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Li HP, Cheng HL, Ding K, Zhang Y, Gao F, Zhu G, Zhang Z. New recognition of the heart-brain axis and its implication in the pathogenesis and treatment of PTSD. Eur J Neurosci 2024; 60:4661-4683. [PMID: 39044332 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex psychological disorder provoked by distressing experiences, and it remains without highly effective intervention strategies. The exploration of PTSD's underlying mechanisms is crucial for advancing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. Current studies primarily explore PTSD through the lens of the central nervous system, investigating concrete molecular alterations in the cerebral area and neural circuit irregularities. However, the body's response to external stressors, particularly the changes in cardiovascular function, is often pronounced, evidenced by notable cardiac dysfunction. Consequently, examining PTSD with a focus on cardiac function is vital for the early prevention and targeted management of the disorder. This review undertakes a comprehensive literature analysis to detail the alterations in brain and heart structures and functions associated with PTSD. It also synthesizes potential mechanisms of heart-brain axis interactions relevant to the development of PTSD. Ultimately, by considering cardiac function, this review proposes novel perspectives for PTSD's prophylaxis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Peng Li
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hong-Liang Cheng
- The Affiliated Hospital of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui Province, China
| | - Keke Ding
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Fang Gao
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Guoqi Zhu
- Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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Zou Y, Zhang Y, Tu M, Ye Y, Li M, Ran R, Zou Z. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels across psychiatric disorders: A systemic review and network meta-analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 131:110954. [PMID: 38286331 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.110954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
As an important neurotrophic factor in the central nervous system, Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders in many studies. However, its value as a biomarker for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of mental disorders is still controversial, and its change patterns among different mental disorders have not been compared. We conducted a network meta-analysis of BDNF levels in different psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia(SCZ), major depressive disorder(MDD), bipolar disorder(BD), panic disorder(PD), post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD), generalized anxiety disorder(GAD) and insomnia. Studies were identified by searching electronic databases through 31/05/2023. BDNF levels decreased in patients with BD, MDD, OCD, PD, SCZ compared with controls, while significantly increased in patients with PTSD. According to the network meta-analysis, BDNF levels were significantly decreased in MDD and SCZ compared with BD (-2.6, 95% CIs [-5.32 to -0.15] and - 2.68 95% CIs [-5.18 to -0.23] respectively). However, in the traditional meta-analysis, there was a trend towards lower BDNF levels in SCZ compared to BD, with no significant difference (SMD = -0.20, 95% CIs [-0.49 to 0.08]). In conclusion, abnormal BDNF levels have been found in psychiatric disorders, and the changes in peripheral BDNF levels in patients with psychiatric disorders were reconfirmed in this study, which suggests BDNF exhibits promising clinical utility and may hold diagnostic value in distinguishing between MDD and BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhu Zou
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengtian Tu
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Ye
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingmei Li
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Rongting Ran
- Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhili Zou
- Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of psychosomatic medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Zwolińska W, Bilska K, Tarhonska K, Reszka E, Skibińska M, Pytlińska N, Słopień A, Dmitrzak-Węglarz M. Biomarkers of Depression among Adolescent Girls: BDNF and Epigenetics. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3281. [PMID: 38542252 PMCID: PMC10970207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression have been suggested to mediate the influence of environmental factors on the emergence of depression through epigenetic modifications. However, research on this subject in the developmental population is lacking and the pathophysiology of adolescent depression remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the alterations in BDNF expression and global DNA methylation in depression among adolescent girls. Thirty female inpatients with the initial diagnosis of depression were assessed before and after the period of antidepressant treatment and compared with thirty age-matched healthy controls. The assessment involved BDNF and proBDNF serum levels, the BDNF gene exon IV promoter methylation, and global DNA methylation. The methylation level in the BDNF gene exon IV promoter was significantly lower in the studied group compared with the control and correlated negatively with the severity of depression. The test distinguished the studied group from the controls with a sensitivity of 37% and specificity of 90%. The differences were no longer present after the period of antidepressant treatment. No differences in the global DNA methylation, BDNF, and proBDNF levels were found. We concluded that decreased methylation in the BDNF exon IV promoter could be considered as a biomarker of a depression state among adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weronika Zwolińska
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Karol Jonscher Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33 St., 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (W.Z.); (N.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Karolina Bilska
- Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Medical Biology Center, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka St. 8, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (K.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Kateryna Tarhonska
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 91-348 Łódź, Poland; (K.T.); (E.R.)
| | - Edyta Reszka
- Department of Translational Research, Nofer Institute of Occupational Medicine, 91-348 Łódź, Poland; (K.T.); (E.R.)
| | - Maria Skibińska
- Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Medical Biology Center, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka St. 8, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (K.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Natalia Pytlińska
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Karol Jonscher Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33 St., 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (W.Z.); (N.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Agnieszka Słopień
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Karol Jonscher Clinical Hospital, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Szpitalna 27/33 St., 60-572 Poznan, Poland; (W.Z.); (N.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Monika Dmitrzak-Węglarz
- Department of Psychiatric Genetics, Medical Biology Center, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka St. 8, 60-806 Poznan, Poland; (K.B.); (M.S.)
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Castillo-Navarrete JL, Bustos C, Guzman-Castillo A, Vicente B. Increased academic stress is associated with decreased plasma BDNF in Chilean college students. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16357. [PMID: 37941931 PMCID: PMC10629390 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Academic stress (AS) is a prevalent challenge faced by university students, potentially affecting molecular indicators such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and global DNA methylation (G-DNA-M). These indicators could illuminate the physiological ramifications of academic stress. Study Design and Methods This research followed a quantitative, non-experimental, longitudinal panel design spanning two academic semesters, observing phenomena in their natural context. Students from the Medical Technology program at Universidad de Concepción, Chile were involved, with assessments at the beginning and during heightened academic stress periods. Sample Of the total participants, 63.0% were females, with an average age of 21.14 years at baseline, and 36.92% were males, averaging 21.36 years. By the study's conclusion, female participants averaged 21.95 years, and males 22.13 years. Results Significant differences were observed between initial and final assessments for the SISCO-II Inventory of Academic Stress and Beck Depression Inventory-II, notably in stressor scores, and physical, and psychological reactions. Gender differences emerged in the final physical and psychological reactions. No significant changes were detected between the two assessments in plasma BDNF or G-DNA-M values. A refined predictive model showcased that, on average, there was a 3.56% decrease in females' plasma BDNF at the final assessment and a 17.14% decrease in males. In the sample, the G-DNA-M percentage at the final assessment increased by 15.06% from the baseline for females and 18.96% for males. Conclusions The study underscores the physiological impact of academic stress on university students, evidenced by changes in markers like BDNF and G-DNA-M. These findings offer an in-depth understanding of the intricate mechanisms regulating academic stress responses and highlight the need for interventions tailored to mitigate its physiological and psychological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Luis Castillo-Navarrete
- Departamento Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- PhD Programme in Mental Health, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Claudio Bustos
- PhD Programme in Mental Health, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Psicología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Concepción, Chile, Chile
| | - Alejandra Guzman-Castillo
- PhD Programme in Mental Health, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Benjamin Vicente
- PhD Programme in Mental Health, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa de Neurociencia, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
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Faverzani JL, Guerreiro G, Hammerschmidt TG, Lopes FF, Coelho DDM, Sitta A, Mescka CP, Deon M, Wajner M, Vargas CR. Increased peripheral of brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels in phenylketonuric patients treated with l-carnitine. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 749:109792. [PMID: 37863349 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is the most common inherited metabolic disorders caused by severe deficiency or absence of phenylalanine hydroxylase activity that converts phenylalanine (Phe) to tyrosine. PKU patients were treated with a Phe restricted diet supplemented with a special formula containing l-carnitine (L-car), well-known antioxidant compound. The lack of treatment can cause neurological and cognitive impairment, as severe mental retardation, neuronal cell loss and synaptic density reduction. Although Phe has been widely demonstrated to be involved in PKU neurotoxicity, the mechanisms responsible for the CNS injury are still not fully known. In this work, we evaluated markers of neurodegeneration, namely BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), PAI-1 total (Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 total), Cathepsin D, PDGF AB/BB (platelet-derived growth factor), and NCAM (neuronal adhesion molecule) in plasma of PKU patients at early and late diagnosis and under treatment. We found decreased Phe levels and increased L-car concentrations in PKU patients treated with L-car compared to the other groups, indicating that the proposed treatment was effective. Furthermore, we found increased BDNF levels in the patients under treatment compared to patients at early diagnosis, and a positive correlation between BDNF and L-car and a negative correlation between BDNF and Phe. Our results may indicate that in PKU patients treated with L-car there is an attempt to adjust neuronal plasticity and recover the damage suffered, reflecting a compensatory response to brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Lamberty Faverzani
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Gilian Guerreiro
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Grazieli Hammerschmidt
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Franciele Fátima Lopes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniella de Moura Coelho
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angela Sitta
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Caroline Paula Mescka
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marion Deon
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Moacir Wajner
- Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carmen Regla Vargas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Avenida Ipiranga, 2752, CEP 90610-000, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Serviço de Genética Médica, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação Em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul, Ramiro Barcelos, 2600, CEP 90035-003, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Castillo-Navarrete JL, Vicente B, Schmidt K, Moraga-Escobar E, Rojas-Ponce R, Lagos P, Macaya X, Guzman-Castillo A. Interaction of Val66Met BDNF and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms with prevalence of post-earthquake 27-F PTSD in Chilean population. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15870. [PMID: 37692110 PMCID: PMC10484206 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress (PTSD) disorder is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. The 27-F earthquake that struck Chile in 2010 was one such event that had a significant impact on the mental health of the population. A study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of PTSD and its associated factors among survivors of this earthquake. The study was a longitudinal design, involving a sample of 913 patients aged 18 to 75 years who attended 10 Primary Care Centers in Concepción, Chile. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was used to assess both depressive episodes (DE) and PTSD before and after the earthquake. The study also involved genotyping studies using saliva samples from the participants, specifically focusing on the Val66Met and 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms. Statistical analysis was performed to examine the association between different variables and the presence of PTSD. These variables included demographic factors, family history of psychiatric disorders, DE, childhood maltreatment experiences, and critical traumatic events related to the earthquake. The results showed that the incidence of post-earthquake PTSD was 11.06%. No significant differences were found between the groups of participants who developed post-earthquake PTSD regarding the Val66Met or 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms. However, a significant association was found between the concomitant diagnosis of DE and the development of post-earthquake PTSD. The presence of DE doubled the risk of developing post-earthquake PTSD. The number of traumatic events experienced also had a statistically significant association with an increased risk of developing post-earthquake PTSD. The study's limitations include the potential interference of different DE subtypes, the complexity of quantifying the degree of earthquake exposure experienced by each individual, and events entailing social disruption, such as looting, that can profoundly influence distress. In conclusion, the study found that PTSD following the 27-F earthquake in Chile was associated with a concomitant diagnosis of DE and the number of traumatic events experienced. The study did not find a significant association between PTSD and the Val66Met or 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms. The researchers recommend that mental health professionals should prioritize the detection and treatment of concomitant depressive episodes and exposure to critical traumatic events in survivors of disasters. They also suggest that further research is needed to better understand the relationship between genetic factors and post-disaster PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Luis Castillo-Navarrete
- Programa Neurociencias, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Tecnología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa Doctorado Salud Mental, Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Benjamin Vicente
- Programa Neurociencias, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Kristin Schmidt
- Programa Neurociencias, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa Doctorado Salud Mental, Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Esteban Moraga-Escobar
- Programa Neurociencias, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Romina Rojas-Ponce
- Programa Neurociencias, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa Doctorado Salud Mental, Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Paola Lagos
- Programa Neurociencias, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ximena Macaya
- Programa Neurociencias, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Alejandra Guzman-Castillo
- Programa Neurociencias, Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, NEPSAM, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Programa Doctorado Salud Mental, Departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas y Morfología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
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Glucocorticoid-Responsive Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) and Its Inhibitor Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 (PAI-1): Relevance in Stress-Related Psychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054496. [PMID: 36901924 PMCID: PMC10003592 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Stressful events trigger a set of complex biological responses which follow a bell-shaped pattern. Low-stress conditions have been shown to elicit beneficial effects, notably on synaptic plasticity together with an increase in cognitive processes. In contrast, overly intense stress can have deleterious behavioral effects leading to several stress-related pathologies such as anxiety, depression, substance use, obsessive-compulsive and stressor- and trauma-related disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD in the case of traumatic events). Over a number of years, we have demonstrated that in response to stress, glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) in the hippocampus mediate a molecular shift in the balance between the expression of the tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and its own inhibitor plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) proteins. Interestingly, a shift in favor of PAI-1 was responsible for PTSD-like memory induction. In this review, after describing the biological system involving GCs, we highlight the key role of tPA/PAI-1 imbalance observed in preclinical and clinical studies associated with the emergence of stress-related pathological conditions. Thus, tPA/PAI-1 protein levels could be predictive biomarkers of the subsequent onset of stress-related disorders, and pharmacological modulation of their activity could be a potential new therapeutic approach for these debilitating conditions.
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Yin JB, Liu HX, Shi W, Ding T, Hu HQ, Guo HW, Jin S, Wang XL, Zhang T, Lu YC, Cao BZ. Various BDNF administrations attenuate SPS-induced anxiety-like behaviors. Neurosci Lett 2022; 788:136851. [PMID: 36007708 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become epidemic following severely stressful incidents. Previous studies have shown that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has anxiolytic effects on various anxiety or depression disorders including PTSD. However, the detailed mechanisms of BDNF for treating PTSD were rarely investigated. In the current study, single-prolonged stress (SPS) was used as an animal model recapitulating specific aspects for a PTSD-like phenotype. The effects of BDNF on SPS-induced anxiety-like behaviors were investigated. We showed that the levels of BDNF in the cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) were significantly reduced after the rats experienced SPS. The SPS-induced reductions of percentages of time spent in the central area to total time in the open field test, were dose-dependently mitigated after BDNF intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injections. BDNF i.c.v. administration also dose-dependently increased the preference of the light box in the light-dark box test. Both expressions of tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) protein and mRNA in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and amygdala were significantly increased after SPS challenges. BDNF i.c.v. administration attenuated these compensatory increases of TrkB. At last, the anxiolytic effects of BDNF on SPS model were also observed by using other two injection methods. These results inspired us to study that different administrations of BDNF were used in patients with PTSD in the future, in-depthly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Bin Yin
- Department of Neurology, The 960(th) Hospital of Joint Logistics Support, PLA, Jinan 250031, PR China; Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Hai-Xia Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan 250021, PR China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The 960th Hospital of Joint Logistics Force, PLA, Jinan 250031, PR China
| | - Tan Ding
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China; Institute of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Huai-Qiang Hu
- Department of Neurology, The 960(th) Hospital of Joint Logistics Support, PLA, Jinan 250031, PR China
| | - Hong-Wei Guo
- Department of Neurology, The 960(th) Hospital of Joint Logistics Support, PLA, Jinan 250031, PR China
| | - Shan Jin
- Department of Neurology, The 960(th) Hospital of Joint Logistics Support, PLA, Jinan 250031, PR China
| | - Xiao-Ling Wang
- Department of Neurology, The 960(th) Hospital of Joint Logistics Support, PLA, Jinan 250031, PR China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Ya-Cheng Lu
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Bing-Zhen Cao
- Department of Neurology, The 960(th) Hospital of Joint Logistics Support, PLA, Jinan 250031, PR China.
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Maguire D, Watt J, Armour C, Milanak M, Lagdon S, Lamont JV, Kurth MJ, Fitzgerald P, Moore T, Ruddock MW. Post-traumatic stress disorder: A biopsychosocial case-control study investigating peripheral blood protein biomarkers. Biomark Neuropsychiatry 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bionps.2021.100042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
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10
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Sfera A, Osorio C, Rahman L, Zapata-Martín del Campo CM, Maldonado JC, Jafri N, Cummings MA, Maurer S, Kozlakidis Z. PTSD as an Endothelial Disease: Insights From COVID-19. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:770387. [PMID: 34776871 PMCID: PMC8586713 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.770387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 virus, the etiologic agent of COVID-19, has affected almost every aspect of human life, precipitating stress-related pathology in vulnerable individuals. As the prevalence rate of posttraumatic stress disorder in pandemic survivors exceeds that of the general and special populations, the virus may predispose to this disorder by directly interfering with the stress-processing pathways. The SARS-CoV-2 interactome has identified several antigens that may disrupt the blood-brain-barrier by inducing premature senescence in many cell types, including the cerebral endothelial cells. This enables the stress molecules, including angiotensin II, endothelin-1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, to aberrantly activate the amygdala, hippocampus, and medial prefrontal cortex, increasing the vulnerability to stress related disorders. This is supported by observing the beneficial effects of angiotensin receptor blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in both posttraumatic stress disorder and SARS-CoV-2 critical illness. In this narrative review, we take a closer look at the virus-host dialog and its impact on the renin-angiotensin system, mitochondrial fitness, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. We discuss the role of furin cleaving site, the fibrinolytic system, and Sigma-1 receptor in the pathogenesis of psychological trauma. In other words, learning from the virus, clarify the molecular underpinnings of stress related disorders, and design better therapies for these conditions. In this context, we emphasize new potential treatments, including furin and bromodomains inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adonis Sfera
- Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Carolina Osorio
- Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Leah Rahman
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | | | - Jose Campo Maldonado
- Department of Medicine, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, TX, United States
| | - Nyla Jafri
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | | | - Steve Maurer
- Patton State Hospital, San Bernardino, CA, United States
| | - Zisis Kozlakidis
- International Agency For Research On Cancer (IARC), Lyon, France
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11
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Wu GWY, Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Kang JI, Elnar M, Sarwal R, Flory JD, Abu-Amara D, Hammamieh R, Gautam A, Doyle FJ, Yehuda R, Marmar CR, Jett M, Mellon SH. Serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor remains elevated after long term follow-up of combat veterans with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 134:105360. [PMID: 34757255 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Attempts to correlate blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have provided conflicting results. Some studies found a positive association between BDNF and PTSD diagnosis and symptom severity, while others found the association to be negative. The present study investigated whether serum levels of BDNF are different cross-sectionally between combat trauma-exposed veterans with and without PTSD, as well as whether longitudinal changes in serum BDNF differ as a function of PTSD diagnosis over time. We analyzed data of 270 combat trauma-exposed veterans (230 males, 40 females, average age: 33.29 ± 8.28 years) and found that, at the initial cross-sectional assessment (T0), which averaged 6 years after the initial exposure to combat trauma (SD=2.83 years), the PTSD positive group had significantly higher serum BDNF levels than the PTSD negative controls [31.03 vs. 26.95 ng/mL, t(268) = 3.921, p < 0.001]. This difference remained significant after excluding individuals with comorbid major depressive disorder, antidepressant users and controlling for age, gender, race, BMI, and time since trauma. Fifty-nine of the male veterans who participated at the first timepoint (T0) were re-assessed at follow-up evaluation (T1), approximately 3 years (SD=0.88 years) after T0. A one-way ANOVA comparing PTSD positive, "subthreshold PTSD" and control groups revealed that serum BDNF remained significantly higher in the PTSD positive group than the control group at T1 [30.05 vs 24.66 ng/mL, F(2, 56)= 3.420, p = 0.040]. Serum BDNF levels did not correlate with PTSD symptom severity at either time point within the PTSD group [r(128) = 0.062, p = 0.481 and r(28) = 0.157, p = 0.407]. Serum BDNF did not significantly change over time within subjects [t(56) = 1.269, p = 0.210] nor did the change of serum BDNF from T0 to T1 correlate with change in PTSD symptom severity within those who were diagnosed with PTSD at T0 [r(27) = -0.250, p = 0.192]. Our longitudinal data are the first to be reported in combat PTSD and suggest that higher serum BDNF levels may be a stable biological characteristic of chronic combat PTSD independent of symptom severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwyneth W Y Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Victor I Reus
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jee In Kang
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine & Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Mathea Elnar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Reuben Sarwal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Janine D Flory
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx NY; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Duna Abu-Amara
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Aarti Gautam
- Medical Readiness Systems Biology, Center for Military Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Francis J Doyle
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx NY; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Charles R Marmar
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marti Jett
- Headquarter, Walter Reed Army Institute of Research, Silver Spring, MD
| | - Synthia H Mellon
- Department of OB-GYN and Reproductive Sciences, UCSF School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
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12
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Peripheral blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241928. [PMID: 33152026 PMCID: PMC7644072 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays a crucial role in the survival, differentiation, growth, and plasticity of the central nervous system (CNS). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex syndrome that affects CNS function. Evidence indicates that changes in peripheral levels of BDNF may interfere with stress. However, the results are mixed. This study investigates whether blood levels of BDNF in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are different. METHODS We conducted a systematic search in the major electronic medical databases from inception through September 2019 and identified Observational studies that measured serum levels of BDNF in patients with PTSD compared to controls without PTSD. RESULTS 20 studies were eligible to be included in the present meta-analysis. Subjects with PTSD (n = 909) showed lower BDNF levels compared to Non-PTSD controls (n = 1679) (SMD = 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.18 to 0.85). Subgroup meta-analyses confirmed higher levels of BDNF in patients with PTSD compared to non-PTSD controls in plasma, not serum, and in studies that used sandwich ELISA, not ELISA, for BDNF measurement. Meta-regressions showed no significant effect of age, gender, NOS, and sample size. CONCLUSIONS PTSD patients had increased serum BDNF levels compared to healthy controls. Our finding of higher BDNF levels in patients with PTSD supports the notion that PTSD is a neuroplastic disorder.
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Guerreiro G, Diaz Jaques CE, Wajner M, Vargas CR. Elevated levels of BDNF and cathepsin‐
d
as possible peripheral markers of neurodegeneration in plasma of patients with glutaric acidemia type I. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:42-49. [DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gilian Guerreiro
- Faculdade de Farmácia UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
- Serviço de Genética Médica HCPA UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
| | | | - Moacir Wajner
- Serviço de Genética Médica HCPA UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em CB:Bioquímica UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
| | - Carmen Regla Vargas
- Faculdade de Farmácia UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
- Serviço de Genética Médica HCPA UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em CB:Bioquímica UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
- Programa de Pós‐Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas UFRGS Porto Alegre Brazil
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Maguire DG, Ruddock MW, Milanak ME, Moore T, Cobice D, Armour C. Sleep, a Governor of Morbidity in PTSD: A Systematic Review of Biological Markers in PTSD-Related Sleep Disturbances. Nat Sci Sleep 2020; 12:545-562. [PMID: 32801980 PMCID: PMC7402856 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s260734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep disturbances (SD) are the most impactful and commonly reported symptoms in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yet, they are often resistant to primary PTSD therapies. Research has identified two distinct SDs highly prevalent in PTSD; insomnia and nightmares. Those who report SDs prior to a traumatic event are at greater risk for developing PTSD; highlighting that sleep potentially plays a role in PTSD's pathology. To further understand the pathobiological mechanisms that lead to the development of PTSD, it is first imperative to understand the interplay which exists between sleep and PTSD on a biological level. The aim of this systematic review is to determine if biological or physiological markers are related to SD in PTSD. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted on the electronic databases; Medline, Embase, AMED and PsycINFO, using Medical Subject Headings and associated keywords. RESULTS Sixteen studies were included in the final analyses. Physiological makers of autonomic function, and biochemical markers of HPA-axis activity; inflammatory processes; and trophic factor regulation were related to the severity of SDs in PTSD. CONCLUSION These findings add to the growing literature base supporting a central focus on sleep in research aiming to define the pathophysiological processes which result in PTSD, as well as emphasising the importance of specifically targeting sleep as part of a successful PTSD intervention strategy. Resolving SDs will not only reduce PTSD symptom severity and improve quality of life but will also reduce all-cause mortality, hospital admissions and lifetime healthcare costs for those with PTSD. Limitations of the current literature are discussed, and key recommendations future research must adhere to are made within.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Maguire
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Mark W Ruddock
- Randox Laboratories Ltd, Clinical Studies, Crumlin, County Antrim BT29 4QY, Northern Ireland
| | - Melissa E Milanak
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Tara Moore
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Diego Cobice
- Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland
| | - Cherie Armour
- School of Psychology, David Keir Building, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5BN, Northern Ireland
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