Effect of the interaction between oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (rs53576) and stressful life events on aggression in Chinese Han adolescents

Genetics of child aggression, a systematic review

Excessive and persistent aggressiveness is the most common behavioral problem that leads to psychiatric referrals among children. While half of the variance in childhood aggression is attributed to genetic factors, the biological mechanism and the interplay between genes and environment that results in aggression remains elusive. The purpose of this systematic review is to provide an overview of studies examining the genetics of childhood aggression irrespective of psychiatric diagnosis. PubMed, PsycINFO, and MEDLINE databases were searched using predefined search terms for aggression, genes and the specific age group. From the 652 initially yielded studies, eighty-seven studies were systematically extracted for full-text review and for further quality assessment analyses. Findings show that (i) investigation of candidate genes, especially of MAOA (17 studies), DRD4 (13 studies), and COMT (12 studies) continue to dominate the field, although studies using other research designs and methods including genome-wide association and epigenetic studies are increasing, (ii) the published articles tend to be moderate in sizes, with variable methods of assessing aggressive behavior and inconsistent categorizations of tandem repeat variants, resulting in inconclusive findings of genetic main effects, gene-gene, and gene-environment interactions, (iii) the majority of studies are conducted on European, male-only or male-female mixed, participants. To our knowledge, this is the first study to systematically review the effects of genes on youth aggression. To understand the genetic underpinnings of childhood aggression, more research is required with larger, more diverse sample sets, consistent and reliable assessments and standardized definition of the aggression phenotypes. The search for the biological mechanisms underlying child aggression will also benefit from more varied research methods, including epigenetic studies, transcriptomic studies, gene system and genome-wide studies, longitudinal studies that track changes in risk/ameliorating factors and aggression-related outcomes, and studies examining causal mechanisms.

Perceived chronic social adversity and cyberbullying perpetration among adolescents: the mediating role of rumination and moderating role of mindfulness

Backgrounds

The prevalence of cyberbullying has brought about many adverse effects on adolescents' mental health. Although current studies have shown that perceived chronic social adversity (PCSA) is closely related to cyberbullying perpetration among adolescents, the underlying mechanism of the relationship between the two remains relatively unclear. This study investigated the association of PCSA, rumination, mindfulness, and cyberbullying perpetration among adolescents, building upon the general strain theory, the general aggressive model, and the limited resource of self-control theory.

Methods

A sample of 477 Chinese high school students (M age = 15.84 years, SD age = 0.67, 49.69% female) completed the Perceived Chronic Social Adversity Questionnaire, the Ruminative Responses Scale, the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure, and the cyberbullying subscale of the Revised Cyber Bullying Inventory. The current study constructed a moderated mediation model to examine the relationship between PCSA and cyberbullying perpetration among adolescents and assessed the mediating role of rumination and the moderating role of mindfulness.

Results

The results revealed a significant positive correlation between PCSA and cyberbullying perpetration. Rumination mediated the relationship between PCSA and cyberbullying perpetration, whereas mindfulness moderated the latter half of the mediation pathway. Specifically, compared to adolescents with higher mindfulness, the association between rumination and cyberbullying perpetration is greater for adolescents with lower mindfulness.

Conclusion

The results further deepen our understanding of the mechanisms linking subjective perception of negative life events and cyberbullying perpetration among adolescents from the interaction of multiple factors, thus providing a basis for future interventions to encourage adolescents to properly cope with social adversity and promote positive mental health to reduce the risk of cyberbullying.

Potential Mechanism Linking Peer Relationships and Adolescent Prosocial Behavior: Mediation of Cognitive Empathy and Moderations of OXTR and DRD2

Peers are important socializers of adolescent prosocial behavior. Still, the proximal cognitive and emotional process underlying this link and the sources of individual differences in sensitivity to peer influence have yet to be explored. Utilizing the gene-gene-environment (G × G × E) approach and multi-informant measurement, this study investigated how peer relationships operate to influence adolescent prosocial behavior by examining the mediating role of cognitive and emotional empathy, and the moderating role of the OXTR and DRD2 genes. The study utilized longitudinal data from a community sample of Chinese adolescents (N = 1080, Mage = 13.32 years at T1). Results showed that cognitive empathy rather than emotional empathy mediated the link between peer acceptance/rejection and prosocial behavior. Furthermore, the association among peer acceptance, cognitive empathy, and prosocial behavior was moderated by OXTR and DRD2. Specifically, adolescents with the combinations of AA/AA or G/G genotypes of OXTR/DRD2 benefited more from peer acceptance compared to their counterparts carrying other combined genotypes. The findings highlight cognitive empathy as a proximal process linking peer interaction to prosocial behavior and lend support to the interaction between oxytocinergic and dopaminergic systems on environmental sensitivity.

Cumulative Genetic Scores Interact with Maternal and Paternal Parenting in Predicting Parent-Adolescent Cohesion and Conflict

Previous research concerning the interplay between genetics and parenting in the development of the parent-child relationship during adolescence has been extremely scarce, predominantly adopting single-gene designs. This limited body of work has largely overlooked the distinct effects of maternal and paternal roles, as well as potential gender differences. Additionally, existing gene-by-environment (G × E) studies have mainly concentrated on adverse environmental factors and associated negative outcomes, somewhat neglecting positive environments and outcomes. The present study examined the interactions of cumulative genetic scores (CGS, dopamine receptor D2 TaqIA and oxytocin receptor gene rs53576 polymorphisms) with both positive and negative parenting on parent-adolescent cohesion and conflict. Furthermore, this study aimed to ascertain with which gene-environment model the potential G × E interactions would align. A total of 745 Chinese Han adolescents (Mage = 13.36 ± 0.96 years; 46.8% girls) from grades 7 to 9 participated in this study. Results revealed a significant effect of CGS and negative maternal parenting on mother-adolescent conflict among males, consistent with the weak differential susceptibility model. As CGS increased, the effects of negative maternal parenting on mother-son conflict were magnified. These findings have implications for the timing and focus of interventions aimed at improving parent-adolescent relationships.

Gene‒environment interaction effect of hypothalamic‒pituitary‒adrenal axis gene polymorphisms and job stress on the risk of sleep disturbances

Background

Studies have shown that chronic exposure to job stress may increase the risk of sleep disturbances and that hypothalamic‒pituitary‒adrenal (HPA) axis gene polymorphisms may play an important role in the psychopathologic mechanisms of sleep disturbances. However, the interactions among job stress, gene polymorphisms and sleep disturbances have not been examined from the perspective of the HPA axis. This study aimed to know whether job stress is a risk factor for sleep disturbances and to further explore the effect of the HPA axis gene × job stress interaction on sleep disturbances among railway workers.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 671 participants (363 males and 308 females) from the China Railway Fuzhou Branch were included. Sleep disturbances were evaluated with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and job stress was measured with the Effort-Reward Imbalance scale (ERI). Generalized multivariate dimensionality reduction (GMDR) models were used to assess gene‒environment interactions.

Results

We found a significant positive correlation between job stress and sleep disturbances (P < 0.01). The FKBP5 rs1360780-T and rs4713916-A alleles and the CRHR1 rs110402-G allele were associated with increased sleep disturbance risk, with adjusted ORs (95% CIs) of 1.75 [1.38-2.22], 1.68 [1.30-2.18] and 1.43 [1.09-1.87], respectively. However, the FKBP5 rs9470080-T allele was a protective factor against sleep disturbances, with an OR (95% CI) of 0.65 [0.51-0.83]. GMDR analysis indicated that under job stress, individuals with the FKBP5 rs1368780-CT, rs4713916-GG, and rs9470080-CT genotypes and the CRHR1 rs110402-AA genotype had the greatest risk of sleep disturbances.

Conclusions

Individuals carrying risk alleles who experience job stress may be at increased risk of sleep disturbances. These findings may provide new insights into stress-related sleep disturbances in occupational populations.

Association Between Child Maltreatment and Aggression in Chinese Early Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Irritability

Child maltreatment (CM) is a major global public health issue, and a strong association exists between CM and aggression. However, the underlying mechanism of this association has not been understood to date. The objective of this study was to explore the mediating role of irritability in the association between CM and aggression in Chinese early adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-report questionnaire to evaluate the levels of CM, aggression, and irritability in 5,724 middle school students from the Anhui Province, China. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesis of the mediating effect of irritability on the relationship between CM and aggression. We further investigated gender differences in this association using multiple group analyses. CM was positively related to both irritability and aggression, and irritability was positively associated with aggression (p < .01). The mediating effects of irritability between CM and aggression were significant (β = .107, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.077-0.133, p < .05). Males had a higher indirect effect size of the pathway from CM to aggression via irritability compared with females. Overall, irritability was a crucial mediator in the relationship between CM and aggression in Chinese adolescents, and males were more prone to engage in aggression compared with females through the pathway of irritability. Therefore, early irritability characteristics should be carefully monitored in adolescents, and they should be provided adequate support to acquire critical emotion regulation skills.

Parent and Child Predictors of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptomatology during COVID-19

The COVID-19 emergency has fostered an increasing risk of experiencing distress and negative emotions in parents that turned into heightened stress for children. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effects of parental stress, children's resilience, and previous adversities on the development of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children. A series of questionnaires were completed by 158 Italian parents (148 mothers, 10 fathers, mean age = 41 years) concerning them and their school-aged children (N = 158, 76 boys, mean age = 7.4 years) at two critical time points (June 2020 and December 2020). Regression analyses showed that internalizing problems were predicted only by concurrent children's resilience, whereas externalizing problems were predicted by concurrent parental flooding, children's resilience, and early parental satisfaction. Therefore, internalizing and externalizing symptoms trajectories follow different routes and are predicted by both common and distinct factors. Supporting positive parenting attitudes and behavior should be recommended to prevent the worsening of children's externalizing behaviors. At the same time, nurturing resilience in pediatric systems might be useful in preventing or reducing children's internalizing symptoms.

Oxytocin system polymorphisms rs237887 and rs2740210 variants increase the risk of depression in pregnant women with early abuse

Prepartum depression is associated with early adversity, pregnancy complications, preterm delivery, postpartum depression, and long-term effects on child neurodevelopment. The oxytocin (OXT) system is affected by early adverse experiences and has been associated with depression. In the current study, we investigated risk factors for prenatal depressive symptoms, mainly the effects of early childhood and adolescence trauma, in combination with the presence of certain variants of polymorphisms of OXT and OXT receptor (OXTR) genes. We hypothesized that early childhood and adolescence trauma has higher negative effects in carriers of genetic variants of the OXT/OXTR system, increasing their risk for depression. Early in pregnancy (8-14 weeks), 141 pregnant women from a Uruguayan population were asked to provide DNA samples and complete questionnaires that assessed their experience of child abuse, depression symptoms, and other variables that included demographic information. Our results showed that 23.5% of pregnant women had depressive symptoms. Several OXT and OXTR genetic variants were associated with higher risk of prepartum depression only in those pregnant women who suffered emotional abuse during infancy or adolescence. Logistic regression (Nagelkerke's R2  = .33) revealed that women who suffered early abuse and were carriers of the variants CC of rs2740210 (OXT) or AA of rs237887 (OXTR) had significantly higher risk of experiencing depressive symptoms. Antecedents of psychiatric disorders also contributed to the risk of depression. We conclude that emotional abuse contributes to the risk of depression in different ways in women carrying different OXT and OXTR genetic variants. Early detection and closer follow-up of women with child abuse and certain OXT genetic variants, among other risk factors, could reduce the long-term impact of prepartum depression.

Emotional dysregulation as a mediator linking sleep disturbance with aggressive behaviors: Disentangling between- and within-person associations

PURPOSE

Sleep problems and aggressive behaviors are two prevalent and highly related problems among adolescents and emerging adults worldwide. This longitudinal study examined the reciprocal relations between sleep disturbance with aggressive behaviors and whether emotional dysregulation functioned as mediator of the relations, after separating within-person effects from between-person effects.

METHODS

A total of 4352 freshman students participated in a five-wave longitudinal study across two and half years. Data from the second wave to the fourth wave was used in this study. Random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM) were utilized to separate between- and within-person effects.

RESULTS

Results from RI-CLPM showed: (a) Sleep disturbance and aggressive behaviors bidirectionally predicted each other at the within-person level; (b) Emotional dysregulation functioned as a mediator of the associations from sleep disturbance to aggressive behaviors at the within-person level.

CONCLUSION

These findings advanced the literature by elucidating longitudinal associations among sleep disturbance, emotional dysregulation, and aggressive behaviors at the within-person level, suggesting that prevention and intervention programs targeted at improving emotional regulation skills may be helpful to prevent the developmental pathway from sleep disturbance to aggressive behaviors among college students.

Parent-Adolescent Conflict, Peer Victimization, and Internet Gaming Disorder Among Chinese Adolescents: The Moderating Effect of OXTR Gene rs53576 Polymorphism

Despite growing evidence that parent-adolescent conflict positively correlates with Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among adolescents, its underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms have yet to be thoroughly examined. Based on the social development model and gene-environment interaction perspective, this study investigates whether the indirect association of parent-adolescent conflict, which impacts adolescent IGD through peer victimization, was moderated by the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene rs53576 polymorphism. Overall, 673 Chinese adolescents (Mean_age = 12.81 years; SD = 0.48 years; 54% boys) were included in this study. The participants completed questionnaires concerning parent-adolescent conflict, peer victimization, and IGD, and genomic DNA was extracted from each participant's saliva and buccal cells. The findings indicated that peer victimization mediated the link between parent-adolescent conflict and IGD among adolescents. The OXTR gene rs53576 polymorphism also moderated this indirect link. Specifically, the indirect effect of parent-adolescent conflict on adolescent IGD through peer victimization was significant for adolescents with AA homozygotes. However, it was non-significant for adolescents with GA and GG genotypes. This research simultaneously considers the roles of family, peers, and genetics in adolescent IGD. Furthermore, it provides beneficial information to customize interventions for adolescent IGD prevention.

Effects of stress on school bullying behavior among secondary school students: Moderating effects of gender and grade level

This study investigated the effects of stress on school bullying behaviors among middle school students, and the moderating role of gender and grade level in this relationship. To this end, the Olweus Child Bullying Questionnaire (OBVQ) secondary school version of the child bullying questionnaire and the stressor scale for secondary school students were used to survey 3,566 secondary school students in Guizhou Province, and the data were statistically analyzed. Results showed that stress was significantly and positively associated with school bullying among secondary school students. Furthermore, both gender and grade moderated the relationship between stress and school bullying, showing that boys and middle school children are more likely to engage in bullying than girls and high school students, respectively. The results of the study provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and intervention of school bullying behaviors among middle school students.

Genetic and epigenetic effects on couple adjustment in context of romantic relationship: A scoping systematic review

Introduction: Couples' relationships defined by a complex interaction between the two partners and their intrapersonal traits. Romantic; relationships and love are associated with marital satisfaction and stability, as well as couples' happiness and health. Personality traits influence romantic relationships and, personality influenced by genetical and non-genetically factors. The roles of non-genetically factors such as socioeconomic position and external appearance have revealed in determining the quality of romantic relationships. Methods: We; performed a scoping systematic review to assess the association between genetics and epigenetic factors and romantic relationship. Relevant articles were identified by PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, and the APA PsycInfo searching between inception and 4 June 2022. Results: Different studies evaluated the associated polymorphisms in 15 different genes or chromosomal regions. In the first step; we classified them into four groups: (1) Oxytocin-related signaling pathway (OXTR, CD38, and AVPR1A); (2) Serotonin-related signaling pathway (SLC6A4, HTR1A, and HTR2A); (3) Dopamine and catecholamine-related signaling pathway (DRD1, DRD2, DRD4, ANKK1, and COMT); and (4) other genes (HLA, GABRA2, OPRM1, and Y-DNA haplogroup D-M55). Then, we evaluated and extracted significant polymorphisms that affect couple adjustment and romantic relationships. Discussion: Overall, the findings suggest that genetic and epigenetics variants play a key role in marital adjustment and romantic relationships over time.

Relationship between oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism and hypertension in Turkish population

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Known to play a key role in uterine contraction and milk ejection, the neuropeptide, oxytocin, has cardiovascular effects. To date, the known cardiovascular effects of oxytocin are blood pressure lowering (caused by natriuresis and atrial natriuretic peptide release), negative inotropic and chronotropic effect caused by parasympathetic neuromodulation, anti-stress effect and vasodilation mediated by activation of the nitric oxide pathway. The clinical significance of the rs2268498 polymorphism in oxytocin receptors in these effects is controversial. Based on the known genetic inheritance of hypertension, our research aimed to determine whether the presence of the rs2268498 oxytocin receptor (OXTR) allele C affects hypertension in our region.

METHODS

This article is a case-control study conducted in the Turkish population. About 140 normotensive and 140 isolated hypertensive volunteers included in the research and genotyped with real-time PCR hybridization method via melt curve analysis.

RESULTS

Oxytocin receptor rs2268498 polymorphism was assessed in terms of the risk of hypertension and hypertensive individuals were compared to the control group. OXTR rs2268498 polymorphism was not found to be a significant risk factor for dominant, recessive and additive modeled hypertension (ORdominant: 0.966, 95% CI: 0.57-1.61, p: 0.9; ORrecessive: 1, 95% CI: 0.58-1.71, p: 1.0 and ORoverall: 0.98, chi2=0.01).

CONCLUSION

We concluded that rs2268498 single nucleotide polymorphism is not a risk factor for hypertension in our region.

Oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphisms and social, emotional and behavioral functioning in children and adolescents: a systematic narrative review

This study systematically reviewed available evidence regarding associations between polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene and socio-emotional and behavioral functioning in children and adolescents. The search yielded 69 articles, which were grouped into nine categories: depression, anxiety, and internalizing symptoms, alcohol abuse, borderline personality disorder, conduct disorder symptoms or diagnosis, autism spectrum disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, early childhood attachment and behavior, pro-social skills, and resilience. Direct and/or gene x environment interactions were identified in over half of the studies. ASD and conduct disorder (including callous unemotional traits) were the diagnoses that were most studied and for which there was the strongest evidence of direct links with OXTR polymorphisms. In most studies identifying gene x environment interactions, the candidate OXTR polymorphism was rs53576. Results suggest that OXTR polymorphisms are associated with social, emotional or behavioural functioning in children and adolescents. The mixed findings do, however, highlight the need for further research.

The relationship between job stress and job burnout moderated by BDNF rs6265 polymorphism

RATIONALE

Job stress can lead to job burnout, and BDNF polymorphism has been found to be involved in its psychopathological mechanism. Research needs a better understanding of the important role of gene × environment (i.e., BDNF polymorphism × job stress) interaction on job burnout.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore how BDNF rs6265 polymorphism may moderate the relationship between job stress and job burnout.

METHODS

Three hundred forty-one healthy participants (187 males and 154 females) from a Chinese university were included. The present study used a standardized questionnaire including demographic characteristics, job stress assessed by the House and Rizzo's Work Stress Scale, and job burnout assessed by the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey. The BDNF rs6265 polymorphism was genotyped.

RESULTS

Job stress showed a positive correlation with emotional exhaustion (p < 0.001), cynicism (p < 0.001), and reduced personal accomplishment (p < 0.01). The main effects of BDNF rs6265 polymorphism on emotional exhaustion and cynicism were significant [F_(1,333) = 5.136, p = 0.024; F_(1,333) = 4.175, p = 0.042, respectively]. The interaction between job stress and BDNF rs6265 on cynicism was significant (△ R² = 0.013, p = 0.014) after controlling for age, sex, education, and position, indicating that individuals with BDNF rs6265 TT genotype showed higher level of cynicism when in high job stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The results provided evidence for the association of BDNF gene rs6265 polymorphism, job stress, and their interaction with job burnout. Individuals with TT genotype in BDNF rs6265 might be susceptible to stressful situations, which would lead to cynicism.

Oxytocin Pathway Gene (CD38, OXTR) Variants Are Not Related to Psychosocial Characteristics Defined by Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in Adolescents: A Field School-Based Study

Background: CD38 is a transmembrane glycoprotein that regulates oxytocin (OT) production and influences social interactions. The oxytocin receptor (OXTR) has been studied intensively regarding its association with human psychosocial functions. Many studies have demonstrated a link between CD38 rs3796863 and OXTR rs53576 polymorphic regions and psychosocial characteristics as well as various psychiatric disorders in adolescents. Some studies, however, have reported null findings. Methods: The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a brief psychopathologic screening tool recommended for detecting psychosocial problems and psychiatric disorders in adolescents. The current field school-based study, conducted among urban Siberian adolescents (n = 298 aged 12-18), explored the SDQ scales in relation to polymorphisms of the CD38 and the OXTR genes (rs3796863 and rs53576, respectively). Results: None of the studied genotypes were associated with the SDQ results for the complete sample with presumed statistical power as 0.80 to detect a medium-size effect (Cramer's V = 0.3) at α = 0.0083. Post-hoc analysis in subgroups showed that OT pathway high activity may cause some negative consequences, such as emotional instability in older (aged 15-18) adolescent boys who are carriers of the rs53576 GG variant. Conclusion: Variations at the CD38 rs3796863 and OXTR rs53576 loci were not associated with psychosocial characteristics of adolescents assessed with the SDQ. In studies with a similar design, we recommend replication with larger samples and greater power to detect small effects, especially in age-sex subgroups of adolescents.

Interaction of CEND1 gene and life events in susceptibility to depressive symptoms in Chinese Han college students

BACKGROUND

. The development of depressive symptoms (DSs) is a complex process caused by both genetic and environmental factors. CEND1 gene coordinates cell division, differentiation and maturation of neural precursor cells, which affects brain structure and function. Our study investigated whether CEND1 was a genetic factor for DSs, particularly under negative life events.

METHODS

. 272 freshmen with DSs and 467 healthy controls were recruited via the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The adolescent Self-rating Life Event Checklist (ASLEC) was adopted to assess stressful life events during the past 12 months. Two SNPs (rs7946354, rs6597982) within the CEND1 gene were genotyped using Agena MassARRAY iPLEX technology. We combined generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) with RStudio programming to assess the direct association and gene-environment interaction (G × E).

RESULTS

. Rs7946354 was associated with DSs in an overdominant model (GT vs. GG+TT). In addition, both rs7946354 and rs6597982 had considerable impacts on negative life events. GMDR showed a statistical G × E that the AG genotype of rs6597982 and GT genotype of rs7946354 contribute to the maximum risk of DSs under high negative life events.

LIMITATIONS

. Only two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were examined. Verification studies with bigger sample size and more varied demographic background information could be adopted to further support the generalization of these findings.

CONCLUSIONS

.CEND1 can potentially cause high sensitivity to life events and affect DSs especially in the presence of negative life events, which contribute to the field of depression prevention and treatment.

Mediating effect of social support on the association between life events and depression: A cross-sectional study of adolescents in Chongqing China

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems in adolescents. The link between negative life events and depression has been well established. However, our understanding about the role of social support in the link, which is likely culture-dependent, is quite limited. This study aimed to determine the mediating effect of social support on the association between life events and depression in adolescents in Chongqing China.A total of 1512 adolescents aged 12 to 17 years old in Chongqing of China were selected using a stratified cluster sampling strategy. Depression symptoms, negative life events, and perceived social support of the participants were measured using the Children's Depression Inventory, Adolescent Life Event Scale, and Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale, respectively. Pearson correlation analyses were performed to detect their associations. A multivariate linear regression model was established to determine the association between life events and depression after adjustment for variations in socio-demographic variables. The mediating effect of social support on the association between negative life events and depression was tested using the structural equation model.About 16.8% of the participants were detected with depression. Depression was associated with negative life events and low levels of social support (P < .05). Both frequency and perceived importance of social support showed a mediating effect on the association between life events and depression.Social support has a mediating effect on the association between life events and depression. Strengthening social support may be considered as an effective interventional strategy on depression in adolescents.

Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphism (rs53576) and digit ratio associates with aggression: comparison in seven ethnic groups

Background

The specific role of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene polymorphisms in emotional support seeking, related to social norms and culturally normative behavior, has been discussed in several studies. Evidence on the association between aggression and OXTR polymorphisms has also been reported. The goal of the current study was to analyze the effect of the OXTR rs53576 polymorphism, prenatal testosterone effect (second-to-fourth digit ratio, or 2D:4D), and culture on aggression assessed with the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ).

Methods

The data were collected in Russia and Tanzania and included seven ethnic groups of European, Asian, and African origin. The total sample included 1705 adults (837 males, 868 females). All the subjects were evaluated with the BPAQ. As a measure of prenatal androgenization, the second and fourth digits were measured directly from hand, and the digit ratios were calculated. All the participants provided buccal samples, from which genomic DNA was extracted, and the OXTR gene rs53576 polymorphism was genotyped. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23.0; the alpha level for all analyses was set at 0.05.

Results

The ethnic group factor was the most significant predictor of ratings on BPAQ (medium effect size for physical aggression, anger and hostility scales, and low for verbal aggression). To study the effect of sex, the OXTR polymorphism, and prenatal androgenization, we conducted the z-score transformation for BPAQ scales and 2D:4D for each ethnic group and pooled these data into new z-score variables. According to the GLM analysis after leveling the effects of culture (z-transformation), all four scales of BPAQ demonstrated association with sex (main effects), with men scoring higher on physical and verbal aggression and women scoring higher on anger and hostility. Anger and hostility scales were also associated with OXTR polymorphism and 2D:4D of the right hand. The lowest levels of anger and hostility were observed in individuals with the AA genotype, especially in men.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that both oxytocin (OXTR gene polymorphism) and fetal testosterone (2D:4D) may significantly affect emotional (anger) and cognitive (hostility) aggression in humans, given the leveling the role of culture.

Work Stress and General Trust: The Mediating Effect of Depression and the Moderating Effect of the OXTR Gene rs53576

BACKGROUND

Work stress has been proved to be linked to depression, and both can decrease general trust. Likewise, OXTR gene is currently the gene that is most closely associated with trust. However, few empirical studies have explored the significant role of gene-environment interactions on general trust. In this study, we explored the mediating role of depression in the relationship between work stress and general trust, and the moderating role of the OXTR rs 53576 in the mediation model.

METHODS

364 healthy Han Chinese faculties were recruited from one university in Beijing. Work stress, depression, and general trust were assessed using the House and Rizzo's Work Stress Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), and the General Trust Questionnaire, respectively. Blood samples were collected for OXTR rs53576 genotyping.

RESULTS

Depression mediated the relationship between work stress and general trust. In the mediation model, OXTR rs53576 could only moderated the direct path from work stress to general trust. For AA and GA individuals, depression completely mediated the relationship between work stress and general trust. For GG individuals, depression partly mediated the relationship between work stress and general trust.

LIMITATIONS

This study used a cross-sectional design, only considered Han Chinese faculties, and the role of other genes should be explored.

CONCLUSIONS

Depression has a mediating effect between work stress and general trust. The general trust levels of GG genotype individuals are more prone to be affected by work stress than AA and GA individuals.

A Novel Role of CD38 and Oxytocin as Tandem Molecular Moderators of Human Social Behavior

Oxytocin is an important modulator of human affiliative behaviors, including social skills, human pair bonding, and friendship. CD38 will be discussed as an immune marker and then in more detail the mechanisms of CD38 on releasing brain oxytocin. Mention is made of the paralogue of oxytocin, vasopressin, that has often overlapping and complementary functions with oxytocin on social behavior. Curiously, vasopressin does not require CD38 to be released from the brain. This review discusses the social salience hypothesis of oxytocin action, a novel view of how this molecule influences much of human social behaviors often in contradictory ways. The oxytocinergic-vasopressinergic systems are crucial modulators of broad aspects of human personality. Of special interest are studies of these two hormones in trust related behavior observed using behavioral economic games. This review also covers the role of oxytocin in parenting and parental attachment. In conclusion, the effects of oxytocin on human behavior depend on the individual's social context and importantly as well, the individual's cultural milieu, viz. East and West. ACRONYMS: ACC = Anterior Cingulate ADP = Adenosine diphosphate AQ = Autism Quotient cADPR = Cyclic ADP-ribose CNS = Central nervous system DA = Dopamine eQTLC = Expression Quantitative Trait Loci LC-NE = Locus Coeruleus-Norepinephrine MRI = Magnetic Resonance Imaging OFC = Orbitofrontal cortices OXT = Oxytocin RAGE = Receptor for advanced glycation end-products SARM1 = Sterile Alpha and toll/interleukin-1 receptor motif-containing 1 TRPM2= Transient Receptor Potential Cation Channel Subfamily M Member 2 AVP = Vasopressin.

[Oxitocin is a hormone of trust and emotional attachment: the influence on behavior of children and adolescents]

This review presents current data on the mechanisms of production and reception of oxytocin and its effect on the socio-emotional aspects of behavior in different age periods of childhood and adolescence. The main hormonal role of oxytocin is to regulate the process of carrying a fetus, childbirth and lactation, as well as the establishment of social connections from the infancy period (connection with parents with a child) throughout childhood to adolescence and adult periods of life. Its central action takes the most important part in cognitive, emotional and behavioral processes. In addition, oxytocin plays a role in the regulation of food and sexual behavior, in the mechanisms of visceral hypersensitivity and pain perception. The analysis of publications covering the most important role of oxytocin in the formation of the emotional interaction between parents and children in different age periods: infancy, preschool and adolescence was carried out. A brief analysis of genetically determined features of the production and reception of oxytocin and their role in the regulation of behavioral responses is presented. In addition, the review briefly highlights aspects of the likely involvement of oxytocin in the mechanisms of formation of certain psychopathological conditions in children and adolescents.

Oxytocin modulation of self-referential processing is partly replicable and sensitive to oxytocin receptor genotype

Intranasal oxytocin (OXT) has been associated with effects on diverse social-emotional domains in humans, however progress towards a therapeutic application of OXT in disorders with social-emotion impairments is currently hampered by poor replicability. Limited statistical power and individual differences in biological factors, such as oxytocin receptor (OXTR) genetics, may have contributed to these variable findings. To this end, employing a validated oxytocin-sensitive trait judgment paradigm, we present a pharmaco-genetic study aiming at (1) replicating previous findings suggesting that intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) reduces the self-referential bias in a large sample of n = 170 male subjects, (2) determining whether variations in common receptor polymorphisms (rs237887, rs2268491, rs2254298, rs53576, rs2268498) influence sensitivity to oxytocin's behavioral effects. We confirmed that in the whole sample oxytocin influenced self-other distinction in terms of reduced decision time. However, oxytocin only influenced decision time in rs53576 G carriers, whereas effects on subsequent memory performance were only found in rs2268498 TT homozygotes. In summary, the current study partially replicates our previous findings showing that oxytocin reduces the self-referential bias and suggests that sensitivity to its effects in this domain are receptor genotype dependent.

Oxytocin receptor gene polymorphisms moderate the relationship between job stress and general trust in Chinese Han university teachers

BACKGROUND

Chronic exposure to stressful work environments can influence general trust. High job stress is associated with low trust in others. Both environmental and genetic factors contribute to general trust; however, few empirical studies have explored the important role of gene-environment interactions on general trust. In this study, the moderating roles of the polymorphisms OXTR rs53576 and OXTR rs2268490 in the relationship between job stress and general trust were evaluated.

METHODS

362 healthy Chinese Han university teachers (196 males, 165 females, and 1 undisclosed) were included (M_age = 39.80, SD = 9.16). Standardized questionnaires about demographic characteristics, job stress, and general trust scale were collected. Blood samples were collected for OXTR rs53576 and rs2268490 genotyping.

RESULTS

Job stress scores showed a significant negative main effect on general trust (p < 0.001), while OXTR rs53576 and rs2268490 did not (p > 0.05). The effect of the interaction between job stress and OXTR rs53576 or rs2268490 on general trust was significant, even after controlling for gender and age. High job stress was associated with low general trust in OXTR rs53576 homozygous individuals (GG/AA) or OXTR rs2268490 CT individuals, demonstrating that the GA genotype in OXTR rs53576 and CC/TT genotype in OXTR rs2268490 are protective genotype of general trust.

LIMITATIONS

This study used a cross-sectional design, only considered Chinese Han university teachers, and only examined two polymorphisms in OXTR.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings provide evidence that gene-environment interactions influence general trust and identify a new locus (rs2268490) underlying this phenotype.

Interaction effect of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) rs53576 genotype and maternal postpartum depression on child behavioural problems

Previous studies have reported interaction effects of oxytocin receptor genotype (rs53576) and environmental factors on mental health in youth. However, the findings are mixed, especially regarding the type of allele (i.e., A vs. G), and it remains unanswered whether such an interaction presents at an early stage of development. Thus, using a unique longitudinal birth cohort sample in Japan (n = 568), we examined whether there was an effect of the interaction between the OXTR rs53576 genotype and maternal postpartum depression, as an environmental risk, on behavioural problems in children. Child behavioural problems (internalising and externalising problems) were ascertained using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire when children were 6 years old. Maternal postpartum depression was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale when children were at 2 months and 10 months of age. The results revealed a significant effect in the interaction between OXTR rs53576 genotype and maternal postpartum depression on externalising problems in children with AA genotype (β = 0.136, 95% CI 0.032 to 0.240), but not in those with GG/GA genotype. This indicates that an interaction of vulnerable genotypes (i.e., A allele of OXTR rs53576) with an environmental burden (i.e. maternal postpartum depression) may be one of the potential elements that predisposes the infant to developing behavioural problems early in life. Hence, special attention needs to be paid to children exposed to environmental risks such as maternal postpartum depression, to facilitate the provision of appropriate care.