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Spychala KM, Friedman NP, Gizer IR. Executive Function as an Underlying Mechanism of Alcohol Use, Aggression, and ADHD. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.06.10.24308620. [PMID: 38946945 PMCID: PMC11213049 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.10.24308620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Executive functioning (EF) has been proposed as a transdiagnostic risk factor for externalizing disorders and behavior more broadly, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), aggression, and alcohol use. Previous research has demonstrated both phenotypic and genetic overlap among these behaviors, but has yet to examine EF as a common causal mechanism. The current study examined reciprocal causal associations between EF and several externalizing behaviors using a Mendelian randomization (MR) approach. Methods Two-sample MR was conducted to test causal associations between EF and externalizing behaviors. Summary statistics from several genome-wide association studies (GWASs) were used in these analyses, including GWASs of EF, ADHD diagnostic status, drinks per week, aggressive behavior, and alcohol use disorder (AUD) diagnostic status. Multiple estimation methods were employed to account for horizontal pleiotropy (e.g., inverse variance weighted, MR-PRESSO, MR-MIX). Results EF demonstrated significant causal relationships with ADHD (P < 0.01), AUD (P < 0.03), and alcohol consumption (P < 0.01) across several estimation methods. Reciprocally, ADHD showed a significant causal influence on EF (P < 0.03). Nonetheless, caution should be used when interpreting these findings as there was some evidence for horizontal pleiotropy in the effect of EF on ADHD and significant heterogeneity in variant effects in the other relations tested. There were no significant findings for aggression. Conclusions Findings suggest that EF may be a causal mechanism underlying some externalizing behaviors, including ADHD and alcohol use, and that ADHD may also lead to lower performance on EF tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellyn M Spychala
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
| | - Naomi P Friedman
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado
| | - Ian R Gizer
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211
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2
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Lundstrom K. Epigenetics: rethinking of drug research and development. Future Med Chem 2024:1-3. [PMID: 31741399 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2019-0174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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3
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Chen J, Amdanee N, Zuo X, Wang Y, Gong M, Yang Y, Li H, Zhang X, Zhang C. Biomarkers of bipolar disorder based on metabolomics: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:492-503. [PMID: 38218254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.033] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe affective disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of depression or mania/hypomania, which significantly impair cognitive function, life skills, and social abilities of patients. There is little understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms of BD. The diagnosis of BD is primarily based on clinical assessment and psychiatric examination, highlighting the urgent need for objective markers to facilitate the diagnosis of BD. Metabolomics can be used as a diagnostic tool for disease identification and evaluation. This study summarized the altered metabolites in BD and analyzed aberrant metabolic pathways, which might contribute to the diagnosis of BD. Search of PubMed and Web of science for human BD studies related to metabolism to identify articles published up to November 19, 2022 yielded 987 articles. After screening and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 untargeted and 11 targeted metabolomics studies were included. Pathway analysis of the potential differential biometabolic markers was performed using the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG). There were 72 upregulated and 134 downregulated biomarkers in the untargeted metabolomics studies using blood samples. Untargeted metabolomics studies utilizing urine specimens revealed the presence of 78 upregulated and 54 downregulated metabolites. The targeted metabolomics studies revealed abnormalities in the metabolism of glutamate and tryptophan. Enrichment analysis revealed that the differential metabolic pathways were mainly involved in the metabolism of glucose, amino acid and fatty acid. These findings suggested that certain metabolic biomarkers or metabolic biomarker panels might serve as a reference for the diagnosis of BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China; Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu,210000, China
| | - Nousayhah Amdanee
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu,210000, China
| | - Xiaowei Zuo
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu,210000, China
| | - Muxin Gong
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China
| | - Yujing Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China
| | - Xiangrong Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China; Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu,210000, China.
| | - Caiyi Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu,221004, China.
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Odintsova VV, Hagenbeek FA, van der Laan CM, van de Weijer S, Boomsma DI. Genetics and epigenetics of human aggression. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 197:13-44. [PMID: 37633706 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821375-9.00005-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
There is substantial variation between humans in aggressive behavior, with its biological etiology and molecular genetic basis mostly unknown. This review chapter offers an overview of genomic and omics studies revealing the genetic contribution to aggression and first insights into associations with epigenetic and other omics (e.g., metabolomics) profiles. We allowed for a broad phenotype definition including studies on "aggression," "aggressive behavior," or "aggression-related traits," "antisocial behavior," "conduct disorder," and "oppositional defiant disorder." Heritability estimates based on family and twin studies in children and adults of this broadly defined phenotype of aggression are around 50%, with relatively small fluctuations around this estimate. Next, we review the genome-wide association studies (GWAS) which search for associations with alleles and also allow for gene-based tests and epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) which seek to identify associations with differently methylated regions across the genome. Both GWAS and EWAS allow for construction of Polygenic and DNA methylation scores at an individual level. Currently, these predict a small percentage of variance in aggression. We expect that increases in sample size will lead to additional discoveries in GWAS and EWAS, and that multiomics approaches will lead to a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular underpinnings of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika V Odintsova
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development (AR&D) Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Mental Health Division, Amsterdam Public Health (APH) Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Fiona A Hagenbeek
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Mental Health Division, Amsterdam Public Health (APH) Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Camiel M van der Laan
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Steve van de Weijer
- Netherlands Institute for the Study of Crime and Law Enforcement (NSCR), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Reproduction and Development (AR&D) Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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5
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Deng H, He L, Wang C, Zhang T, Guo H, Zhang H, Song Y, Chen B. Altered gut microbiota and its metabolites correlate with plasma cytokines in schizophrenia inpatients with aggression. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:629. [PMID: 36167540 PMCID: PMC9513873 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04255-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiological mechanisms of aggression are manifold and they may closely interconnect. Current study aimed to determine the gut microbiota and its metabolites, and clarify their correlations with inflammation, oxidation, leaky gut and clinical profiles underlying aggression in schizophrenia (ScZ). METHODS Serum and stool specimens from ScZ inpatients with (ScZ-Ag, 25 cases) and without aggression (NScZ-Ag, 25 cases) were collected. Systemic inflammation, oxidation and leaky gut biomarkers were determined by ELISA, gut microbiota by 16S rRNA sequencing, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis and neurotransmitters by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometry analysis. RESULTS Significantly higher systemic pro-inflammation, pro-oxidation and leaky gut biomarkers were observed in ScZ-Ag than NScZ-Ag group (all P<0.001). Compared to NScZ-Ag group, the alpha-diversity and evenness of fecal bacterial community were much lower, the abundance of fecal genera Prevotella was significantly increased, while that Bacteroides, Faecalibacterium, Blautia, Bifidobacterium,Collinsella and Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes were remarkably reduced in ScZ-Ag group (all corrected P<0.001). Meanwhile, 6 SCFAs and 6 neurotransmitters were much lower in ScZ-Ag group (all P<0.05). Finally, a few strongly positive or negative correlations among altered gut microbiota, SCFAs, systemic pro-inflammation, leaky gut, pro-oxidation and aggression severity were detected. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that pro-inflammation, pro-oxidation and leaky gut phenotypes relating to enteric dysbacteriosis and microbial SCFAs feature the aggression onset or severity in ScZ individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Deng
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People’s Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, 463003 China
| | - Lei He
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People’s Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, 463003 China
| | - Chong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People’s Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, 463003 China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People’s Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, 463003 China
| | - Hua Guo
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People’s Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, 463003 China
| | - Hongwei Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People’s Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, 463003 China
| | - Yanning Song
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People’s Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, 463003 China
| | - Bangtao Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, School of Medicine, Chong University, Chongqing, 404000, China.
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6
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Paribello P, Manchia M, Bosia M, Pinna F, Carpiniello B, Comai S. Melatonin and aggressive behavior: A systematic review of the literature on preclinical and clinical evidence. J Pineal Res 2022; 72:e12794. [PMID: 35192237 PMCID: PMC9285357 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The melatonin system and circadian disruption have well-established links with aggressive behaviors; however, the biological underpinnings have not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we aimed at examining the current knowledge regarding the neurobiological and psychopharmacological involvement of the melatonin system in aggressive/violent behaviors. To this end, we performed a systematic review on Embase and Pubmed/MEDLINE of preclinical and clinical evidence linking the melatonin system, melatonin, and melatoninergic drugs with aggressive/violent behaviors. Two blinded raters performed an independent screening of the relevant literature. Overall, this review included 38 papers distributed between clinical and preclinical models. Eleven papers specifically addressed the existing evidence in rodent models, five in fish models, and 21 in humans. The data indicate that depending on the species, model, and timing of administration, melatonin may exert a complex influence on aggressive/violent behaviors. Particularly, the apparent contrasting findings on the link between the melatonin system and aggression/violence (with either increased, no, or decreased effect) shown in preclinical models underscore the need for further research to develop more accurate and fruitful translational models. Likewise, the significant heterogeneity found in the results of clinical studies does not allow yet to draw any firm conclusion on the efficacy of melatonin or melatonergic drugs on aggressive/violent behaviors. However, findings in children and in traits associated with aggressive/violent behavior, including irritability and anger, are emerging and deserve empirical attention given the low toxicity of melatonin and melatonergic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquale Paribello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public HealthUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
- Unit of Clinical PsychiatryUniversity Hospital Agency of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public HealthUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
- Unit of Clinical PsychiatryUniversity Hospital Agency of CagliariCagliariItaly
- Department of PharmacologyDalhousie UniversityHalifaxNova ScotiaCanada
| | - Marta Bosia
- Division of NeuroscienceSan Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- School of MedicineVita Salute San Raffaele UniversityMilanItaly
| | - Federica Pinna
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public HealthUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
- Unit of Clinical PsychiatryUniversity Hospital Agency of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public HealthUniversity of CagliariCagliariItaly
- Unit of Clinical PsychiatryUniversity Hospital Agency of CagliariCagliariItaly
| | - Stefano Comai
- Division of NeuroscienceSan Raffaele Scientific InstituteMilanItaly
- Department of PsychiatryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuebecCanada
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological SciencesUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PaduaPaduaItaly
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7
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Panisi C, Marini M. Dynamic and Systemic Perspective in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Change of Gaze in Research Opens to A New Landscape of Needs and Solutions. Brain Sci 2022; 12:250. [PMID: 35204013 PMCID: PMC8870276 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The first step for a harmonious bio-psycho-social framework in approaching autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is overcoming the conflict between the biological and the psychosocial perspective. Biological research can provide clues for a correct approach to clinical practice, assuming that it would lead to the conceptualization of a pathogenetic paradigm able to account for epidemiologic and clinical findings. The upward trajectory in ASD prevalence and the systemic involvement of other organs besides the brain suggest that the epigenetic paradigm is the most plausible one. The embryo-fetal period is the crucial window of opportunity for keeping neurodevelopment on the right tracks, suggesting that women's health in pregnancy should be a priority. Maladaptive molecular pathways beginning in utero, in particular, a vicious circle between the immune response, oxidative stress/mitochondrial dysfunction, and dysbiosis-impact neurodevelopment and brain functioning across the lifespan and are the basis for progressive multisystemic disorders that account for the substantial health loss and the increased mortality in ASD. Therefore, the biological complexity of ASD and its implications for health requires the enhancement of clinical skills on these topics, to achieve an effective multi-disciplinary healthcare model. Well-balanced training courses could be a promising starting point to make a change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Panisi
- Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia ONLUS, Cesano Boscone, 20090 Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Marini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy;
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8
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Wang C, Zhang T, He L, Fu JY, Deng HX, Xue XL, Chen BT. Bacterial Translocation Associates With Aggression in Schizophrenia Inpatients. Front Syst Neurosci 2021; 15:704069. [PMID: 34658801 PMCID: PMC8511448 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2021.704069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Accumulating evidence indicates that inflammation abnormalities may contribute to aggression behaviors in psychotic patients, however, the possible sources of inflammation remain elusive. We aimed to evaluate the associations among aggression, inflammation, and bacterial translocation (BT) in aggression-affected schizophrenia (ScZ) inpatients with 2 weeks of antipsychotics discontinuation. Methods: Serum specimens collected from 112 aggression and 112 non-aggression individuals with ScZ and 56 healthy adults were used for quantifications of inflammation- or BT-related biomarkers. Aggression severity was assessed by Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS). Results: Proinflammation phenotype dominated and leaky gut-induced BT occurred only in cases with ScZ with a history of aggression, and the MOAS score positively related to levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Furthermore, serum levels of BT-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS), as well as LPS-responded soluble CD14, were not only positively correlated with levels of above proinflammation mediators but also the total MOAS score and subscore for aggression against objects or others. Conclusion: Our results collectively demonstrate the presence of leaky gut and further correlate BT-derived LPS and soluble CD14 to onset or severity of aggression possibly by driving proinflammation response in inpatients with ScZ, which indicates that BT may be a novel anti-inflammation therapeutic target for aggression prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People's Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, China
| | - Teng Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People's Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, China
| | - Lei He
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People's Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, China
| | - Ji-Yong Fu
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People's Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, China
| | - Hong-Xin Deng
- Department of Psychiatry, Zhumadian Psychiatric Hospital (The Second People's Hospital of Zhumadian), Zhumadian, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Xue
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bang-Tao Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, China
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9
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Duclot F, Kabbaj M. Epigenetics of Aggression. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 54:283-310. [PMID: 34595741 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Aggression is a complex behavioral trait modulated by both genetic and environmental influences on gene expression. By controlling gene expression in a reversible yet potentially lasting manner in response to environmental stimulation, epigenetic mechanisms represent prime candidates in explaining both individual differences in aggression and the development of elevated aggressive behaviors following life adversity. In this manuscript, we review the evidence for an epigenetic basis in the development and expression of aggression in both humans and related preclinical animal models. In particular, we discuss reports linking DNA methylation, histone post-translational modifications, as well as non-coding RNA, to the regulation of a variety of genes implicated in the neurobiology of aggression including neuropeptides, the serotoninergic and dopaminergic systems, and stress response related systems. While clinical reports do reveal interesting patterns of DNA methylation underlying individual differences and experience-induced aggressive behaviors, they do, in general, face the challenge of linking peripheral observations to central nervous system regulations. Preclinical studies, on the other hand, provide detailed mechanistic insights into the epigenetic reprogramming of gene expression following life adversities. Although the functional link to aggression remains unclear in most, these studies together do highlight the involvement of epigenetic events driven by DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNA in the neuroadaptations underlying the development and expression of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Duclot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
| | - Mohamed Kabbaj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
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10
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Eusebi PG, Sevane N, O'Rourke T, Pizarro M, Boeckx C, Dunner S. Gene expression profiles underlying aggressive behavior in the prefrontal cortex of cattle. BMC Genomics 2021; 22:245. [PMID: 33827428 PMCID: PMC8028707 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-021-07505-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aggressive behavior is an ancient and conserved trait, habitual for most animals in order to eat, protect themselves, compete for mating and defend their territories. Genetic factors have been shown to play an important role in the development of aggression both in animals and humans, displaying moderate to high heritability estimates. Although such types of behaviors have been studied in different animal models, the molecular architecture of aggressiveness remains poorly understood. This study compared gene expression profiles of 16 prefrontal cortex (PFC) samples from aggressive and non-aggressive cattle breeds: Lidia, selected for agonistic responses, and Wagyu, selected for tameness. RESULTS A total of 918 up-regulated and 278 down-regulated differentially expressed genes (DEG) were identified, representing above-chance overlap with genes previously identified in studies of aggression across species, as well as those implicated in recent human evolution. The functional interpretation of the up-regulated genes in the aggressive cohort revealed enrichment of pathways such as Alzheimer disease-presenilin, integrins and the ERK/MAPK signaling cascade, all implicated in the development of abnormal aggressive behaviors and neurophysiological disorders. Moreover, gonadotropins, are up-regulated as natural mechanisms enhancing aggression. Concomitantly, heterotrimeric G-protein pathways, associated with low reactivity mental states, and the GAD2 gene, a repressor of agonistic reactions associated with PFC activity, are down-regulated, promoting the development of the aggressive responses selected for in Lidia cattle. We also identified six upstream regulators, whose functional activity fits with the etiology of abnormal behavioral responses associated with aggression. CONCLUSIONS These transcriptional correlates of aggression, resulting, at least in part, from controlled artificial selection, can provide valuable insights into the complex architecture that underlies naturally developed agonistic behaviors. This analysis constitutes a first important step towards the identification of the genes and metabolic pathways that promote aggression in cattle and, providing a novel model species to disentangle the mechanisms underlying variability in aggressive behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina G Eusebi
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avenida Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Natalia Sevane
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avenida Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Thomas O'Rourke
- Universitat de Barcelona, Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain.,UBICS, Carrer Martí Franqués 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Pizarro
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avenida Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cedric Boeckx
- Universitat de Barcelona, Gran Vía de les Corts Catalanes 585, 08007, Barcelona, Spain.,UBICS, Carrer Martí Franqués 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,ICREA, Passeig Lluís Companys 23, 08010, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Dunner
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Avenida Puerta de Hierro, s/n, 28040, Madrid, Spain
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11
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El-Ansary A, Chirumbolo S, Bhat RS, Dadar M, Ibrahim EM, Bjørklund G. The Role of Lipidomics in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 24:31-48. [PMID: 31691195 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-019-00430-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental syndrome commonly diagnosed in early childhood; it is usually characterized by impairment in reciprocal communication and speech, repetitive behaviors, and social withdrawal with loss in communication skills. Its development may be affected by a variety of environmental and genetic factors. Trained physicians diagnose and evaluate the severity of ASD based on clinical evaluations of observed behaviors. As such, this approach is inevitably dependent on the expertise and subjective assessment of those administering the clinical evaluations. There is a need to identify objective biological markers associated with diagnosis or clinical severity of the disorder. Several important issues and concerns exist regarding the diagnostic competence of the many abnormal plasma metabolites produced in the different biochemical pathways evaluated in individuals with ASD. The search for high-performing bio-analytes to diagnose and follow-up ASD development is still a major target in medicine. Dysregulation in the oxidative stress response and proinflammatory processes are major etiological causes of ASD pathogenesis. Furthermore, dicarboxylic acid metabolites, cholesterol-related metabolites, phospholipid-related metabolites, and lipid transporters and mediators are impaired in different pathological conditions that have a role in the ASD etiology. A mechanism may exist by which pro-oxidant environmental stressors and abnormal metabolites regulate clinical manifestations and development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afaf El-Ansary
- Central Laboratory, Female Centre for Scientific and Medical Studies, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Autism Research and Treatment Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,CONEM Saudi Autism Research Group, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Therapeutic Chemistry Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,CONEM Scientific Secretary, Verona, Italy
| | - Ramesa Shafi Bhat
- Biochemistry Department, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maryam Dadar
- Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Karaj, Iran
| | - Eiman M Ibrahim
- Central Laboratory, Female Centre for Scientific and Medical Studies, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine (CONEM), Toften 24, 8610, Mo i Rana, Norway.
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12
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Panisi C, Guerini FR, Abruzzo PM, Balzola F, Biava PM, Bolotta A, Brunero M, Burgio E, Chiara A, Clerici M, Croce L, Ferreri C, Giovannini N, Ghezzo A, Grossi E, Keller R, Manzotti A, Marini M, Migliore L, Moderato L, Moscone D, Mussap M, Parmeggiani A, Pasin V, Perotti M, Piras C, Saresella M, Stoccoro A, Toso T, Vacca RA, Vagni D, Vendemmia S, Villa L, Politi P, Fanos V. Autism Spectrum Disorder from the Womb to Adulthood: Suggestions for a Paradigm Shift. J Pers Med 2021; 11:70. [PMID: 33504019 PMCID: PMC7912683 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The wide spectrum of unique needs and strengths of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a challenge for the worldwide healthcare system. With the plethora of information from research, a common thread is required to conceptualize an exhaustive pathogenetic paradigm. The epidemiological and clinical findings in ASD cannot be explained by the traditional linear genetic model, hence the need to move towards a more fluid conception, integrating genetics, environment, and epigenetics as a whole. The embryo-fetal period and the first two years of life (the so-called 'First 1000 Days') are the crucial time window for neurodevelopment. In particular, the interplay and the vicious loop between immune activation, gut dysbiosis, and mitochondrial impairment/oxidative stress significantly affects neurodevelopment during pregnancy and undermines the health of ASD people throughout life. Consequently, the most effective intervention in ASD is expected by primary prevention aimed at pregnancy and at early control of the main effector molecular pathways. We will reason here on a comprehensive and exhaustive pathogenetic paradigm in ASD, viewed not just as a theoretical issue, but as a tool to provide suggestions for effective preventive strategies and personalized, dynamic (from womb to adulthood), systemic, and interdisciplinary healthcare approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Panisi
- Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia ONLUS, Cesano Boscone, 20090 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Franca Rosa Guerini
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
| | | | - Federico Balzola
- Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Pier Mario Biava
- Scientific Institute of Research and Care Multimedica, 20138 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Bolotta
- DIMES, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.M.A.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Marco Brunero
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Ernesto Burgio
- ECERI—European Cancer and Environment Research Institute, Square de Meeus 38-40, 1000 Bruxelles, Belgium;
| | - Alberto Chiara
- Dipartimento Materno Infantile ASST, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Croce
- Centro Domino per l’Autismo, Universita’ Cattolica Brescia, 20139 Milan, Italy;
| | - Carla Ferreri
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Organic Synthesis and Photoreactivity (ISOF), 40129 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Niccolò Giovannini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Ghezzo
- DIMES, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.M.A.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Enzo Grossi
- Autism Research Unit, Villa Santa Maria Foundation, 22038 Tavernerio, Italy;
| | - Roberto Keller
- Adult Autism Centre DSM ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy;
| | - Andrea Manzotti
- RAISE Lab, Foundation COME Collaboration, 65121 Pescara, Italy;
| | - Marina Marini
- DIMES, School of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (P.M.A.); (A.B.); (A.G.)
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Medical Genetics Laboratories, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Lucio Moderato
- Fondazione Istituto Sacra Famiglia ONLUS, Cesano Boscone, 20090 Milan, Italy;
| | - Davide Moscone
- Associazione Spazio Asperger ONLUS, Centro Clinico CuoreMenteLab, 00141 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michele Mussap
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (V.F.)
| | - Antonia Parmeggiani
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS ISNB, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Valentina Pasin
- Milan Institute for health Care and Advanced Learning, 20124 Milano, Italy;
| | | | - Cristina Piras
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Marina Saresella
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, ONLUS, 20148 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (M.S.)
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Medical Genetics Laboratories, Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (L.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Tiziana Toso
- Unione Italiana Lotta alla Distrofia Muscolare UILDM, 35100 Padova, Italy;
| | - Rosa Anna Vacca
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics and Molecular Biotechnologies (IBIOM), National Research Council of Italy, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - David Vagni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy, 98164 Messina, Italy;
| | | | - Laura Villa
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy;
| | - Pierluigi Politi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 09100 Cagliari, Italy; (M.M.); (V.F.)
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
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Li C, Shi Z, Ji J, Niu G, Liu Z. Associations of C-Reactive Protein, Free Triiodothyronine, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone and Creatinine Levels with Agitation in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:2575-2585. [PMID: 34408419 PMCID: PMC8364367 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s322005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Agitation is prevalent among inpatients with schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to investigate whether biochemical parameters are associated with agitation in schizophrenia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Agitation was evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale-Excited Component questionnaire (PANSS-EC). Fasting serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), uric acid (UA), creatinine, glucose and lipids were measured. RESULTS The analysis included 154 inpatients with schizophrenia (71 with agitation, 83 without agitation) and 75 healthy control subjects. Patients with schizophrenia and agitation had higher serum levels of CRP, FT3, FT4 and UA as well as lower levels of serum TSH and creatinine than patients without agitation (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that serum CRP (odds ratio [OR] = 1.470, P = 0.001), FT3 (OR = 13.026, P < 0.001), TSH (OR = 0.758, P = 0.033) and creatinine (OR = 0.965, P = 0.004) were significantly associated with agitation in schizophrenia. CRP, FT3, TSH and creatinine achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.626, 0.728, 0.620 and 0.663 respectively in discriminating schizophrenia with or without agitation. CONCLUSION Increased serum CRP and FT3 levels and decreased serum TSH and creatinine levels are independent risk factors for agitation in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. Inflammation, thyroid hormones and renal function may be involved in the pathogenesis of agitation in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenchun Shi
- Department of Psychiatry, Shandong Mental Health Center, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiacui Ji
- Department of Psychiatry, Shandong Mental Health Center, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
| | - Gengyun Niu
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, 272067, People's Republic of China
| | - Zengxun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Shandong Mental Health Center, Jinan, 250014, People's Republic of China
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Rajula HSR, Manchia M, Carpiniello B, Fanos V. Big data in severe mental illness: the role of electronic monitoring tools and metabolomics. Per Med 2020; 18:75-90. [PMID: 33124507 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2020-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in the development of effective early detection and intervention strategies in severe mental illness (SMI). Ideally, these efforts should lead to the delineation of accurate staging models of SMI enabling personalized interventions. It is plausible that big data approaches will be instrumental in describing the developmental trajectories of SMI by facilitating the incorporation of data from multiple sources, including those pertaining to the biological make-up of affected subjects. In this review, we first aimed to offer a perspective on how big data are helping the delineation of personalized approaches in SMI, and, second, to offer a quantitative synthesis of big data approaches in metabolomics of SMI. We finally described future directions of this research area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hema Sekhar Reddy Rajula
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Pathology & Neonatal Section, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H4R2, Canada.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Department of Medical Science & Public Health, Section of Psychiatry, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy.,Unit of Clinical Psychiatry, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Pathology & Neonatal Section, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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Abstract
In the last years, 'omics' technologies, and especially metabolomics, emerged as expanding scientific disciplines and promising technologies in the characterization of several pathophysiological processes.In detail, metabolomics, able to detect in a dynamic way the whole set of molecules of low molecular weight in cells, tissues, organs, and biological fluids, can provide a detailed phenotypic portray, representing a metabolic "snapshot."Thanks to its numerous strength points, metabolomics could become a fundamental tool in human health, allowing the exact evaluation of individual metabolic responses to pathophysiological stimuli including drugs, environmental changes, lifestyle, a great number of diseases and other epigenetics factors.Moreover, if current metabolomics data will be confirmed on larger samples, such technology could become useful in the early diagnosis of diseases, maybe even before the clinical onset, allowing a clinical monitoring of disease progression and helping in performing the best therapeutic approach, potentially predicting the therapy response and avoiding overtreatments. Moreover, the application of metabolomics in nutrition could provide significant information on the best nutrition regimen, optimal infantile growth and even in the characterization and improvement of commercial products' composition.These are only some of the fields in which metabolomics was applied, in the perspective of a precision-based, personalized care of human health.In this review, we discuss the available literature on such topic and provide some evidence regarding clinical application of metabolomics in heart diseases, auditory disturbance, nephrouropathies, adult and pediatric cancer, obstetrics, perinatal conditions like asphyxia, neonatal nutrition, neonatal sepsis and even some neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism.Our research group has been interested in metabolomics since several years, performing a wide spectrum of experimental and clinical studies, including the first metabolomics analysis of human breast milk. In the future, it is reasonable to predict that the current knowledge could be applied in daily clinical practice, and that sensible metabolomics biomarkers could be easily detected through cheap and accurate sticks, evaluating biofluids at the patient's bed, improving diagnosis, management and prognosis of sick patients and allowing a personalized medicine. A dream? May be I am a dreamer, but I am not the only one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flaminia Bardanzellu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, AOU University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4,500, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy.
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, AOU University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4,500, 09042, Monserrato, CA, Italy
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Genomics of human aggression: current state of genome-wide studies and an automated systematic review tool. Psychiatr Genet 2020; 29:170-190. [PMID: 31464998 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There are substantial differences, or variation, between humans in aggression, with its molecular genetic basis mostly unknown. This review summarizes knowledge on the genetic contribution to variation in aggression with the following three foci: (1) a comprehensive overview of reviews on the genetics of human aggression, (2) a systematic review of genome-wide association studies (GWASs), and (3) an automated tool for the selection of literature based on supervised machine learning. The phenotype definition 'aggression' (or 'aggressive behaviour', or 'aggression-related traits') included anger, antisocial behaviour, conduct disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. The literature search was performed in multiple databases, manually and using a novel automated selection tool, resulting in 18 reviews and 17 GWASs of aggression. Heritability estimates of aggression in children and adults are around 50%, with relatively small fluctuations around this estimate. In 17 GWASs, 817 variants were reported as suggestive (P ≤ 1.0E), including 10 significant associations (P ≤ 5.0E). Nominal associations (P ≤ 1E) were found in gene-based tests for genes involved in immune, endocrine, and nervous systems. Associations were not replicated across GWASs. A complete list of variants and their position in genes and chromosomes are available online. The automated literature search tool produced literature not found by regular search strategies. Aggression in humans is heritable, but its genetic basis remains to be uncovered. No sufficiently large GWASs have been carried out yet. With increases in sample size, we expect aggression to behave like other complex human traits for which GWAS has been successful.
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18
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"Do depressive and manic symptoms differentially impact on functioning in acute depression? Results from a large, cross-sectional study". J Affect Disord 2020; 261:30-39. [PMID: 31600585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.09.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode capture heterogeneous presentations across unipolar (UD) and bipolar (BD) and first-onset (FDE) depression. We evaluated the contribution of each depressive and (hypo)manic symptom to worse functioning in UD/BD/FDE subgroups. METHODS A post-hoc analysis of the BRIDGE-II-Mix study. Acutely depressed patients were stratified into UD, BD and FDE. Each (hypo)manic or depressive symptom was included in a diagnosis-specific logistic regression model with functioning as dependent variable. Better/worse functioning was set with median diagnosis-specific GAF scores cutoffs. All p values were two-tailed. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS A total of 2768/2811 depressed individuals were enrolled. In BD (N = 716), "recurrent thoughts of death" (OR 2.48, p < 0.0001) and "feelings of worthlessness" (OR 2.28, p < 0.0001) among depressive symptoms, "aggressiveness" (OR 1.67, p = 0.022) as the unique (hypo)manic symptom, significantly contributed to worse functioning. In UD (N = 1357), "depressed mood" (OR 5.6, p = 0.031) and "diminished interest or pleasure" (OR 4.77, p < 0.0001) among depressive, "grandiosity" (OR 3.5, p = 0.014) among (hypo)manic symptoms, most significantly contributed to worse functioning. In FDE (N = 677) "recurrent thoughts of death" (OR 1.99, p < 0.0001) and "insomnia/hypersomnia" (OR 1.88, p = 0.039) among depressive, "grandiosity" (OR 5.98, p = 0.038) as (hypo)manic symptoms significantly contributed to worse functioning. LIMITATIONS The post-hoc and cross-sectional design do not allow for prognostic or causal inferences. CONCLUSIONS Key depressive and (hypo)manic symptoms distinctively associate with worse functional outcome in acute depression, with differential diagnostic-specific magnitude of effect. Core depressive symptoms are associated with worse functioning in unipolar depression, but not in bipolar or first-episode depression.
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Zhang G, Xu S, Zhang Z, Zhang Y, Wu Y, An J, Lin J, Yuan Z, Shen L, Si T. Identification of Key Genes and the Pathophysiology Associated With Major Depressive Disorder Patients Based on Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:192. [PMID: 32317989 PMCID: PMC7146847 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: At present, laboratory blood tests to support major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis are not available. This study aimed to screen potential mRNAs for peripheral blood biomarkers and novel pathophysiology of MDD. Methods: The present study utilized public data from two mRNA microarray datasets to analyze the hub genes changes related to MDD. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were performed. Finally, some potential mRNA quality biomarkers for hub gene expression in blood were identified. Results: A total of 25 significantly co-upregulated DEGs and 98 co-downregulated DEGs were obtained from two datasets. The pathway enrichment analyses showed that co-upregulated genes were significantly enriched in the regulation of cell-matrix adhesion and mitochondrial membrane permeability which were involved in the apoptotic process. Co-downregulated genes were mainly involved in the neutrophil activation which in turn was involved in the immune response, degranulation and cell-mediated immunity, positive regulation of immune response, the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, and the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. From the PPI network, 14 hub genes were obtained. Among them, the subnetworks of PLCG1, BCL2A1, TLR8, FADD, and TLR4 screened out from our study have been shown to play a role in immune and inflammation responses. Discussion: The potential molecular mechanisms that have been identified simultaneously include innate immunity, neuroinflammation, and neurotrophic factors for synapse function and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyin Zhang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Peking University Sixth Hospital and Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Shixin Xu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Traditional Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Medical Experiment Center, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | | | - Yu Zhang
- Hebei North University, Hebei, China
| | - Yankun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Peking University Sixth Hospital and Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jing An
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Peking University Sixth Hospital and Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jinyu Lin
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Peking University Sixth Hospital and Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Yuan
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Shen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianmei Si
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Ministry of Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Peking University Sixth Hospital and Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Beijing, China
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Amygdala GluN2B-NMDAR dysfunction is critical in abnormal aggression of neurodevelopmental origin induced by St8sia2 deficiency. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:2144-2161. [PMID: 30089788 PMCID: PMC7473847 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0132-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Aggression is frequently observed in neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autism, and bipolar disorder. Due to a lack of understanding of its underlying mechanisms, effective treatments for abnormal aggression are still missing. Recently, genetic variations in Sialyltransferase 2 (St8sia2) have been linked to these disorders and aggression. Here we identify abnormal aggressive behaviors and concomitant blunted fear learning in St8sia2 knockout (-/-) mice. It is worth noting that the amygdala of St8sia2-/- mice shows diminished threat-induced activation, as well as alterations in synaptic structure and function, including impaired GluN2B-containing NMDA receptor-mediated synaptic transmission and plasticity. Pharmacological rescue of NMDA receptor activity in the amygdala of St8sia2-/- mice with the partial agonist D-cycloserine restores synaptic plasticity and normalizes behavioral aberrations. Pathological aggression and associated traits were recapitulated by specific amygdala neonatal St8sia2 silencing. Our results establish a developmental link between St8sia2 deficiency and a pathological aggression syndrome, specify synaptic targets for therapeutic developments, and highlight D-cycloserine as a plausible treatment.
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Mustafin RN, Kazantseva AV, Enikeeva RF, Davydova YD, Karunas AS, Malykh SB, Khusnutdinova EK. Epigenetics of Aggressive Behavior. RUSS J GENET+ 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1022795419090096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Manchia M, Comai S, Pinna M, Pinna F, Fanos V, Denovan-Wright E, Carpiniello B. Biomarkers in aggression. Adv Clin Chem 2019; 93:169-237. [PMID: 31655730 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acc.2019.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behavior exerts an enormous impact on society remaining among the main causes of worldwide premature death. Effective primary interventions, relying on predictive models of aggression that show adequate sensitivity and specificity are currently lacking. One strategy to increase the accuracy and precision of prediction would be to include biological data in the predictive models. Clearly, to be included in such models, biological markers should be reliably associated with the specific trait under study (i.e., diagnostic biomarkers). Aggression, however, is phenotypically highly heterogeneous, an element that has hindered the identification of reliable biomarkers. However, current research is trying to overcome these challenges by focusing on more homogenous aggression subtypes and/or by studying large sample size of aggressive individuals. Further advance is coming by bioinformatics approaches that are allowing the integration of inter-species biological data as well as the development of predictive algorithms able to discriminate subjects on the basis of the propensity toward aggressive behavior. In this review we first present a brief summary of the available evidence on neuroimaging of aggression. We will then treat extensively the data on genetic determinants, including those from hypothesis-free genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and candidate gene studies. Transcriptomic and neurochemical biomarkers will then be reviewed, and we will dedicate a section on the role of metabolomics in aggression. Finally, we will discuss how biomarkers can inform the development of new pharmacological tools as well as increase the efficacy of preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Manchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| | - Stefano Comai
- San Raffaele Scientific Institute and Vita Salute University, Milano, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Martina Pinna
- Forensic Psychiatry Unit, Sardinia Health Agency, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Vassilios Fanos
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Puericulture Institute and Neonatal Section, University Hospital Agency of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Bernardo Carpiniello
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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The Possible Role of the Microbiota-Gut-Brain-Axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092115. [PMID: 31035684 PMCID: PMC6539237 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
New research points to a possible link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the gut microbiota as many autistic children have co-occurring gastrointestinal problems. This review focuses on specific alterations of gut microbiota mostly observed in autistic patients. Particularly, the mechanisms through which such alterations may trigger the production of the bacterial metabolites, or leaky gut in autistic people are described. Various altered metabolite levels were observed in the blood and urine of autistic children, many of which were of bacterial origin such as short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), indoles and lipopolysaccharides (LPS). A less integrative gut-blood-barrier is abundant in autistic individuals. This explains the leakage of bacterial metabolites into the patients, triggering new body responses or an altered metabolism. Some other co-occurring symptoms such as mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress in cells, altered tight junctions in the blood-brain barrier and structural changes in the cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and cerebellum were also detected. Moreover, this paper suggests that ASD is associated with an unbalanced gut microbiota (dysbiosis). Although the cause-effect relationship between ASD and gut microbiota is not yet well established, the consumption of specific probiotics may represent a side-effect free tool to re-establish gut homeostasis and promote gut health. The diagnostic and therapeutic value of bacterial-derived compounds as new possible biomarkers, associated with perturbation in the phenylalanine metabolism, as well as potential therapeutic strategies will be discussed.
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Single nucleotide polymorphisms, variable number tandem repeats and allele influence on serotonergic enzyme modulators for aggressive and suicidal behaviors: A review. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2019; 180:74-82. [PMID: 30928299 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2019.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The serotonergic system plays key regulatory roles in cognition and emotion. Several lines of evidence suggest that genetic variation is associated with aggressive and suicidal behaviors. Genetic studies have largely focused on three types of variations: single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), variable number tandem repeats (VNTRs), and alleles. 95 published papers (49 papers for aggression and 46 for suicide) were reviewed to summarize the impact of SNPs, VNTRs, and alleles of tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH, the rate-limiting enzyme in serotonin [5-HT] synthesis), 5-HT transporter (5-HTT), serotonergic receptors, monoamine oxidase (an enzyme that catalyzes 5-HT degradation) on aggression and suicidal behaviors. These study samples include healthy controls, psychiatric disease patients, and animal models. This article mainly reviews studies on the relationship between 5-HT transmissions and genetic variations involved in aggression (particularly impulsive aggression) or suicide in people with different ethnicities and psychiatric disorders. We found that most SNPs, VNTRs, and alleles exerted influences on aggression or suicide. Only A128C in TPH1, A138G in 5-HT2A, and L type in the VNTR of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) affected both aggression and suicide. The associations between some genetic variations and aggression/suicide may be influenced by gender, age, ethnicity, psychiatric disease, and even parenting or prenatal stress. These findings may help clarify how genetic and environmental factors influence the development of aggressive and suicidal behaviors.
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Zhang-James Y, Fernàndez-Castillo N, Hess JL, Malki K, Glatt SJ, Cormand B, Faraone SV. An integrated analysis of genes and functional pathways for aggression in human and rodent models. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:1655-1667. [PMID: 29858598 PMCID: PMC6274606 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0068-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Human genome-wide association studies (GWAS), transcriptome analyses of animal models, and candidate gene studies have advanced our understanding of the genetic architecture of aggressive behaviors. However, each of these methods presents unique limitations. To generate a more confident and comprehensive view of the complex genetics underlying aggression, we undertook an integrated, cross-species approach. We focused on human and rodent models to derive eight gene lists from three main categories of genetic evidence: two sets of genes identified in GWAS studies, four sets implicated by transcriptome-wide studies of rodent models, and two sets of genes with causal evidence from online Mendelian inheritance in man (OMIM) and knockout (KO) mice reports. These gene sets were evaluated for overlap and pathway enrichment to extract their similarities and differences. We identified enriched common pathways such as the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathway, axon guidance, reelin signaling in neurons, and ERK/MAPK signaling. Also, individual genes were ranked based on their cumulative weights to quantify their importance as risk factors for aggressive behavior, which resulted in 40 top-ranked and highly interconnected genes. The results of our cross-species and integrated approach provide insights into the genetic etiology of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Zhang-James
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- 0000 0004 1937 0247grid.5841.8Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain ,0000 0004 1791 1185grid.452372.5Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain ,0000 0004 1937 0247grid.5841.8Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain ,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Jonathan L Hess
- 0000 0000 9159 4457grid.411023.5Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, NY USA
| | - Karim Malki
- 0000 0001 2322 6764grid.13097.3cKing’s College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IOPPN), London, UK
| | - Stephen J Glatt
- 0000 0000 9159 4457grid.411023.5Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, NY USA ,0000 0000 9159 4457grid.411023.5Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, NY USA
| | - Bru Cormand
- 0000 0004 1937 0247grid.5841.8Departament de Genètica, Microbiologia i Estadística, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain ,0000 0004 1791 1185grid.452372.5Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Madrid, Spain ,0000 0004 1937 0247grid.5841.8Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain ,Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu (IR-SJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Stephen V Faraone
- 0000 0000 9159 4457grid.411023.5Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, NY USA ,0000 0000 9159 4457grid.411023.5Department of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York, NY USA ,0000 0004 1936 7443grid.7914.bK.G. Jebsen Centre for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Cecil CAM, Walton E, Pingault JB, Provençal N, Pappa I, Vitaro F, Côté S, Szyf M, Tremblay RE, Tiemeier H, Viding E, McCrory EJ. DRD4 methylation as a potential biomarker for physical aggression: An epigenome-wide, cross-tissue investigation. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2018; 177:746-764. [PMID: 30411855 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic processes that regulate gene expression, such as DNA methylation (DNAm), have been linked to individual differences in physical aggression. Yet, it is currently unclear whether: (a) DNAm patterns in humans associate with physical aggression independently of other co-occurring psychiatric and behavioral symptoms; (b) whether these patterns are observable across multiple tissues; and (c) whether they may function as a causal versus noncausal biomarker of physical aggression. Here, we used a multisample, cross-tissue design to address these questions. First, we examined genome-wide DNAm patterns (buccal swabs; Illumina 450k) associated with engagement in physical fights in a sample of high-risk youth (n = 119; age = 16-24 years; 53% female). We identified one differentially methylated region in DRD4, which survived genome-wide correction, associated with physical aggression above and beyond co-occurring symptomatology (e.g., ADHD, substance use), and showed strong cross-tissue concordance with both blood and brain. Second, we found that DNAm sites within this region were also differentially methylated in an independent sample of young adults, between individuals with a history of chronic-high versus low physical aggression (peripheral T cells; ages 26-28). Finally, we ran a Mendelian randomization analysis using GWAS data from the EAGLE consortium to test for a causal association of DRD4 methylation with physical aggression. Only one genetic instrument was eligible for the analysis, and results provided no evidence for a causal association. Overall, our findings lend support for peripheral DRD4 methylation as a potential biomarker of physically aggressive behavior, with no evidence yet of a causal relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A M Cecil
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Esther Walton
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jean-Baptiste Pingault
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nadine Provençal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby and BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Irene Pappa
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Frank Vitaro
- Department of Psychoeducation, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sylvana Côté
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Richard E Tremblay
- Department of Pediatrics, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus Medical Center-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Essi Viding
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eamon J McCrory
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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27
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Pinna M, Manchia M. Preventing aggressive/violent behavior: a role for biomarkers? Biomark Med 2017; 11:701-704. [PMID: 30669857 DOI: 10.2217/bmm-2017-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Pinna
- Unit of Psychiatry, Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services, Regional Health Agency, Oristano, Italy.,Section of Neurosciences & Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mirko Manchia
- Department of Pharmacology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.,Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical Sciences & Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
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