1
|
Bolouki A. Role of Epigenetic Modification in the Intergeneration Transmission of War Trauma. Indian J Clin Biochem 2024; 39:312-321. [PMID: 39005862 PMCID: PMC11239641 DOI: 10.1007/s12291-023-01136-1] [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: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
War trauma has been linked to changes in the neuroendocrine and immunological systems and increases the risk of physical disorders. Traumatic events during the war may have long-term repercussions on psychological and biological parameters in future generations, implying that traumatic stress may have transgenerational consequences. This article addresses how epigenetic mechanisms, which are a key biological mechanism for dynamic adaptation to environmental stressors, may help explain the long-term and transgenerational consequences of trauma. In war survivors, epigenetic changes in genes mediating the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, as well as the immune system, have been reported. These genetic modifications may cause long-term changes in the stress response as well as physical health risks. Also, the finding of biomarkers for diagnosing the possibility of psychiatric illnesses in people exposed to stressful conditions such as war necessitates extensive research. While epigenetic research has the potential to further our understanding of the effects of trauma, the findings must be interpreted with caution because epigenetic molecular mechanisms is only one piece of a complicated puzzle of interwoven biological and environmental components.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayeh Bolouki
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Research Unit on Cellular Biology (URBC), University of Namur, Namur, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Taylor JY, Jones-Patten A, Prescott L, Potts-Thompson S, Joyce C, Tayo B, Saban K. The race-based stress reduction intervention (RiSE) study on African American women in NYC and Chicago: Design and methods for complex genomic analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295293. [PMID: 38598554 PMCID: PMC11006145 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
RiSE study aims to evaluate a race-based stress-reduction intervention as an effective strategy to improve coping and decrease stress-related symptoms, inflammatory burden, and modify DNA methylation of stress response-related genes in older AA women. This article will describe genomic analytic methods to be utilized in this longitudinal, randomized clinical trial of older adult AA women in Chicago and NYC that examines the effect of the RiSE intervention on DNAm pre- and post-intervention, and its overall influence on inflammatory burden. Salivary DNAm will be measured at baseline and 6 months following the intervention, using the Oragene-DNA kit. Measures of perceived stress, depressive symptoms, fatigue, sleep, inflammatory burden, and coping strategies will be assessed at 4 time points including at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months. Genomic data analysis will include the use of pre-processed and quality-controlled methylation data expressed as beta (β) values. Association analyses will be performed to detect differentially methylated sites on the targeted candidate genes between the intervention and non-intervention groups using the Δβ (changes in methylation) with adjustment for age, health behaviors, early life adversity, hybridization batch, and top principal components of the probes as covariates. To account for multiple testing, we will use FDR adjustment with a corrected p-value of <0.05 regarded as statistically significant. To assess the relationship between inflammatory burden and Δβ among the study samples, we will repeat association analyses with the inclusion of individual inflammation protein measures. ANCOVA will be used because it is more statistically powerful to detect differences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacquelyn Y. Taylor
- Center for Research on People of Color, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alexandria Jones-Patten
- Center for Research on People of Color, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Laura Prescott
- Center for Research on People of Color, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Potts-Thompson
- Center for Research on People of Color, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Cara Joyce
- Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Bamidele Tayo
- Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Karen Saban
- Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, Center for Translational Research and Education, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cruz B, Vozella V, Borgonetti V, Bullard R, Bianchi PC, Kirson D, Bertotto LB, Bajo M, Vlkolinsky R, Messing RO, Zorrilla EP, Roberto M. Chemogenetic inhibition of central amygdala CRF-expressing neurons decreases alcohol intake but not trauma-related behaviors in a rat model of post-traumatic stress and alcohol use disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02514-8. [PMID: 38509197 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02514-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are often comorbid. Few treatments exist to reduce comorbid PTSD/AUD. Elucidating the mechanisms underlying their comorbidity could reveal new avenues for therapy. Here, we employed a model of comorbid PTSD/AUD, in which rats were subjected to a stressful shock in a familiar context followed by alcohol drinking. We then examined fear overgeneralization and irritability in these rats. Familiar context stress elevated drinking, increased fear overgeneralization, increased alcohol-related aggressive signs, and elevated peripheral stress hormones. We then examined transcripts of stress- and fear-relevant genes in the central amygdala (CeA), a locus that regulates stress-mediated alcohol drinking. Compared with unstressed rats, stressed rats exhibited increases in CeA transcripts for Crh and Fkbp5 and decreases in transcripts for Bdnf and Il18. Levels of Nr3c1 mRNA, which encodes the glucocorticoid receptor, increased in stressed males but decreased in stressed females. Transcripts of Il18 binding protein (Il18bp), Glp-1r, and genes associated with calcitonin gene-related peptide signaling (Calca, Ramp1, Crlr-1, and Iapp) were unaltered. Crh, but not Crhr1, mRNA was increased by stress; thus, we tested whether inhibiting CeA neurons that express corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) suppress PTSD/AUD-like behaviors. We used Crh-Cre rats that had received a Cre-dependent vector encoding hM4D(Gi), an inhibitory Designer Receptors Exclusively Activated by Designer Drugs. Chemogenetic inhibition of CeA CRF neurons reduced alcohol intake but not fear overgeneralization or irritability-like behaviors. Our findings suggest that CeA CRF modulates PTSD/AUD comorbidity, and inhibiting CRF neural activity is primarily associated with reducing alcohol drinking but not trauma-related behaviors that are associated with PTSD/AUD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bryan Cruz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92073, USA
| | - Valentina Vozella
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92073, USA
| | - Vittoria Borgonetti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92073, USA
| | - Ryan Bullard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92073, USA
| | - Paula C Bianchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92073, USA
| | - Dean Kirson
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Luisa B Bertotto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92073, USA
| | - Michal Bajo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92073, USA
| | - Roman Vlkolinsky
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92073, USA
| | - Robert O Messing
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Eric P Zorrilla
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92073, USA
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92073, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kremer TL, Chen J, Buhl A, Berhe O, Bilek E, Geiger-Primo L, Ma R, Moessnang C, Reichert M, Reinhard I, Schwarz K, Schweiger JI, Streit F, Witt SH, Zang Z, Zhang X, Noethen MM, Rietschel M, Ebner-Priemer UW, Schwarz E, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Braun U, Tost H. Multimodal Associations of FKBP5 Methylation with Emotion-Regulatory Brain Circuits. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01141-7. [PMID: 38460581 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the biological processes underlying individual differences in emotion regulation and stress responsivity is a key challenge for translational neuroscience. The gene FKBP5 is a core regulator in molecular stress signaling that is implicated in the development of psychiatric disorders. Yet it remains unclear how FKBP5 DNA methylation (DNAm) in peripheral blood relates to individual differences in measures of neural structure and function, and their relevance to daily-life stress responsivity. METHODS Here, we characterize multimodal correlates of FKBP5 DNAm by combining epigenetic data with neuroimaging and Ambulatory Assessment in a sample of 395 healthy individuals. RESULTS First, we show that FKBP5 demethylation as a psychiatric risk factor relates to an anxiety-associated reduction of gray matter volume in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), a brain area that is involved in emotion regulation and mental health risk and resilience. This effect of epigenetic upregulation of FKBP5 on neuronal structure is more pronounced where FKBP5 is epigenetically downregulated at baseline. Leveraging 208 functional MRI scans during a well-established emotion processing task we find that FKBP5 DNAm in peripheral blood is associated with functional difference of prefrontal-limbic circuits modulating affective responsivity to daily stressors, which we measured using ecological momentary assessment in daily life. CONCLUSIONS Overall, we demonstrate how FKBP5 contributes to interindividual differences in neural and real-life affect regulation via structural and functional changes in prefrontal-limbic brain circuits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Kremer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Junfang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Current address: Center for Intelligent Medicine Research, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Anais Buhl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Oksana Berhe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Edda Bilek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Lena Geiger-Primo
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ren Ma
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Carolin Moessnang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Current address: Faculty for Applied Psychology, SRH University Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Markus Reichert
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Mental mHealth Lab, Chair of Applied Psychology, Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany; Department of eHealth and Sports Analytics, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Iris Reinhard
- Department of Biostatistics, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Kristina Schwarz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Current address: Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Janina I Schweiger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Fabian Streit
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stephanie H Witt
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Zhenxiang Zang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Current address: Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Markus M Noethen
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, School of Medicine & University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Genomics, Life & Brain Center, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marcella Rietschel
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology in Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Ulrich W Ebner-Priemer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany; Mental mHealth Lab, Chair of Applied Psychology, Institute of Sports and Sports Science, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Emanuel Schwarz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Urs Braun
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Heike Tost
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Baghaei A, Zoshk MY, Hosseini M, Fasihi H, Nassireslami E, Shayesteh S, Laripour R, Amoli AE, Heidari R, Chamanara M. Prominent genetic variants and epigenetic changes in post-traumatic stress disorder among combat veterans. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:325. [PMID: 38393604 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09276-0] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most widespread and disabling psychiatric disorders among combat veterans. Substantial interindividual variability in susceptibility to PTSD suggests the presence of different risk factors for this disorder. Twin and family studies confirm genetic factors as important risk factors for PTSD. In addition to genetic factors, epigenetic factors, especially DNA methylation, can be considered as a potential mechanism in changing the risk of PTSD. So far, many genetic and epigenetic association studies have been conducted in relation to PTSD. In genetic studies, many single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified as PTSD risk factors. Meanwhile, the variations in catecholamines-related genes, serotonin transporter and receptors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, inflammatory factors, and apolipoprotein E are the most prominent candidates. CpG methylation in the upstream regions of many genes is also considered a PTSD risk factor. Accurate identification of genetic and epigenetic changes associated with PTSD can lead to the presentation of suitable biomarkers for susceptible individuals to this disorder. This study aimed to delineate prominent genetic variations and epigenetic changes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans who have experienced combat, focusing on genetic and epigenetic association studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ahmadali Baghaei
- Trauma Research center, AJA university of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Hosseini
- The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Fasihi
- Biomaterial and Medicinal Chemistry Research Center, AJA University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Nassireslami
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sevda Shayesteh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Reza Laripour
- Social and Preventive Medicine Department, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aynaz Eslami Amoli
- Trauma Research center, AJA university of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Center (AJA-CERTC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Chamanara
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Student research committee, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Großmann NL, Weihs A, Kühn L, Sauer S, Röh S, Wiechmann T, Rex-Haffner M, Völzke H, Völker U, Binder EB, Teumer A, Homuth G, Klinger-König J, Grabe HJ. Methylation Patterns of the FKBP5 Gene in Association with Childhood Maltreatment and Depressive Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1485. [PMID: 38338761 PMCID: PMC10855893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031485] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment is an important risk factor for adult depression and has been associated with changes in the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, including cortisol secretion and methylation of the FKBP5 gene. Furthermore, associations between depression and HPA changes have been reported. This study investigated the associations of whole-blood FKBP5 mRNA levels, serum cortisol levels, childhood maltreatment, and depressive symptoms with the whole-blood methylation status (assessed via target bisulfite sequencing) of 105 CpGs at the FKBP5 locus using data from the general population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) (N = 203). Both direct and interaction effects with the rs1360780 single-nucleotide polymorphism were investigated. Nominally significant associations of main effects on methylation of a single CpG site were observed at intron 3, intron 7, and the 3'-end of the gene. Additionally, methylation at two clusters at the 3'-end and intron 7 were nominally associated with childhood maltreatment × rs1360780 and depressive symptoms × rs1360780, respectively. The results add to the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the emergence of depression and could aid the development of personalised depression therapy and drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nora L Großmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Antoine Weihs
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Luise Kühn
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Susann Sauer
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Simone Röh
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Wiechmann
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Monika Rex-Haffner
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Henry Völzke
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Uwe Völker
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Alexander Teumer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Georg Homuth
- Interfaculty Institute of Genetics and Functional Genomics, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Johanna Klinger-König
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hans J Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Seo JH, Kim ST, Jeon S, Kang JI, Kim SJ. Sex-dependent association of DNA methylation of HPA axis-related gene FKBP5 with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 158:106404. [PMID: 37769537 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106404] [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: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Although hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been reported, epigenetic changes in HPA axis-related genes have not been well studied in OCD. The present study investigated whether the epigenetic regulation of FK506-binding protein 51 gene (FKBP5) intron 7 is associated with OCD status in each sex. In addition, relationships among the DNA methylation levels of FKBP5 intron 7, OCD status and early-life trauma were explored. METHODS A total of 267 patients with OCD and 201 controls aged between 18 and 40 years were recruited. Demographic and clinical assessment, FKBP5 rs1360780 genotyping, and pyrosequencing of FKBP5 intron 7 were conducted. DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leucocytes. First, multivariate analysis of covariance for differential DNA methylation levels between OCD patients and controls was conducted with adjustment for FKBP5 rs1360780 genotype, early-life trauma, depressive symptoms, and age as covariates in each sex. Next, path analysis was conducted to determine the mediation effects of DNA methylation levels of FKBP5 between early-life trauma and OCD status. In addition, sensitivity analyses for medication and lifetime major depression were also performed. RESULTS DNA methylation at the FKBP5 intron 7 CpG site was significantly lower in men with OCD, compared to controls (mean difference -1.33%, 95% CI -2.11 to -0.55, p < 0.001). The results remained significant for drug naïve or free subjects (mean difference -1.27%, 95% CI -2.18 to -0.37, p = 0.006, in men) and for subjects without lifetime major depressive disorder (mean difference -1.60%, 95% CI -2.54 to -0.66, p < 0.001, in men). The mediation effect of DNA methylation levels was not significant between early-life trauma and OCD status. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that epigenetic factors of HPA axis-related gene FKBP5 may play a role in the pathogenesis of OCD. Further studies are needed to determine how altered DNA methylation of FKBP5 intron 7 and HPA axis function are involved in OCD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Ho Seo
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, South Korea; Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Shin Tae Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sumoa Jeon
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jee In Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| | - Se Joo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea; Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Malekpour M, Shekouh D, Safavinia ME, Shiralipour S, Jalouli M, Mortezanejad S, Azarpira N, Ebrahimi ND. Role of FKBP5 and its genetic mutations in stress-induced psychiatric disorders: an opportunity for drug discovery. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1182345. [PMID: 37398599 PMCID: PMC10313426 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1182345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress-induced mental health disorders are affecting many people around the world. However, effective drug therapy for curing psychiatric diseases does not occur sufficiently. Many neurotransmitters, hormones, and mechanisms are essential in regulating the body's stress response. One of the most critical components of the stress response system is the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The FKBP prolyl isomerase 51 (FKBP51) protein is one of the main negative regulators of the HPA axis. FKBP51 negatively regulates the cortisol effects (the end product of the HPA axis) by inhibiting the interaction between glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and cortisol, causing reduced transcription of downstream cortisol molecules. By regulating cortisol effects, the FKBP51 protein can indirectly regulate the sensitivity of the HPA axis to stressors. Previous studies have indicated the influence of FKBP5 gene mutations and epigenetic changes in different psychiatric diseases and drug responses and recommended the FKBP51 protein as a drug target and a biomarker for psychological disorders. In this review, we attempted to discuss the effects of the FKBP5 gene, its mutations on different psychiatric diseases, and drugs affecting the FKBP5 gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Malekpour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Dorsa Shekouh
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Shadi Shiralipour
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Jalouli
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sahar Mortezanejad
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Negar Azarpira
- Transplant Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mendonça MS, Mangiavacchi PM, Mendes AV, Loureiro SR, Martín-Santos R, Glória LS, Marques W, De Marco SPG, Kanashiro MM, Hallak JEC, Crippa JAS, Rios ÁFL. DNA methylation in regulatory elements of the FKBP5 and NR3C1 gene in mother-child binomials with depression. J Affect Disord 2023; 331:287-299. [PMID: 36933666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.03.031] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The FKBP5 and NR3C1 genes play an important role in stress response, thus impacting mental health. Stress factor exposure in early life, such as maternal depression, may contribute to epigenetic modifications in stress response genes, increasing the susceptibility to different psychopathologies. The present study aimed to evaluate the DNA methylation profile in maternal-infant depression in regulatory regions of the FKBP5 gene and the alternative promoter of the NR3C1 gene. METHODS We evaluated 60 mother-infant pairs. The levels of DNA methylation were analyzed by the MSRED-qPCR technique. RESULTS We observed an increased DNA methylation profile in the NR3C1 gene promoter in children with depression and children exposed to maternal depression (p < 0.05). In addition, we observed a correlation of DNA methylation between mothers and offspring exposed to maternal depression. This correlation shows a possible intergenerational effect of maternal MDD exposure on the offspring. For FKBP5, we found a decrease in DNA methylation at intron 7 in children exposed to maternal MDD during pregnancy and a correlation of DNA methylation between mothers and children exposed to maternal MDD (p < 0.05). LIMITATIONS Although the individuals of this study are a rare group, the sample size of the study was small, and we evaluated the DNA methylation of only one CpG site for each region. CONCLUSION These results indicate changes in DNA methylation levels in regulatory regions of FKBP5 and NR3C1 in the mother-child MDD context and represent a potential target of studies to understand the depression etiology and how it occurs between generations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana S Mendonça
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Paula M Mangiavacchi
- Laboratory of Reproduction and Animal Breeding, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Ana V Mendes
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Sonia R Loureiro
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Rocio Martín-Santos
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Hospital Clínic, Institut d' Investigacions Biomedicas August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Neurociencias, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08036, Spain
| | - Leonardo S Glória
- Laboratory of Animal Science, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Wilson Marques
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Silmara P G De Marco
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil
| | - Milton M Kanashiro
- Laboratory of Recognition Biology, North Fluminense State University (UENF), Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José A S Crippa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, USP, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14051-140, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Álvaro F L Rios
- Laboratory of Biotechnology, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro, Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro 28013-602, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhu W, Li Y, Ma X, Yang H, Wang Z, Shi R, Shi W, Cong B. Bibliometric analysis of post-traumatic stress disorder in forensic medicine: Research trends, hot spots, and prospects. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1074999. [PMID: 36726521 PMCID: PMC9884826 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1074999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has various risk factors, complex pathogenesis, and diverse symptoms, and is often comorbid with other injuries and diseases, making forensic diagnosis difficult. Methods To explore the current research status and trends of PTSD, we used the Web of Science Core Collection databases to screen PTSD-related literature published between 2010 and 2021 and CiteSpace to perform bibliometric analysis. Results In recent years, PTSD-related research has grown steadily. The countries and institutions with the most research results were the United States and England, and King's College London and Boston University, respectively. Publications were identified from 2,821 different journals, including 13 forensic-related journals, but the journal distribution was relatively scattered and there was a lack of professional core journals. Keyword co-occurrence and clustering identified many hot topics; "rat model," "mental health," and "satisfaction" were the topics most likely to have a clear effect on future research. Analysis extracted nine turning points from the literature that suggested that neural network centers, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and biomarkers were new research directions. It was found that COVID-19 can cause severe psychological stress and induce PTSD, but the relationship needs further study. The literature on stress response areas and biomarkers has gradually increased over time, but specific systemic neural brain circuits and biomarkers remain to be determined. Conclusion There is a need to expand the collection of different types of biological tissue samples from patients with different backgrounds, screen PTSD biomarkers and molecular targets using multi-omics and molecular biology techniques, and establish PTSD-related molecular networks. This may promote a systematic understanding of the abnormal activation of neural circuits in patients with PTSD and help to establish a personalized, accurate, and objective forensic diagnostic standard.
Collapse
|
11
|
Scholl JL, King ZR, Pearson K, Kallsen NA, Ehli EA, Fercho KA, Brown-Rice KA, Forster GL, Baugh LA. Methylation of genes and regulation of inflammatory processes on emotional response in young adults with alcoholic parents. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 25:100505. [PMID: 36110145 PMCID: PMC9468507 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Many Americans are adult children of an alcoholic parent (ACoA), which can confer an increased risk of trauma and hazardous alcohol use, as well as heritable and environmental genetic influence. Psychological health and related neural activity can be influenced by inflammation responses, but it is not clear how these factors interact regarding risk or resilience to hazardous alcohol use. The goals of this study were to better understand the relationships between current alcohol use and inflammation, how these are modified by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and/or epigenetic modifications of inflammation-associated genes; and how these alter neural reactivity to emotionally-salient stimuli. To do so, ACoA participants were dichotomized as resilient (not engaged in hazardous alcohol use) or vulnerable (currently engaged in hazardous alcohol use). Measures of blood-oxygen-level-dependent (BOLD) activity within regions of interest (ROIs), SNPs and DNA methylation of specific inflammation regulatory genes, and biological markers of inflammation were compared between these groups. Vulnerable ACoAs exhibited higher plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and greater BOLD activity in the right hippocampus and ventral anterior cingulate cortex in response to emotional cues as well as reduced methylation of CRP and glucocorticoid-related genes. Path analysis revealed significant relationships between alcohol use, SNPs, DNA methylation of inflammatory-related genes, CRP levels, and BOLD activity to emotional stimuli. Taken together, these findings suggest a complex association related to hazardous alcohol use in ACoAs that may predict current inflammation and neural reactivity to emotional stimuli. A better understanding of these associations could direct the future of individual treatment options. Alterations of genes and alcohol use increases inflammation and affects mental health. Proposed model illustrating pathway for alcohol use leading to poor mental health. Methylation of promotor regions on mental health genes is affected by inflammation.
Collapse
|
12
|
Mahmood D, Alenezi SK, Anwar MJ, Azam F, Qureshi KA, Jaremko M. New Paradigms of Old Psychedelics in Schizophrenia. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050640. [PMID: 35631466 PMCID: PMC9147282 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychedelics such as lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (magic mushrooms), and mescaline exhibit intense effects on the human brain and behaviour. In recent years, there has been a surge in studies investigating these drugs because clinical studies have shown that these once banned drugs are well tolerated and efficacious in medically supervised low doses called microdosing. Psychedelics have demonstrated efficacy in treating neuropsychiatric maladies such as difficult to treat anxiety, depression, mood disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, suicidal ideation, posttraumatic stress disorder, and also in treating substance use disorders. The primary mode of action of psychedelics is activation of serotonin 5-HT2A receptors affecting cognition and brain connectivity through the modulation of several downstream signalling pathways via complex molecular mechanisms. Some atypical antipsychotic drugs (APDs) primarily exhibit pharmacological actions through 5-HT2A receptors, which are also the target of psychedelic drugs. Psychedelic drugs including the newer second generation along with the glutamatergic APDs are thought to mediate pharmacological actions through a common pathway, i.e., a complex serotonin-glutamate receptor interaction in cortical neurons of pyramidal origin. Furthermore, psychedelic drugs have been reported to act via a complex interplay between 5HT2A, mGlu2/3, and NMDA receptors to mediate neurobehavioral and pharmacological actions. Findings from recent studies have suggested that serotoninergic and glutamatergic neurotransmissions are very closely connected in producing pharmacological responses to psychedelics and antipsychotic medication. Emerging hypotheses suggest that psychedelics work through brain resetting mechanisms. Hence, there is a need to dig deeply into psychedelic neurobiology to uncover how psychedelics could best be used as scientific tools to benefit psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danish Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia; (S.K.A.); (M.J.A.)
- Correspondence: or
| | - Sattam K. Alenezi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia; (S.K.A.); (M.J.A.)
| | - Md. Jamir Anwar
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia; (S.K.A.); (M.J.A.)
| | - Faizul Azam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry & Pharmacognosy, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Kamal A. Qureshi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Unaizah College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Unaizah 51911, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Mariusz Jaremko
- Smart-Health Initiative (SHI) and Red Sea Research Center (RSRC), Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Engineering (BESE), King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal 23955, Saudi Arabia;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Núñez-Rios DL, Martínez-Magaña JJ, Nagamatsu ST, Andrade-Brito DE, Forero DA, Orozco-Castaño CA, Montalvo-Ortiz JL. Central and Peripheral Immune Dysregulation in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Convergent Multi-Omics Evidence. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051107. [PMID: 35625844 PMCID: PMC9138536 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic and multifactorial disorder with a prevalence ranging between 6–10% in the general population and ~35% in individuals with high lifetime trauma exposure. Growing evidence indicates that the immune system may contribute to the etiology of PTSD, suggesting the inflammatory dysregulation as a hallmark feature of PTSD. However, the potential interplay between the central and peripheral immune system, as well as the biological mechanisms underlying this dysregulation remain poorly understood. The activation of the HPA axis after trauma exposure and the subsequent activation of the inflammatory system mediated by glucocorticoids is the most common mechanism that orchestrates an exacerbated immunological response in PTSD. Recent high-throughput analyses in peripheral and brain tissue from both humans with and animal models of PTSD have found that changes in gene regulation via epigenetic alterations may participate in the impaired inflammatory signaling in PTSD. The goal of this review is to assess the role of the inflammatory system in PTSD across tissue and species, with a particular focus on the genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics, and proteomics domains. We conducted an integrative multi-omics approach identifying TNF (Tumor Necrosis Factor) signaling, interleukins, chemokines, Toll-like receptors and glucocorticoids among the common dysregulated pathways in both central and peripheral immune systems in PTSD and propose potential novel drug targets for PTSD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana L. Núñez-Rios
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.L.N.-R.); (J.J.M.-M.); (S.T.N.); (D.E.A.-B.)
- VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - José J. Martínez-Magaña
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.L.N.-R.); (J.J.M.-M.); (S.T.N.); (D.E.A.-B.)
- VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Sheila T. Nagamatsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.L.N.-R.); (J.J.M.-M.); (S.T.N.); (D.E.A.-B.)
- VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Diego E. Andrade-Brito
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.L.N.-R.); (J.J.M.-M.); (S.T.N.); (D.E.A.-B.)
- VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Diego A. Forero
- Health and Sport Sciences Research Group, School of Health and Sport Sciences, Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (D.A.F.); (C.A.O.-C.)
| | - Carlos A. Orozco-Castaño
- Health and Sport Sciences Research Group, School of Health and Sport Sciences, Fundación Universitaria del Área Andina, Bogotá 110231, Colombia; (D.A.F.); (C.A.O.-C.)
| | - Janitza L. Montalvo-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (D.L.N.-R.); (J.J.M.-M.); (S.T.N.); (D.E.A.-B.)
- VA CT Healthcare Center, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(203)-9325711 (ext. 7491)
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Occean JR, Wani AH, Donglasan J, Aiello AE, Galea S, Koenen KC, Qu A, Wildman DE, Uddin M. DNA methylation of Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells 1 mediates the prospective relation between exposure to different traumatic event types and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res 2022; 311:114510. [PMID: 35349860 PMCID: PMC9018623 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms through which exposure to differing trauma types become biologically embedded to shape the risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is unclear. DNA methylation (5-mC), particularly in stress-relevant genes, may play a role in this relationship. Here, we conducted path analysis using generalized structural equation modeling to investigate whether blood-derived 5-mC in Nuclear Factor of Activated T Cells 1 (NFATC1) mediates the prospective association between each of five different trauma types ("assaultive violence", "other injury or shocking experience", "learning of trauma to loved one", "sudden, unexpected death of a close friend or relative", and "other") and lifetime PTSD. All five trauma types were significantly associated with reduced methylation at NFATC1 CpG site, cg17057218. Two of the five trauma types were significantly associated with increased methylation at NFATC1 CpG site, cg22324981. Moreover, methylation at cg17057218 significantly mediated 21-32% of the total effect for four of the five trauma types, while methylation at cg22324981 mediated 27-40% of the total effect for two of the five trauma types. These CpG sites were differentially associated with transcription factor binding sites and chromatin state signatures. NFATC1 5-mC may be a potential mechanism in the relationship between some trauma types and prospective risk for PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James R. Occean
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA,Present address: Laboratory of Genetics and Genomics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Agaz H. Wani
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Janelle Donglasan
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Allison E. Aiello
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sandro Galea
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karestan C. Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA,Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit & Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Annie Qu
- Department of Statistics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Derek E. Wildman
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chakraborty P, Chattarji S, Jeanneteau F. A salience hypothesis of stress in PTSD. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 54:8029-8051. [PMID: 34766390 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15526] [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: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Attention to key features of contexts and things is a necessary tool for all organisms. Detecting these salient features of cues, or simply, salience, can also be affected by exposure to traumatic stress, as has been widely reported in individuals suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Interestingly, similar observations have been robustly replicated across many animal models of stress as well. By using evidence from such rodent stress paradigms, in the present review, we explore PTSD through the lens of salience processing. In this context, we propose that interaction between the neurotrophin brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoids determines the long lasting cellular and behavioural consequences of stress salience. We also describe the dual effect of glucocorticoid therapy in the amelioration of PTSD symptoms. Finally, by integrating in vivo observations at multiple scales of plasticity, we propose a unifying hypothesis that pivots on a crucial role of glucocorticoid signalling in dynamically orchestrating stress salience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prabahan Chakraborty
- Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, Inserm, CNRS, Montpellier, 34090, France.,Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, India
| | - Sumantra Chattarji
- Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bellary Road, Bangalore, 560065, India.,Centre for Brain Development and Repair, Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Deanery of Biomedical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Freddy Jeanneteau
- Institut de Genomique Fonctionnelle, University of Montpellier, Inserm, CNRS, Montpellier, 34090, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Aykac A, Kalkan R. Epigenetic Approach to PTSD: In the Aspects of Rat Models. Glob Med Genet 2021; 9:7-13. [PMID: 35169777 PMCID: PMC8837403 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress-related mental disorder and develops after exposure to life-threatening traumatic experiences. The risk factors of PTSD included genetic factors; alterations in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis; neurotrophic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, and catecholaminergic systems; and a variety of environmental factors, such as war, accident, natural disaster, pandemic, physical, or sexual abuse, that cause stress or trauma in individuals. To be able to understand the molecular background of PTSD, rodent animal models are widely used by researchers. When looking for a solution for PTSD, it is important to consider preexisting genetic risk factors and physiological, molecular, and biochemical processes caused by trauma that may cause susceptibility to this disorder. In studies, it is reported that epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in the biological response affected by environmental factors, as well as the task of programming cell identity. In this article, we provided an overview of the role of epigenetic modifications in understanding the biology of PTSD. We also summarized the data from animal studies and their importance during the investigation of PTSD. This study shed light on the epigenetic background of stress and PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asli Aykac
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Rasime Kalkan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Mendonça MS, Mangiavacchi PM, Rios ÁFL. Regulatory functions of FKBP5 intronic regions associated with psychiatric disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 143:1-8. [PMID: 34433110 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The FKBP5 gene codifies a co-chaperone protein associated with the modulation of glucocorticoid receptor interaction involved in the adaptive stress response. The FKBP5 intracellular concentration affects the binding affinity of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to glucocorticoids (GCs). This gene has glucocorticoid response elements (GREs) located in introns 2, 5 and 7, which affect its expression. Recent studies have examined GRE activity and the effects of genetic variants on transcript efficiency and their contribution to susceptibility to behavioral disorders. Epigenetic changes and environmental factors can influence the effects of these allele-specific variants, impacting the response to GCs of the FKBP5 gene. The main epigenetic mark investigated in FKBP5 intronic regions is DNA methylation, however, few studies have been performed for all GREs located in these regions. One of the major findings was the association of low DNA methylation levels in the intron 7 of FKBP5 in patients with psychiatric disorders. To date, there are no reports of DNA methylation in introns 2 and 5 of the gene associated with diagnoses of psychiatric disorders. This review highlights what has been discovered so far about the relationship between polymorphisms and epigenetic targets in intragenic regions, and reveals the gaps that need to be explored, mainly concerning the role of DNA methylation in these regions and how it acts in psychiatric disease susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana S Mendonça
- Laboratory of Biotechnology (LBT), Center of Bioscience and Biotechnology -CBB, North Fluminense State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paula M Mangiavacchi
- Laboratory of Reproduction and Animal Breeding - LRMGA. Center for Agricultural Technological Sciences - CCTA, North Fluminense State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Álvaro F L Rios
- Laboratory of Biotechnology (LBT), Center of Bioscience and Biotechnology -CBB, North Fluminense State University, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Genetic association of FKBP5 with trait resilience in Korean male patients with alcohol use disorder. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18454. [PMID: 34531492 PMCID: PMC8445975 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98032-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The FKBP5 gene is known to have an important role in alcohol use disorder (AUD) in response to stress and has been reported to affect stress responses by interacting with childhood trauma. This study investigated the effects of the FKBP5 polymorphism rs1360780 and childhood trauma on trait resilience in male patients with AUD. In addition, allele-specific associations between FKBP5 DNA methylation and resilience were examined. In total, 297 men with AUD were assessed for alcohol use severity, childhood trauma, resilience, and impulsivity. Genotyping for FKBP5 rs1360780 and DNA methylation were analyzed. The effects of the rs1360780 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and clinical variables on resilience were tested using linear regression analysis. Possible associations between FKBP5 DNA methylation and resilience were tested with partial correlation analysis. The rs1360780 risk allele, a low education level, and high impulsivity were associated with diminished resilience, whereas no significant main or interaction effect of childhood trauma with the SNP rs1360780 genotype on resilience was shown. No significant association between FKBP5 DNA methylation and resilience was found. The present study demonstrated the involvement of the rs1360780 risk allele in trait resilience in men with AUD, suggesting that the genetic vulnerability of FKBP5 may influence resilience related to AUD.
Collapse
|
19
|
Danan D, Todder D, Zohar J, Cohen H. Is PTSD-Phenotype Associated with HPA-Axis Sensitivity? Feedback Inhibition and Other Modulating Factors of Glucocorticoid Signaling Dynamics. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116050. [PMID: 34205191 PMCID: PMC8200046 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Previously, we found that basal corticosterone pulsatility significantly impacts the vulnerability for developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rats that exhibited PTSD-phenotype were characterized by blunted basal corticosterone pulsatility amplitude and a blunted corticosterone response to a stressor. This study sought to identify the mechanisms underlining both the loss of pulsatility and differences in downstream responses. Serial blood samples were collected manually via jugular vein cannula at 10-min intervals to evaluate suppression of corticosterone following methylprednisolone administration. The rats were exposed to predator scent stress (PSS) after 24 h, and behavioral responses were assessed 7 days post-exposure for retrospective classification into behavioral response groups. Brains were harvested for measurements of the glucocorticoid receptor, mineralocorticoid receptor, FK506-binding protein-51 and arginine vasopressin in specific brain regions to assess changes in hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) regulating factors. Methylprednisolone produced greater suppression of corticosterone in the PTSD-phenotype group. During the suppression, the PTSD-phenotype rats showed a significantly more pronounced pulsatile activity. In addition, the PTSD-phenotype group showed distinct changes in the ventral and dorsal CA1, dentate gyrus as well as in the paraventricular nucleus and supra-optic nucleus. These results demonstrate a pre-trauma vulnerability state that is characterized by an over-reactivity of the HPA and changes in its regulating factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dor Danan
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ministry of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84170, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Doron Todder
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ministry of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84170, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
| | - Joseph Zohar
- Post-Trauma Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Aviv 52621, Israel;
| | - Hagit Cohen
- Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Beer-Sheva Mental Health Center, Ministry of Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 84170, Israel; (D.D.); (D.T.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +972-544-369106
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mihaljevic M, Franic D, Soldatovic I, Lukic I, Petrovic SA, Mirjanic T, Stankovic B, Zukic B, Zeljic K, Gasic V, Novakovic I, Pavlovic S, Adzic M, Maric NP. The FKBP5 genotype and childhood trauma effects on FKBP5 DNA methylation in patients with psychosis, their unaffected siblings, and healthy controls. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 128:105205. [PMID: 33933892 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity mediates the relationship between childhood trauma (CT) and psychosis. The FKBP5 gene, one of the key regulators of HPA axis activity after stress exposure, has been found associated with psychosis. Allele-specific and CT related FKBP5 demethylation in intron 7 was revealed in different psychiatric disorders. However, no studies have investigated FKBP5 methylation in subjects with different genetic liability for psychosis. A total of 144 participants were included in the study: 48 patients with psychotic disorders, 50 unaffected siblings, and 46 healthy controls. CT was assessed by Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. The FKBP5 rs1360780 was genotyped and FKBP5 methylation analyses were performed using bisulfite conversion followed by Sanger sequencing at three CpG sites in intron 7. Mixed linear model was used to assess group differences depending on rs1360780 T allele and CT. Results showed a significant T allele-dependent decrease of FKBP5 methylation in patients compared to unaffected siblings and controls. Effect of interaction between T allele and CT exposure on FKBP5 demethylation was found in controls. No effect of both risk factors (T allele and CT) on FKBP5 methylation level was found in unaffected siblings. We confirmed previous evidence of the association between the FKBP5 rs1360780 T allele, CT, and decreased FKBP5 methylation in intron 7. Allele-specific FKBP5 demethylation found in patients could shed a light on altered HPA axis activity in a subgroup of patients related to stress-induced psychosis. FKBP5 methylation and potential protective mechanisms in unaffected siblings after trauma exposure require further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Mihaljevic
- Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Pasterova 2, Belgrade 11000, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, Belgrade 11000, Serbia.
| | - Dusanka Franic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 1100, Serbia
| | - Ivan Soldatovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, Belgrade 11000, Serbia; Institute for Biostatistics, Medical Informatics and Research in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Iva Lukic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 1100, Serbia
| | - Sanja Andric Petrovic
- Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Pasterova 2, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Tijana Mirjanic
- Special Hospital for Psychiatric Disorders Kovin, Cara Lazara 253, Kovin 26220, Serbia
| | - Biljana Stankovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11010, Serbia
| | - Branka Zukic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11010, Serbia
| | - Katarina Zeljic
- Genetics & Evolution Department, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski trg 3, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Vladimir Gasic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11010, Serbia
| | - Ivana Novakovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, Belgrade 11000, Serbia; Institute of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Visegradska 26, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Sonja Pavlovic
- Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11010, Serbia
| | - Miroslav Adzic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, "VINČA" Institute of Nuclear Sciences - National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 1100, Serbia
| | - Nadja P Maric
- Clinic for Psychiatry, Clinical Centre of Serbia, Pasterova 2, Belgrade 11000, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Dr Subotica 8, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Mourtzi N, Sertedaki A, Charmandari E. Glucocorticoid Signaling and Epigenetic Alterations in Stress-Related Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5964. [PMID: 34073101 PMCID: PMC8198182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is defined as a state of threatened or perceived as threatened homeostasis. The well-tuned coordination of the stress response system is necessary for an organism to respond to external or internal stressors and re-establish homeostasis. Glucocorticoid hormones are the main effectors of stress response and aberrant glucocorticoid signaling has been associated with an increased risk for psychiatric and mood disorders, including schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Emerging evidence suggests that life-stress experiences can alter the epigenetic landscape and impact the function of genes involved in the regulation of stress response. More importantly, epigenetic changes induced by stressors persist over time, leading to increased susceptibility for a number of stress-related disorders. In this review, we discuss the role of glucocorticoids in the regulation of stress response, the mechanism through which stressful experiences can become biologically embedded through epigenetic alterations, and we underline potential associations between epigenetic changes and the development of stress-related disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niki Mourtzi
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Amalia Sertedaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Burmeister M, Sen S. Genetic interactions with stressful environments in depression and addiction. BJPSYCH ADVANCES 2021; 27:153-157. [DOI: 10.1192/bja.2021.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARYStress is the most important proximal precipitant of depression, yet most large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) do not include stress as a variable. Here, we review how gene × environment (G × E) interaction might impede the discovery of genetic factors, discuss two examples of G × E interaction in depression and addiction, studies incorporating high-stress environments, as well as upcoming waves of genome-wide environment interaction studies (GWEIS). We discuss recent studies which have shown that genetic distributions can be affected by social factors such as migrations and socioeconomic background. These distinctions are not just academic but have practical consequences. Owing to interaction with the environment, genetic predispositions to depression should not be viewed as unmodifiable destiny. Patients may genetically differ not just in their response to drugs, as in the now well-recognised field of pharmacogenetics, but also in how they react to stressful environments and how they are affected by behavioural therapies.
Collapse
|
23
|
Flasbeck V, Brüne M. Association between childhood maltreatment, psychopathology and DNA methylation of genes involved in stress regulation: Evidence from a study in Borderline Personality Disorder. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248514. [PMID: 33705478 PMCID: PMC7951851 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research suggests that childhood maltreatment is associated with epigenetic modification of genes involved in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) functioning, which could cause dysregulation of the stress response system. If pervasive, this may be associated with the development of stress-related disorder in adults, including affective disorders, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or borderline-personality disorder (BPD). The majority of studies have focused on DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and the FKBP5 encoding gene, which regulates the sensitivity of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). How methylation of NR3C1 and FKBP5 interferes with childhood adversity and psychopathology as well as empathy is an under-researched issue. Here, we sought to investigate the association of childhood maltreatment in a sample of 89 individuals (44 healthy participants and 45 patients diagnosed with BPD) with the methylation of the 1F promoter region of NR3C1 and the intron 7 of FKBP5 as well as with different measures of psychopathology and empathy. Methylation of FKBP5 (bin 2) correlated with anxiety (SCL-90-R) and the global psychopathological symptom load index (GSI), as well as with lower empathic perspective-taking abilities. Psychopathology and empathy impairments correlated with the level of childhood maltreatment. No difference in FKBP5 methylation was observed between the clinical and the non-clinical group. Methylation of NR3C1 was lower in BPD patients compared to controls, yet with small differences. The results are discussed regarding their biological relevance, including possible evolutionary explanations. In short, the regulation of the GR sensitivity by methylation of FKBP5 correlated with psychopathology and empathy scores, while no correlation emerged with the severity of childhood adversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Flasbeck
- Division of Social Neuropsychiatry and Evolutionary Medicine, LWL University Hospital Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Brüne
- Division of Social Neuropsychiatry and Evolutionary Medicine, LWL University Hospital Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sheerin CM, Lind MJ, Bountress KE, Marraccini ME, Amstadter AB, Bacanu SA, Nugent NR. Meta-Analysis of Associations Between Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Genes and Risk of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Trauma Stress 2020; 33:688-698. [PMID: 32216170 PMCID: PMC7529653 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Revised: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been of interest in attempts to identify genetic vulnerability for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Although numerous HPA-axis genes have been implicated in candidate gene studies, the findings are mixed and interpretation is limited by study design and methodological inconsistencies. To address these inconsistencies in the PTSD candidate gene literature, we conducted meta-analyses of HPA-related genes from both a traditional single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-level analysis and a gene-level analysis, using novel methods aggregating markers in the same gene. Database searches (PubMed and PsycINFO) identified 24 unique articles examining six HPA-axis genes in PTSD; analyses were conducted on four genes (ADCYAP1R1, CRHR1, FKBP5, NR3C1) that met study eligibility criteria (original research, human subjects, main effect association study of selected genes, PTSD as an outcome, trauma-exposed control group) and had sufficient data and number of studies for use in meta-analysis, within 20 unique articles. Findings from SNP-level analyses indicated that two variants (rs9296158 in FKBP5 and rs258747 in NR3C1) were nominally associated with PTSD, ps = .001 and .001, respectively, following multiple testing correction. At the gene level, significant relations between PTSD and both NR3C1 and FKBP5 were detected and robust to sensitivity analyses. Although study limitations exist (e.g., varied outcomes, inability to test moderators), taken together, these results provide support for FKBP5 and NR3C1 in risk for PTSD. Overall, this work highlights the utility of meta-analyses in resolving discrepancies in the literature and the value of adopting gene-level approaches to investigate the etiology of PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Sheerin
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Mackenzie J. Lind
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Kaitlin E. Bountress
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Marisa E. Marraccini
- School of Education, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Ananda B. Amstadter
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA,Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Silviu-Alin Bacanu
- Department of Psychiatry, Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nicole R. Nugent
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA,Department of Pediatrics Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA,Bradley/Hasbro Children’s Research Center of Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Castro-Vale I, Carvalho D. The Pathways between Cortisol-Related Regulation Genes and PTSD Psychotherapy. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8040376. [PMID: 33019527 PMCID: PMC7712185 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8040376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) only develops after exposure to a traumatic event in some individuals. PTSD can be chronic and debilitating, and is associated with co-morbidities such as depression, substance use, and cardiometabolic disorders. One of the most important pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of PTSD and its subsequent maintenance is a dysfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The corticotrophin-releasing hormone, cortisol, glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and their respective genes are some of the mediators of PTSD's pathophysiology. Several treatments are available, including medication and psychotherapies, although their success rate is limited. Some pharmacological therapies based on the HPA axis are currently being tested in clinical trials and changes in HPA axis biomarkers have been found to occur in response not only to pharmacological treatments, but also to psychotherapy-including the epigenetic modification of the GR gene. Psychotherapies are considered to be the first line treatments for PTSD in some guidelines, even though they are effective for some, but not for all patients with PTSD. This review aims to address how knowledge of the HPA axis-related genetic makeup can inform and predict the outcomes of psychotherapeutic treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivone Castro-Vale
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- i3S-Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | - Davide Carvalho
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, São João Hospital University Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
No association between FKBP5 gene methylation and acute and long-term cortisol output. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:175. [PMID: 32488091 PMCID: PMC7266811 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0846-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Prior studies identified DNA methylation (DNAM) changes in a regulatory region within the FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) gene as a crucial mediator of long-term negative health outcomes following early adversity. A critical mechanism underlying this link, in turn, has been suggested to be epigenetically induced dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The purpose of this study was thus to investigate associations of FKBP5 DNAM with both acute and chronic cortisol output. Two hundred adults with differential exposure to childhood trauma (CT) were underwent a laboratory stressor (Trier Social Stress Test) and provided salivary samples for the analysis of acute cortisol stress responses. In addition, hair cortisol concentrations were determined as a valid measure of integrated long-term cortisol levels. Whole blood samples were drawn for DNAM analyses of FKBP5 intron 7 via bisulfite pyrosequencing. In contrast to most prior work, only healthy participants were included in order to disentangle the effects of trauma exposure per se from those related to mental disorders. First, our findings did not reveal strong evidence for a robust effect of CT on FKBP5 intron 7 DNAM status, even if genetic predisposition (rs1360780 genotype) was taken into account. Second, FKBP5 DNAM levels were found to be unrelated to acute cortisol stress reactivity and long-term cortisol concentration in hair. The failure to demonstrate a significant association between CT and FKBP5 DNAM in an exclusively healthy sample could be interpreted as suggesting that individuals' mental health status may be a critical modulator of previously observed effects.
Collapse
|
27
|
Zhang L, Hu XZ, Yu T, Chen Z, Dohl J, Li X, Benedek DM, Fullerton CS, Wynn G, Barrett JE, Li M, Russell DW, Ursano RJ. Genetic association of FKBP5 with PTSD in US service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 122:48-53. [PMID: 31927265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental disorder with a prevalence of more than 7% in the US population and 12% in the military. An interaction of childhood trauma with FKBP5 (a glucocorticoid-regulated immunophilin) has been reported to be associated with PTSD in the general population. However, there are few reports on the association of FKBP5 with PTSD, particularly in important high-risk population such as the military. Here, we examined the association between four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs3800373, rs9296158, rs1360780, rs9470080) covering the FKBP5 gene and probable PTSD in US service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, a high-risk military population (n = 3890) (Hines et al., 2014). We found that probable PTSD subjects were significantly more likely to carry the A-allele of rs3800373, G-allele of rs9296158, C-allele of rs1360780, and C-allele of rs9470080. Furthermore, the four SNPs were in one block of strong pairwise linkage disequilibrium (r = 0.91-0.96). Within the block there were two major haplotypes of CATT and AGCC (rs3800373-rs9296158-rs1360780-rs9470080) that account for 99% of haplotype diversity. The distribution of the AGCC haplotype was significantly higher in probable PTSD subjects compared to non-PTSD (p<.05). The diplotype-based analysis indicated that the AGCC carriers tended to be probable PTSD. In this study, we demonstrated the association between FKBP5 and probable PTSD in US service members deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, indicating that FKBP5 might be a risk factor for PTSD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
| | - Xian-Zhang Hu
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Tianzheng Yu
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Ze Chen
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Jacob Dohl
- Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - David M Benedek
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Carol S Fullerton
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Gary Wynn
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - James E Barrett
- Department of Neurology, Drexel University College of Medicine Philadelphia, PA, 19102-1192, USA
| | - Mian Li
- Department of Neurology, Washington DC VA Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20422, USA
| | - Dale W Russell
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA; Consortium for Health and Military Performance, Department of Military and Emergency Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | | | - Robert J Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Epigenetic Biomarkers for Environmental Exposures and Personalized Breast Cancer Prevention. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17041181. [PMID: 32069786 PMCID: PMC7068429 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17041181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Environmental and lifestyle factors are believed to account for >80% of breast cancers; however, it is not well understood how and when these factors affect risk and which exposed individuals will actually develop the disease. While alcohol consumption, obesity, and hormone therapy are some known risk factors for breast cancer, other exposures associated with breast cancer risk have not yet been identified or well characterized. In this paper, it is proposed that the identification of blood epigenetic markers for personal, in utero, and ancestral environmental exposures can help researchers better understand known and potential relationships between exposures and breast cancer risk and may enable personalized prevention strategies.
Collapse
|
29
|
García-Gutiérrez MS, Navarrete F, Sala F, Gasparyan A, Austrich-Olivares A, Manzanares J. Biomarkers in Psychiatry: Concept, Definition, Types and Relevance to the Clinical Reality. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:432. [PMID: 32499729 PMCID: PMC7243207 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the last years, an extraordinary effort has been made to identify biomarkers as potential tools for improving prevention, diagnosis, drug response and drug development in psychiatric disorders. Contrary to other diseases, mental illnesses are classified by diagnostic categories with a broad variety list of symptoms. Consequently, patients diagnosed from the same psychiatric illness present a great heterogeneity in their clinical presentation. This fact together with the incomplete knowledge of the neurochemical alterations underlying mental disorders, contribute to the limited efficacy of current pharmacological options. In this respect, the identification of biomarkers in psychiatry is becoming essential to facilitate diagnosis through the developing of markers that allow to stratify groups within the syndrome, which in turn may lead to more focused treatment options. In order to shed light on this issue, this review summarizes the concept and types of biomarkers including an operational definition for therapeutic development. Besides, the advances in this field were summarized and sorted into five categories, which include genetics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and epigenetics. While promising results were achieved, there is a lack of biomarker investigations especially related to treatment response to psychiatric conditions. This review includes a final conclusion remarking the future challenges required to reach the goal of developing valid, reliable and broadly-usable biomarkers for psychiatric disorders and their treatment. The identification of factors predicting treatment response will reduce trial-and-error switches of medications facilitating the discovery of new effective treatments, being a crucial step towards the establishment of greater personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Salud García-Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Navarrete
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco Sala
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain
| | - Ani Gasparyan
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jorge Manzanares
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández-CSIC, Alicante, Spain.,Red Temática de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud (RETICS), Red de Trastornos Adictivos, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, MICINN and FEDER, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Tseilikman V, Dremencov E, Tseilikman O, Pavlovicova M, Lacinova L, Jezova D. Role of glucocorticoid- and monoamine-metabolizing enzymes in stress-related psychopathological processes. Stress 2020; 23:1-12. [PMID: 31322459 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2019.1641080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid signaling is fundamental in healthy stress coping and in the pathophysiology of stress-related diseases, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Glucocorticoids are metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP) as well as 11-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) and 2 (11βHSD2). Acute stress-induced increase in glucocorticoid concentrations stimulates the expression of several CYP sub-types. CYP is primarily responsible for glucocorticoid metabolism and its increased activity can result in decreased circulating glucocorticoids in response to repeated stress stimuli. In addition, repeated stress-induced glucocorticoid release can promote 11βHSD1 activation and 11βHSD2 inhibition, and the 11βHSD2 suppression can lead to apparent mineralocorticoid excess. The activation of CYP and 11βHSD1 and the suppression of 11βHSD2 may at least partly contribute to development of the blunted glucocorticoid response to stressors characteristic in high trait anxiety, PTSD, and other stress-related disorders. Glucocorticoids and glucocorticoid-metabolizing enzymes interact closely with other biomolecules such as inflammatory cytokines, monoamines, and some monoamine-metabolizing enzymes, namely the monoamine oxidase type A (MAO-A) and B (MAO-B). Glucocorticoids boost MAO activity and this decreases monoamine levels and induces oxidative tissue damage which then activates inflammatory cytokines. The inflammatory cytokines suppress CYP expression and activity. This dynamic cross-talk between glucocorticoids, monoamines, and their metabolizing enzymes could be a critical factor in the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders.Lay summaryGlucocorticoids, which are produced and released under the control by brain regulatory centers, are fundamental in the stress response. This review emphasizes the importance of glucocorticoid metabolism and particularly the interaction between the brain and the liver as the major metabolic organ in the body. The activity of enzymes involved in glucocorticoid metabolism is proposed to play not only an important role in positive, healthy glucocorticoid effects, but also to contribute to the development and course of stress-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vadim Tseilikman
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Eliyahu Dremencov
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre for Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Olga Tseilikman
- School of Medical Biology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
| | - Michaela Pavlovicova
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre for Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lubica Lacinova
- Institute of Molecular Physiology and Genetics, Centre for Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Saints Cyril and Methodius, Trnava, Slovakia
| | - Daniela Jezova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Peedicayil J. Identification of Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatric Disorders Based on Systems Biology and Epigenetics. Front Genet 2019; 10:985. [PMID: 31681422 PMCID: PMC6801306 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinically useful biomarkers are available for some neuropsychiatric disorders like fragile X syndrome, Rett syndrome, and Huntington’s disease. Despite many decades of research on the pathogenesis of neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia (SZ), bipolar disorder (BD), and major depressive disorder (MDD), the exact pathogenesis of these disorders remains unclear, and there are no clinically useful biomarkers for these disorders. However, there is increasing evidence that abnormal epigenetic mechanisms of gene expression contribute to the pathogenesis of SZ, BD, and MDD. Both systems (or network) biology and epigenetics (a component of systems biology) attempt to make sense of biological systems that are highly dynamic and multi-compartmental. This article suggests that systems biology, emphasizing the epigenetic component of systems biology, could help identify clinically useful biomarkers in neuropsychiatric disorders like SZ, BD, and MDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Peedicayil
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abizaid A, Merali Z, Anisman H. Cannabis: A potential efficacious intervention for PTSD or simply snake oil? J Psychiatry Neurosci 2019; 44:75-78. [PMID: 30810022 PMCID: PMC6397040 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.190021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alfonso Abizaid
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University (Abizaid, Anisman); and the Royal’s Institute of Mental Health (Merali), Ottawa, Ont., Canada
| | - Zul Merali
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University (Abizaid, Anisman); and the Royal’s Institute of Mental Health (Merali), Ottawa, Ont., Canada
| | - Hymie Anisman
- From the Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University (Abizaid, Anisman); and the Royal’s Institute of Mental Health (Merali), Ottawa, Ont., Canada
| |
Collapse
|