the best-individualized treatment. The future of blood-based tests for PTSD and depression is not only on the horizon but, possibly, already around the corner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Aspesi
- a The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry , University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- a The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry , University of Illinois at Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Aksu S, Unlu G, Kardesler AC, Cakaloz B, Aybek H. Altered levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, proBDNF and tissue plasminogen activator in children with posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res 2018; 268:478-483. [PMID: 30142554 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Revised: 06/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The current study aims to compare the serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proBDNF and tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) levels in cases that have developed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in consequence of sexual abuse with those in healthy control subjects. Thirty-one female patients between 8 and 18 years of age who have been diagnosed with PTSD due to sexual abuse and thirty-one healthy female volunteer controls were included in the study. Frequency, intensity and severity of PTSD symptoms were assessed on the basis of Clinician-Administered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale for Children and Adolescents (CAPS-CA). Serum BDNF, proBDNF and tPA levels were measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Results of the present study revealed that serum levels of BDNF and proBDNF in PTSD group were significantly lower but tPA level was significantly higher as compared to healthy control subjects. There were no correlations between CAPS-CA scores and BDNF, proBDNF and tPA levels. Decreased levels of BDNF, as suggested to have a role in the etiopathogenesis of PTSD, appear to be a result of the reduction in proBDNF production. The increased tPA levels in such cases, on the other hand, can be a compensatory mechanism serving to increase the BDNF levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sehra Aksu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Gulsen Unlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey.
| | - Aysen Cetin Kardesler
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Burcu Cakaloz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| | - Hulya Aybek
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Tural Ü, Aker AT, Önder E, Sodan HT, Ünver H, Akansel G. Neurotrophic factors and hippocampal activity in PTSD. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0197889. [PMID: 29799860 PMCID: PMC5969740 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although numerous studies have investigated the neurotrophic factors and hippocampal activity in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) separately each other, it is unclear whether an association between neurotrophic factors and hippocampal activity is present. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional changes in hippocampus before and after treatment with escitalopram and to associate these changes with peptides related to neuronal growth in patients with chronic PTSD and trauma survivors without PTSD. Fifteen earthquake survivors with chronic PTSD and thirteen drug naïve trauma exposed individuals without PTSD underwent fMRI scans in a block design. Serum levels of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) were measured before and after 12 weeks treatment with escitalopram. Baseline median serum level of NGF was significantly lower in patients with chronic PTSD than trauma survivors; however, 12 weeks of treatment with escitalopram significantly increased it. Higher activation was found both in left and right hippocampus for chronic PTSD group than trauma survivors. Treatment with escitalopram was significantly associated with suppression of the hyperactivation in left hippocampus in patients with chronic PTSD. Bilateral hyperactivation in hippocampus and lowered NGF may associate with neurobiological disarrangements in chronic PTSD. Treatment with escitalopram was significantly associated with both improvement in the severity of PTSD symptoms and biological alterations. Patients diagnosed with PTSD may have further and complicated deteriorations in hippocampal networks and neurotransmitter systems than individuals who had not been diagnosed with PTSD following the same traumatic experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ümit Tural
- The Nathan S. Kline Psychiatric Research Institute, Orangeburg, New York, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
- * E-mail:
| | - Ahmet Tamer Aker
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Emin Önder
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hatice Turan Sodan
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Hatice Ünver
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gür Akansel
- Department of Radiology, Medical Faculty of Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Yang S, Wynn GH, Ursano RJ. A Clinician's Guide to PTSD Biomarkers and Their Potential Future Use. FOCUS: JOURNAL OF LIFE LONG LEARNING IN PSYCHIATRY 2018; 16:143-152. [PMID: 31975909 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.20170045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
No clinically validated biomarkers have yet been found to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Innovation in clinical trial design, however, has led to the study of biomarkers as part of testing new medications and psychotherapies. There may soon be viable biomarkers to assist in diagnosis of PTSD and prediction of illness trajectory, severity, and functional outcomes; subtyping; and treatment selection. Processes for the identification and validation of biomarker findings are complex, involving several stages of clinical testing before use. The authors provide an overview of issues regarding the clinical use of PTSD biomarkers and examine a set of genetic, epigenetic, and other blood-based markers along with physiological markers currently proposed as candidate tests for PTSD. Studies that have identified candidate biomarkers with relevance to treatment selection in PTSD are discussed as a promising area of research that may lead to changes in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Yang
- The authors are with the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Yang is also with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Gary H Wynn
- The authors are with the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Yang is also with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Robert J Ursano
- The authors are with the Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Yang is also with the Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tudor L, Konjevod M, Nikolac Perkovic M, Svob Strac D, Nedic Erjavec G, Uzun S, Kozumplik O, Sagud M, Kovacic Petrovic Z, Pivac N. Genetic Variants of the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor and Metabolic Indices in Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:637. [PMID: 30542302 PMCID: PMC6277864 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma and stressor related disorder that may develop after exposure to an event that involved the actual or possible threat of death, violence or serious injury. Its molecular underpinning is still not clear. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) modulates neuronal processes such as the response to stress, but also weight control, energy and glucose homeostasis. Plasma BDNF levels and a functional BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism were reported to be associated with PTSD, as well as with increased body mass index (BMI) and dyslipidaemia in healthy subjects and patients with cardio-metabolic diseases, but these results are controversial. The other frequently studied BDNF polymorphism, C270T (rs56164415), has been associated with the development of different neuropsychiatric symptoms/disorders. As far as we are aware, there are no data on the association of BDNF Val66Met and C270T polymorphisms with metabolic indices in PTSD. Due to high rates of obesity and dyslipidaemia in PTSD, the aim of this study was to elucidate the association of BDNF Val66Met and C270T polymorphisms with BMI and lipid levels in veterans with PTSD. We hypothesized that BDNF variants contribute to susceptibility to metabolic disturbances in PTSD. The study included 333 Caucasian males with combat related PTSD, diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria. Genotyping of the BDNF Val66Met and C270T polymorphisms was performed using the real-time PCR method. Results were analyzed using hierarchical multiple linear regression and the Mann-Whitney test, with p-value corrected to 0.005. The results showed that BDNF Val66Met and BDNF C270T polymorphisms were not significantly associated with BMI, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol or triglycerides. Although the BDNF C270T polymorphism was nominally associated only with HDL-cholesterol in veterans with PTSD, this significance disappeared after controlling for the effect of age. Namely, slightly higher plasma HDL values in T allele carriers, compared to CC homozygotes, were associated with differences in age. Our results, controlled for the critical covariates, revealed that BDNF Val66Met and C270T were not significantly associated with metabolic indices in veterans with PTSD and that these genetic variants do not contribute to susceptibility to metabolic disturbances in PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucija Tudor
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marcela Konjevod
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Nikolac Perkovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dubravka Svob Strac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana Nedic Erjavec
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Suzana Uzun
- Department of Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatry, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia.,Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Oliver Kozumplik
- Department of Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatry, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia.,Faculty of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marina Sagud
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zrnka Kovacic Petrovic
- Department of Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatry, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia.,Department of Psychopharmacology, Croatian Institute for Brain Research, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nela Pivac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ogłodek EA, Just MJ, Szromek AR, Araszkiewicz A. Assessing the serum concentration levels of NT-4/5, GPX-1, TNF-α, and l-arginine as biomediators of depression severity in first depressive episode patients with and without posttraumatic stress disorder. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 69:1049-1058. [PMID: 28958613 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurotrophin-4/5 (NT-4/5) and glutathione peroxidase-1 (GPX-1) have been shown to play a major role in neuronal processes including depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They protect the body from oxidative damage by affecting neuronal growth, development and plasticity. The aim of the study was to evaluate the concentrations of NT-4/5, GPX-1, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and l-arginine in patients suffering from varying levels of depression severity, PTSD, and depression comorbid with PTSD. METHODS The study involved 460 participants, 360 of whom were diagnosed with different types of depressive episodes. They included: 60 patients with mild depression (MD), 60 patients with moderate depression (MOD), 60 patients with severe depression (SeD), 60 patients with MD and PTSD (MD+PTSD), 60 patients with MOD and PTSD (MOD+PTSD), 60 patients with SeD and PTSD (SeD+PTSD), and 60 patients with PTSD alone. Each group of 60 subjects comprised 30 females and 30 males. The control group comprised 40 subjects. The 10th revision of the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems was utilized to diagnose depression and PTSD. At 7a.m. blood samples were collected and serum NT-4/5, GPX-1, TNF-α and l-arginine concentrations were assessed using the ELISA method. RESULTS Depressive episodes with and without PTSD and PTSD alone became more severe as the levels of TNF-α, l-arginine increased and the levels of NT-4/5, GPX-1 decreased. CONCLUSION l-arginine, TNF-α, NT-4/5 and GPX-1 can be markers of depression severity in both males and females with first depressive episode with or without posttraumatic stress disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa A Ogłodek
- Department of Psychiatry, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland.
| | - Marek J Just
- Department of General and Endocrine Surgery, Municipal Hospital in Piekary Śląskie, Piekary Śląskie, Poland
| | - Adam R Szromek
- Silesian University of Technology in Gliwice, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Aleksander Araszkiewicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Saur L, Neves LT, Greggio S, Venturin GT, Jeckel CMM, Costa Da Costa J, Bertoldi K, Schallenberger B, Siqueira IR, Mestriner RG, Xavier LL. Ketamine promotes increased freezing behavior in rats with experimental PTSD without changing brain glucose metabolism or BDNF. Neurosci Lett 2017; 658:6-11. [PMID: 28823895 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Acute treatment with ketamine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, has been reported to be efficacious in treating depression. The goal of our study was to evaluate ketamine treatment in an animal model of another important psychiatric disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fifty-eight male rats were initially divided into four groups: Control+Saline (CTRL+SAL), Control+Ketamine (CTRL+KET), PTSD+Saline (PTSD+SAL) and PTSD+Ketamine (PTSD+KET). To mimic PTSD we employed the inescapable footshock protocol. The PTSD animals were classified according to freezing behavior duration into "extreme behavioral response" (EBR) or "minimal behavioral response" (MBR). Afterwards, the glucose metabolism and BDNF were evaluated in the hippocampus, frontal cortex, and amygdala. Our results show that animals classified as EBR exhibited increased freezing behavior and that ketamine treatment further increased freezing duration. Glucose metabolism and BDNF levels showed no significant differences. These results suggest ketamine might aggravate PTSD symptoms and that this effect is unrelated to alterations in glucose metabolism or BDNF protein levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisiani Saur
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, FaBio, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Laura Tartari Neves
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, FaBio, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Samuel Greggio
- Instituto do Cérebro do Rio Grande do Sul- PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Karine Bertoldi
- Departamento de Farmacologia, ICBS, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Léder Leal Xavier
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, FaBio, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Kertes DA, Bhatt SS, Kamin HS, Hughes DA, Rodney NC, Mulligan CJ. BNDF methylation in mothers and newborns is associated with maternal exposure to war trauma. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:68. [PMID: 28680507 PMCID: PMC5493129 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0367-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The BDNF gene codes for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a growth factor involved in neural development, cell differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Present in both the brain and periphery, BDNF plays critical roles throughout the body and is essential for placental and fetal development. Rodent studies show that early life stress, including prenatal stress, broadly alters BDNF methylation, with presumed changes in gene expression. No studies have assessed prenatal exposure to maternal traumatic stress and BDNF methylation in humans. This study examined associations of prenatal exposure to maternal stress and BDNF methylation at CpG sites across the BDNF gene. RESULTS Among 24 mothers and newborns in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region with extreme conflict and violence to women, maternal experiences of war trauma and chronic stress were associated with BDNF methylation in umbilical cord blood, placental tissue, and maternal venous blood. Associations of maternal stress and BDNF methylation showed high tissue specificity. The majority of significant associations were observed in putative transcription factor binding regions. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study in humans to examine BDNF methylation in relation to prenatal exposure to maternal stress in three tissues simultaneously and the first in any mammalian species to report associations of prenatal stress and BDNF methylation in placental tissue. The findings add to the growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of considering epigenetic effects when examining the impacts of trauma and stress, not only for adults but also for offspring exposed via effects transmitted before birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darlene A Kertes
- Department of Psychology and University of Florida Genetics Institute, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611-2250 USA
| | - Samarth S Bhatt
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Hayley S Kamin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - David A Hughes
- Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicole C Rodney
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Connie J Mulligan
- Department of Anthropology and University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Brain-Derived Neurotropic Factor Val66Met Polymorphism and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder among Survivors of the 1998 Dongting Lake Flood in China. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:4569698. [PMID: 28589140 PMCID: PMC5446855 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4569698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study mainly aimed to explore the association between brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among flood survivors in China. METHODS Individuals who experienced the 1998 Dongting Lake flood in Southeast Huarong, China, were enrolled in this study. Qualified health personnel carried out face-to-face interviews with participants. PTSD was identified using PTSD Checklist-Civilian version (PCL-C). Blood samples were collected from the participants to extract DNA for genotyping. RESULTS A total of 175 participants were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of PTSD among flood survivors at 17-year follow-up was 16.0% (28/175). Individuals with PTSD were more likely to be female, experience at least three flood-related stressors, experience at least three postflood stressors, and carry the Met than those without PTSD. Compared with Val/Val homozygotes, Met carriers had higher scores of PCL-C (mean ± standard error: 23.60 ± 7.23 versus 27.19 ± 9.48, P < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that Met carriers (aOR = 4.76, 95% CI = 1.02-22.15, P < 0.05) were more likely to develop PTSD than Val/Val homozygotes. CONCLUSIONS Met carriers for BDNF rs6265 are at higher risk of developing PTSD and also exhibit more severe PTSD symptoms than Val/Val homozygotes among flood survivors in China.
Collapse
|
27
|
Lipov EG, Candido K, Ritchie EC. Possible Reversal of PTSD-Related DNA Methylation by Sympathetic Blockade. J Mol Neurosci 2017; 62:67-72. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-017-0911-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 03/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
|
28
|
Mardini V, Rohde LA, Ceresér KM, Gubert CM, Silva EGD, Xavier F, Parcianello R, Röhsig LM, Pechansky F, Szobot CM. TBARS and BDNF levels in newborns exposed to crack/cocaine during pregnancy: a comparative study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 39:263-266. [PMID: 28273279 PMCID: PMC7111386 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2016-2035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: To compare levels of a marker of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in umbilical cord blood (UCB) between newborns exposed to crack/cocaine in utero (exposed newborns [EN], n=57) and non-exposed newborns (NEN, n=99), as well as in maternal peripheral blood at delivery. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Potential confounders, including perinatal parameters, psychopathology, and use of other substances, were assessed. Results: After adjusting for potential confounders, adjusted mean BDNF was significantly higher in EN (3.86 ng/mL, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 2.29-5.43) than in NEN (0.85 ng/mL, 95%CI 0.47-1.23; p < 0.001; Cohen effect size: 1.12), and significantly lower in crack/cocaine mothers than in control mothers (4.03 ng/mL, 95%CI 2.87-5.18 vs. 6.67 ng/mL, 95%CI 5.60-7.74; p = 0.006). The adjusted mean TBARS level was significantly lower in EN (63.97 µM MDA, 95%CI 39.43-88.50) than NEN (177.04 µM MDA, 95%CI 140.93-213.14; p < 0.001; effect size = 0.84), with no difference between mother groups (p = 0.86). Conclusions: The changes in TBARS levels observed in EN suggest that fetuses exposed to cocaine mobilize endogenous antioxidant routes since very early stages of development. The increase in BDNF levels in EN might indicate changes in fetal development, whereas the changes in BDNF levels in mothers provide evidence of the complex metabolic processes involved in drug use during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Mardini
- Serviço de Psiquiatria da Infância e Adolescência (SPIA), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Luis A Rohde
- Serviço de Psiquiatria da Infância e Adolescência (SPIA), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatria do Desenvolvimento (INPD), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.,Departamento de Psiquiatria, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Keila M Ceresér
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina (INCT-TM), HCPA, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carolina M Gubert
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina (INCT-TM), HCPA, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Emily G da Silva
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina (INCT-TM), HCPA, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernando Xavier
- Faculdade de Ciências Biomédicas, Centro Universitário Metodista IPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Parcianello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Liane M Röhsig
- Unidade de Criobiologia, Banco de Cordão Umbilical e Placentário, HCPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Flávio Pechansky
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Departamento de Psiquiatria, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Centro de Pesquisa em Álcool e Drogas, HCPA, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Claudia M Szobot
- Serviço de Psiquiatria da Infância e Adolescência (SPIA), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Centro de Pesquisa em Álcool e Drogas, HCPA, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Werhane ML, Evangelista ND, Clark AL, Sorg SF, Bangen KJ, Tran M, Schiehser DM, Delano-Wood L. Pathological vascular and inflammatory biomarkers of acute- and chronic-phase traumatic brain injury. Concussion 2017; 2:CNC30. [PMID: 30202571 PMCID: PMC6094091 DOI: 10.2217/cnc-2016-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the demand for developing objective methods for characterizing traumatic brain injury (TBI), research dedicated to evaluating putative biomarkers has burgeoned over the past decade. Since it is critical to elucidate the underlying pathological processes that underlie the higher diverse outcomes that follow neurotrauma, considerable efforts have been aimed at identifying biomarkers of both the acute- and chronic-phase TBI. Such information is not only critical for helping to elucidate the pathological changes that lead to poor long-term outcomes following TBI but it may also assist in the identification of possible prevention and interventions for individuals who sustain head trauma. In the current review, we discuss the potential role of vascular dysfunction and chronic inflammation in both acute- and chronic-phase TBI, and we also highlight existing studies that have investigated inflammation biomarkers associated with poorer injury outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine L Werhane
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego (SDSU/UC San Diego) Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress & Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | | | - Alexandra L Clark
- San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego (SDSU/UC San Diego) Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology, San Diego, CA 92120, USA
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress & Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Scott F Sorg
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress & Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - Katherine J Bangen
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress & Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| | - My Tran
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Dawn M Schiehser
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress & Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Lisa Delano-Wood
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Center of Excellence for Stress & Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stratta P, Sanità P, Bonanni RL, de Cataldo S, Angelucci A, Rossi R, Origlia N, Domenici L, Carmassi C, Piccinni A, Dell'Osso L, Rossi A. Clinical correlates of plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor in post-traumatic stress disorder spectrum after a natural disaster. Psychiatry Res 2016; 244:165-70. [PMID: 27479108 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Revised: 06/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Clinical correlates of plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) have been investigated in a clinical population with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and healthy control subjects who survived to the L'Aquila 2009 earthquake. Twenty-six outpatients and 14 control subjects were recruited. Assessments included: Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis-I disorders Patient Version, Trauma and Loss Spectrum-Self Report (TALS-SR) for post-traumatic spectrum symptoms. Thirteen patients were diagnosed as Full PTSD and 13 as Partial PTSD. The subjects with full-blown PTSD showed lower BDNF level than subjects with partial PTSD and controls. Different relationship patterns of BDNF with post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms have been reported in the three samples. Our findings add more insight on the mechanisms regulating BDNF levels in response to stress and further proofs of the utility of the distinction of PTSD into full and partial categories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Stratta
- Department of Mental Health, ASL 1, L'Aquila, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Sanità
- General Pathology and Immunology Laboratory, Department Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | | | - Adriano Angelucci
- General Pathology and Immunology Laboratory, Department Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Rossi
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Luciano Domenici
- Neuroscience Institute, CNR, Pisa, Italy; Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Armando Piccinni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rossi
- Department of Applied Clinical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Blouin AM, Sillivan SE, Joseph NF, Miller CA. The potential of epigenetics in stress-enhanced fear learning models of PTSD. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 23:576-86. [PMID: 27634148 PMCID: PMC5026205 DOI: 10.1101/lm.040485.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged distress and dysregulated memory processes are the core features of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and represent the debilitating, persistent nature of the illness. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying the expression of these symptoms are challenging to study in human patients. Stress-enhanced fear learning (SEFL) paradigms, which encompass both stress and memory components in rodents, are emerging as valuable preclinical models of PTSD. Rodent models designed to study the long-term mechanisms of either stress or fear memory alone have identified a critical role for numerous epigenetic modifications to DNA and histone proteins. However, the epigenetic modifications underlying SEFL remain largely unknown. This review will provide a brief overview of the epigenetic modifications implicated in stress and fear memory independently, followed by a description of existing SEFL models and the few epigenetic mechanisms found to date to underlie SEFL. The results of the animal studies discussed here highlight neuroepigenetics as an essential area for future research in the context of PTSD through SEFL studies, because of its potential to identify novel candidates for neurotherapeutics targeting stress-induced pathogenic memories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Blouin
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Stephanie E Sillivan
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Nadine F Joseph
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| | - Courtney A Miller
- Department of Metabolism and Aging and Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, Jupiter, Florida 33458, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Zuj DV, Palmer MA, Lommen MJJ, Felmingham KL. The centrality of fear extinction in linking risk factors to PTSD: A narrative review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 69:15-35. [PMID: 27461912 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 07/13/2016] [Accepted: 07/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Recent prospective studies in emergency services have identified impaired fear extinction learning and memory to be a significant predictor of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), complementing a wealth of cross-sectional evidence of extinction deficits associated with the disorder. Additional fields of research show specific risk factors and biomarkers of the disorder, including candidate genotypes, stress and sex hormones, cognitive factors, and sleep disturbances. Studies in mostly nonclinical populations also reveal that the aforementioned factors are involved in fear extinction learning and memory. Here, we provide a comprehensive narrative review of the literature linking PTSD to these risk factors, and linking these risk factors to impaired fear extinction. On balance, the evidence suggests that fear extinction may play a role in the relationship between risk factors and PTSD. Should this notion hold true, this review carries important implications for the improvement of exposure-based treatments, as well as strategies for the implementation of treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel V Zuj
- Division of Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia.
| | - Matthew A Palmer
- Division of Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Miriam J J Lommen
- Department of Psychology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kim L Felmingham
- Division of Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania, Tasmania, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Sanz-García A, Knafo S, Pereda-Pérez I, Esteban JA, Venero C, Armario A. Administration of the TrkB receptor agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone prevents traumatic stress-induced spatial memory deficits and changes in synaptic plasticity. Hippocampus 2016; 26:1179-88. [PMID: 27068341 DOI: 10.1002/hipo.22599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs after exposure to traumatic situations and it is characterized by cognitive deficits that include impaired explicit memory. The neurobiological bases of such PTSD-associated memory alterations are yet to be elucidated and no satisfactory treatment for them exists. To address this issue, we first studied whether a single exposure of young adult rats (60 days) to immobilization on boards (IMO), a putative model of PTSD, produces long-term behavioral effects (2-8 days) similar to those found in PTSD patients. Subsequently, we investigated whether the administration of the TrkB agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (DHF) 8 h after stress (therapeutic window) ameliorated the PTSD-like effect of IMO and the associated changes in synaptic plasticity. A single IMO exposure induced a spatial memory impairment similar to that found in other animal models of PTSD or in PTSD patients. IMO also increased spine density and long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA3-CA1 pathway. Significantly, DHF reverted both spatial memory impairment and the increase in LTP, while it produced no effect in the controls. These data provide novel insights into the possible neurobiological substrate for explicit memory impairment in PTSD patients, supporting the idea that the activation of the BDNF/TrkB pathway fulfils a protective role after severe stress. Administration of DHF in the aftermath of a traumatic experience might be relevant to prevent its long-term consequences. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ancor Sanz-García
- Unitat De Fisiologia Animal (Facultat De Biociències), Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut De Neurociències, Universitat Autonòma De Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Red De Trastornos Adictivos (RTA), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Shira Knafo
- IkerBasque Research Professor, Biophysics Unit (Unidad De Biofísica CSIC-UPV/EHU), Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - José A Esteban
- Deparment of Molecular Neurobiology, Centro De Biología Molecular "Severo Ochoa," Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Universidad Autónoma De Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - César Venero
- Department of Psychobiology, Universidad Nacional De Educación a Distancia, Juan Del Rosal 10, Madrid, 28040, Spain
| | - Antonio Armario
- Unitat De Fisiologia Animal (Facultat De Biociències), Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Institut De Neurociències, Universitat Autonòma De Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.,Red De Trastornos Adictivos (RTA), Instituto De Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
van den Heuvel L, Suliman S, Malan-Müller S, Hemmings S, Seedat S. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66met polymorphism and plasma levels in road traffic accident survivors. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2016; 29:616-29. [PMID: 26999419 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2016.1163545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and release may play a role in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). DESIGN This study evaluated road traffic accident (RTA) survivors to determine whether PTSD and trauma-related factors were associated with plasma BDNF levels and BDNF Val66Met carrier status following RTA exposure. METHODS One hundred and twenty-three RTA survivors (mean age 33.2 years, SD = 10.6 years; 56.9% male) were assessed 10 (SD = 4.9) days after RTA exposure. Acute stress disorder (ASD), as assessed with the Acute Stress Disorder Scale, was present in 50 (42.0%) of the participants. Plasma BDNF levels were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and BDNF Val66Met genotyping was performed. PTSD, as assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale, was present in 10 (10.8%) participants at 6 months follow-up. RESULTS Neither BDNF Val66Met genotype nor plasma BDNF was significantly associated with the presence or severity of ASD or PTSD. Plasma BDNF levels were, however, significantly correlated with the lifetime number of trauma exposures. CONCLUSIONS In RTA survivors, plasma BDNF levels increased with increasing number of prior trauma exposures. Plasma BDNF may, therefore, be a marker of trauma load.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh van den Heuvel
- a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Sharain Suliman
- a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Stefanie Malan-Müller
- a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa.,b Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Sian Hemmings
- a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa.,b Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- a Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences , University of Stellenbosch , Cape Town , South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhang L, Li XX, Hu XZ. Post-traumatic stress disorder risk and brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met. World J Psychiatry 2016; 6:1-6. [PMID: 27014593 PMCID: PMC4804258 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v6.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which regulates neuronal survival, growth differentiation, and synapse formation, is known to be associated with depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the molecular mechanism for those mental disorders remains unknown. Studies have shown that BDNF is associated with PTSD risk and exaggerated startle reaction (a major arousal manifestation of PTSD) in United States military service members who were deployed during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The frequency of the Met/Met in BDNF gene was greater among those with PTSD than those without PTSD. Among individuals who experienced fewer lifetime stressful events, the Met carriers have significantly higher total and startle scores on the PTSD Checklist than the Val/Val carriers. In addition, subjects with PTSD showed higher levels of BDNF in their peripheral blood plasma than the non-probable-PTSD controls. Increased BDNF levels and startle response were observed in both blood plasma and brain hippocampus by inescapable tail shock in rats. In this paper, we reviewed these data to discuss BDNF as a potential biomarker for PTSD risk and its possible roles in the onset of PTSD.
Collapse
|
36
|
Li RH, Fan M, Hu MS, Ran MS, Fang DZ. Reduced severity of posttraumatic stress disorder associated with Val allele of Val66Met polymorphism at brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene among Chinese adolescents after Wenchuan earthquake. Psychophysiology 2016; 53:705-11. [PMID: 26751724 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to longitudinally investigate the association of BDNF Val66Met with PTSD symptoms in Chinese Han adolescents who experienced the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. Variants of BDNF Val66Met were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses and verified by DNA sequencing. PTSD symptoms were assessed by the PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) among high school students at 6, 12, and 18 months after the earthquake. No differences of PTSD prevalence and PCL-C scores were found between the Val/Val homozygotes and the Met allele carriers at 6, 12, and 18 months after the earthquake regardless of gender. Decreased PTSD prevalence was observed at 12 and 18 months when compared with that at 6 months after the earthquake regardless of gender and the genotype. Meanwhile, PCL-C scores were decreased consecutively in the female subjects regardless of the genotypes. However, the scores at 18 months were lower when compared with those at 12 months in the male Val/Val homozygotes, but not in the male Met allele carriers. In addition, differences were found for the predictors of PCL-C scores and PTSD prevalence between the Val/Val homozygotes and the Met allele carriers during follow-up. These findings suggest that the association of BDNF Val66Met with PTSD is longitudinally different in Chinese Han adolescents after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The Val allele may be associated with reduced PTSD severity in male adolescents in the later stage of PTSD rehabilitation during follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Hui Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Mei Fan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Min Shan Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| | - Mao Sheng Ran
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Ding Zhi Fang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Taylor MK, Carpenter J, Stone M, Hernandez LM, Rauh MJ, Laurent HK, Granger DA. Genetic and environmental modulation of neurotrophic and anabolic stress response: Counterbalancing forces. Physiol Behav 2015; 151:1-8. [PMID: 26136163 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The serotonin transporter genetic variant 5HTTLPR influences activation and feedback control of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and has been shown to influence the effect of stressful life events on behavioral health. We recently reported that 5HTTLPR modulates cortisol response in healthy military men exposed to intense stress. Less is known of its combined effects with environmental factors in this context, or of its effect on neuroprotective stress responses. In this follow-up study, we examined the unique and combined effects of 5HTTLPR and prior trauma exposure on neuroprotective (salivary nerve growth factor [sNGF]), anabolic (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate [DHEAS] and testosterone), and catabolic (cortisol) stress responses. Ninety-three healthy, active-duty military men were studied before, during, and 24h after a stressful 12-day survival course. Distinct and interactive effects of 5HTTLPR long allele carriage [L] versus homozygous short allele carriage [SS]) and prior trauma exposure (low versus high) were evaluated, after which a priori group comparisons were performed between hypothesized high resilience (L/low) and low resilience (SS/high) groups. For sNGF, L/low produced the greatest sNGF throughout stress exposure while SS/high demonstrated the smallest; L/high and SS/low bisected these two extremes and were nearly identical to each other (i.e., SS/high < SS/low = L/high < L/low). Thus, 5HTTLPR and prior trauma exposure demonstrated counterbalancing (additive) forces. Similar patterns were found for DHEAS. To our knowledge, this study is the first to report counterbalancing genetic and environmental effects on novel biomarkers related to resilience in humans exposed to real-world stress. These findings have profound implications for health, performance and training in high-stress occupational settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcus K Taylor
- Biobehavioral Sciences Lab, Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, USA; School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, ENS Building Room 351, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, USA; Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, Arizona State University, 550 E. Orange Street, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Jennifer Carpenter
- Biobehavioral Sciences Lab, Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, USA; School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, ENS Building Room 351, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Michael Stone
- Biobehavioral Sciences Lab, Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, USA; School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, ENS Building Room 351, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Lisa M Hernandez
- Biobehavioral Sciences Lab, Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, USA; School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, ENS Building Room 351, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Mitchell J Rauh
- Biobehavioral Sciences Lab, Warfighter Performance Department, Naval Health Research Center, 140 Sylvester Road, San Diego, CA, USA; School of Exercise and Nutritional Sciences, San Diego State University, ENS Building Room 351, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Heidemarie K Laurent
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, Arizona State University, 550 E. Orange Street, Tempe, AZ, USA; Department of Psychology, 1227 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA.
| | - Douglas A Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, Arizona State University, 550 E. Orange Street, Tempe, AZ, USA; Johns Hopkins School of Nursing and Bloomberg School of Public Health, 3400 North Charles Street, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Martinotti G, Sepede G, Brunetti M, Ricci V, Gambi F, Chillemi E, Vellante F, Signorelli M, Pettorruso M, De Risio L, Aguglia E, Angelucci F, Caltagirone C, Di Giannantonio M. BDNF concentration and impulsiveness level in post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res 2015; 229:814-8. [PMID: 26277035 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Among the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), impulsiveness has been observed in patients with high levels of hyperarousal. Recent literature reveals the importance of investigating the role of neurotrophins, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), in several psychiatric disorders. Specifically, contrasting findings have been reported on the levels of serum BDNF in subjects with PTSD. The aim of the present study was to investigate the correlation between BDNF serum levels and impulsiveness in PTSD. To this end, we measured BDNF serum levels in 23 PTSD patients and a control group of 19 trauma-exposed non-PTSD subjects. Results indicate a positive correlation in the PTSD group; that is, the higher the BDNF levels the higher the impulsiveness score, as measured by the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), suggesting that impulsiveness could be associated with greater BDNF production. Alternatively, it is also possible that high impulsiveness acts as a psychological mechanism that counteracts the negative effects exerted by the traumatic experience and the associated obsessive thoughts. The present paper discusses both hypotheses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Martinotti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Gianna Sepede
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy; Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University "A. Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Marcella Brunetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Valerio Ricci
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Gambi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Eleonora Chillemi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | - Federica Vellante
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| | | | | | - Luisa De Risio
- Department of Neuroscience, Catholic University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Angelucci
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Caltagirone
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Giannantonio
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging, and Clinical Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Su S, Xiao Z, Lin Z, Qiu Y, Jin Y, Wang Z. Plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res 2015; 229:365-9. [PMID: 26160204 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.06.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A number of studies have been done to investigate the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this study we aimed to test the relationship between plasma BDNF levels and PTSD. We solicited 65 subjects having recently experienced road traffic accidents (RTA) conforming to screening criteria. They were given follow-up examinations after one month, three months, and six months. PTSD was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-R-TR, American Psychiatric Association, 2000) using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). All participants were divided into two groups: a group with PTSD and a group without PTSD. There were no significant differences in plasma BDNF levels between the two groups at either the 48h or six-month examination. Within the PTSD group, no significant differences were found in plasma BDNF levels between the two examinations. BDNF levels in those without PTSD showed a higher trend over time after trauma. Higher BDNF levels may be an important protective factor for the prevention of traumatized subjects from developing PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Su
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Wan Ping Nan Road, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zeping Xiao
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Wan Ping Nan Road, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Zhiguang Lin
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Wan Ping Nan Road, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yongming Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Yichao Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 600 Wan Ping Nan Road, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Shanghai, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Examining the levels of BDNF and cortisol in children and adolescent victims of sexual abuse--a preliminary study. Compr Psychiatry 2015; 61:23-7. [PMID: 25982069 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous reports have suggested the biological and psychological effects of trauma induced by cortisol and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The present study compared the levels of BDNF, cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in children and adolescent victims of sexual abuse to those without a trauma history. METHODS The study was conducted in the Department of Child Psychiatry at Dicle University. The study included 44 children (M/F: 12/32) aged between 8 and 17years who experienced sexual abuse with 42 age-and gender-matched children who did not have a history of trauma. Cortisol, ACTH, and BDNF levels were measured using ELISA. RESULTS Cortisol levels were higher and BDNF levels were significantly lower in the victims of sexual abuse compared to the control group. The mean time that elapsed from the initial sexual abuse occurrence until the date of examination was 22.7±21.7months. The evaluation of the relationship between this time span and cortisol levels revealed that cortisol levels decreased with increasing time after trauma. Cortisol and BDNF levels were lower in the victims who experienced multiple sexual assaults. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study suggest that cortisol and BDNF could be biological molecular mediators of the effects of trauma on biological and psychological systems. This is the first report on the effects of cortisol and BDNF induced trauma in child and adolescent victims of sexual abuse.
Collapse
|
41
|
Simsek S, Uysal C, Kaplan I, Yuksel T, Aktas H. BDNF and cortisol levels in children with or without post-traumatic stress disorder after sustaining sexual abuse. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 56:45-51. [PMID: 25800148 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are studies reporting that cortisol and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) play a role in the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, up-to-date no study evaluated the relationship between PTSD and the levels of cortisol and BDNF in children and adolescents who have sustained trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BDNF, cortisol and adrenocorticotropine (ACTH) levels differ between individuals who developed PTSD or not following a sexual trauma. METHOD The study included 55 children aged between 6 and 17 years who sustained sexual assault (M/F: 13/42). The patients were divided into two groups, with or without PTSD based on the results of a structured psychiatric interview (K-SADS-PL and CAPS-CA). Of the participants, 49% (n=27) were diagnosed with PTSD. Cortisol, ACTH, and BDNF levels were evaluated using the ELISA method. RESULTS There were no significant differences between patients with or without PTSD in terms of cortisol, ACTH, BDNF levels. There were no correlations between CAPS-CA scores and cortisol, ACTH, and BDNF levels in patients with or without PTSD. In patients with PTSD, decreased cortisol levels were found with increasing time after trauma, and no significant correlation was found with the cortisol levels in patients without PTSD. CONCLUSION Although no significant association was found between biochemical parameters and the presence or severity of PTSD; decreasing cortisol levels with increasing time after trauma in patients with PTSD suggest that cortisol might have played a role in the pathophysiology of this disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seref Simsek
- Dicle University, Medical School, Department of Child Psychiatry, Diyarbakır, Turkey.
| | - Cem Uysal
- Dicle University, Medical School, Department of Forensic Medicine, Diyarbakır, Turkey.
| | - Ibrahim Kaplan
- Dicle University, Medical School, Department of Biochemistry, Diyarbakır, Turkey.
| | - Tugba Yuksel
- Dicle University, Medical School, Department of Child Psychiatry, Diyarbakır, Turkey.
| | - Huseyin Aktas
- Dicle University, Medical School, Department of Child Psychiatry, Diyarbakır, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Chakraborty N, Meyerhoff J, Gautam A, Muhie S, Jibitu M, De Lima TCM, Hammamieh R, Jett M. Gene and stress history interplay in emergence of PTSD-like features. Behav Brain Res 2015; 292:266-77. [PMID: 26025510 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.05.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Systematically distinguishing genetic liability from other contributing factors is critical for designing a preventive strategy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). To address this issue, we investigated a murine model exposing C57BL/6j, DBA/2j and BALB/cj mice to repeated stress via exposure to conspecific aggressors (Agg-E). Naïve mice from each strain were subjected to the proximity of aggressor (Agg) mice for 6h using a 'cage-within-a-cage' paradigm, which was repeated for 5 or 10 days with intermittent and unpredictable direct contact with Agg mice. During the Agg-E stress, DBA/2j developed a different strategy to evade Agg mice, which potentially contributed to its phenotypic resilience to Agg-E stress. Although Agg mice inflicted C57BL/6j and BALB/cj with equivalent numbers of strikes, BALB/cj displayed a distinct behavioral phenotype with delayed exhibition of a number of PTSD-like features. By contrast, C57BL/6j mice displayed unique vulnerability to Agg-E stress induced myocardopathy, possibly attributable to their particular susceptibility to hypoxia. A group of genes (Bdnf, Ngf, Zwint, Cckbr, Slc6a4, Fkbp5) linked to PTSD and synaptic plasticity were significantly altered in C57BL/6j and BALB/cj Agg-E mice. Contributions of Agg-E stress history and genotypic heterogeneity emerged as the key mediators of PTSD-like features. Linking genetic components to specific phenotypic and pathological features could have potential clinical implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nabarun Chakraborty
- US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5010, USA
| | - James Meyerhoff
- US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5010, USA
| | - Aarti Gautam
- US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5010, USA
| | - Seid Muhie
- US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5010, USA
| | - Meskerem Jibitu
- US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5010, USA
| | - Thereza C M De Lima
- Federal University of Santa Catarina - Department of Pharmacology, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5010, USA.
| | - Marti Jett
- US Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5010, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Dotta-Panichi RM, Bins HD, Tramontina JF, Ceresér KM, Aguiar BWD, Paz AC, Taborda JG. Serum concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and mental disorders in imprisoned women. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 37:113-20. [PMID: 25714755 DOI: 10.1590/1516-4446-2014-1421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mental disorders and early trauma are highly prevalent in female inmates. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in learning, memory processes, and mood regulation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between serum BDNF levels and mental disorders among imprisoned women as compared with age- and education-matched controls. METHODS A consecutively recruited sample of 18 female prisoners with mental disorders was assessed for sociodemographic, criminal, and clinical variables using standardized instruments, the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINI Plus), and serum BDNF levels. RESULTS High rates of childhood sexual abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were found in the group of forensic patients. Serum BDNF levels in the forensic group did not differ from those of healthy controls, and were significantly higher when compared with those of women with mental disorders hospitalized in a general hospital. CONCLUSION Elevated serum BDNF levels were found in imprisoned women. The results of this study may suggest neurobiological mechanisms similar to those seen in previous clinical and preclinical studies showing the involvement of BDNF in the pathophysiology of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata M Dotta-Panichi
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Helena D Bins
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Keila M Ceresér
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences: Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Bianca W de Aguiar
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - André C Paz
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - José G Taborda
- Department of Clinical Medicine, UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Jergović M, Bendelja K, Savić Mlakar A, Vojvoda V, Aberle N, Jovanovic T, Rabatić S, Sabioncello A, Vidović A. Circulating levels of hormones, lipids, and immune mediators in post-traumatic stress disorder - a 3-month follow-up study. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:49. [PMID: 25926799 PMCID: PMC4396135 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of peripheral blood analytes have been proposed as potential biomarkers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have investigated whether observed changes in biomarkers persist over time. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of combat-related chronic PTSD with a wide array of putative PTSD biomarkers and to determine reliability of the measurements, i.e., correlations over time. Croatian combat veterans with chronic PTSD (n = 69) and age-matched healthy controls (n = 32), all men, were assessed at two time points separated by 3 months. Serum levels of lipids, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), prolactin, and C-reactive protein were determined. Multiplex assay was used for the simultaneous assessment of 13 analytes in sera: cytokines [interferon-γ, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α], adhesion molecules (sPECAM-1, sICAM-1), chemokines (IL-8 and MIP-1α), sCD40L, nerve growth factor, and leptin. Group differences and changes over time were tested by parametric or non-parametric tests, including repeated measures analysis of covariance. Reliability estimates [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and kappa] were also calculated. Robust associations of PTSD with higher levels of DHEA-S [F(1,75) = 8.14, p = 0.006)] and lower levels of prolactin [F(1,75) = 5.40, p = 0.023] were found. Measurements showed good to excellent reproducibility (DHEA-S, ICC = 0.50; prolactin, ICC = 0.79). Serum lipids did not differ between groups but significant increase of LDL-C after 3 months was observed in the PTSD group (t = 6.87, p < 0.001). IL-8 was lower in the PTSD group (t = 4.37, p < 0.001) but assessments showed poor reproducibility (ICC = -0.08). Stable DHEA-S and prolactin changes highlight their potential to be reliable markers of PTSD. Change in lipid profiles after 3 months suggests that PTSD patients may be more prone to hyperlipidemia. High intra-individual variability in some variables emphasizes the importance of longitudinal studies in investigations of PTSD biomarkers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mladen Jergović
- Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia ; Department for Cellular Immunology, Institute of Immunology , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Krešo Bendelja
- Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Ana Savić Mlakar
- Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Valerija Vojvoda
- Centre for Research and Knowledge Transfer in Biotechnology, University of Zagreb , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Neda Aberle
- General Hospital "Dr. Josip Benčević" , Slavonski Brod , Croatia
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University , Atlanta, GA , USA
| | - Sabina Rabatić
- Department for Cellular Immunology, Institute of Immunology , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Ante Sabioncello
- Department for Cellular Immunology, Institute of Immunology , Zagreb , Croatia
| | - Anđelko Vidović
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Dubrava , Zagreb , Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Bortoluzzi A, Salum GA, Blaya C, Silveira PP, Grassi-Oliveira R, da Rosa ED, de Aguiar BW, Stertz L, Bosa VL, Schuch I, Goldani M, Kapczinski F, Leistner-Segal S, Manfro GG. Mineralocorticoid receptor genotype moderates the association between physical neglect and serum BDNF. J Psychiatr Res 2014; 59:8-13. [PMID: 25241277 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study is to investigate if a polymorphism in the NR3C2 gene moderates the association between childhood trauma on serum levels of brain derived neurothrophic factor (sBDNF). sBDNF was used here as a general marker of alteration in brain function. This is a community cross sectional study comprising 90 adolescents (54 with anxiety disorders). DNA was extracted from saliva in order to genotype the MR-2G/C (rs2070951) polymorphism using real time PCR. Blood was collected for sBDNF Elisa immunoassay. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) was used to evaluate childhood abuse and neglect. Main effects and gene environment interactions were tested using linear regression models. Anxiety disorders were not associated with the MR-2G/C polymorphism or with sBDNF levels, but the number of C alleles of the MR-2G/C polymorphism was significantly associated with higher sBDNF levels (b = 8.008; p-value = 0.001). Subjects with intermediate and high exposure to physical neglect showed higher sBDNF levels if compared to subjects non-exposed (b = 11.955; p = 0.004 and b = 16.186; p = 0.009, respectively). In addition, we detected a significant physical neglect by MR-2G/C C allele interaction on sBDNF levels (p = 0.005), meaning that intermediate and high exposure to childhood neglect were only associated with increased sBDNF levels in subjects with the CC genotype, but not in subjects with other genotypes. Our findings suggest that genetic variants in NR3C2 gene may partially explain plastic brain vulnerability to traumatic events. Further studies are needed to investigate the moderating effects of NR3C2 gene in more specific markers of alteration in brain function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andressa Bortoluzzi
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program for Children and Adolescents, PROTAIA, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS/Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Post Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Sciences/Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Basic Research and Advanced Investigations in Neurosciences, BRAIN Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| | - Giovanni Abrahão Salum
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program for Children and Adolescents, PROTAIA, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS/Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Post Graduate Program in Medical Sciences: Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil; National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents (INPD/ CNPq), Brazil
| | - Carolina Blaya
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program for Children and Adolescents, PROTAIA, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS/Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Health Sciences Federal University of Porto Alegre, UFCSPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Pelufo Silveira
- Post Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Sciences/Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Research Group, Post-Graduate Program in Psychology - Human Cognition, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, PUCR-RS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduarda Dias da Rosa
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program for Children and Adolescents, PROTAIA, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS/Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Basic Research and Advanced Investigations in Neurosciences, BRAIN Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Laura Stertz
- National Institute of Science and Technology Translational Medicine (INCT/CNPq), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Vera Lúcia Bosa
- Center for Child and Adolescent Health Studies (NESCA), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Brazil
| | - Ilaine Schuch
- Center for Child and Adolescent Health Studies (NESCA), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Brazil
| | - Marcelo Goldani
- Center for Child and Adolescent Health Studies (NESCA), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Brazil
| | - Flavio Kapczinski
- Post Graduate Program in Medical Sciences: Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology Translational Medicine (INCT/CNPq), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Sandra Leistner-Segal
- Medical Genetics Service, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gisele Gus Manfro
- Anxiety Disorders Outpatient Program for Children and Adolescents, PROTAIA, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS/Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Post Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Institute of Basic Sciences/Health, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Post Graduate Program in Medical Sciences: Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Basic Research and Advanced Investigations in Neurosciences, BRAIN Laboratory, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, HCPA, Porto Alegre, Brazil; National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents (INPD/ CNPq), Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Matsuoka Y, Nishi D, Noguchi H, Kim Y, Hashimoto K. Longitudinal changes in serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor in accident survivors with posttraumatic stress disorder. Neuropsychobiology 2014; 68:44-50. [PMID: 23774996 DOI: 10.1159/000350950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This prospective cohort study investigated the serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which mediates synaptic plasticity crucial for fear memory extinction, in patients severely injured in motor vehicle accidents (MVAs). METHOD A nested, case-controlled study was conducted with 103 MVA survivors: 8 medication-naïve patients who met the criteria for full diagnosis of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at 6 months after MVA, 10 medication-naïve patients with partial PTSD and 85 patients with no PTSD. PTSD was evaluated by the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS). Serum BDNF levels were measured shortly after the MVA (baseline) and at 6-month follow-up. RESULTS Posttrauma serum BDNF levels differed between the 3 groups after controlling for age and sex (F = 3.41, p = 0.04), with unexpectedly higher serum BDNF levels seen in the full-PTSD group compared with the no-PTSD group. Additional analysis of patients with serum samples taken at baseline and at 6 months revealed the full-PTSD group had significantly higher serum BDNF levels over the 6 months than the no-PTSD group after controlling for age and sex (F = 6.44, p < 0.01). A positive correlation was seen between changes in serum BDNF levels over 6 months and the CAPS score at 6 months (r = 0.26, p = 0.014). CONCLUSIONS The findings of this study, the first to report longitudinal serum BDNF levels in MVA survivors, suggest that elevated serum BDNF levels could be a biomarker of PTSD after a traumatic event.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Matsuoka
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Translational Medical Center, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
47
|
Oxidative stress and BDNF as possible markers for the severity of crack cocaine use in early withdrawal. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:4031-9. [PMID: 24676990 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3542-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE An important goal of addiction research is to discover neurobiological markers that could predict the severity of addiction and help to determine appropriate treatment. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) are being related to cerebral plasticity and impairment caused by substance abuse. OBJECTIVES This study aims to evaluate alteration of TBARS and BDNF levels among crack cocaine users during early drug withdrawal and its relationship to severity of drug use. METHODS Forty-nine adults crack cocaine users were recruited at a public psychiatric hospital with a specialized addiction treatment unit. Blood sample was collected at intake and discharge for the analysis of TBARS and BDNF measures. Information about drug use was assessed by the Addiction Severity Index 6th Version (ASI-6). Detailed information about crack cocaine use was obtained through the "Profile of the crack cocaine user." Severity of crack use was estimated using information from age of first crack use, years of crack use, and crack rocks used in the previous 30 days. RESULTS There is a positive correlation between TBARS levels and severity of crack cocaine use (R = 0.304, p = 0.04) and a negative correlation between BDNF and severity of crack cocaine use (R = -0.359, p = 0.01) at discharge. Also, we found an inverse correlation between TBARS and BDNF levels (R = -0.294, p = 0.004) at discharge. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that BDNF and TBARS could be possible markers for the severity of drug use. Further studies may show how those markers could be related to staging, prognosis, and treatment in crack cocaine dependence.
Collapse
|
48
|
BDNF-TrkB receptor regulation of distributed adult neural plasticity, memory formation, and psychiatric disorders. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2014; 122:169-92. [PMID: 24484701 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-420170-5.00006-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its single transmembrane receptor, tropomysin-related kinase B (TrkB), are essential for adult synaptic plasticity and the formation of memories. However, there are regional and task-dependent differences underlying differential mechanisms of BDNF-TrkB function in the formation of these memories. Additionally, the BDNF pathway has been implicated in several psychiatric disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder, phobia, and panic disorder. Gaining a better understanding of this pathway and the neurobiology of memory through fundamental research may be helpful to identify effective prevention and treatment approaches both for diseases of memory deficit as well as in cases of enhanced aversive memory, such as in anxiety disorders.
Collapse
|
49
|
Hammamieh R, Chakraborty N, Gautam A, Miller SA, Muhie S, Meyerhoff J, Jett M. Transcriptomic analysis of the effects of a fish oil enriched diet on murine brains. PLoS One 2014; 9:e90425. [PMID: 24632812 PMCID: PMC3954562 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0090425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The health benefits of fish oil enriched with high omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) are widely documented. Fish oil as dietary supplements, however, show moderate clinical efficacy, highlighting an immediate scope of systematic in vitro feedback. Our transcriptomic study was designed to investigate the genomic shift of murine brains fed on fish oil enriched diets. A customized fish oil enriched diet (FD) and standard lab diet (SD) were separately administered to two randomly chosen populations of C57BL/6J mice from their weaning age until late adolescence. Statistical analysis mined 1,142 genes of interest (GOI) differentially altered in the hemibrains collected from the FD- and SD-fed mice at the age of five months. The majority of identified GOI (∼40%) encodes proteins located in the plasma membrane, suggesting that fish oil primarily facilitated the membrane-oriented biofunctions. FD potentially augmented the nervous system's development and functions by selectively stimulating the Src-mediated calcium-induced growth cascade and the downstream PI3K-AKT-PKC pathways. FD reduced the amyloidal burden, attenuated oxidative stress, and assisted in somatostatin activation—the signatures of attenuation of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and affective disorder. FD induced elevation of FKBP5 and suppression of BDNF, which are often linked with the improvement of anxiety disorder, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Hence we anticipate efficacy of FD in treating illnesses such as depression that are typically triggered by the hypoactivities of dopaminergic, adrenergic, cholinergic, and GABAergic networks. Contrastingly, FD's efficacy could be compromised in treating illnesses such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, which are triggered by hyperactivities of the same set of neuromodulators. A more comprehensive investigation is recommended to elucidate the implications of fish oil on disease pathomechanisms, and the result-driven repositioning of fish oil utilization may revitalize its therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Hammamieh
- United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Nabarun Chakraborty
- United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Aarti Gautam
- United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Stacy-Ann Miller
- United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Seid Muhie
- United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - James Meyerhoff
- United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Marti Jett
- United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Maryland, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Neurobehavioral Mechanisms of Traumatic Stress in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2014; 18:161-90. [PMID: 24691656 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2014_307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder that develops following trauma exposure. It is characterized by four symptom clusters: intrusion, avoidance, negative alteration in cognitions and mood, and alterations in arousal and reactivity. Several risk factors have been associated with PTSD, including trauma type and severity, gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, cognitive reserve, pretrauma psychopathology, familial psychiatric history, and genetics. Great strides have been made in understanding the neurobiology of PTSD through animal models and human imaging studies. Most of the animal models have face validity, but they have limitations in the generalization to the human model of PTSD. Newer animal models, such as the "CBC" model, have better validity for PTSD, which takes into account the different components of its diagnostic criteria. To date, fear conditioning and fear extinction animal models have provided support for the hypothesis that PTSD is a dysregulation of the processes related to fear regulation and, especially, fear extinction. More research is needed to further understand these processes as they relate not only to PTSD but also to resilience. Further, this research could be instrumental in the development of novel effective treatments for PTSD.
Collapse
|