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Shen T, Sheriff S, You Y, Jiang J, Schulz A, Francis H, Mirzaei M, Saks D, Palanivel V, Basavarajappa D, Chitranshi N, Gupta V, Wen W, Sachdev PS, Jia H, Sun X, Graham SL, Gupta VK. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Val66Met is Associated with Variation in Cortical Structure in Healthy Aging Subjects. Aging Dis 2024; 15:2315-2327. [PMID: 38916728 PMCID: PMC11346411 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with progressive brain atrophy and declines in learning and memory, often attributed to hippocampal or cortical deterioration. The role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in modulating the structural and functional changes in the brain and visual system, particularly in relation to BDNF Val66Met polymorphism, remains underexplored. In this present cross-sectional observational study, we aimed to assess the effects of BDNF polymorphism on brain structural integrity, cognitive function, and visual pathway alterations. A total of 108 older individuals with no evidence of dementia and a mean (SD) age of 67.3 (9.1) years were recruited from the Optic Nerve Decline and Cognitive Change (ONDCC) study cohort. The BDNF Met allele carriage had a significant association with lower entorhinal cortex volume (6.7% lower compared to the Val/Val genotype, P = 0.02) and posterior cingulate volume (3.2% lower than the Val/Val group, P = 0.03), after adjusting for confounding factors including age, sex and estimated total intracranial volumes (eTIV). No significant associations were identified between the BDNF Val66Met genotype and other brain volumetric or diffusion measures, cognitive performances, or vision parameters except for temporal retinal nerve fibre layer thickness. Small but significant correlations were found between visual structural and functional, cognitive, and brain morphological metrics. Our findings suggest that carriage of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism is associated with lower entorhinal cortex and posterior cingulate volumes and may be involved in modulating the cortical morphology along the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Shen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai 200080, China
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Samran Sheriff
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Yuyi You
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Jiyang Jiang
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Angela Schulz
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Heather Francis
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Neurology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Mehdi Mirzaei
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Danit Saks
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | | | | | - Nitin Chitranshi
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Veer Gupta
- Faculty of Health, Deakin University, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Wei Wen
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Perminder S Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick NSW 2031, Australia
| | - Huixun Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Eye Diseases, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Ocular Fundus Diseases, Shanghai Engineering Center for Precise Diagnosis and Treatment of Eye Diseases, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Stuart L Graham
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
- Save Sight Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia
| | - Vivek K Gupta
- Macquarie Medical School, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
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Guo JC, Li X, Guo M, Gao YS, Fu LQ, Jiang XL, Fu LM, Huang T. Association of BDNF gene polymorphism with endophenotypes in posttraumatic stress disorder. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 66:615-622. [PMID: 32638952 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.66.5.615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the association of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene (BDNF) polymorphism with the latent cognitive endophenotype of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after major natural disasters in Hainan Province, China. METHODS A total of 300 patients with PTSD and 150 healthy controls (HC) were surveyed by psychoanalysis scale to assess their cognitive functions. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) were used to detect the BDNF gene polymorphism. RESULTS In terms of the cognitive function, the scores in the PTSD group were worse than those of the HC group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). There was a significant difference in the distribution of BDNF genotype and allele frequency between the two groups (P < 0.05). PTSD endophenotypes were significantly different among the BDNF genotypes in the PTSD group (P ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION There is a statistically significant difference in the polymorphism of BDNF gene between PTSD and HC groups, and the alleles are associated with the incidence of PTSD. Thus, it may be a risk factor for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Cheng Guo
- Affiliated Haikou Hospital, School of Medical, Central South University Xiangya, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Xiang Li
- The Third People's Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Guo
- Psychological Research Center, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Yun-Suo Gao
- Department of Equipment, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Lin-Qiu Fu
- Department of Psychology, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Xiang-Ling Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Lin-Mei Fu
- Medical Center, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
| | - Tao Huang
- Medical Center, Hainan General Hospital, Haikou, Hainan Province, China
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Hunter SA, Lawrie SM. Imaging and Genetic Biomarkers Predicting Transition to Psychosis. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2018; 40:353-388. [PMID: 29626338 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2018_46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The search for diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in schizophrenia care and treatment is the focus of many within the research community. Longitudinal cohorts of patients presenting at elevated genetic and clinical risk have provided a wealth of data that has informed our understanding of the development of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders.Imaging follow-up of high-risk cohorts has demonstrated changes in cerebral grey matter of those that eventually transition to schizophrenia that predate the onset of symptoms and evolve over the course of illness. Longitudinal follow-up studies demonstrate that observed grey matter changes can be employed to differentiate those who will transition to schizophrenia from those who will not prior to the onset of the disorder.In recent years our understanding of the genetic makeup of schizophrenia has advanced significantly. The development of modern analysis techniques offers researchers the ability to objectively quantify genetic risk; these have been successfully applied within a high-risk paradigm to assist in differentiating between high-risk individuals who will subsequently become unwell and those who will not.This chapter will discuss the application of imaging and genetic biomarkers within high-risk groups to predict future transition to schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. We aim to provide an overview of current approaches focussing on grey matter changes that are predictive of future transition to illness, the developing field of genetic risk scores and other methods being developed to aid clinicians in diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart A Hunter
- Division of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Stephen M Lawrie
- Division of Psychiatry, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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The role of the thalamus in schizophrenia from a neuroimaging perspective. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 54:57-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Harrisberger F, Smieskova R, Schmidt A, Lenz C, Walter A, Wittfeld K, Grabe HJ, Lang UE, Fusar-Poli P, Borgwardt S. BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and hippocampal volume in neuropsychiatric disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2015; 55:107-18. [PMID: 25956254 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2015.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2014] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin involved in neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system, especially in the hippocampus, and has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric disorders. Its Val66Met polymorphism (refSNP Cluster Report: rs6265) is a functionally relevant single nucleotide polymorphism affecting the secretion of BDNF and is implicated in differences in hippocampal volumes. METHODS This is a systematic meta-analytical review of findings from imaging genetic studies on the impact of the rs6265 SNP on hippocampal volumes in neuropsychiatric patients with major depressive disorder, anxiety, bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. RESULTS The overall sample size of 18 independent clinical cohorts comprised 1695 patients. Our results indicated no significant association of left (Hedge's g=0.08, p=0.12), right (g=0.07, p=0.22) or bilateral (g=0.07, p=0.16) hippocampal volumes with BDNF rs6265 in neuropsychiatric patients. There was no evidence for a publication bias or any demographic, clinical, or methodological moderating effects. Both Val/Val homozygotes (g=0.32, p=0.004) and Met-carriers (g=0.20, p=0.004) from the patient sample had significantly smaller hippocampal volumes than the healthy control sample with the same allele. The magnitude of these effects did not differ between the two genotypes. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis suggests that there is no association between this BDNF polymorphism and hippocampal volumes. For each BDNF genotype, the hippocampal volumes were significantly lower in neuropsychiatric patients than in healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Harrisberger
- University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - R Smieskova
- University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Schmidt
- University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - C Lenz
- University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - A Walter
- University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - K Wittfeld
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock/Greifswald, Germany
| | - H J Grabe
- German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Rostock/Greifswald, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Helios Hospital Stralsund, Stralsund, Germany
| | - U E Lang
- University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - P Fusar-Poli
- King's College London, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park 16, SE58AF London, UK; OASIS Prodromal Team SLaM NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - S Borgwardt
- University of Basel, Department of Psychiatry (UPK), Wilhelm Klein-Strasse 27, 4056 Basel, Switzerland; University of Basel, Department of Clinical Research (DKF), 4031 Basel, Switzerland; King's College London, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, De Crespigny Park 16, SE58AF London, UK.
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Keshavan MS, Mehta UM, Padmanabhan JL, Shah JL. Dysplasticity, metaplasticity, and schizophrenia: Implications for risk, illness, and novel interventions. Dev Psychopathol 2015; 27:615-35. [PMID: 25997775 PMCID: PMC6283269 DOI: 10.1017/s095457941500019x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we review the history of the concept of neuroplasticity as it relates to the understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders, using schizophrenia as a case in point. We briefly review the myriad meanings of the term neuroplasticity, and its neuroscientific basis. We then review the evidence for aberrant neuroplasticity and metaplasticity associated with schizophrenia as well as the risk for developing this illness, and discuss the implications of such understanding for prevention and therapeutic interventions. We argue that the failure and/or altered timing of plasticity of critical brain circuits might underlie cognitive and deficit symptoms, and may also lead to aberrant plastic reorganization in other circuits, leading to affective dysregulation and eventually psychosis. This "dysplastic" model of schizophrenia can suggest testable etiology and treatment-relevant questions for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matcheri S. Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Urvakhsh Meherwan Mehta
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Jaya L. Padmanabhan
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Jai L. Shah
- Douglas Hospital Research Center and Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Alfimova MV, Golimbet VE, Korovaitseva GI, Lezheiko TV, Gabaeva MV, Oleichik IV, Stolyarov SA. [No effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on cognitive deficit in patients with schizophrenia and on the risk of the disease in their relatives]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2015; 115:75-79. [PMID: 25909793 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20151151175-79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene is thought to be a candidate gene for schizophrenia. At the same time, many studies failed to find the association between BDNF and the disease though the contribution of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism to the variance of characteristics of schizophrenia has been confirmed. Authors suggested that this contribution was the consequence of the involvement of this gene in the formation of "cognitive reserve" that had a protective effect on the different aspects of the disease. This protective effect should emerge in relatively intact cognitive function in patients with the protective Val66Met genotype as well as in the accumulation of the protective genotypes in unaffected relatives. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined 169 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, 320 their first-degree relatives and control groups using molecular-genetic and experimental psychological methods. RESULTS No effect of the Val66Met polymorphism on verbal memory, executive functions and total index of cognitive functioning was found. Besides, we did not find any differences in Val66Met genotype frequencies in first-degree relatives of patients with schizophrenia and healthy people without family history of schizophrenia. CONCLUSION The results do not support our hypothesis that BDNF is a gene of "cognitive reserve".
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Affiliation(s)
- M V Alfimova
- Mental Health Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow
| | - V E Golimbet
- Mental Health Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow
| | - G I Korovaitseva
- Mental Health Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow
| | - T V Lezheiko
- Mental Health Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow
| | - M V Gabaeva
- Mental Health Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow
| | - I V Oleichik
- Mental Health Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow
| | - S A Stolyarov
- Mental Health Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow
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Ahmed AO, Mantini AM, Fridberg DJ, Buckley PF. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurocognitive deficits in people with schizophrenia: a meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2015; 226:1-13. [PMID: 25681004 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.12.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2014] [Revised: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Studies suggest that the BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism is associated with the incidence of schizophrenia and neurocognitive functioning. These associations appear to be however somewhat mixed. We conducted two separate meta-analyses to investigate (1) the association between the Val66Met polymorphism and neurocognition in people with schizophrenia and (2) the association between peripheral expression of BDNF and neurocognitive phenotypes. For the first aim, we identified 12 studies and 67 comparisons of Met allele carriers and Val homozygotes. These comparisons included 1890 people with schizophrenia (men=1465, women=553), of whom 972 were Met allele carriers and 918 were Val homozygotes. For the second aim, we identified five studies and 25 correlations of peripheral BDNF and neurocognitive scores. The meta-analysis for the second aim included 414 people with schizophrenia (men=292, women=170). First, we found non-significant difference between the genotype groups on most neurocognitive domains. Second, correlations between peripheral BDNF and neurocognitive phenotypes were minimal but we obtained significant effects for the reasoning and problem-solving domains; thus, higher levels of BDNF expression corresponded to better performance on reasoning/problem-solving tasks. The meta-analyses did not robustly establish an association between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and neurocognition in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony O Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medical College, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY 10605, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Georgia Regents University, 997 Saint Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Andrew M Mantini
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Georgia Regents University, 997 Saint Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
| | - Daniel J Fridberg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Peter F Buckley
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Georgia Regents University, 997 Saint Sebastian Way, Augusta, GA 30912, USA
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Golimbet VE, Alfimova MV, Korovaitseva GI, Lezheiko TV. Modulating effect of Val66Met polymorphism of brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene on clinical and psychological characteristics of patients with schizophrenia. Mol Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893314010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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10
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Smieskova R, Marmy J, Schmidt A, Bendfeldt K, Riecher-Rӧssler A, Walter M, Lang UE, Borgwardt S. Do subjects at clinical high risk for psychosis differ from those with a genetic high risk?--A systematic review of structural and functional brain abnormalities. Curr Med Chem 2014; 20:467-81. [PMID: 23157639 PMCID: PMC3580804 DOI: 10.2174/0929867311320030018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2012] [Revised: 10/25/2012] [Accepted: 10/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Pre-psychotic and early psychotic characteristics are investigated in the high-risk (HR) populations for psychosis. There are two different approaches based either on hereditary factors (genetic high risk, G-HR) or on the clinically manifested symptoms (clinical high risk, C-HR). Common features are an increased risk for development of psychosis and similar cognitive as well as structural and functional brain abnormalities. Methods: We reviewed the existing literature on longitudinal structural, and on functional imaging studies, which included G-HR and/or C-HR individuals for psychosis, healthy controls (HC) and/or first episode of psychosis (FEP) or schizophrenia patients (SCZ). Results: With respect to structural brain abnormalities, vulnerability to psychosis was associated with deficits in frontal, temporal, and cingulate regions in HR, with additional insular and caudate deficits in C-HR population. Furthermore, C-HR had progressive prefrontal deficits related to the transition to psychosis. With respect to functional brain abnormalities, vulnerability to psychosis was associated with prefrontal, cingulate and middle temporal abnormalities in HR, with additional parietal, superior temporal, and insular abnormalities in C-HR population. Transition-to-psychosis related differences emphasized prefrontal, hippocampal and striatal components, more often detectable in C-HR population. Multimodal studies directly associated psychotic symptoms displayed in altered prefrontal and hippocampal activations with striatal dopamine and thalamic glutamate functions. Conclusion: There is an evidence for similar structural and functional brain abnormalities within the whole HR population, with more pronounced deficits in the C-HR population. The most consistent evidence for abnormality in the prefrontal cortex reported in structural, functional and multimodal studies of HR population may underlie the complexity of higher cognitive functions that are impaired during HR mental state for psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Smieskova
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Basel, c/o University Hospital Basel, Petersgraben 4, Basel 4031, Switzerland.
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Thermenos HW, Keshavan MS, Juelich RJ, Molokotos E, Whitfield-Gabrieli S, Brent BK, Makris N, Seidman LJ. A review of neuroimaging studies of young relatives of individuals with schizophrenia: a developmental perspective from schizotaxia to schizophrenia. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2013; 162B:604-35. [PMID: 24132894 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In an effort to identify the developing abnormalities preceding psychosis, Dr. Ming T. Tsuang and colleagues at Harvard expanded Meehl's concept of "schizotaxia," and examined brain structure and function in families affected by schizophrenia (SZ). Here, we systematically review genetic (familial) high-risk (HR) studies of SZ using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), examine how findings inform models of SZ etiology, and suggest directions for future research. Neuroimaging studies of youth at HR for SZ through the age of 30 were identified through a MEDLINE (PubMed) search. There is substantial evidence of gray matter volume abnormalities in youth at HR compared to controls, with an accelerated volume reduction over time in association with symptoms and cognitive deficits. In structural neuroimaging studies, prefrontal cortex (PFC) alterations were the most consistently reported finding in HR. There was also consistent evidence of smaller hippocampal volume. In functional studies, hyperactivity of the right PFC during performance of diverse tasks with common executive demands was consistently reported. The only longitudinal fMRI study to date revealed increasing left middle temporal activity in association with the emergence of psychotic symptoms. There was preliminary evidence of cerebellar and default mode network alterations in association with symptoms. Brain abnormalities in structure, function and neurochemistry are observed in the premorbid period in youth at HR for SZ. Future research should focus on the genetic and environmental contributions to these alterations, determine how early they emerge, and determine whether they can be partially or fully remediated by innovative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- H W Thermenos
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts Mental Health Center, Division of Public Psychiatry, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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12
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Ozomaro U, Wahlestedt C, Nemeroff CB. Personalized medicine in psychiatry: problems and promises. BMC Med 2013; 11:132. [PMID: 23680237 PMCID: PMC3668172 DOI: 10.1186/1741-7015-11-132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 04/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The central theme of personalized medicine is the premise that an individual's unique physiologic characteristics play a significant role in both disease vulnerability and in response to specific therapies. The major goals of personalized medicine are therefore to predict an individual's susceptibility to developing an illness, achieve accurate diagnosis, and optimize the most efficient and favorable response to treatment. The goal of achieving personalized medicine in psychiatry is a laudable one, because its attainment should be associated with a marked reduction in morbidity and mortality. In this review, we summarize an illustrative selection of studies that are laying the foundation towards personalizing medicine in major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In addition, we present emerging applications that are likely to advance personalized medicine in psychiatry, with an emphasis on novel biomarkers and neuroimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzoezi Ozomaro
- University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Claes Wahlestedt
- University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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Effect of BDNF val66met polymorphism on declarative memory and its neural substrate: A meta-analysis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2012; 36:2165-77. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2012.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/07/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Towards a multifactorial approach for prediction of bipolar disorder in at risk populations. J Affect Disord 2012; 140:82-91. [PMID: 22406334 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2012.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2011] [Revised: 01/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence, recurrence rate, chronicity, and illness burden in bipolar disorder (BD) are well documented. Moreover, insufficient response with conventional pharmacological and manual-based psychosocial interventions, as well as evidence of illness progression and acceleration, invite the need for early detection and primary prevention. METHODS Herein we comprehensively review extant studies reporting on a bipolar prodrome. The overarching aim is to propose a predictive algorithm (i.e. prediction of BD in at-risk populations) integrating genetic (i.e. family history), environmental (e.g. childhood maltreatment) and biological markers (i.e. BDNF, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers). Computerized databases i.e. Pubmed, PsychInfo, Cochrane Library and Scielo were searched using the followed terms: bipolar disorder cross-referenced with prodromal, preclinical, at risk mental states, clinical high risk, ultra high risk, biomarkers, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, inflammation, cytokines, oxidative stress, prediction and predictive model. RESULTS Available evidence indicates that a prodrome to bipolar disorder exists. Commonly encountered features preceding the onset of a manic episode are affective lability, irritability, anger, depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, sleep disorders, as well as disturbances in attention and cognition. Non-specificity and insufficient sensitivity have hampered the development of an adequate prediction algorithm. LIMITATIONS Limitations include biases associated with retrospective studies, poor characterization of clinical high risk, inadequacy of prospective studies regarding sample selection and absence of specificity of risk states. CONCLUSION We propose a hypothetical prediction algorithm that is combinatorial in approach that attempts to integrate family history, early adversity, and selected biomarkers.
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Vyas NS, Shamsi SA, Malhotra AK, Aitchison KJ, Kumari V. Can genetics inform the management of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia? J Psychopharmacol 2012; 26:334-48. [PMID: 22328662 DOI: 10.1177/0269881111434623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is no doubt that schizophrenia has a significant genetic component and a number of candidate genes have been identified for this debilitating disorder. Of note, several of these are implicated in cognition. Cognitive deficits constitute core symptoms of schizophrenia, and while current antipsychotic treatment strategies aim to help psychosis-related symptomatology, the cognitive symptom domain is largely inadequately treated. A number of other pharmacological approaches (e.g. using drugs that target specific neurotransmitter systems) have also been attempted for the amelioration of cognitive deficits in this population; however, these too have had limited success so far. Psychological interventions appear promising, though there has been speculation regarding whether or not these produce long-term functional improvements. Pharmacogenetic studies of the cognitive effects of currently available antipsychotics, although in relatively early stages, suggest that the treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia may be advanced by focusing on genetic variants associated with specific cognitive dysfunctions in the general population and using this to match the most relevant pharmacological and/or psychological interventions with the genetic and cognitive profiles of the target population. Such a strategy would encourage bottom-up advances in drug development and provide a platform for individualised treatment of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora S Vyas
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, MRC SGDP Centre, London, UK.
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Mandelman SD, Grigorenko EL. BDNF Val66Met and cognition: all, none, or some? A meta-analysis of the genetic association. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2011; 11:127-36. [PMID: 21980924 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2011.00738.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Val66Met, G196A (rs6265) polymorphism in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene, BDNF, located at 11p13, has been associated with a wide range of cognitive functions. Yet, the pattern of results is complex and conflicting. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis that included 23 publications containing 31 independent samples comprised of 7095 individuals. The phenotypes that were examined in this analysis covered a wide variety of cognitive functions and included indicators of general cognitive ability, memory, executive function, visual processing skills and cognitive fluency. The meta-analysis did not establish significant genetic associations between the Val66Met polymorphism and any of the phenotypes that were included.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Mandelman
- Human Development, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Effects of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on neural responses to facial emotion. Psychiatry Res 2011; 191:182-8. [PMID: 21310593 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2010.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2010] [Revised: 10/04/2010] [Accepted: 10/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism has been associated with affective disorders, but its role in emotion processing has not been fully established. Due to the clinically heterogeneous nature of these disorders, studying the effect of genetic variation in the BDNF gene on a common attribute such as fear processing may elucidate how the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism impacts brain function. Here we use functional magnetic resonance imaging examine the effect of the BDNF Val66Met genotype on neural activity for fear processing. Forty healthy participants performed an implicit fear task during scanning, where subjects made gender judgments from facial images with neutral or fearful emotion. Subjects were tested for facial emotion recognition post-scan. Functional connectivity was investigated using psycho-physiological interactions. Subjects were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and the measures compared between genotype groups. Met carriers showed overactivation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), brainstem and insula bilaterally for fear processing, along with reduced functional connectivity from the ACC to the left hippocampus, and impaired fear recognition ability. The results show that during fear processing, Met allele carriers show an increased neural response in regions previously implicated in mediating autonomic arousal. Further, the Met carriers show decreased functional connectivity with the hippocampus, which may reflect differential retrieval of emotional associations. Together, these effects show significant differences in the neural substrate for fear processing with genetic variation in BDNF.
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Pedrini M, Chendo I, Grande I, Lobato MI, Belmonte-de-Abreu PS, Lersch C, Walz J, Kauer-Sant'anna M, Kapczinski F, Gama CS. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor and clozapine daily dose in patients with schizophrenia: a positive correlation. Neurosci Lett 2011; 491:207-10. [PMID: 21256922 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2010] [Revised: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a critical role in neurodevelopment and neuroplasticity. Altered BDNF signaling is thought to contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SZ) especially in relation to cognitive deficits. Clozapine (CLZ) has been shown a beneficial effect on cognition in SZ in some studies and a detrimental effect in others. To examine serum BDNF, two groups of chronically medicated DSM-IV SZ patients (n=44), on treatment with clozapine (n=31) and typical antipsychotics (n=13) had 5ml blood samples collected by venipuncture. Serum BDNF levels were significantly correlated with CLZ daily dose (r=0.394, p=0.028), but not with typical antipsychotic daily dose (r=0.208, p=0.496). This study suggests that serum BDNF levels are correlated with CLZ daily dose, and this may lead to the cognitive enhancement as seen in patients with SZ under CLZ. Despite the strong evidence that chronic administration of CLZ is effective for patients with SZ, it is still unknown whether atypical antipsychotic drugs regulate BDNF expression. Serum BDNF levels concentration in SZ merits further investigations with regard to the role of neurotrophins in the cognitive response to treatment with CLZ and other atypical antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Pedrini
- Bipolar Disorder Program, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Parietal lobes in schizophrenia: do they matter? SCHIZOPHRENIA RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2011; 2011:581686. [PMID: 22937268 PMCID: PMC3420742 DOI: 10.1155/2011/581686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2011] [Revised: 07/28/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Objective. Despite observations that abnormal parietal lobe (PL) function is associated with psychotic-like experiences, our knowledge about the nature of PL involvement in schizophrenia is modest. The objective of this paper is to investigate the role of the PL in schizophrenia. Method. Medline databases were searched for English language publications using the following key words: parietal lobe, combined with schizophrenia, lesions, epilepsy, cognition, rare genetic disorders, MRI, fMRI, PET, and SPECT, respectively, followed by cross-checking of references. Results. Imaging studies in childhood onset schizophrenia suggest that grey matter abnormalities start in parietal and occipital lobes and proceed to frontal regions. Although, the findings are inconsistent, several studies with patients at risk to develop schizophrenia indicate early changes in the PL. Conclusions. We want to propose that in a proportion of individuals with emerging schizophrenia structural and functional alterations may start in the PL and progress to frontal regions.
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