1
|
Xia W, Zhang M, Liu C, Wang S, Xu A, Xia Z, Pang L, Cai Y. Exploring the therapeutic potential of tetrahydrobiopterin for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A path forward. Life Sci 2024; 345:122594. [PMID: 38537900 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122594] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
A large number of patients are affected by classical heart failure (HF) symptomatology with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and multiorgan syndrome. Due to high morbidity and mortality rate, hospitalization and mortality remain serious socioeconomic problems, while the lack of effective pharmacological or device treatment means that HFpEF presents a major unmet medical need. Evidence from clinical and basic studies demonstrates that systemic inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and impaired mitochondrial function are the common pathological mechanisms in HFpEF. Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), beyond being an endogenous co-factor for catalyzing the conversion of some essential biomolecules, has the capacity to prevent systemic inflammation, enhance antioxidant resistance, and modulate mitochondrial energy production. Therefore, BH4 has emerged in the last decade as a promising agent to prevent or reverse the progression of disorders such as cardiovascular disease. In this review, we cover the clinical progress and limitations of using downstream targets of nitric oxide (NO) through NO donors, soluble guanylate cyclase activators, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in treating cardiovascular diseases, including HFpEF. We discuss the use of BH4 in association with HFpEF, providing new evidence for its potential use as a pharmacological option for treating HFpEF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiyi Xia
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China; Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Aimin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Zhengyuan Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Guangdong, China
| | - Lei Pang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin, China.
| | - Yin Cai
- Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China; Research Center for Chinese Medicine Innovation, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China; Research Institute for Future Food, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Micale V, Di Bartolomeo M, Di Martino S, Stark T, Dell'Osso B, Drago F, D'Addario C. Are the epigenetic changes predictive of therapeutic efficacy for psychiatric disorders? A translational approach towards novel drug targets. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108279. [PMID: 36103902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of mental disorders is not fully understood and accumulating evidence support that clinical symptomatology cannot be assigned to a single gene mutation, but it involves several genetic factors. More specifically, a tight association between genes and environmental risk factors, which could be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, may play a role in the development of mental disorders. Several data suggest that epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, post-translational histone modification and interference of microRNA (miRNA) or long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) may modify the severity of the disease and the outcome of the therapy. Indeed, the study of these mechanisms may help to identify patients particularly vulnerable to mental disorders and may have potential utility as biomarkers to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. This article summarizes the most relevant preclinical and human data showing how epigenetic modifications can be central to the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressant and/or antipsychotic agents, as possible predictor of drugs response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Scientific Core Unit Neuroimaging, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'Luigi Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy, Department of Mental Health, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy; "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan Medical School, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pisanu C, Severino G, De Toma I, Dierssen M, Fusar-Poli P, Gennarelli M, Lio P, Maffioletti E, Maron E, Mehta D, Minelli A, Potier MC, Serretti A, Stacey D, van Westrhenen R, Xicota L, Baune BT, Squassina A. Transcriptional biomarkers of response to pharmacological treatments in severe mental disorders: A systematic review. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 55:112-157. [PMID: 35016057 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.12.005] [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: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Variation in the expression level and activity of genes involved in drug disposition and action in tissues of pharmacological importance have been increasingly investigated in patients treated with psychotropic drugs. Findings are promising, but reliable predictive biomarkers of response have yet to be identified. Here we conducted a PRISMA-compliant systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and PsycInfo up to 12 September 2020 for studies investigating RNA expression levels in cells or biofluids from patients with major depressive disorder, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder characterized for response to psychotropic drugs (antidepressants, antipsychotics or mood stabilizers) or adverse effects. Among 5497 retrieved studies, 123 (63 on antidepressants, 33 on antipsychotics and 27 on mood stabilizers) met inclusion criteria. Studies were either focused on mRNAs (n = 96), microRNAs (n = 19) or long non-coding RNAs (n = 1), with only a minority investigating both mRNAs and microRNAs levels (n = 7). The most replicated results include genes playing a role in inflammation (antidepressants), neurotransmission (antidepressants and antipsychotics) or mitochondrial function (mood stabilizers). Compared to those investigating response to antidepressants, studies focused on antipsychotics or mood stabilizers more often showed lower sample size and lacked replication. Strengths and limitations of available studies are presented and discussed in light of the specific designs, methodology and clinical characterization of included patients for transcriptomic compared to DNA-based studies. Finally, future directions of transcriptomics of psychopharmacological interventions in psychiatric disorders are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Pisanu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Severino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Ilario De Toma
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mara Dierssen
- Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), The Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain; Universitat Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paolo Fusar-Poli
- Early Psychosis: Intervention and Clinical-detection (EPIC) Lab, Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, UK; Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Massimo Gennarelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pietro Lio
- Department of Computer Science and Technology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Elisabetta Maffioletti
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Eduard Maron
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia; Centre for Neuropsychopharmacology, Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Divya Mehta
- Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Health, Kelvin Grove, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alessandra Minelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy; Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Serretti
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - David Stacey
- British Heart Foundation Cardiovascular Epidemiology Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Roos van Westrhenen
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health and Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology&Neuroscience (IoPPN) King's College London, UK
| | - Laura Xicota
- Paris Brain Institute ICM, Salpetriere Hospital, Paris, France
| | | | - Bernhard T Baune
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Alessio Squassina
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience and Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy; Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lockwood L, Miller B, Youssef NA. Epigenetics and first-episode psychosis: A systematic review. Psychiatry Res 2022; 307:114325. [PMID: 34896847 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114325] [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: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia has a large disease burden globally. Early intervention in psychosis, and therefore a decreased duration of untreated psychosis, has a positive clinical impact. There are several recognized risk factors for psychosis, including trauma history and substance use. This systematic review examined the literature for studies related to epigenetic changes in first-episode psychosis, with the goal of identifying future research directions. METHODS A literature review was conducted from inception to October 3, 2021 using MedLine/PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycInfo searches with the keywords ("first-episode schizophrenia" OR "first-episode psychosis" OR "drug-naive schizophrenia" OR "drug-naive psychosis") AND (epigenetic OR methylation OR hydroxymethylation OR "histone modification" OR "miRNA") as well as a search of the bibliography of the identified papers. RESULTS Seventeen studies that examined various portions of the genome were included in this systematic review. There were two studies that showed hypomethylation at the LINE-1 portion of the genome and two that showed hypermethylation at LINE-1. Additionally, two studies showed hypomethylation specifically at the GRIN2B promoter (part of LINE-1). CONCLUSIONS Although sample sizes were small, these studies provide evidence for epigenetic alterations in early psychosis. Further research in this area is warranted for more definitive epigenetic correlations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian Miller
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Nagy A Youssef
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Behavior, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Nasrullah, Hussain A, Ahmed S, Rasool M, Shah AJ. DNA methylation across the tree of life, from micro to macro-organism. Bioengineered 2022; 13:1666-1685. [PMID: 34986742 PMCID: PMC8805842 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2014387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a process in which methyl (CH3) groups are added to the DNA molecule. The DNA segment does not change in the sequence, but DNA methylation could alter the action of DNA. Different enzymes like DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) take part in methylation of cytosine/adenine nucleosides in DNA. In prokaryotes, DNA methylation is performed to prevent the attack of phage and also plays a role in the chromosome replication and repair. In fungi, DNA methylation is studied to see the transcriptional changes, as in insects, the DNA methylation is not that well-known, it plays a different role like other organisms. In mammals, the DNA methylation is related to different types of cancers and plays the most important role in the placental development and abnormal DNA methylation connected with diseases like cancer, autoimmune diseases, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nasrullah
- Center for Advanced Studies in Vaccinology & Biotechnology (Casvab), University of Baluchistan, Quetta- Pakistan. E-mails:
| | - Abrar Hussain
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Buitems, Quetta-Pakistan. E-mails:
| | - Sagheer Ahmed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Shifa College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University, Islamabad, Pakistan. E-mails:
| | - Mahmood Rasool
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. E-mails:
| | - Abdul Jabbar Shah
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Comsats University, Abbottabad. E-mails:
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Song J, Chen Y, Zhao Q, Li H, Li W, Chen K, Yu J, Fu W, Chen D. Leptin Methylation and mRNA Expression Associated With Psychopathology in Schizophrenia Inpatients. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:793910. [PMID: 35197874 PMCID: PMC8858839 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.793910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin involved in the regulation of dopaminergic neurons of the central nervous system may confirm the hypothesis of neurodevelopment in schizophrenic patients. However, specific genetic mechanisms are undefined. Therefore, we aimed to explore the regulation of DNA methylation of leptin promoters and mRNA expression in patients with schizophrenia. A cross-sectional study enrolled 40 patients and 40 healthy controls from the Beijing Huilongguan Hospital in China. The leptin methylation levels and mRNA expression were examined by highly sensitive mass spectrometry based on the MassARRAY System and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The Positive and Negative Symptoms Scale (PANSS) was applied to estimate the clinical symptoms of patients. The LEP-CpG7 and CpG15 methylation in patients were significantly higher than in healthy controls (P < 0.05). The LEP-CpG11, CpG33.34.35, CpG36 methylation, and mRNA expression decreased significantly in patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05). After controlling gender, age, BMI, dose of antipsychotic and duration of illness, LEP-CpG7 methylation was negatively associated with PANSS positive symptoms subscore (r = -0.485, P = 0.005). In addition, LEP-mRNA expression was negatively correlated with PANSS total score (r = -0.385, P = 0.03) and positive subscale (r = -0.392, P = 0.026). Nevertheless, only the LEP-CpG7 methylation level remained negatively correlated to the PANSS positive subscore following multiple stepwise regression (β = -17.071, P = 0.037). These results suggest that leptin methylation and mRNA expression might contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. LEP-CpG7 methylation may be negatively associated with positive symptoms in patients with schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Song
- Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Qing Zhao
- Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongna Li
- Huilongguan Clinical Medical School, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jianjin Yu
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Weihong Fu
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dachun Chen
- Beijing HuiLongGuan Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Westhoff MLS, Ladwig J, Heck J, Schülke R, Groh A, Deest M, Bleich S, Frieling H, Jahn K. Early Detection and Prevention of Schizophrenic Psychosis-A Review. Brain Sci 2021; 12:11. [PMID: 35053755 PMCID: PMC8774083 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12010011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychotic disorders often run a chronic course and are associated with a considerable emotional and social impact for patients and their relatives. Therefore, early recognition, combined with the possibility of preventive intervention, is urgently warranted since the duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) significantly determines the further course of the disease. In addition to established diagnostic tools, neurobiological factors in the development of schizophrenic psychoses are increasingly being investigated. It is shown that numerous molecular alterations already exist before the clinical onset of the disease. As schizophrenic psychoses are not elicited by a single mutation in the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence, epigenetics likely constitute the missing link between environmental influences and disease development and could potentially serve as a biomarker. The results from transcriptomic and proteomic studies point to a dysregulated immune system, likely evoked by epigenetic alterations. Despite the increasing knowledge of the neurobiological mechanisms involved in the development of psychotic disorders, further research efforts with large population-based study designs are needed to identify suitable biomarkers. In conclusion, a combination of blood examinations, functional imaging techniques, electroencephalography (EEG) investigations and polygenic risk scores should be considered as the basis for predicting how subjects will transition into manifest psychosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Lennart Schulze Westhoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.L.); (R.S.); (A.G.); (M.D.); (S.B.); (H.F.); (K.J.)
| | - Johannes Ladwig
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.L.); (R.S.); (A.G.); (M.D.); (S.B.); (H.F.); (K.J.)
| | - Johannes Heck
- Institute for Clinical Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany;
| | - Rasmus Schülke
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.L.); (R.S.); (A.G.); (M.D.); (S.B.); (H.F.); (K.J.)
| | - Adrian Groh
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.L.); (R.S.); (A.G.); (M.D.); (S.B.); (H.F.); (K.J.)
| | - Maximilian Deest
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.L.); (R.S.); (A.G.); (M.D.); (S.B.); (H.F.); (K.J.)
| | - Stefan Bleich
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.L.); (R.S.); (A.G.); (M.D.); (S.B.); (H.F.); (K.J.)
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.L.); (R.S.); (A.G.); (M.D.); (S.B.); (H.F.); (K.J.)
| | - Kirsten Jahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany; (J.L.); (R.S.); (A.G.); (M.D.); (S.B.); (H.F.); (K.J.)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Magwai T, Shangase KB, Oginga FO, Chiliza B, Mpofana T, Xulu KR. DNA Methylation and Schizophrenia: Current Literature and Future Perspective. Cells 2021; 10:2890. [PMID: 34831111 PMCID: PMC8616184 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by dissociation of thoughts, idea, identity, and emotions. It has no central pathophysiological mechanism and precise diagnostic markers. Despite its high heritability, there are also environmental factors implicated in the development of schizophrenia. Epigenetic factors are thought to mediate the effects of environmental factors in the development of the disorder. Epigenetic modifications like DNA methylation are a risk factor for schizophrenia. Targeted gene approach studies attempted to find candidate gene methylation, but the results are contradictory. Genome-wide methylation studies are insufficient in literature and the available data do not cover different populations like the African populations. The current genome-wide studies have limitations related to the sample and methods used. Studies are required to control for these limitations. Integration of DNA methylation, gene expression, and their effects are important in the understanding of the development of schizophrenia and search for biomarkers. There are currently no precise and functional biomarkers for the disorder. Several epigenetic markers have been reported to be common in functional and peripheral tissue. This makes the peripheral tissue epigenetic changes a surrogate of functional tissue, suggesting common epigenetic alteration can be used as biomarkers of schizophrenia in peripheral tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thabo Magwai
- Department of Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (K.B.S.); (F.O.O.); (T.M.)
- National Health Laboratory Service, Department of Chemical Pathology, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4085, South Africa
| | - Khanyiso Bright Shangase
- Department of Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (K.B.S.); (F.O.O.); (T.M.)
| | - Fredrick Otieno Oginga
- Department of Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (K.B.S.); (F.O.O.); (T.M.)
| | - Bonginkosi Chiliza
- Department of Psychiatry, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa;
| | - Thabisile Mpofana
- Department of Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (K.B.S.); (F.O.O.); (T.M.)
| | - Khethelo Richman Xulu
- Department of Physiology, School of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa; (K.B.S.); (F.O.O.); (T.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Smigielski L, Jagannath V, Rössler W, Walitza S, Grünblatt E. Epigenetic mechanisms in schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders: a systematic review of empirical human findings. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:1718-1748. [PMID: 31907379 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0601-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are highly debilitating psychiatric conditions that lack a clear etiology and exhibit polygenic inheritance underlain by pleiotropic genes. The prevailing explanation points to the interplay between predisposing genes and environmental exposure. Accumulated evidence suggests that epigenetic regulation of the genome may mediate dynamic gene-environment interactions at the molecular level by modulating the expression of psychiatric phenotypes through transcription factors. This systematic review summarizes the current knowledge linking schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders to epigenetics, based on PubMed and Web of Science database searches conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Three groups of mechanisms in case-control studies of human tissue (i.e., postmortem brain and bio-fluids) were considered: DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding miRNAs. From the initial pool of 3,204 records, 152 studies met our inclusion criteria (11,815/11,528, 233/219, and 2,091/1,827 cases/controls for each group, respectively). Many of the findings revealed associations with epigenetic modulations of genes regulating neurotransmission, neurodevelopment, and immune function, as well as differential miRNA expression (e.g., upregulated miR-34a, miR-7, and miR-181b). Overall, actual evidence moderately supports an association between epigenetics and schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. However, heterogeneous results and cross-tissue extrapolations call for future work. Integrating epigenetics into systems biology may critically enhance research on psychosis and thus our understanding of the disorder. This may have implications for psychiatry in risk stratification, early recognition, diagnostics, precision medicine, and other interventional approaches targeting epigenetic fingerprints.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Smigielski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Vinita Jagannath
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) R&D Innovation Centre, London, UK
| | - Wulf Rössler
- The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital of Psychiatry, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany.,Laboratory of Neuroscience, Institute of Psychiatry, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,The Zurich Program for Sustainable Development of Mental Health Services (ZInEP), University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Marques DF, Ota VK, Santoro ML, Talarico F, Costa GO, Spindola LM, Cogo-Moreira H, Carvalho CM, Xavier G, Cavalcante DA, Gadelha A, Noto C, Cordeiro Q, Bressan RA, Moretti PN, Belangero SI. LINE-1 hypomethylation is associated with poor risperidone response in a first episode of psychosis cohort. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1041-1051. [DOI: 10.2217/epi-2019-0350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We investigated the DNA methylation profile over LINE-1 in antipsychotic-naive, first-episode psychosis-patients (n = 69) before and after 2 months of risperidone treatment and in healthy controls (n = 62). Materials & methods: Patients were evaluated using standardized scales and classified as responders and nonresponders. DNA from blood was bisulfite converted and LINE-1 fragments were amplified and pyrosequencing was performed. Results: Lower LINE-1 methylation was observed in antipsychotic-naive first-episode psychosis patients than in healthy controls. Lower DNA methylation levels before treatment were associated with poor risperidone responses. A positive correlation was observed between LINE-1 methylation levels and positive symptoms response. Conclusion: Our study brings new insight regarding how epigenomic studies and clinical correlation studies can supplement psychosis treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Ferri Marques
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Kiyomi Ota
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Leite Santoro
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Talarico
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giovany Oliveira Costa
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leticia Maria Spindola
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hugo Cogo-Moreira
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina Muniz Carvalho
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Xavier
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel Azevedo Cavalcante
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ary Gadelha
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiano Noto
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Quirino Cordeiro
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Affonseca Bressan
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patricia Natalia Moretti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Médicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Brasília, Brazil
| | - Sintia Iole Belangero
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience (LiNC), Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Xu K, Montalvo‐Ortiz JL, Zhang X, Southwick SM, Krystal JH, Pietrzak RH, Gelernter J. Epigenome‐Wide
DNA
Methylation Association Analysis Identified Novel Loci in Peripheral Cells for Alcohol Consumption Among European American Male Veterans. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2019; 43:2111-2121. [PMID: 31386212 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Xu
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
| | - Janitza L. Montalvo‐Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
| | - Steven M. Southwick
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
- Clinical Neurosciences Division U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder West Haven Connecticut
| | - John H. Krystal
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
- Clinical Neurosciences Division U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder West Haven Connecticut
| | - Robert H. Pietrzak
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
- Clinical Neurosciences Division U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder West Haven Connecticut
| | - Joel Gelernter
- Department of Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine New Haven Connecticut
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System West Haven Connecticut
- Clinical Neurosciences Division U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder West Haven Connecticut
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Clelland JD, Smeed J, Cremers S, Clelland CL. A tetrahydrobiopterin deficit finding in schizophrenia: A confirmation study. Schizophr Res 2019; 210:316-318. [PMID: 31230962 PMCID: PMC7247802 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James D Clelland
- Clinical Research Department, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, United States of America; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center (NYU), 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Smeed
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Serge Cremers
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Catherine L Clelland
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, United States of America; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Gene expression over the course of schizophrenia: from clinical high-risk for psychosis to chronic stages. NPJ SCHIZOPHRENIA 2019; 5:5. [PMID: 30923314 PMCID: PMC6438978 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-019-0073-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The study of patients with schizophrenia (SZ) at different clinical stages may help clarify what effects could be due to the disease itself, to the pharmacological treatment, or to the disease progression. We compared expression levels of targeted genes in blood from individuals in different stages of SZ: clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR), first episode of psychosis (FEP), and chronic SZ (CSZ). Then, we further verified whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) could be related to gene expression differences. We investigated 12 genes in 394 individuals (27 individuals with CHR, 70 antipsychotic-naive individuals with FEP, 157 CSZ patients, and 140 healthy controls (HCs)). For a subsample, genotype data were also available, and we extracted SNPs that were previously associated with the expression of selected genes in whole blood or brain tissue. We generated a mediation model in which a putative cause (SNP) is related to a presumed effect (disorder) via an intermediate variable (gene expression). MBP and NDEL1 were upregulated in FEP compared to all other groups; DGCR8 was downregulated in FEP compared to HC and CHR; DGCR2 was downregulated in CSZ compared to FEP and HCs; DISC1 was upregulated in schizophrenia compared to controls or FEP, possibly induced by the rs3738398 and rs10864693 genotypes, which were associated with DISC1 expression; and UFD1 was upregulated in CSZ and CHR compared to FEP and HC. Our results indicated changes in gene expression profiles throughout the different clinical stages of SZ, reinforcing the need for staging approaches to better capture SZ heterogeneity.
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhou C, Chen J, Tang X, Feng X, Yu M, Sha W, Wang X, Zhang X, Yi H, Zhang X. DNA methylation and gene expression of the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 in patients with deficit and non-deficit schizophrenia. Psychiatry Res 2018; 268:82-86. [PMID: 30015110 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
This study detected the differences in gene expression and DNA methylation of CpG sites in CXCL1 gene and further investigated their associations with clinical symptoms in deficit schizophrenia (DS) and non-deficit schizophrenia (NDS). Pyrosequencing and RT-qPCR were separately used to determine DNA methylation and mRNA expression of CXCL1 gene. Both DNA methylation and expression were significantly different among DS, NDS and healthy control (HC) groups. Correlation analysis revealed that CXCL1 gene expression was associated with the negative syndrome in NDS patients, while no association in DS patients was observed. All together, these results suggest that DS may be a specific subgroup of schizophrenia with the characteristic abnormality of peripheral CXCL1 DNA methylation and gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Jiu Chen
- Institute of Neuropsychiatry, the Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China; Institute of Brain Functional Imaging, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Xiaowei Tang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China; Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225003, China
| | - Xiaotang Feng
- Department of Psychiatry, Nanjing Qing Long Mountain Psychiatric Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China
| | - Weiwei Sha
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225003, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Medical Psychological Institute of the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 139 Renmin (M) Road, Changsha, Hunan 410011, China
| | - Xiaobin Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Affiliated WuTaiShan Hospital of Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu 225003, China
| | - Hongwei Yi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210009, China.
| | - Xiangrong Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Impact of antipsychotic treatment on methylation status of Interleukin-6 [IL-6] gene in Schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 104:88-95. [PMID: 30005373 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2018.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2017] [Revised: 06/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immunopathogenesis of schizophrenia has emerged as one of the predominant research paradigms in recent times. Based on the altered serum levels as well as gene expression, IL-6 has been considered as a peripheral biomarker of schizophrenia. However, the precise mechanism underlying the altered expression of IL6 in schizophrenia is inadequately known. Given the profound influence of environmental factors on schizophrenia risk, it is important to understand the effect of epigenetic changes on schizophrenia risk. Further, it is not known whether epigenetic changes modulate the expression of IL6 and its subsequent effects on the risk and progression of schizophrenia. In this study, we analysed and compared the methylation status of IL6 promoter sequence from -1200bp to +27bp in antipsychotic-naïve/free schizophrenia patients (N = 47) and matched healthy controls (N = 47) using bisulfite sequencing method. In addition, we also examined the methylation status in these patients at least after 3-months of treatment with antipsychotics (N = 40). At baseline, a state of hypomethylation was observed in the IL6 promoter of schizophrenia subjects in comparison to healthy controls. This state of hypomethylation was shown to be reversed by the administration of antipsychotics. In summary, our observations emphasize a significant role for IL-6 promoter methylation in schizophrenia pathogenesis as well as treatment with antipsychotic medications.
Collapse
|
16
|
Nour El Huda AR, Norsidah KZ, Nabil Fikri MR, Hanisah MN, Kartini A, Norlelawati AT. DNA methylation of membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase in Malaysian schizophrenia patients. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2018; 72:266-279. [PMID: 29160620 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study examined catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) DNA methylation in the peripheral blood of schizophrenia patients and also in healthy controls to investigate its potential use as a peripheral biomarker of schizophrenia and its relations with the clinical variables of schizophrenia patients. METHODS We examined the DNA methylation levels of COMT using genomic DNA from the peripheral blood of schizophrenia patients (n = 138) and healthy control participants (n = 132); all were Malaysian Malays. The extracted DNA was bisulfite converted, and the percentage methylation ratio value was calculated based on the results following a MethyLight protocol analysis. RESULTS The percentage methylation ratio of COMT was lower in schizophrenia than it was in the healthy controls (P < 0.001) and was different between the body mass index (P = 0.003) and antipsychotic (P = 0.004) groups. The COMT DNA methylation rate was lower in patients receiving atypical antipsychotics (P = 0.004) and risperidone (P = 0.049) as compared to typical antipsychotics. The Excitement and Depressed subdomains of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale were inversely related (P < 0.001) and therefore predictors (Excitement: b = -11.396, t = -4.760, P < 0.001; Depressed: b = -7.789, t = -3.487, P = 0.001) of COMT DNA methylation. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that the methylation level was affected by the severity of the clinical symptoms of schizophrenia and might also be influenced by pharmacological treatment. The epigenetic alteration of COMT in the peripheral blood could be a potential peripheral biomarker of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abd Rahim Nour El Huda
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Ku Zaifah Norsidah
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Rahim Nabil Fikri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Noor Hanisah
- Department of Psychiatry, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - Abdullah Kartini
- Department of Psychiatry, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| | - A Talib Norlelawati
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Kuantan, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Clelland JD, Read LL, Smeed J, Clelland CL. Regulation of cortical and peripheral GCH1 expression and biopterin levels in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Psychiatry Res 2018; 262:229-236. [PMID: 29471261 PMCID: PMC5866784 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) is an essential cofactor for dopamine, serotonin and nitric oxide synthesis. Deficits of plasma total biopterin (a measure of BH4) have been described in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. GCH1 encodes the first and rate-limiting enzyme in BH4 synthesis. Peripheral GCH1 expression is lower in first episode psychosis patients versus controls, and we hypothesized that a GCH1 promoter polymorphism associated with psychiatric illness, contributes to regulation of both GCH1 expression and BH4 levels. We tested this hypothesis in 120 subjects (85 patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and 35 controls): Patients with the rs10137071 A allele had significantly lower plasma biopterin than GG patients and controls. In additional samples we assessed the relationship between genotype and diagnosis (schizophrenia or control) on GCH1 expression in the prefrontal cortex (n = 67) and peripheral leukocytes (n = 53). We found a significant linear relationship between GCH1 and study group in the CNS and periphery, with A allele patients having lower expression. Finally, in antipsychotic naïve patients (n = 13) we tested for an effect of medication on GCH1: Expression rose significantly after the onset of medication, primarily in A allele patients. These data suggest the potential for personalized genetic approaches to ameliorating BH4 deficits in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James D Clelland
- Movement Disorders and Molecular Psychiatry, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center (NYU), 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura L Read
- Movement Disorders and Molecular Psychiatry, The Nathan S. Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University Langone Medical Center (NYU), 550 First Avenue, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Smeed
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, USA
| | - Catherine L Clelland
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, USA; Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kader F, Ghai M, Maharaj L. The effects of DNA methylation on human psychology. Behav Brain Res 2017; 346:47-65. [PMID: 29237550 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a fundamental epigenetic modification in the human genome; pivotal in development, genomic imprinting, X inactivation, chromosome stability, gene expression and methylation aberrations are involved in an array of human diseases. Methylation at promoters is associated with transcriptional repression, whereas gene body methylation is generally associated with gene expression. Extrinsic factors such as age, diets and lifestyle affect DNA methylation which consequently alters gene expression. Stress, anxiety, depression, life satisfaction, emotion among numerous other psychological factors also modify DNA methylation patterns. This correlation is frequently investigated in four candidate genes; NR3C1, SLC6A4, BDNF and OXTR, since regulation of these genes directly impact responses to social situations, stress, threats, behaviour and neural functions. Such studies underpin the hypothesis that DNA methylation is involved in deviant human behaviour, psychological and psychiatric conditions. These candidate genes may be targeted in future to assess the correlation between methylation, social experiences and long-term behavioural phenotypes in humans; and may potentially serve as biomarkers for therapeutic intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzeen Kader
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000 South Africa.
| | - Meenu Ghai
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000 South Africa.
| | - Leah Maharaj
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville Campus, Durban 4000 South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tomassi S, Tosato S. Epigenetics and gene expression profile in first-episode psychosis: The role of childhood trauma. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 83:226-237. [PMID: 29056292 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2017] [Revised: 10/02/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Childhood Trauma (CT) mediation of the epigenome and its impact on gene expression profile could provide a mechanism for the gene-environment interaction underling psychosis. We reviewed the evidence concerning epigenetic and gene expression modifications associated with CT in both First-Episode Psychosis (FEP) and healthy subjects. In order to explore the relative role of psychosis itself in determining these modifications, evidence about FEP and epigenetics/gene expression was also summarized. We performed a systematic search on PubMed, last updated in December 2016. Out of 2966 potentially relevant records, only 41 studies were included. CT resulted associated: in FEP subjects, with global DNA hypo-methylation and reduced BDNF gene-expression; in healthy subjects, with hyper-methylation of SLC6A4, NR3C1, KITLG, and OXTR; hypo-methylation of FKBP5, IL-6, and BDNF; increased IL1B, IL8, and PTGS gene expression; and decreased SLC6A4 gene expression. FEP showed global DNA hypo-methylation; increased methylation and reduced gene expression of GCH1; hyper-expression of MPB, NDEL1, AKT1, and DICER1; and hypo-expression of DROSHA, COMT, and DISC1 in comparison with healthy controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Tomassi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sarah Tosato
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schmitt A, Martins-de-Souza D, Akbarian S, Cassoli JS, Ehrenreich H, Fischer A, Fonteh A, Gattaz WF, Gawlik M, Gerlach M, Grünblatt E, Halene T, Hasan A, Hashimoto K, Kim YK, Kirchner SK, Kornhuber J, Kraus TFJ, Malchow B, Nascimento JM, Rossner M, Schwarz M, Steiner J, Talib L, Thibaut F, Riederer P, Falkai P. Consensus paper of the WFSBP Task Force on Biological Markers: Criteria for biomarkers and endophenotypes of schizophrenia, part III: Molecular mechanisms. World J Biol Psychiatry 2017; 18:330-356. [PMID: 27782767 DOI: 10.1080/15622975.2016.1224929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Despite progress in identifying molecular pathophysiological processes in schizophrenia, valid biomarkers are lacking for both the disease and treatment response. METHODS This comprehensive review summarises recent efforts to identify molecular mechanisms on the level of protein and gene expression and epigenetics, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and micro RNA expression. Furthermore, it summarises recent findings of alterations in lipid mediators and highlights inflammatory processes. The potential that this research will identify biomarkers of schizophrenia is discussed. RESULTS Recent studies have not identified clear biomarkers for schizophrenia. Although several molecular pathways have emerged as potential candidates for future research, a complete understanding of these metabolic pathways is required to reveal better treatment modalities for this disabling condition. CONCLUSIONS Large longitudinal cohort studies are essential that pair a thorough phenotypic and clinical evaluation for example with gene expression and proteome analysis in blood at multiple time points. This approach might identify biomarkers that allow patients to be stratified according to treatment response and ideally also allow treatment response to be predicted. Improved knowledge of molecular pathways and epigenetic mechanisms, including their potential association with environmental influences, will facilitate the discovery of biomarkers that could ultimately be effective tools in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schmitt
- a Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , LMU Munich , Germany.,b Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM27) , Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo , Sao Paulo , Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- b Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM27) , Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo , Sao Paulo , Brazil.,c Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry , Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas , SP , Brazil
| | - Schahram Akbarian
- d Division of Psychiatric Epigenomics, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience , Mount Sinai School of Medicine , New York , USA
| | - Juliana S Cassoli
- c Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry , Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas , SP , Brazil
| | - Hannelore Ehrenreich
- e Clinical Neuroscience , Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, DFG Centre for Nanoscale Microscopy & Molecular Physiology of the Brain , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Andre Fischer
- f Research Group for Epigenetics in Neurodegenerative Diseases , German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen , Germany.,g Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , University Medical Centre Göttingen , Germany
| | - Alfred Fonteh
- h Neurosciences , Huntington Medical Research Institutes , Pasadena , CA , USA
| | - Wagner F Gattaz
- b Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM27) , Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo , Sao Paulo , Brazil
| | - Michael Gawlik
- i Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , University of Würzburg , Germany
| | - Manfred Gerlach
- j Centre for Mental Health, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy , University of Würzburg , Germany
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- i Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , University of Würzburg , Germany.,k Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zürich , Switzerland.,l Neuroscience Centre Zurich , University of Zurich and the ETH Zurich , Switzerland.,m Zurich Centre for Integrative Human Physiology , University of Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Tobias Halene
- d Division of Psychiatric Epigenomics, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience , Mount Sinai School of Medicine , New York , USA
| | - Alkomiet Hasan
- a Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , LMU Munich , Germany
| | - Kenij Hashimoto
- n Division of Clinical Neuroscience , Chiba University Centre for Forensic Mental Health , Chiba , Japan
| | - Yong-Ku Kim
- o Department of Psychiatry , Korea University, College of Medicine , Republic of Korea
| | | | - Johannes Kornhuber
- p Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg , Erlangen , Germany
| | | | - Berend Malchow
- a Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , LMU Munich , Germany
| | - Juliana M Nascimento
- c Laboratory of Neuroproteomics, Department of Biochemistry , Institute of Biology University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas , SP , Brazil
| | - Moritz Rossner
- r Department of Psychiatry, Molecular and Behavioural Neurobiology , LMU Munich , Germany.,s Research Group Gene Expression , Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Markus Schwarz
- t Institute for Laboratory Medicine, LMU Munich , Germany
| | - Johann Steiner
- u Department of Psychiatry , University of Magdeburg , Magdeburg , Germany
| | - Leda Talib
- b Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM27) , Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo , Sao Paulo , Brazil
| | - Florence Thibaut
- v Department of Psychiatry , University Hospital Cochin (site Tarnier), University of Paris-Descartes, INSERM U 894 Centre Psychiatry and Neurosciences , Paris , France
| | - Peter Riederer
- w Center of Psychic Health; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy , University Hospital of Würzburg , Germany
| | - Peter Falkai
- a Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy , LMU Munich , Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nabil Fikri RM, Norlelawati AT, Nour El-Huda AR, Hanisah MN, Kartini A, Norsidah K, Nor Zamzila A. Reelin (RELN) DNA methylation in the peripheral blood of schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2017; 88:28-37. [PMID: 28086126 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The epigenetic changes of RELN that are involved in the development of dopaminergic neurons may fit the developmental theory of schizophrenia. However, evidence regarding the association of RELN DNA methylation with schizophrenia is far from sufficient, as studies have only been conducted on a few limited brain samples. As DNA methylation in the peripheral blood may mirror the changes taking place in the brain, the use of peripheral blood for a DNA methylation study in schizophrenia is feasible due to the scarcity of brain samples. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the relationship of DNA methylation levels of RELN promoters with schizophrenia using genomic DNA derived from the peripheral blood of patients with the disorder. The case control studies consisted of 110 schizophrenia participants and 122 healthy controls who had been recruited from the same district. After bisufhite conversion, the methylation levels of the DNA samples were calculated based on their differences of the Cq values assayed using the highly sensitive real-time MethyLight TaqMan® procedure. A significantly higher level of methylation of the RELN promoter was found in patients with schizophrenia compared to controls (p = 0.005) and also in males compared with females (p = 0.004). Subsequently, the RELN expression of the methylated group was 25 fold less than that of the non-methylated group. Based upon the assumption of parallel methylation changes in the brain and peripheral blood, we concluded that RELN DNA methylation might contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. However, the definite effects of methylation on RELN function during development and also in adult life still require further elaboration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rahim Mohd Nabil Fikri
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - A Talib Norlelawati
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia.
| | - Abdul Rahim Nour El-Huda
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Mohd Noor Hanisah
- Department of Psychiatry, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Abdullah Kartini
- Department of Psychiatry, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Kuzaifah Norsidah
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia
| | - Abdullah Nor Zamzila
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Kulliyyah of Medicine, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ustohal L, Mayerova M, Hublova V, Prikrylova Kucerova H, Ceskova E, Kasparek T. Risperidone increases the cortical silent period in drug-naive patients with first-episode schizophrenia: A transcranial magnetic stimulation study. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:500-504. [PMID: 27527735 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116662650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Schizophrenia is accompanied by impaired cortical inhibition, as measured by several markers including the cortical silent period (CSP). It is thought that CSP measures gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors B (GABAB) mediated inhibitory activity. But the mutual roles of schizophrenia as a disease and the drugs used for the treatment of psychosis on GABA mediated neurotransmission are not clear. METHODS We recruited 13 drug-naive patients with first-episode schizophrenia. We used transcranial magnetic stimulation to assess CSP prior to initiating risperidone monotherapy and again four weeks later. At the same time, we rated the severity of psychopathology using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). RESULTS We obtained data from 12 patients who showed a significant increase in CSP, from 134.20±41.81 ms to 162.95±61.98 ms ( p=0.041; Cohen's d=0.544). After the treatment, the PANSS total score was significantly lower, as were the individual subscores ( p<0.05). However, no correlation was found between ΔCSP and ΔPANSS. CONCLUSION Our study in patients with first-episode schizophrenia demonstrated an association between risperidone monotherapy and an increase in GABAB mediated inhibitory neurotransmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Libor Ustohal
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,2 Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Mayerova
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,2 Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Hublova
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Prikrylova Kucerova
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Ceskova
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,2 Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Kasparek
- 1 Department of Psychiatry, Medical Faculty of Masaryk University and University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic.,2 Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Misiak B, Łaczmański Ł, Słoka NK, Szmida E, Ślęzak R, Piotrowski P, Kiejna A, Frydecka D. Genetic Variation in One-Carbon Metabolism and Changes in Metabolic Parameters in First-Episode Schizophrenia Patients. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 20:207-212. [PMID: 27932499 PMCID: PMC5408968 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyw094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of polymorphisms in genes encoding 1-carbon metabolism enzymes on differential development of metabolic parameters during 12 weeks of treatment with second-generation antipsychotics in first-episode schizophrenia patients. METHODS The following polymorphisms in 1-carbon metabolism genes were genotyped: MTHFR (C677T and A1298C), MTHFD1 (G1958A), MTRR (A66G), and BHMT (G742A). A broad panel of metabolic parameters including body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol low and high density lipoproteins, triglycerides, homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 was determined. RESULTS There was a significant effect of the interaction between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and time on body mass index and waist circumference in the allelic and genotype analyses. Indeed, patients with the MTHFR 677CC genotype had higher increase in body mass index and waist circumference compared with other corresponding genotypes or the MTHFR 677T allele carriers (CT and TT genotypes). In addition, patients with the MTHFR 677TT genotype had higher waist circumference in all time points. Similarly, patients with the MTHFR 677TT genotype had higher body mass index in all time points, but this effect was not significant after correction for multiple testing. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the MTHFR C677T polymorphism may predict antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Effects of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism might be different in initial exposure to antipsychotics compared with long-term perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Misiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Drs Misiak, Piotrowski, Kiejna, and Frydecka); Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Misiak, Ms Szmida, and Dr Ślęzak); Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Łaczmański and Ms Słoka)
| | - Łukasz Łaczmański
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Drs Misiak, Piotrowski, Kiejna, and Frydecka); Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Misiak, Ms Szmida, and Dr Ślęzak); Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Łaczmański and Ms Słoka)
| | - Natalia Kinga Słoka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Drs Misiak, Piotrowski, Kiejna, and Frydecka); Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Misiak, Ms Szmida, and Dr Ślęzak); Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Łaczmański and Ms Słoka)
| | - Elżbieta Szmida
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Drs Misiak, Piotrowski, Kiejna, and Frydecka); Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Misiak, Ms Szmida, and Dr Ślęzak); Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Łaczmański and Ms Słoka)
| | - Ryszard Ślęzak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Drs Misiak, Piotrowski, Kiejna, and Frydecka); Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Misiak, Ms Szmida, and Dr Ślęzak); Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Łaczmański and Ms Słoka)
| | - Patryk Piotrowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Drs Misiak, Piotrowski, Kiejna, and Frydecka); Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Misiak, Ms Szmida, and Dr Ślęzak); Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Łaczmański and Ms Słoka)
| | - Andrzej Kiejna
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Drs Misiak, Piotrowski, Kiejna, and Frydecka); Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Misiak, Ms Szmida, and Dr Ślęzak); Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Łaczmański and Ms Słoka)
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Drs Misiak, Piotrowski, Kiejna, and Frydecka); Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Misiak, Ms Szmida, and Dr Ślęzak); Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Wroclaw, Poland (Dr Łaczmański and Ms Słoka)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Gene expression alterations related to mania and psychosis in peripheral blood of patients with a first episode of psychosis. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e908. [PMID: 27701407 PMCID: PMC5315542 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychotic disorders affect ~3% of the general population and are among the most severe forms of mental diseases. In early stages of psychosis, clinical aspects may be difficult to distinguish from one another. Undifferentiated psychopathology at the first-episode of psychosis (FEP) highlights the need for biomarkers that can improve and refine differential diagnosis. We investigated gene expression differences between patients with FEP-schizophrenia spectrum (SCZ; N=53) or FEP-Mania (BD; N=16) and healthy controls (N=73). We also verified whether gene expression was correlated to severity of psychotic, manic, depressive symptoms and/or functional impairment. All participants were antipsychotic-naive. After the psychiatric interview, blood samples were collected and the expression of 12 psychotic-disorder-related genes was evaluated by quantitative PCR. AKT1 and DICER1 expression levels were higher in BD patients compared with that in SCZ patients and healthy controls, suggesting that expression of these genes is associated more specifically to manic features. Furthermore, MBP and NDEL1 expression levels were higher in SCZ and BD patients than in healthy controls, indicating that these genes are psychosis related (independent of diagnosis). No correlation was found between gene expression and severity of symptoms or functional impairment. Our findings suggest that genes related to neurodevelopment are altered in psychotic disorders, and some might support the differential diagnosis between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with a potential impact on the treatment of these disorders.
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
Despite a lack of recent progress in the treatment of schizophrenia, our understanding of its genetic and environmental causes has considerably improved, and their relationship to aberrant patterns of neurodevelopment has become clearer. This raises the possibility that 'disease-modifying' strategies could alter the course to - and of - this debilitating disorder, rather than simply alleviating symptoms. A promising window for course-altering intervention is around the time of the first episode of psychosis, especially in young people at risk of transition to schizophrenia. Indeed, studies performed in both individuals at risk of developing schizophrenia and rodent models for schizophrenia suggest that pre-diagnostic pharmacotherapy and psychosocial or cognitive-behavioural interventions can delay or moderate the emergence of psychosis. Of particular interest are 'hybrid' strategies that both relieve presenting symptoms and reduce the risk of transition to schizophrenia or another psychiatric disorder. This Review aims to provide a broad-based consideration of the challenges and opportunities inherent in efforts to alter the course of schizophrenia.
Collapse
|
26
|
Teroganova N, Girshkin L, Suter CM, Green MJ. DNA methylation in peripheral tissue of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: a systematic review. BMC Genet 2016; 17:27. [PMID: 26809779 PMCID: PMC4727379 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-016-0332-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence suggests the involvement of epigenetic processes in the development of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and recent reviews have focused on findings in post-mortem brain tissue. A systematic review was conducted to synthesise and evaluate the quality of available evidence for epigenetic modifications (specifically DNA methylation) in peripheral blood and saliva samples of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients in comparison to healthy controls. METHODS Original research articles using humans were identified using electronic databases. There were 33 included studies for which data were extracted and graded in duplicate on 22 items of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement, to assess methodological precision and quality of reporting. RESULTS There were 15 genome-wide and 18 exclusive candidate gene loci investigations for DNA methylation studies. A number of common genes were identified as differentially methylated in schizophrenia/bipolar disorder, which were related to reelin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, dopamine (including the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene), serotonin and glutamate, despite inconsistent findings of hyper-, hypo-, or lack of methylation at these and other loci. The mean STROBE score of 59% suggested moderate quality of available evidence; however, wide methodological variability contributed to a lack of consistency in the way methylation levels were quantified, such that meta-analysis of the results was not possible. CONCLUSIONS Moderate quality of available evidence shows some convergence of differential methylation at some common genetic loci in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, despite wide variation in methodology and reporting across studies. Improvement in the clarity of reporting clinical and other potential confounds would be useful in future studies of epigenetic processes in the context of exposure to environmental and other risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Teroganova
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Leah Girshkin
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Catherine M Suter
- Molecular Structural and Computational Biology Division, Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Melissa J Green
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.
- Schizophrenia Research Institute, 405 Liverpool St, Darlinghurst, NSW, 2010, Australia.
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney, NSW, 2031, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Misiak B, Szmida E, Karpiński P, Loska O, Sąsiadek MM, Frydecka D. Lower LINE-1 methylation in first-episode schizophrenia patients with the history of childhood trauma. Epigenomics 2015. [DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: We investigated methylation of DNA repetitive sequences (LINE-1 and BAGE) in peripheral blood leukocytes from first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients and healthy controls (HCs) with respect to childhood adversities. Materials & methods: Patients were divided into two subgroups based on the history of childhood trauma – FES(+) and FES(-) subjects. The majority of HCs had a negative history of childhood trauma – HCs(-) subjects. Results: FES(+) patients had significantly lower LINE-1 methylation in comparison with FES(-) patients or HC(-) subjects. Emotional abuse and total trauma score predicted lower LINE-1 methylation in FES patients, while general trauma score was associated with lower BAGE methylation in HCs. Conclusion: Childhood adversities might be associated with global DNA hypomethylation in adult FES patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Misiak
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, 1 Marcinkowski Street, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Szmida
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, 1 Marcinkowski Street, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Karpiński
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, 1 Marcinkowski Street, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Olga Loska
- Department of Professional Training in Clinical Chemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, 211A Borowska Street, 50-566 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Maria M Sąsiadek
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, 1 Marcinkowski Street, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Mas S, Gassó P, Lafuente A. Applicability of gene expression and systems biology to develop pharmacogenetic predictors; antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms as an example. Pharmacogenomics 2015; 16:1975-88. [PMID: 26556470 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.15.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pharmacogenetics has been driven by a candidate gene approach. The disadvantage of this approach is that is limited by our current understanding of the mechanisms by which drugs act. Gene expression could help to elucidate the molecular signatures of antipsychotic treatments searching for dysregulated molecular pathways and the relationships between gene products, especially protein-protein interactions. To embrace the complexity of drug response, machine learning methods could help to identify gene-gene interactions and develop pharmacogenetic predictors of drug response. The present review summarizes the applicability of the topics presented here (gene expression, network analysis and gene-gene interactions) in pharmacogenetics. In order to achieve this, we present an example of identifying genetic predictors of extrapyramidal symptoms induced by antipsychotic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Mas
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Pharmacology & Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Patricia Gassó
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Pharmacology & Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amelia Lafuente
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Pharmacology & Microbiology, University of Barcelona, Spain.,Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Depression, Cytokine, and Cytokine by Treatment Interactions Modulate Gene Expression in Antipsychotic Naïve First Episode Psychosis. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:5701-9. [PMID: 26491028 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9489-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In schizophrenia, genetic and environmental factors affect neurodevelopment and neuroprogressive trajectory. Altered expression of neuro-immune genes and increased levels of cytokines are observed, especially in patients with comorbid depression. However, it remains unclear whether circulating levels of cytokines and expression of these genes are associated, and how antipsychotic treatments impact this association. Relationships between messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of 11 schizophrenia-related genes and circulating levels of cytokines (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) were analyzed in 174 antipsychotic naïve first episode psychosis (FEP) and in 77 healthy controls. A subgroup of 72 patients was reassessed after treatment with risperidone. FEP patients were divided into those with and without depression. FEP patients with depression showed increased COMT expression and decreased NDEL1 expression. Increased IL-6 was associated with lowered AKT1 and DROSHA expression, while increased IL-10 was associated with increased NDEL1, DISC1, and MBP expression. IL-6 levels significantly increased the risperidone-induced expression of AKT1, DICER1, DROSHA, and COMT mRNA. The differential mRNA gene expression in FEP is largely associated with increased cytokine levels. While increased IL-6 may downregulate AKT-mediated cellular functions and dysregulate genes involved in microRNA (miRNA) machinery, increased IL-10 has neuroprotective properties. Increased IL-6 levels may prime the expression of genes (AKT1, DICER1, DROSHA, and COMT) in response to risperidone, suggesting that cytokine × treatment × gene interactions may improve cell function profiles. FEP patients with depression show a different gene expression profile reinforcing the theory that depression in FEP is a different phenotype.
Collapse
|
30
|
Oxidative stress in drug naïve first episode psychosis and antioxidant effects of risperidone. J Psychiatr Res 2015; 68:210-6. [PMID: 26228421 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is accompanied by increased lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide (NO) levels and by lowered antioxidant levels. However, the effect of antipsychotic agents on these processes remains unclear. The objective of this study is to determine the oxidative stress (OS) status in drug naïve first-episode psychotic patients (FEP) compared to healthy controls and to delineate the effects of risperidone on these biomarkers. METHODS 51 drug naive FEP patients and 61 healthy controls were enrolled; FEP patients were reassessed 11 weeks after risperidone treatment. Three OS biomarkers, i.e. lipid hydroperoxides - LOOH, NO metabolites - NOx, and advanced oxidation protein products - AOPP, and two antioxidant biomarkers, i.e. total radical-trapping antioxidant parameter - TRAP, and paraoxonase 1 - PON1, were measured. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and the Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS) were used to measure symptoms severity. RESULTS Significantly lower PON1 activity and increased TRAP values were found in FEP patients. There were no significant associations between any of the OS/antioxidant biomarkers and clinical data. Risperidone treatment significantly increased PON1 activity and decreased LOOH levels. These effects of risperidone were not significantly associated with the clinical response and risperidone dosage. DISCUSSION Changes in antioxidant profile, but not in lipid or protein oxidation or increased NO production, were found in drug-naive FEP. Risperidone may have antioxidant effects by lowering lipid peroxidation and increasing the antioxidant defenses against lipid peroxidation related to PON1. None of the biomarkers predicted treatment outcome.
Collapse
|
31
|
Abdolmaleky HM, Zhou JR, Thiagalingam S. An update on the epigenetics of psychotic diseases and autism. Epigenomics 2015; 7:427-49. [DOI: 10.2217/epi.14.85] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The examination of potential roles of epigenetic alterations in the pathogenesis of psychotic diseases have become an essential alternative in recent years as genetic studies alone are yet to uncover major gene(s) for psychosis. Here, we describe the current state of knowledge from the gene-specific and genome-wide studies of postmortem brain and blood cells indicating that aberrant DNA methylation, histone modifications and dysregulation of micro-RNAs are linked to the pathogenesis of mental diseases. There is also strong evidence supporting that all classes of psychiatric drugs modulate diverse features of the epigenome. While comprehensive environmental and genetic/epigenetic studies are uncovering the origins, and the key genes/pathways affected in psychotic diseases, characterizing the epigenetic effects of psychiatric drugs may help to design novel therapies in psychiatry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Mostafavi Abdolmaleky
- Departments of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics Section), Genetics & Genomics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jin-Rong Zhou
- Nutrition/Metabolism Laboratory at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sam Thiagalingam
- Departments of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics Section), Genetics & Genomics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Noto C, Ota VK, Santoro ML, Ortiz BB, Rizzo LB, Higuchi CH, Cordeiro Q, Belangero SI, Bressan RA, Gadelha A, Maes M, Brietzke E. Effects of depression on the cytokine profile in drug naïve first-episode psychosis. Schizophr Res 2015; 164:53-8. [PMID: 25716958 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is accompanied by alterations in immuno-inflammatory pathways, including abnormalities in cytokine profile. The immune assessment of patients in a first episode of psychosis (FEP) and particularly in drug naïve patients is very important to further elucidate this association. The objectives of this study are to delineate the cytokine profile (IL-2, IL-10, IL-4, IL-6, IFNγ, TNFα and IL-17) in FEP patients (n=55) versus healthy controls (n=57) and to examine whether the presence of depressive symptoms in FEP is accompanied by a specific cytokine profile. We found increased levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNFα in FEP patients when compared to healthy controls. FEP patients with depression showed higher IL-4 and TNFα levels versus those without depression. Cytokine levels were not correlated to the total PANSS and the positive or negative subscale scores. Our results suggest that FEP is accompanied by a cytokine profile indicative of monocytic and T regulatory cell (Treg) activation. Depression in FEP is accompanied by monocytic and Th-2 activation, whereas FEP without depression is characterized by Treg activation only. In conclusion, depression emerged as a key component explaining the cytokines imbalance in FEP that is responsible for a large part of the immune-inflammatory abnormalities described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Noto
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; First Episode Psychosis Program, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Kiyomi Ota
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcos Leite Santoro
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno B Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas B Rizzo
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cinthia Hiroko Higuchi
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Quirino Cordeiro
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; First Episode Psychosis Program, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sintia Iole Belangero
- Genetics Division, Department of Morphology and Genetics, Universidade Federal de Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ary Gadelha
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand; Health Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Center, State University of Londrina (UEL), Brazil
| | - Elisa Brietzke
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|