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Condon EM, Scheibner HR, Kuzel M, Howard M, Cisse M, O'Connell M, Conley Y, Jeon S, Sadler LS, Redeker NS. The CARING study: Examining biological, behavioral, and genetic mechanisms in the intergenerational transmission of toxic stress. Res Nurs Health 2024; 47:369-383. [PMID: 38804202 PMCID: PMC11236528 DOI: 10.1002/nur.22400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
When children experience extreme or persistent stressors (e.g., maltreatment, housing insecurity, intimate partner violence), prolonged elevation of the stress-response system can lead to disrupted development of multiple physiological systems. This response, known as toxic stress, is associated with poor physical and mental health across the life course. Emerging evidence suggests that the effects of toxic stress may be transmitted through generations, but the biological and behavioral mechanisms that link caregivers' childhood history with the health of the children they care for remain poorly understood. The purpose of this report is to describe the research protocol for The CARING (Childhood Adversity and Resilience In the Next Generation) Study, a cross-sectional study of caregivers with children aged 3-5 years designed to (1) examine the intergenerational transmission of toxic stress and protective factors; (2) explore three hypothesized pathways of transmission: parenting, daily routines, stressors, and supports; and (3) explore the extent to which genotypic variation in candidate genes related to caregiving and stress contribute to caregivers' and children's susceptibility to the effects of early childhood experiences (i.e., gene × environment interactions). We expect that findings from this study will provide critical data needed to identify targets for precision health interventions, reduce health disparities related to toxic stress, and prevent cycles of adversity among families at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Condon
- University of Connecticut School of Nursing, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Meredith Kuzel
- University of Connecticut School of Nursing, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mackenzie Howard
- University of Connecticut School of Nursing, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Mouhamadou Cisse
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - Meghan O'Connell
- University of Connecticut School of Nursing, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Yvette Conley
- University of Pittsburg School of Nursing, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | - Nancy S Redeker
- University of Connecticut School of Nursing, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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Ajayi AF, Oyovwi MO, Olatinwo G, Phillips AO. Unfolding the complexity of epigenetics in male reproductive aging: a review of therapeutic implications. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:881. [PMID: 39085654 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09823-9] [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: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epigenetics studies gene expression changes influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors, linked to health conditions like reproductive aging. Male reproductive aging causes sperm decline, conceiving difficulties, and increased genetic abnormalities. Recent research focuses on epigenetics' role in male reproductive aging. OBJECTIVES This review explores epigenetics and male reproductive aging, focusing on sperm quality, environmental and lifestyle factors' impact, and potential health implications for offspring. METHODS An extensive search of the literature was performed applying multiple databases, such as PubMed and Google Scholar. The search phrases employed were: epigenetics, male reproductive ageing, sperm quality, sperm quantity, environmental influences, lifestyle factors, and offspring health. This review only included articles that were published in English and had undergone a peer-review process. The literature evaluation uncovered that epigenetic alterations have a substantial influence on the process of male reproductive ageing. RESULT Research has demonstrated that variations in the quality and quantity of sperm that occur with ageing are linked to adjustments in DNA methylation and histone. Moreover, there is evidence linking epigenetic alterations in sperm to environmental and lifestyle factors, including smoking, alcohol intake, and exposure to contaminants. These alterations can have enduring impacts on the well-being of descendants, since they can shape the activation of genes and potentially elevate the likelihood of genetic disorders. In conclusion, epigenetics significantly influences male reproductive aging, with sperm quality and quantity influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors. CONCLUSION This underscores the need for comprehensive approaches to managing male reproductive health, and underscores the importance of considering epigenetics in diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji Folorunsho Ajayi
- Department of Physiology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Anchor Biomed Research Institute, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Physiology, Adeleke University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
| | | | - Goodness Olatinwo
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
| | - Akano Oyedayo Phillips
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria
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Tamayo Martinez N, Serdarevic F, Tahirovic E, Daenekindt S, Keizer R, Jansen PW, Tiemeier H. What maternal educational mobility tells us about the mother's parenting routines, offspring school achievement and intelligence. Soc Sci Med 2024; 345:116667. [PMID: 38364725 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116667] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Educational mobility at the macro-level is a common measure of social inequality. Nonetheless, the correlates of mobility of education at the individual level are less well studied. We evaluated whether educational mobility of the second generation (compared to the first generation level) predicts differences in parenting practices of the second generation and school achievement and intelligence in the third generation. METHODS Data from a population-based cohort of children in the Netherlands (N = 3547; 49.4% boys) were analyzed. Maternal, grandparental education and family routines, a parenting practice, were reported by the mother. Child school achievement at the end of primary school (∼12 years, with the national Dutch academic test score) and child intelligence (∼6 and 13 years) were measured in a standardized manner. Also, a child genome-wide polygenic score of academic attainment was calculated. To estimate the effect of educational mobility, inverse probability-weighted linear models and Diagonal Reference Models (DRM) were used. RESULTS Upward maternal educational mobility was associated with better offspring school achievement, higher intelligence, and more family routines if compared to offspring of mothers with no upward mobility. However, mothers did not implement the same level of family routines as similarly educated mothers and grandfathers who already had achieved this educational level. Likewise, children of mothers with upward educational mobility had lower school achievement and intelligence than children of similarly educated mothers with no mobility. Child's genetic potential for education followed a similar association pattern with higher potential in children of upward mobile mothers. CONCLUSION Policymakers might overlook social inequalities when focused on parental socioeconomic status. Grandparental socioeconomic status, which independently predicts child school achievement, intelligence, and parental family routines, should also be assessed. The child's genetic endowment reflects the propensity for education across generations that partly underlies mobility and some of its effect on the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Tamayo Martinez
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Fadila Serdarevic
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Emin Tahirovic
- Association South East European Network for Medical Research-SOVE, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina.
| | | | - Renske Keizer
- Erasmus School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Pauline W Jansen
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
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Leite Ongilio F, Gaspardo CM, Linhares MBM. Maternal History of Adversity and Subsequent Mother-Child Interactions at Early Ages: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:3412-3432. [PMID: 36367204 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221130355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can negatively impact physical, emotional, cognitive, and social development, consequently affecting the next generation. The aim of the present study was to systematically review evidence from empirical studies on the association between maternal history of adversity in childhood (maltreatment and household dysfunction) and subsequent mother-child interactions at an early age. A search was performed in the PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, LILACS, and SciELO databases to identify studies, including measures of maternal childhood adversities and mother-child interaction, published between 2016 and 2022. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. The results showed that in 90% of the studies, maternal childhood adversities negatively impacted subsequent mother-child interactions in early childhood, reducing maternal displays of affection, emotional availability, sensitivity, mother-child communication, and bonding. Biological factors (e.g., genetic and hormonal) and maternal emotional recognition moderated these associations. In addition, biological factors (i.e., neurobiological and hormonal) and psychosocial factors (e.g., depression, executive functioning, and violence) acted as mediators. Preventive interventions should be implemented to break out of the intergenerational cycle of violence that impacts mother-child interactions.
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Runze J, Bakermans‐Kranenburg MJ, Cecil CAM, van IJzendoorn MH, Pappa I. The polygenic and reactive nature of observed parenting. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2023; 22:e12874. [PMID: 38018381 PMCID: PMC10733578 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
In Wertz et al. (2019), parents' polygenic scores of educational attainment (PGS-EA) predicted parental sensitive responses to the child's needs for support, as observed in a dyadic task (i.e., observed sensitivity). We aimed to replicate and expand these findings by combining longitudinal data, child genotype data and several polygenic scores in the Generation R Study. Mother-child dyads participated in two developmental periods, toddlerhood (14 months old; n = 648) and early childhood (3-4 years old, n = 613). Higher maternal PGS-EA scores predicted higher observed sensitivity in toddlerhood (b = 0.12, 95% CI 0.03, 0.20) and early childhood (b = 0.16, 95% CI 0.08, 0.24). Child PGS-EA was significantly associated with maternal sensitivity in early childhood (b = 0.11, 95% CI 0.02, 0.21), and the effect of maternal PGS-EA was no longer significant when correcting for child PGS-EA. A latent factor of PGSs based on educational attainment, intelligence (IQ) and income showed similar results. These polygenic scores might be associated with maternal cognitive and behavioral skills that help shape parenting. Maternal PGSs predicted observed sensitivity over and above the maternal phenotypes, showing an additional role for PGSs in parenting research. In conclusion, we replicated the central finding of Wertz et al. (2019) that parental PGS-EA partially explains parental sensitivity. Our findings may be consistent with evocative gene-environment correlation (rGE), emphasizing the dynamic nature of parenting behavior across time, although further research using family trios is needed to adequately test this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Runze
- Research Institute of Child Development and EducationUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Marian J. Bakermans‐Kranenburg
- ISPA – University Institute of Psychological, Social and Life SciencesLisbonPortugal
- Center for Attachment ResearchThe New SchoolNew YorkNew YorkUSA
- Department of PsychologyStockholm UniversityStockholmSweden
| | - Charlotte A. M. Cecil
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
- Department of EpidemiologyErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Marinus H. van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child StudiesErasmus University RotterdamRotterdamthe Netherlands
- Research Department of Clinical, Education and Health PsychologyFaculty of Brain Sciences, UCLLondonUK
| | - Irene Pappa
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatryErasmus Medical CenterRotterdamthe Netherlands
- Clinical Child and Family StudiesVU University AmsterdamAmsterdamthe Netherlands
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Carollo A, Montefalcone P, Bornstein MH, Esposito G. A Scientometric Review of Infant Cry and Caregiver Responsiveness: Literature Trends and Research Gaps over 60 Years of Developmental Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1042. [PMID: 37371273 DOI: 10.3390/children10061042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Infant cry is an adaptive signal of distress that elicits timely and mostly appropriate caring behaviors. Caregivers are typically able to decode the meaning of the cry and respond appropriately, but maladaptive caregiver responses are common and, in the worst cases, can lead to harmful events. To tackle the importance of studying cry patterns and caregivers' responses, this review aims to identify key documents and thematic trends in the literature as well as existing research gaps. To do so, we conducted a scientometric review of 723 documents downloaded from Scopus and performed a document co-citation analysis. The most impactful publication was authored by Barr in 1990, which describes typical developmental patterns of infant cry. Six major research thematic clusters emerged from the analysis of the literature. Clusters were renamed "Neonatal Pain Analyzer" (average year of publication = 2002), "Abusive Head Trauma" (average year of publication = 2007), "Oxytocin" (average year of publication = 2009), "Antecedents of Maternal Sensitivity" (average year of publication = 2010), "Neurobiology of Parental Responses" (average year of publication = 2011), and "Hormonal Changes & Cry Responsiveness" (average year of publication = 2016). Research clusters are discussed on the basis of a qualitative inspection of the manuscripts. Current trends in research focus on the neurobiology of caregiver responses and the identification of factors promoting maternal sensitivity. Recent studies have also developed evidence-based strategies for calming crying babies and preventing caregivers' maladaptive responses. From the clusters, two topics conspicuously call for future research: fathers' responsiveness to infant cry and the impact of caregiver relationship quality on cry responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Carollo
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Angelo Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Pietro Montefalcone
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Angelo Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
| | - Marc H Bornstein
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- United Nations Children's Fund, New York, NY 10017, USA
- Institute for Fiscal Studies, London WC1E 7AE, UK
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Angelo Bettini 31, 38068 Rovereto, Italy
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Kretschmer T. Parenting is genetically influenced: What does that mean for research into child and adolescent social development? SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/sode.12633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tina Kretschmer
- Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences University of Groningen Groningen Netherlands
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Buston K, O'Brien R, Maxwell K. The Case for Targeted Parenting Interventions with Reference to Intergenerational Transmission of Parenting: Qualitative Evidence from Three Studies of Marginalised Mothers' and Fathers' Participation in Parenting Programmes. CHILD CARE IN PRACTICE : NORTHERN IRELAND JOURNAL OF MULTI-DISCIPLINARY CHILD CARE PRACTICE 2022; 28:274-289. [PMID: 35663503 PMCID: PMC7612789 DOI: 10.1080/13575279.2020.1812533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The idea that how you were parented is key to how you parent your own children is widely recognisable. It is present in popular cultural references, underpins much policy on families and parenting in the UK, and is supported by a substantive body of academic literature. We explore this concept of intergenerational transmission of parenting, understanding it as the context in which parenting interventions have been implemented. We draw on interview data from three Scottish samples of marginalised parents (n = 54) to explore how participants think their own parenting behaviours have been shaped by their experience of being parented and how they talk about participation in a parenting intervention in relation to this. We find that how these parents have been parented is salient in considering their own parenting behaviour, and is a key context for their engagement with the intervention. We make the case for parenting interventions targeted at marginalised parents, arguing that they are acceptable to, and useful for, these parents and may, potentially, be effective in breaking cycles of negative parenting. Policy-makers should not shy away from implementing targeted parenting programmes as part of endeavours to address negative parenting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Buston
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Karen Maxwell
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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9
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Landoni M, Dalla Muta A, Di Tella S, Ciuffo G, Di Blasio P, Ionio C. Parenting and the Serotonin Transporter Gene (5HTTLPR), Is There an Association? A Systematic Review of the Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:4052. [PMID: 35409736 PMCID: PMC8997909 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The current systematic review examines whether there is an association between the genetic 5-HTTPLR polymorphism and parenting, and the mechanisms by which this association operates. The literature was searched in various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect. In line with our inclusion criteria, nine articles were eligible out of 22. Most of the studies analysed in this review found an association between 5HTTLPR and parenting. Four studies found a direct association between 5-HTTLPR and parenting with conflicting findings: two studies found that mothers carrying the short variant were more sensitive to their infants, while two studies found that parents carrying the S allele were less sensitive. In addition, several studies found strong interaction between genetic and environmental factors, such as childhood stress and disruptive child behaviour, quality of early care experiences, poor parenting environment, and quality of the environment. Only one study found an association between children's 5HTTLPR and parenting. Parenting can be described as a highly complex construct influenced by multiple factors, including the environment, as well as parent and child characteristics. According to the studies, maternal 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is most likely to be associated with sensitive parenting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Landoni
- CRIdee, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (P.D.B.); (C.I.)
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (A.D.M.); (S.D.T.)
| | - Alice Dalla Muta
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (A.D.M.); (S.D.T.)
| | - Sonia Di Tella
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (A.D.M.); (S.D.T.)
| | - Giulia Ciuffo
- CRIdee, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (P.D.B.); (C.I.)
| | - Paola Di Blasio
- CRIdee, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (P.D.B.); (C.I.)
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (A.D.M.); (S.D.T.)
| | - Chiara Ionio
- CRIdee, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (G.C.); (P.D.B.); (C.I.)
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (A.D.M.); (S.D.T.)
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10
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Family Context, Parenting and Child Development: An Epigenetic Approach. SOCIAL SCIENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11030113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This paper presents an essay that uses an epigenetic approach to attain an inclusive and in-depth understanding of the influence of family context and quality of parenting on children’s psychological development. Based on the identification of a key developmental process in which interactions are continuously internalised, the approach draws attention to the bidirectional and systemic nature of intrafamily and parenting interactions and highlights the multiple factors that influence them, which are linked to the developmental history of the species, the individual characteristics of both the child and their parents, and contextual variables. In response to these internalised interactions, the body activates epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA methylation, which may affect the phenotypic expression of the genome. Theoretical and methodological implications are discussed in light of the current process of identifying the biological profiles underlying negative and positive parenting practices. Some insights are offered regarding the challenges and opportunities that parents and policymakers should address in the 21st century in connection with the promotion of positive parenting, taking into account the epigenetic processes triggered by adverse environments for children and their families.
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Deficient maternal behavior in multiparous Pou3f2⊿ mice is associated with an impaired exploratory activity. Behav Brain Res 2022; 427:113846. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.113846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Condon EM, Dettmer A, Baker E, McFaul C, Stover CS. Early Life Adversity and Males: Biology, Behavior, and Implications for Fathers' Parenting. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104531. [PMID: 35063493 PMCID: PMC9236197 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Fathers have an important and unique influence on child development, but influences on fathers' parenting have been vastly understudied in the scientific literature. In particular, very little empirical research exists on the effects of early life adversity (ELA; e.g. childhood maltreatment, parental separation) on later parenting among fathers. In this review, we draw from both the human and non-human animal literature to examine the effects of ELA, specifically among males, in the following areas: 1) neurobiology and neurocognitive functioning, 2) hormones and hormone receptors, 3) gene-environment interactions and epigenetics, and 4) behavior and development. Based on these findings, we present a conceptual model to describe the biological and behavioral pathways through which exposure to ELA may influence parenting among males, with a goal of guiding future research and intervention development in this area. Empirical studies are needed to improve understanding of the relationship between ELA and father's parenting, inform the development of paternal and biparental interventions, and prevent intergenerational transmission of ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Condon
- University of Connecticut School of Nursing, 231 Glenbrook Rd, Storrs CT 06269, United States; Yale Early Stress and Adversity Consortium, United States.
| | - Amanda Dettmer
- Yale Early Stress and Adversity Consortium, United States; Yale Child Study Center, 230 S Frontage Rd, New Haven, CT 06519, United States
| | - Ellie Baker
- Yale Child Study Center, 230 S Frontage Rd, New Haven, CT 06519, United States; Division of Psychology and Language Science, University College London (UCL), 26 Bedford Way, Bloomsbury, London WC1H 0AP, United Kingdom
| | - Ciara McFaul
- Yale Child Study Center, 230 S Frontage Rd, New Haven, CT 06519, United States
| | - Carla Smith Stover
- Yale Early Stress and Adversity Consortium, United States; Yale Child Study Center, 230 S Frontage Rd, New Haven, CT 06519, United States
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Rybicka M, Kaźmierczak M, Pawlicka P, Łada-Maśko AB, Anikiej-Wiczenbach P, Bielawski KP. (Re-)activity in the caregiving situation: Genetic diversity within Oxytocin-Vasopressin Pathway is associated with salivary oxytocin and vasopressin concentrations in response to contact with a crying infant-simulator. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 131:105294. [PMID: 34102428 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) hormones as well as their receptors (OXTR and AVPR1a) have been deemed crucial for caregiving and sensitive responsiveness to infant cues. However, previous research on genetic polymorphisms and OT and AVP levels in the context of caregiving were sparse and have brought contradictory findings. The aim of this reported observational study was to examine the impact of genetic variations within genes related to OT and AVP signaling pathway on hormones levels' changes in response to the caregiving situation. A total of 221 adult intimate couples (110 childless, non-pregnant and 111 expectant couples) participated in three 10 min sessions, during which they were taking care of a crying life-like simulator. 30 min prior to the first session salivary samples to analyze basal OT and AVP, and polymorphisms in OXTR, AVPR1a and CD38 genes were collected. Subsequent OT and AVP levels were measured 15 min after each session. The two most frequently studied OXTR SNPs (rs53576 and rs2254298) had no or a minor impact on higher OT levels, which were linked to rs1042778, rs13316193, rs2228485, rs2268490, rs4686302 genotypes. AVP levels were affected by rs1042778, rs13316193, rs4686302 and rs237887. OT levels varied depending on the OT (rs2770378, rs4813625), CD38 (rs379686), and 5-HTR2A (rs6314) genotype. OT and AVP levels were also associated with rs6314 (5-HTR2A). AVP levels were linked to ESR1 (rs1884051) and SIM1 (rs3734354) variations. Shorter variants of RS3 and RS1 were associated with lower levels of AVP. In conclusion, analyzed polymorphisms were associated with both the level and changes in OT and AVP hormone levels in the standardized situation of caregiving reactions to infant crying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magda Rybicka
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, ul. Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Maria Kaźmierczak
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Paulina Pawlicka
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Ariadna Beata Łada-Maśko
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Paulina Anikiej-Wiczenbach
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Gdansk, ul. Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80-309 Gdańsk, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Piotr Bielawski
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology of University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, ul. Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdańsk, Poland.
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Kaźmierczak M, Pawlicka P, Anikiej-Wiczenbach P, Łada-Maśko AB, Kiełbratowska B, Rybicka M, Kotłowska A, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, van IJzendoorn MH. Empathy and Hormonal Changes as Predictors of Sensitive Responsiveness towards Infant Crying: A Study Protocol. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4815. [PMID: 33946427 PMCID: PMC8125138 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Sensitive responsiveness refers to parents' ability to recognize and respond to infants' cues and has been linked to parental empathy. Additionally, oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP) are hormones important for sensitivity and empathy. The aim of this study is to test the links between dispositional empathy along with changing OT and AVP levels and responsiveness to a life-like doll in couples and to verify whether these factors are predictors of responsiveness to a child's cues. Exploratory analyses include predictors of sensitive responsiveness: polymorphisms of OXTR, AVPR1a and CD38 genes, personal characteristics and relational factors. The project employs standardized experimental settings that can be used with non-parents and the assessment of parental sensitive responsiveness towards their child. The participants are couples expecting their first child (111) and childless couples (110). The procedure involves caretaking of a life-like doll. Salivary samples and questionnaire data are collected in a planned manner. In the second part, the expectant couples are invited for the assessment of their sensitivity to their own child (Free Play episodes). Parental sensitivity is assessed using the Ainsworth Sensitivity Scale. This paper presents an interdisciplinary research project that reaches beyond the questionnaire measurement, considering many factors influencing the dynamics of adult-infant interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kaźmierczak
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80309 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (P.A.-W.); (A.B.Ł.-M.)
| | - Paulina Pawlicka
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80309 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (P.A.-W.); (A.B.Ł.-M.)
| | - Paulina Anikiej-Wiczenbach
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80309 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (P.A.-W.); (A.B.Ł.-M.)
| | - Ariadna B. Łada-Maśko
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Psychology, University of Gdansk, Jana Bażyńskiego 4, 80309 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.K.); (P.A.-W.); (A.B.Ł.-M.)
| | - Bogumiła Kiełbratowska
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdańsk, Dębinki 7, 80210 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Magda Rybicka
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdansk, Abrahama 58, 80307 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Alicja Kotłowska
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Gdansk, Dębinki 7, 80211 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | | | - Marinus H. van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, 3062 Rotterdam, The Netherlands;
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15
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Branje S, Geeraerts S, de Zeeuw EL, Oerlemans AM, Koopman-Verhoeff ME, Schulz S, Nelemans S, Meeus W, Hartman CA, Hillegers MHJ, Oldehinkel AJ, Boomsma DI. Intergenerational transmission: Theoretical and methodological issues and an introduction to four Dutch cohorts. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2020; 45:100835. [PMID: 32823179 PMCID: PMC7451818 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2020.100835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Behaviors, traits and characteristics are transmitted from parents to offspring because of complex genetic and non-genetic processes. We review genetic and non-genetic mechanisms of intergenerational transmission of psychopathology and parenting and focus on recent methodological advances in disentangling genetic and non-genetic factors. In light of this review, we propose that future studies on intergenerational transmission should aim to disentangle genetic and non-genetic transmission, take a long-term longitudinal perspective, and focus on paternal and maternal intergenerational transmission. We present four large longitudinal cohort studies within the Consortium on Individual Development, which together address many of these methodological challenges. These four cohort studies aim to examine the extent to which genetic and non-genetic transmission from the parental generation shapes parenting behavior and psychopathology in the next generation, as well as the extent to which self-regulation and social competence mediate this transmission. Conjointly, these four cohorts provide a comprehensive approach to the study of intergenerational transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Branje
- Youth and Family, Department of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Sanne Geeraerts
- Youth and Family, Department of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Eveline L de Zeeuw
- Netherlands Twin Register, Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anoek M Oerlemans
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - M Elisabeth Koopman-Verhoeff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Susanne Schulz
- Youth and Family, Department of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Stefanie Nelemans
- Youth and Family, Department of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Wim Meeus
- Youth and Family, Department of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Catharina A Hartman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Manon H J Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam-Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albertine J Oldehinkel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Centre Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Dorret I Boomsma
- Netherlands Twin Register, Department of Biological Psychology, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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16
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Euser S, Bosdriesz JR, Vrijhof CI, van den Bulk BG, van Hees D, de Vet SM, van IJzendoorn MH, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ. How Heritable are Parental Sensitivity and Limit-Setting? A Longitudinal Child-Based Twin Study on Observed Parenting. Child Dev 2020; 91:2255-2269. [PMID: 32270875 PMCID: PMC7754341 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We examined the relative contribution of genetic, shared environmental and non-shared environmental factors to the covariance between parental sensitivity and limit-setting observed twice in a longitudinal study using a child-based twin design. Parental sensitivity and parental limit-setting were observed in 236 parents with each of their same-sex toddler twin children (Mage = 3.8 years; 58% monozygotic). Bivariate behavioral genetic models indicated substantial effects of similar shared environmental factors on parental sensitivity and limit-setting and on the overlap within sensitivity and limit-setting across 1 year. Moderate child-driven genetic effects were found for parental limit-setting in year 1 and across 1 year. Genetic child factors contributing to explaining the variance in limit-setting over time were the same, whereas shared environmental factors showed some overlap.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jizzo R Bosdriesz
- Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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17
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Chen C, Chen C, Xue G, Dong Q, Zhao L, Zhang S. Parental warmth interacts with several genes to affect executive function components: a genome-wide environment interaction study. BMC Genet 2020; 21:11. [PMID: 32019487 PMCID: PMC7001336 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-020-0819-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Executive function (EF) is vital to human beings. It has been linked to many genes and family environmental factors in separate studies, but few studies have examined the potential interactions between gene(s) and environmental factor(s). The current study explored the whole genome to identify SNPs, genes, and pathways that interacted with parental warmth (PW) on EF. Results Nine EF tasks were used to measure its three components (common EF, updating, shifting) based on the model proposed by Miyake et al. (2000). We found that rs111605473, LAMP5, SLC4A7, and LRRK1 interacted significantly with PW to affect the updating component of EF, and the GSE43955 pathway interacted significantly with PW to affect the common EF component. Conclusions The current study is the first to identify genes that interacted with PW to affect EF. Further studies are needed to reveal the underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Imaging and Connectomics, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Chuansheng Chen
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Gui Xue
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning & IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Libo Zhao
- Department of Psychology, BeiHang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Shudong Zhang
- Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China.
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18
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Savelieva K, Hintsanen M, Dobewall H, Jokela M, Pulkki-Råback L, Elovainio M, Seppälä I, Lehtimäki T, Raitakari O, Keltikangas-Järvinen L. The role of oxytocinergic genes in the intergenerational transmission of parent-child relationship qualities. Horm Behav 2019; 114:104540. [PMID: 31202819 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Parenting qualities are known to transmit across generations, but less is known about genetic processes that may modify how strongly parenting quality carries across generations. We examined in prospective data whether oxytocinergic genes of offspring moderate the intergenerational transmission of warm and accepting parent-child relationship qualities. The sample comprised 1167 Finnish parents (G2, 62% female) and their mothers (G1). At the study baseline, G1 mothers (Mage = 38) reported parent-child relationship qualities towards G2 children (age range 3-18). After 28-34 years, G2 offspring reported parent-child relationship qualities towards their own children using the same questionnaire. A cumulative genetic score was computed for G2 by summing up previously identified four alleles associated with non-optimal parenting or social impairments across OXTR (rs1042778, rs2254298, rs53576) and CD38 (rs3796863) genes. Results indicated no interaction effects of G2 cumulative genetic score on the transmission of parent-child relationship qualities. Among single polymorphisms in OXTR, the interaction effects of rs53576 and rs1042778 were found. G1 maternal emotional warmth was associated with higher G2 emotional warmth among G2 participants with the OXTR rs53576 AA/AG genotype, but not among those with the GG genotype. G1 maternal acceptance was associated with higher G2 acceptance among those G2 participants with the OXTR rs1042778 GG/GT genotype, but not among those with the TT genotype. Oxytocinergic genes may influence sensitivity to quality of parent-child relationship, although this needs replication in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kateryna Savelieva
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 20, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mirka Hintsanen
- Unit of Psychology, University of Oulu, P.O.Box 2000, Yliopistokatu 9, 90014 Oulu, Finland.
| | - Henrik Dobewall
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Health Sciences, University of Tampere, P.O. Box 100, 33014 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Markus Jokela
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Laura Pulkki-Råback
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Marko Elovainio
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Ilkka Seppälä
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories, Arvo Ylpön katu 4, 33520 Tampere, Finland and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, P.O Box 100, 33014 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Terho Lehtimäki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Fimlab Laboratories, Arvo Ylpön katu 4, 33520 Tampere, Finland and Finnish Cardiovascular Research Center-Tampere, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Tampere, P.O Box 100, 33014 Tampere, Finland.
| | - Olli Raitakari
- Research Centre of Applied and Preventive Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland.
| | - Liisa Keltikangas-Järvinen
- Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 21, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
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19
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Silventoinen K, Su J, Pulkkinen L, Barr P, Rose RJ, Dick DM, Kaprio J. Genetics of Perceived Family Interaction From 12 to 17 Years of Age. Behav Genet 2019; 49:366-375. [PMID: 31127448 PMCID: PMC6554250 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-019-09960-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed how the effects of genetic and environmental factors on the perceptions of family interaction change from early to late adolescence. The data were collected by postal surveys on Finnish twins (N = 4808) at 12, 14 and 17 years of age and analyzed using genetic twin modeling. Additive genetic factors explained a modest share of the variation in perceived relational support (a2 = 0.30 in boys and 0.18 in girls) and relational tensions (a2 = 0.13 and 0.14, respectively) at 12 years of age, with the proportions becoming larger through 17 years of age (a2 = 0.53 in boys and 0.49 in girls for relational support; a2 = 0.35 in boys and 0.33 in girls for relational tensions). Simultaneously, the role of environment shared by co-twins decreased. These findings suggest that the associations between perceived family interaction and other factors in adulthood should be interpreted with caution, because they partly reflect genetic background, whereas in childhood, they may provide more reliable information on parental characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karri Silventoinen
- Department of Social Research, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 18, FIN-00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Jinni Su
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Lea Pulkkinen
- Department of Psychology, University of Jyvaskyla, Jyvaskyla, Finland
| | - Peter Barr
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Richard J Rose
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Danielle M Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
- College Behavioral and Emotional Health Institute, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jaakko Kaprio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Public Health, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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20
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The genetic and environmental etiology of child maltreatment in a parent-based extended family design. Dev Psychopathol 2019; 31:157-172. [PMID: 30757990 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579418001608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Child maltreatment has been associated with various cumulative risk factors. However, little is known about the extent to which genetic and environmental factors contribute to individual differences between parents in perpetrating child maltreatment. To estimate the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors to perpetrating maltreatment we used a parent-based extended family design. Child-reported perpetrated maltreatment was available for 556 parents (283 women) from 63 families. To explore reporter effects (i.e., child perspective on maltreatment), child reports were compared to multi-informant reports. Based on polygenic model analyses, most of the variance related to the perpetration of physical abuse and emotional neglect was explained by common environmental factors (physical abuse: c2 = 59%, SE = 12%, p = .006; emotional neglect: c2 = 47%, SE = 8%, p < .001) whereas genetic factors did not significantly contribute to the model. For perpetrated emotional abuse, in contrast, genetic factors did significantly contribute to perpetrated emotional abuse (h2 = 33%, SE = 8%, p < .001), whereas common environment factors did not. Multi-informant reports led to similar estimates of genetic and common environmental effects on all measures except for emotional abuse, where a multi-informant approach yielded higher estimates of the common environmental effects. Overall, estimates of unique environment, including measurement error, were lower using multi-informant reports. In conclusion, our findings suggest that genetic pathways play a significant role in perpetrating emotional abuse, while physical abuse and emotional neglect are transmitted primarily through common environmental factors. These findings imply that interventions may need to target different mechanisms dependings on maltreatment type.
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21
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Fleming AS, Kraemer GW. Molecular and Genetic Bases of Mammalian Maternal Behavior. GENDER AND THE GENOME 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/2470289719827306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alison S. Fleming
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gary W. Kraemer
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
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22
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Cunningham CB, Ji L, McKinney EC, Benowitz KM, Schmitz RJ, Moore AJ. Changes of gene expression but not cytosine methylation are associated with male parental care reflecting behavioural state, social context and individual flexibility. J Exp Biol 2019; 222:jeb188649. [PMID: 30446546 PMCID: PMC10681020 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.188649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Behaviour is often a front line response to changing environments. Recent studies show behavioural changes are associated with changes of gene expression; however, these studies have primarily focused on discrete behavioural states. We build on these studies by addressing additional contexts that produce qualitatively similar behavioural changes. We measured levels of gene expression and cytosine methylation, which is hypothesized to regulate the transcriptional architecture of behavioural transitions, within the brain during male parental care of the burying beetle Nicrophorus vespilloides in a factorial design. Male parenting is a suitably plastic behaviour because although male N. vespilloides typically do not provide direct care (i.e. feed offspring) when females are present, levels of feeding by a male equivalent to the female can be induced by removing the female. We examined three different factors: behavioural state (caring versus non-caring), social context (with or without a female mate) and individual flexibility (if a male switched to direct care after his mate was removed). The greatest number of differentially expressed genes were associated with behavioural state, followed by social context and individual flexibility. Cytosine methylation was not associated with changes of gene expression in any of the factors. Our results suggest a hierarchical association between gene expression and the different factors, but that this process is not controlled by cytosine methylation. Our results further suggest that the extent a behaviour is transient plays an underappreciated role in determining its underpinning molecular mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lexiang Ji
- Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | | | - Kyle M Benowitz
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Robert J Schmitz
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Allen J Moore
- Department of Genetics, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
- Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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23
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Attachment style: The neurobiological substrate, interaction with genetics and role in neurodevelopmental disorders risk pathways. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:515-527. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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24
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Hein S, Thomas T, Yu. Naumova O, Luthar SS, Grigorenko EL. Negative parenting modulates the association between mother’s DNA methylation profiles and adult offspring depression. Dev Psychobiol 2018; 61:304-310. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Oxana Yu. Naumova
- University of Houston; Houston Texas
- Vavilov Institute of General Genetics RAS; St. Petersburg State University; Saint Petersburg Russia
| | | | - Elena L. Grigorenko
- University of Houston; Houston Texas
- St. Petersburg State University; Saint Petersburg Russia
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25
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Provenzi L, Brambilla M, Borgatti R, Montirosso R. Methodological Challenges in Developmental Human Behavioral Epigenetics: Insights Into Study Design. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:286. [PMID: 30532698 PMCID: PMC6266797 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental human behavioral epigenetics (DHBE) holds potential for contributing to better understanding of how early life exposures contribute to human developmental trajectories and to inform clinical practice and early interventions. Nonetheless, DHBE research to date is challenged by two major issues: (a) the frequent use of retrospective study designs; and (b) the major focus on epigenetic variations associated with early life adversities, rather than protective care exposures. In order for DHBE research to maintain its promises, these issues need to be addressed in a systematic way according to a careful methodological planning of study design. In this contribution, we provide pragmatic insights on methodological aspects that should be dealt with while designing DHBE studies. We propose different study designs for the retrospective and prospective investigation of both adversity- and care-related epigenetic variations. Examples from available scientific literature are provided to better describe the advantages and the limitations of each study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Maddalena Brambilla
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Rosario Montirosso
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Bosisio Parini, Italy
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26
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Ludmer JA, Gonzalez A, Kennedy J, Masellis M, Meinz P, Atkinson L. Association between maternal childhood maltreatment and mother-infant attachment disorganization: Moderation by maternal oxytocin receptor gene and cortisol secretion. Horm Behav 2018; 102:23-33. [PMID: 29673618 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This study examined maternal oxytocin receptor (OXTR, rs53576) genotype and cortisol secretion as moderators of the relation between maternal childhood maltreatment history and disorganized mother-infant attachment in the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP). A community sample of 314 mother-infant dyads completed the SSP at infant age 17 months. Self-reported maltreatment history more strongly predicted mother-infant attachment disorganization score and disorganized classification for mothers with more plasticity alleles of OXTR (G), relative to mothers with fewer plasticity alleles. Maltreatment history also more strongly predicted mother-infant attachment disorganization score and classification for mothers with higher SSP cortisol secretion, relative to mothers with lower SSP cortisol secretion. Findings indicate that maltreatment history is related to disorganization in the next generation, but that this relation depends on maternal genetic characteristics and cortisol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaclyn A Ludmer
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, M5B 2K3 Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Offord Centre for Child Studies, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.
| | - James Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College Street, M5T 1R8 Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Psychiatric Neurogenetics Section, Center for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College Street, M5T 1R8 Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Mario Masellis
- Department of Neurology, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, M4N 3M5 Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Paul Meinz
- Cosumnes River College, 8401 Center Parkway, Sacramento, CA 95823-5704, USA
| | - Leslie Atkinson
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, 350 Victoria Street, M5B 2K3 Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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27
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Examining the Impact of Maternal Individual Features on Children's Behavioral Problems in Adoptive Families: The Role of Maternal Temperament and Neurobiological Markers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 15:ijerph15020196. [PMID: 29364853 PMCID: PMC5857051 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph15020196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The first year after adoption constitutes a sensitive period for both strengthening the new emotional bond in the family and checking its appropriate development by adoption services. A key variable for children’s catch-up are adoptive parents’ socioemotional and individual features. The aim of this study is to investigate links between adoptive mothers’ individual features and behavioral problems in their children in the first year after adoption placement, by testing the moderating role of both age at adoption and maternal genetic polymorphisms. Seventy-eight adoptive mothers completed temperament and genetic measures. Mothers showed a specific pattern of interaction between basic temperament traits and genetic markers in their assessment of children’s behavioral problems; dopamine D4 receptor gene and children’s age at adoption are two moderators in the association in which mothers’ temperament was affecting the evaluation of their children’s behavioral problems. Findings highlight a still undervalued area of parenting resources in the process of post-institutionalized children’s catch-up after adoption placement, by showing how individual features count in the commonly measured variable of children’s behavioral and emotional problems. This could help in orienting identification and choice of key variables for family assessment after adoption placement, thus contributing in fostering children’s healthy development.
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Maternal prolactin during late pregnancy is important in generating nurturing behavior in the offspring. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:13042-13047. [PMID: 29158391 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1621196114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although maternal nurturing behavior is extremely important for the preservation of a species, our knowledge of the biological underpinnings of these behaviors is insufficient. Here we show that the degree of a mother's nurturing behavior is regulated by factors present during her own fetal development. We found that Cin85-deficient (Cin85-/-) mother mice had reduced pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) secretion as a result of excessive dopamine signaling in the brain. Their offspring matured normally and produced their own pups; however, nurturing behaviors such as pup retrieval and nursing were strongly inhibited. Surprisingly, when WT embryos were transplanted into the fallopian tubes of Cin85-/- mice, they also exhibited inhibited nurturing behavior as adults. Conversely, when Cin85-/- embryos were transplanted into the fallopian tubes of WT mice, the resultant pups exhibited normal nurturing behaviors as adults. When PRL was administered to Cin85-/- mice during late pregnancy, a higher proportion of the resultant pups exhibited nurturing behaviors as adults. This correlates with our findings that neural circuitry associated with nurturing behaviors was less active in pups born to Cin85-/- mothers, but PRL administration to mothers restored neural activity to normal levels. These results suggest that the prenatal period is extremely important in determining the expression of nurturing behaviors in the subsequent generation, and that maternal PRL is one of the critical factors for expression. In conclusion, perinatally secreted maternal PRL affects the expression of nurturing behaviors not only in a mother, but also in her pups when they have reached adulthood.
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29
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Sentiments and the motivational psychology of parental care. Behav Brain Sci 2017; 40:e245. [PMID: 29122028 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x16000844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Beyond its implications for contempt, it remains to be determined whether the sentiment concept might be applied usefully to other domains of social affect. This commentary considers its applicability to the domain of parental caregiving. Characteristic features of sentiments are considered in conjunction with empirical research on the motivational psychology of parental care.
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Garfinkel BP, Arad S, Neuner SM, Netser S, Wagner S, Kaczorowski CC, Rosen CJ, Gal M, Soreq H, Orly J. HP1BP3 expression determines maternal behavior and offspring survival. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 15:678-88. [PMID: 27470444 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 07/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Maternal care is an indispensable behavioral component necessary for survival and reproductive success in mammals, and postpartum maternal behavior is mediated by an incompletely understood complex interplay of signals including effects of epigenetic regulation. We approached this issue using our recently established mice with targeted deletion of heterochromatin protein 1 binding protein 3 (HP1BP3), which we found to be a novel epigenetic repressor with critical roles in postnatal growth. Here, we report a dramatic reduction in the survival of pups born to Hp1bp3(-/-) deficient mouse dams, which could be rescued by co-fostering with wild-type dams. Hp1bp3(-/-) females failed to retrieve both their own pups and foster pups in a pup retrieval test, and showed reduced anxiety-like behavior in the open-field and elevated-plus-maze tests. In contrast, Hp1bp3(-/-) females showed no deficits in behaviors often associated with impaired maternal care, including social behavior, depression, motor coordination and olfactory capability; and maintained unchanged anxiety-associated hallmarks such as cholinergic status and brain miRNA profiles. Collectively, our results suggest a novel role for HP1BP3 in regulating maternal and anxiety-related behavior in mice and call for exploring ways to manipulate this epigenetic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- B P Garfinkel
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel. .,Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
| | - S Arad
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Biomedical Sciences, The Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - S M Neuner
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - S Netser
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - S Wagner
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - C C Kaczorowski
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - C J Rosen
- Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, USA
| | - M Gal
- Biomedical Sciences, The Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,The IVF Unit - Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - H Soreq
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - J Orly
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Sokolowski HM, Vasquez OE, Unternaehrer E, Sokolowski DJ, Biergans SD, Atkinson L, Gonzalez A, Silveira PP, Levitan R, O'Donnell KJ, Steiner M, Kennedy J, Meaney MJ, Fleming AS, Sokolowski MB. The Drosophila foraging gene human orthologue PRKG1 predicts individual differences in the effects of early adversity on maternal sensitivity. COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT 2016; 42:62-73. [PMID: 28827895 DOI: 10.1016/j.cogdev.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There is variation in the extent to which childhood adverse experience affects adult individual differences in maternal behavior. Genetic variation in the animal foraging gene, which encodes a cGMP-dependent protein kinase, contributes to variation in the responses of adult fruit flies, Drosophila melanogaster, to early life adversity and is also known to play a role in maternal behavior in social insects. Here we investigate genetic variation in the human foraging gene (PRKG1) as a predictor of individual differences in the effects of early adversity on maternal behavior in two cohorts. We show that the PRKG1 genetic polymorphism rs2043556 associates with maternal sensitivity towards their infants. We also show that rs2043556 moderates the association between self-reported childhood adversity of the mother and her later maternal sensitivity. Mothers with the TT allele of rs2043556 appeared buffered from the effects of early adversity, whereas mothers with the presence of a C allele were not. Our study used the Toronto Longitudinal Cohort (N=288 mother-16 month old infant pairs) and the Maternal Adversity and Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment Cohort (N=281 mother-18 month old infant pairs). Our findings expand the literature on the contributions of both genetics and gene-environment interactions to maternal sensitivity, a salient feature of the early environment relevant for child neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Moriah Sokolowski
- Department of Psychology, Brain and Mind Institute, The University of Western Ontario, Westminster Hall, Room 325, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 3K7
| | - Oscar E Vasquez
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 25 Wilcocks St. University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3B2
| | - Eva Unternaehrer
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875, Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3
| | - Dustin J Sokolowski
- Department of Biology, University of Western, Ontario, Toronto, Canada, N6A 3K7
| | - Stephanie D Biergans
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 25 Wilcocks St. University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3B2
| | - Leslie Atkinson
- Department of Psychology, Ryerson University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5B2K3
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster Innovation Park, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4K1
| | - Patricia P Silveira
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875, Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3
| | - Robert Levitan
- Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8G 5E4
| | - Kieran J O'Donnell
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875, Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), 180 Dundas St West, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5G 1Z8
| | - Meir Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster Innovation Park, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON, Canada, L8S 4K1.,Women's Health Concerns Clinic, St. Joseph's Healthcare, 50 Charlton Avenue East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8G 5E4
| | - James Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto and Centre for Addiction an Mental Health, 33 Russell St, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3M1
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, 6875, Boulevard LaSalle, Montréal, Québec, Canada H4H 1R3.,Singapore Institute for Clinical Science, Brenner Centre for Molecular Medicine 30 Medical Drive, Singapore 117609.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), 180 Dundas St West, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5G 1Z8
| | - Alison S Fleming
- Department of Psychology, 100 St. George Street, Sidney Smith Hall Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3G3
| | - Marla B Sokolowski
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 25 Wilcocks St. University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5S 3B2.,Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research (CIFAR), 180 Dundas St West, Suite 1400, Toronto, Ontario Canada M5G 1Z8
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Abstract
AbstractVariation in the quality of parental care has a tremendous impact on a child's social–emotional development. Research investigating the predictors of this variability in human caregiving behavior has mostly focused on learning mechanisms. Evidence is currently accumulating for the complementary underlying role of steroid hormones and neuropeptides. An overview is provided of the hormones and neuropeptides relevant for human caregiving behavior. Then the developmental factors are described that stimulate variability in sensitivity to these hormones and neuropeptides, which may result in variability in the behavioral repertoire of caregiving. The role of genetic variation in neuropeptide and steroid receptors, the role of testosterone and oxytocin during fetal development and parturition, and the impact of experienced caregiving in childhood on functioning of the neuroendocrine stress and oxytocin system are discussed. Besides providing a heuristic framework for further research on the ontogenetic development of human caregiving, a neuroendocrine model is also presented for the intergenerational transmission of caregiving practices. Insight into the underlying biological mechanisms that bring about maladaptive caregiving behavior, such as neglect and insensitive parenting, will hopefully result in more efficient approaches to reduce the high prevalence of such behavior and to minimize the impact on those affected.
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33
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Leerkes EM, Su J, Calkins S, Henrich VC, Smolen A. Variation in mothers' arginine vasopressin receptor 1a and dopamine receptor D4 genes predicts maternal sensitivity via social cognition. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 16:233-240. [PMID: 27581946 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We examined the extent to which the arginine vasopressin receptor 1a (AVPR1a) and dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) were related to sensitive maternal behavior directly or indirectly via maternal social cognition. Participants were 207 (105 European-American and 102 African-American) mothers and their children (52% females). Sensitive maternal behavior was rated and aggregated across a series of tasks when infants were 6 months, 1 year and 2 years old. At 6 months, mothers were interviewed about their empathy, attributions about infant behavior and beliefs about crying to assess their parenting-related social cognition. Mothers with long alleles for AVPR1a and DRD4 engaged in more mother-oriented social cognition (i.e. negative attributions and beliefs about their infants' crying, β = 0.13, P < 0.05 and β = 0.16, P < 0.05, respectively), which in turn predicted less sensitive maternal behavior (β = -0.23, P < 0.01). Both indirect effects were statistically significant independent of one another and covariates [95% confidence interval (CI): -0.22, -0.03 and β = -0.03 for AVPR; 95% CI: -0.20, -0.03 and β = -0.04 for DRD4]. There were no significant direct effects of AVPR1a or DRD4 on maternal sensitivity (β = 0.02, P = .73 and β = -0.10, P = .57, respectively). The results did not vary for African-American and European-American mothers (Δχ2 = 18.76, Δdf = 16, P = 0.28). Results support the view that one mechanism by which maternal genes are associated with parental behavior is via social cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Leerkes
- Human Development and Family Studies, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
| | - J Su
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - S Calkins
- Human Development and Family Studies, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
| | - V C Henrich
- Center for Biotechnology, Genomics, and Health Research, The University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC
| | - A Smolen
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
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34
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Taub DR, Page J. Molecular Signatures of Natural Selection for Polymorphic Genes of the Human Dopaminergic and Serotonergic Systems: A Review. Front Psychol 2016; 7:857. [PMID: 27375535 PMCID: PMC4896960 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A large body of research has examined the behavioral and mental health consequences of polymorphisms in genes of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. Along with this, there has been considerable interest in the possibility that these polymorphisms have developed and/or been maintained due to the action of natural selection. Episodes of natural selection on a gene are expected to leave molecular “footprints” in the DNA sequences of the gene and adjacent genomic regions. Here we review the research literature investigating molecular signals of selection for genes of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. The gene SLC6A4, which codes for a serotonin transport protein, was the one gene for which there was consistent support from multiple studies for a selective episode. Positive selection on SLC6A4 appears to have been initiated ∼ 20–25,000 years ago in east Asia and possibly in Europe. There are scattered reports of molecular signals of selection for other neurotransmitter genes, but these have generally failed at replication across studies. In spite of speculation in the literature about selection on these genes, current evidence from population genomic analyses supports selectively neutral processes, such as genetic drift and population dynamics, as the principal drivers of recent evolution in dopaminergic and serotonergic genes other than SLC6A4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel R Taub
- Department of Biology, Southwestern University, Georgetown TX, USA
| | - Joshua Page
- Department of Biology, Southwestern University, GeorgetownTX, USA; School of Medicine, Washington University, St LouisMO, USA
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Gammie SC, Driessen TM, Zhao C, Saul MC, Eisinger BE. Genetic and neuroendocrine regulation of the postpartum brain. Front Neuroendocrinol 2016; 42:1-17. [PMID: 27184829 PMCID: PMC5030130 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2016.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 04/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Changes in expression of hundreds of genes occur during the production and function of the maternal brain that support a wide range of processes. In this review, we synthesize findings from four microarray studies of different maternal brain regions and identify a core group of 700 maternal genes that show significant expression changes across multiple regions. With those maternal genes, we provide new insights into reward-related pathways (maternal bonding), postpartum depression, social behaviors, mental health disorders, and nervous system plasticity/developmental events. We also integrate the new genes into well-studied maternal signaling pathways, including those for prolactin, oxytocin/vasopressin, endogenous opioids, and steroid receptors (estradiol, progesterone, cortisol). A newer transcriptional regulation model for the maternal brain is provided that incorporates recent work on maternal microRNAs. We also compare the top 700 genes with other maternal gene expression studies. Together, we highlight new genes and new directions for studies on the postpartum brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen C Gammie
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Terri M Driessen
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Changjiu Zhao
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Michael C Saul
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Brian E Eisinger
- Department of Zoology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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36
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Euser S, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, van den Bulk BG, Linting M, Damsteegt RC, Vrijhof CI, van Wijk IC, Crone EA, van IJzendoorn MH. Efficacy of the Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline in Twin Families (VIPP-Twins): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. BMC Psychol 2016; 4:33. [PMID: 27268415 PMCID: PMC4895801 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-016-0139-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intervention programs with the aim of enhancing parenting quality have been found to be differentially effective in decreasing negative child outcomes such as externalizing behavioral problems, resulting in modest overall effect sizes. Here we present the protocol for a randomized controlled trial to examine the efficacy of the Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline for Twin Families (VIPP-Twins) on parenting quality and children’s behavioral control and social competence. In addition, we aim to test the differential susceptibility theory; we examine differential efficacy of the intervention based on genetic make-up or temperament for both parents and children. Lastly, we explore neurobiological mechanisms underlying intervention effects on children’s developmental outcomes. Methods/design The original VIPP-SD was adapted for use in families with twins. The VIPP-Twins consists of five biweekly sessions in which the families are visited at home, parent-child interactions are videotaped and parents receive positive feedback on selected video fragments. Families (N = 225) with a same sex twin (mean age = 3.6 years) were recruited to participate in the study. The study consists of four assessments. After two baseline assessments in year 1 and year 2, a random 40 % of the sample will receive the VIPP-Twins program. The first post-test assessment will be carried out one month after the intervention and there will be a long term follow-up assessment two years after the intervention. Measures include observational assessments of parenting and children’s social competence and behavioral control, and neurobiological assessments (i.e., hormonal functioning and neural (re-)activity). Discussion Results of the study will provide insights in the efficacy of the VIPP-Twins and reveal moderators and mediators of program efficacy. Overall the randomized controlled trial is an experimental test of the differential susceptibility theory. Trial registration Dutch Trial Register: NTR5312; Date registered: July 20, 2015. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40359-016-0139-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Euser
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands. .,Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.
| | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.,Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden, 2300 RC, Netherlands
| | - Bianca G van den Bulk
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.,Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden, 2300 RC, Netherlands
| | - Mariëlle Linting
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands
| | - Rani C Damsteegt
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.,Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands
| | - Claudia I Vrijhof
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.,Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands
| | - Ilse C van Wijk
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.,Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden, 2300 RC, Netherlands
| | - Eveline A Crone
- Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden, 2300 RC, Netherlands.,Institute of Psychology, Brain and Development Lab, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands
| | - Marinus H van IJzendoorn
- Centre for Child and Family Studies, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.,Leiden Consortium on Individual Development, Leiden University, P.O. Box 9555, Leiden, 2300 RB, Netherlands.,Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, P.O. Box 9600, Leiden, 2300 RC, Netherlands
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Maternal bonding styles in smokers and non-smokers: a comparative study. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2016; 15:32. [PMID: 27857776 PMCID: PMC5106765 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-016-0118-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental bonding has been implicated in smoking behavior, and the quality of maternal bonding (MB) has been associated with poor mental health and substance use. However, little is known about the association of MB and the smoking of the offspring. METHODS In our study, 129 smokers and 610 non-smoker medical students completed the parental bonding instrument, which measures MB along two dimensions: care and overprotection. Four categories can be created by high and low scores on care and overprotection: optimal parenting (OP; high care/low overprotection); affectionless control (ALC; low care/high overprotection); affectionate constraint (AC; high care/high overprotection), and neglectful parenting (NP; low care/low overprotection). Nicotine dependence was assessed by the Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Test, exhaled CO level, and daily cigarette consumption (CPD). RESULTS Higher CPD was significantly associated with lower overprotection (p = 0.016) and higher care (p = 0.023) scores. The odds for being a smoker were significantly higher in the neglectful maternal bonding style compared to the other rearing styles (p = 0.022). Besides, smokers showed significantly higher care and lower overprotection scores with the Mann-Whitney U-test than non-smokers, although these associations did not remain significant in multiple regression models. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that focusing on early life relationship between patient and mother can be important in psychotherapeutic interventions for smoking. Registration trials retrospectively registered.
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Hrdy SB. Variable postpartum responsiveness among humans and other primates with "cooperative breeding": A comparative and evolutionary perspective. Horm Behav 2016; 77:272-83. [PMID: 26518662 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2015.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/26/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This article is part of a Special Issue "Parental Care".Until recently, evolutionists reconstructing mother-infant bonding among human ancestors relied on nonhuman primate models characterized by exclusively maternal care, overlooking the highly variable responsiveness exhibited by mothers in species with obligate reliance on allomaternal care and provisioning. It is now increasingly recognized that apes as large-brained, slow maturing, and nutritionally dependent for so long as early humans were, could not have evolved unless "alloparents" (group members other than genetic parents), in addition to parents, had helped mothers to care for and provision offspring, a rearing system known as "cooperative breeding." Here I review situation-dependent maternal responses ranging from highly possessive to permissive, temporarily distancing, rejecting, or infanticidal, documented for a small subset of cooperatively breeding primates. As in many mammals, primate maternal responsiveness is influenced by physical condition, endocrinological priming, prior experience and local environments (especially related to security). But mothers among primates who evolved as cooperative breeders also appear unusually sensitive to cues of social support. In addition to more "sapient" or rational decision-making, humankind's deep history of cooperative breeding must be considered when trying to understand the extremely variable responsiveness of human mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah B Hrdy
- Citrona Farms, 21440 County Road 87, Winters, CA 95694, USA.
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39
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de Moura AC, da Silva IRV, Reinaldo G, Dani C, Elsner VR, Giovenardi M. Global Histone H4 Acetylation in the Olfactory Bulb of Lactating Rats with Different Patterns of Maternal Behavior. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2015; 36:1209-13. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-015-0306-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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