Increased methylation of NR3C1 and SLC6A4 is associated with blunted cortisol reactivity to stress in major depression

The race-based stress reduction intervention (RiSE) study on African American women in NYC and Chicago: Design and methods for complex genomic analysis

RiSE study aims to evaluate a race-based stress-reduction intervention as an effective strategy to improve coping and decrease stress-related symptoms, inflammatory burden, and modify DNA methylation of stress response-related genes in older AA women. This article will describe genomic analytic methods to be utilized in this longitudinal, randomized clinical trial of older adult AA women in Chicago and NYC that examines the effect of the RiSE intervention on DNAm pre- and post-intervention, and its overall influence on inflammatory burden. Salivary DNAm will be measured at baseline and 6 months following the intervention, using the Oragene-DNA kit. Measures of perceived stress, depressive symptoms, fatigue, sleep, inflammatory burden, and coping strategies will be assessed at 4 time points including at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 6 months. Genomic data analysis will include the use of pre-processed and quality-controlled methylation data expressed as beta (β) values. Association analyses will be performed to detect differentially methylated sites on the targeted candidate genes between the intervention and non-intervention groups using the Δβ (changes in methylation) with adjustment for age, health behaviors, early life adversity, hybridization batch, and top principal components of the probes as covariates. To account for multiple testing, we will use FDR adjustment with a corrected p-value of <0.05 regarded as statistically significant. To assess the relationship between inflammatory burden and Δβ among the study samples, we will repeat association analyses with the inclusion of individual inflammation protein measures. ANCOVA will be used because it is more statistically powerful to detect differences.

Epigenetic mechanisms in depression: Implications for pathogenesis and treatment

The risk of depression is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. It has been suggested that epigenetic mechanisms may mediate the risk of depression following exposure to adverse life events. Epigenetics encompasses stable alterations in gene expression that are controlled through transcriptional, post-transcriptional, translational, or post-translational processes, including DNA modifications, chromatin remodeling, histone modifications, RNA modifications, and non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation, without any changes in the DNA sequence. In this review, we explore recent research advancements in the realm of epigenetics concerning depression. Furthermore, we evaluate the potential of epigenetic changes as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for depression.

Exploring the influence of stress on aggressive behavior and sexual function: Role of neuromodulator pathways and epigenetics

Stress is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that can significantly influence both aggressive behavior and sexual function. This review explores the intricate relationship between stress, neuromodulator pathways, and epigenetics, shedding light on the various mechanisms that underlie these connections. While the role of stress in both aggression and sexual behavior is well-documented, the mechanisms through which it exerts its effects are multifarious and not yet fully understood. The review begins by delving into the potential influence of stress on the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, glucocorticoids, and the neuromodulators involved in the stress response. The intricate interplay between these systems, which encompasses the regulation of stress hormones, is central to understanding how stress may contribute to aggressive behavior and sexual function. Several neuromodulator pathways are implicated in both stress and behavior regulation. We explore the roles of norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, and androgens in mediating the effects of stress on aggression and sexual function. It is important to distinguish between general sexual behavior, sexual motivation, and the distinct category of "sexual aggression" as separate constructs, each necessitating specific examination. Additionally, epigenetic mechanisms emerge as crucial factors that link stress to changes in gene expression patterns and, subsequently, to behavior. We then discuss how epigenetic modifications can occur in response to stress exposure, altering the regulation of genes associated with stress, aggression, and sexual function. While numerous studies support the association between epigenetic changes and stress-induced behavior, more research is necessary to establish definitive links. Throughout this exploration, it becomes increasingly clear that the relationship between stress, neuromodulator pathways, and epigenetics is intricate and multifaceted. The review emphasizes the need for further research, particularly in the context of human studies, to provide clinical significance and to validate the existing findings from animal models. By better understanding how stress influences aggressive behavior and sexual function through neuromodulator pathways and epigenetic modifications, this research aims to contribute to the development of innovative protocols of precision medicine and more effective strategies for managing the consequences of stress on human behavior. This may also pave way for further research into risk factors and underlying mechanisms that may associate stress with sexual aggression which finds application not only in neuroscience, but also law, ethics, and the humanities in general.

Clarification of the molecular mechanisms underlying glyphosate-induced major depressive disorder: a network toxicology approach

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is predicted to become the second most common cause of disability in the near future. Exposure to glyphosate (Gly)-based herbicides has been linked to the onset of MDD. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential molecular mechanisms of MDD induced by Gly using network toxicology approach. The MDD dataset GSE76826 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database was referenced to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in peripheral blood leukocytes of MDD patients and controls. The potential intersection targets of Gly-induced MDD were screened by network toxicology. The intersection targets were used for Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis and to construct protein-protein interaction networks. The binding potentials of hub targets with Gly were validated by molecular docking. In total, 1216 DEGs associated with Gly-induced MDD were identified. Subsequent network pharmacology further refined the search to 43 targets. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses revealed multiple signaling pathways involved in GLY-induced MDD. Six potential core targets (CD40, FOXO3, FOS, IL6, TP53, and VEGFA) were identified. Finally, molecular docking demonstrated that Gly exhibited strong binding affinity to the core targets. The results of this study identified potential molecular mechanisms underlying Gly induced MDD and provided new insights for prevention and treatment.

Research trend of epigenetics and depression: adolescents' research needs to strengthen

Objective

With its high prevalence, depression's pathogenesis remains unclear. Recent attention has turned to the interplay between depression and epigenetic modifications. However, quantitative bibliometric analyses are lacking. This study aims to visually analyze depression epigenetics trends, utilizing bibliometric tools, while comprehensively reviewing its epigenetic mechanisms.

Methods

Utilizing the Web of Science core dataset, we collected depression and epigenetics-related studies. Employing VOSViewer software, we visualized data on authors, countries, journals, and keywords. A ranking table highlighted field leaders.

Results

Analysis encompassed 3,469 depression epigenetics studies published from January 2002 to June 2023. Key findings include: (1) Gradual publication growth, peaking in 2021; (2) The United States and its research institutions leading contributions; (3) Need for enhanced collaborations, spanning international and interdisciplinary efforts; (4) Keyword clustering revealed five main themes-early-life stress, microRNA, genetics, DNA methylation, and histone acetylation-highlighting research hotspots; (5) Limited focus on adolescent depression epigenetics, warranting increased attention.

Conclusion

Taken together, this study revealed trends and hotspots in depression epigenetics research, underscoring global collaboration, interdisciplinary fusion, and multi-omics data's importance. It discussed in detail the potential of epigenetic mechanisms in depression diagnosis and treatment, advocating increased focus on adolescent research in this field. Insights aid researchers in shaping their investigative paths toward understanding depression's epigenetic mechanisms and antidepressant interventions.

A Bibliometric and Visual Analysis of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Studies in Depression

BACKGROUND

Genetic polymorphism has been proven to have an important association with depression, which can influence the risk of developing depression, the efficacy of medications, and adverse effects via metabolic and neurological pathways. Nonetheless, aspects of the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms and depression have not been systematically investigated by bibliometric analysis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the current status and trends of single nucleotide polymorphism research on depression through bibliometric and visual analysis.

METHODS

The Web of Science Core Collection was used to retrieve 10,043 articles that were published between 1998 and 2021. CiteSpace (6.1 R4) was used to perform collaborative network analysis, co-citation analysis, co-occurrence analysis, and citation burst detection.

RESULTS

The most productive and co-cited journals were the Journal of Affective Disorders and Biological Psychiatry, respectively, and an analysis of the references showed that the most recent research focused on the largest thematic cluster, "5-HT", reflecting the important research base in this area. "CYP2D6" has been in the spotlight since its emergence in 2009 and has become a research hotspot since its outbreak in 2019. However, "BDNF ", "COMT ", "older adults", "loci", and "DNA methylation" are also the new frontier of research, and some of them are currently in the process of exploration.

CONCLUSION

These findings offer a useful perspective on existing research and potential future approaches in the study of the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms and depression, which may assist researchers in selecting appropriate collaborators or journals.

Associations of SLC6A4 methylation with salivary cortisol, salivary alpha-amylase, and subjective stress in everyday life

Dysregulations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and sympatho-adrenal medullary (SAM) axis are associated with mental and somatic illness. However, there is lack of knowledge regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Epigenetic states in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) were shown to be associated with stress in various forms. We hypothesized that levels of DNA methylation (DNAm) of SLC6A4 would be associated with altered SAM- and HPA regulation in daily life. N = 74 healthy persons participated in the study. An ecological momentary assessment (EMA) approach was used to assess indicators of stress in daily life. Each day included six concurrent assessments of saliva, to quantify cortisol (sCort; HPA axis) and alpha-amylase (sAA; SAM axis), and to assess self-reports on subjective stress. To assess SLC6A4 DNAm, peripheral blood was drawn and analyzed via bisulfite pyrosequencing. All data were assessed in two waves three months apart, each including two days of EMA and the assessment of SLC6A4 DNAm. Data were analyzed using multilevel models. On the between-person level, higher average levels of SLC6A4 DNAm were associated with higher average levels of sAA, but not with average levels of sCort. On the within-person level, higher levels of SLC6A4 DNAm were associated with lower levels of sAA and sCort. There were no associations of subjective stress with SLC6A4 DNAm. The results help to clarify the association between environmental stress and stress axes regulation, pointing towards an important role of differential within- and between-person effects of SLC6A4 DNAm, which might shape this association.

DNA methylation in regulatory elements of the FKBP5 and NR3C1 gene in mother-child binomials with depression

BACKGROUND

The FKBP5 and NR3C1 genes play an important role in stress response, thus impacting mental health. Stress factor exposure in early life, such as maternal depression, may contribute to epigenetic modifications in stress response genes, increasing the susceptibility to different psychopathologies. The present study aimed to evaluate the DNA methylation profile in maternal-infant depression in regulatory regions of the FKBP5 gene and the alternative promoter of the NR3C1 gene.

METHODS

We evaluated 60 mother-infant pairs. The levels of DNA methylation were analyzed by the MSRED-qPCR technique.

RESULTS

We observed an increased DNA methylation profile in the NR3C1 gene promoter in children with depression and children exposed to maternal depression (p < 0.05). In addition, we observed a correlation of DNA methylation between mothers and offspring exposed to maternal depression. This correlation shows a possible intergenerational effect of maternal MDD exposure on the offspring. For FKBP5, we found a decrease in DNA methylation at intron 7 in children exposed to maternal MDD during pregnancy and a correlation of DNA methylation between mothers and children exposed to maternal MDD (p < 0.05).

LIMITATIONS

Although the individuals of this study are a rare group, the sample size of the study was small, and we evaluated the DNA methylation of only one CpG site for each region.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate changes in DNA methylation levels in regulatory regions of FKBP5 and NR3C1 in the mother-child MDD context and represent a potential target of studies to understand the depression etiology and how it occurs between generations.

The Biology of Stress Intolerance in Patients with Chronic Pain—State of the Art and Future Directions

Stress has been consistently linked to negative impacts on physical and mental health. More specifically, patients with chronic pain experience stress intolerance, which is an exacerbation or occurrence of symptoms in response to any type of stress. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unsolved. In this state-of-the-art paper, we summarised the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the two major stress response systems in stress intolerance. We provided insights into such mechanisms based on evidence from clinical studies in both patients with chronic pain, showing dysregulated stress systems, and healthy controls supported by preclinical studies, highlighting the link between these systems and symptoms of stress intolerance. Furthermore, we explored the possible regulating role for (epi)genetic mechanisms influencing the ANS and HPA axis. The link between stress and chronic pain has become an important area of research as it has the potential to inform the development of interventions to improve the quality of life for individuals living with chronic pain. As stress has become a prevalent concern in modern society, understanding the connection between stress, HPA axis, ANS, and chronic health conditions such as chronic pain is crucial to improve public health and well-being.

On the road to resilience: Epigenetic effects of meditation

Many environmental and lifestyle related factors may influence the physiology of the brain and body by acting on fundamental molecular pathways, such as the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) and the immune system. For example, stressful conditions created by adverse early-life events, unhealthy habits and low socio-economic status may favor the onset of diseases linked to neuroendocrine dysregulation, inflammation and neuroinflammation. Beside pharmacological treatments used in clinical settings, much attention has been given to complementary treatments such as mind-body techniques involving meditation that rely on the activation of inner resources to regain health. At the molecular level, the effects of both stress and meditation are elicited epigenetically through a set of mechanisms that regulate gene expression as well as the circulating neuroendocrine and immune effectors. Epigenetic mechanisms constantly reshape genome activities in response to external stimuli, representing a molecular interface between organism and environment. In the present work, we aimed to review the current knowledge on the correlation between epigenetics, gene expression, stress and its possible antidote, meditation. After introducing the relationship between brain, physiology, and epigenetics, we will proceed to describe three basic epigenetic mechanisms: chromatin covalent modifications, DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs. Subsequently, we will give an overview of the physiological and molecular aspects related to stress. Finally, we will address the epigenetic effects of meditation on gene expression. The results of the studies reported in this review demonstrate that mindful practices modulate the epigenetic landscape, leading to increased resilience. Therefore, these practices can be considered valuable tools that complement pharmacological treatments when coping with pathologies related to stress.

Targeting the Arginine Vasopressin V1b Receptor System and Stress Response in Depression and Other Neuropsychiatric Disorders

A healthy stress response is critical for good mental and overall health and promotes neuronal growth and adaptation, but the intricately balanced biological mechanisms that facilitate a stress response can also result in predisposition to disease when that equilibrium is disrupted. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis neuroendocrine system plays a critical role in the body's response and adaptation to stress, and vasopressinergic regulation of the HPA axis is critical to maintaining system responsiveness during chronic stress. However, exposure to repeated or excessive physical or emotional stress or trauma can shift the body's stress response equilibrium to a "new normal" underpinned by enduring changes in HPA axis function. Exposure to early life stress due to adverse childhood experiences can also lead to lasting neurobiological changes, including in HPA axis function. HPA axis impairment in patients with depression is considered among the most reliable findings in biological psychiatry, and chronic stress has been shown to play a major role in the pathogenesis and onset of depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Modulating HPA axis activity, for example via targeted antagonism of the vasopressin V_1b receptor, is a promising approach for patients with depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders associated with HPA axis impairment. Despite favorable preclinical indications in animal models, demonstration of clinical efficacy for the treatment of depressive disorders by targeting HPA axis dysfunction has been challenging, possibly due to the heterogeneity and syndromal nature of depressive disorders. Measures of HPA axis function, such as elevated cortisol levels, may be useful biomarkers for identifying patients who may benefit from treatments that modulate HPA axis activity. Utilizing clinical biomarkers to identify subsets of patients with impaired HPA axis function who may benefit is a promising next step in fine-tuning HPA axis activity via targeted antagonism of the V_1b receptor.

SVCT2-mediated ascorbic acid uptake buffers stress responses via DNA hydroxymethylation reprogramming of S100 calcium-binding protein A4 gene

Vitamin C, a key antioxidant in the central nervous system, cycles between ascorbic acid and dehydroascorbic acid under pathophysiological conditions. Clinical evidence supports that the absence of vitamin C may be linked to depressive symptoms, but much less is known about the mechanism. Herein, we show that chronic stress disrupts the expression of ascorbic acid transporter, sodium-dependent vitamin C transport 2, and induces a deficiency in endogenous ascorbic acid in the medial prefrontal cortex, leading to depressive-like behaviors by disturbing redox-dependent DNA methylation reprogramming. Attractively, ascorbic acid (100 mg/kg-1000 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection, as bioequivalent of an intravenous drip dose of 0.48 g-4.8 g ascorbic acid per day in humans) produces rapid-acting antidepressant effects via triggering DNA demethylation catalyzed by ten-eleven translocation dioxygenases. In particular, the mechanistic studies by both transcriptome sequencing and methylation sequencing have shown that S100 calcium binding protein A4, a potentially protective factor against oxidative stress and brain injury, mediates the antidepressant activity of ascorbic acid via activating erb-b2 receptor tyrosine kinase 4 (ErbB4)-brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling pathway. Overall, our findings reveal a novel nutritional mechanism that couples stress to aberrant DNA methylation underlying depressive-like behaviors. Therefore, application of vitamin C may be a potential strategy for the treatment of depression.

DNA Methylation in Depression and Depressive-Like Phenotype: Biomarker or Target of Pharmacological Intervention?

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder, the third leading global cause of disability. Regarding aetiopathogenetic mechanisms involved in the onset of depressive disorders, the interaction between genetic vulnerability traits and environmental factors is believed to play a major role. Although much is still to be elucidated about the mechanisms through which the environment can interact with genetic background shaping the disease risk, there is a general agreement about a key role of epigenetic marking. In this narrative review, we focused on the association between changes in DNA methylation patterns and MDD or depressive-like phenotype in animal models, as well as mechanisms of response to antidepressant drugs. We discussed studies presenting DNA methylation changes at specific genes of interest and profiling analyses in both patients and animal models of depression. Overall, we collected evidence showing that DNA methylation could not only be considered as a promising epigenetic biomarker of pathology but could also help in predicting antidepressant treatment efficacy. Finally, we discussed the hypothesis that specific changes in DNA methylation signature could play a role in aetiopathogenetic processes as well as in the induction of antidepressant effect.

Depressive disorder and antidepressants from an epigenetic point of view

Depressive disorder is a complex, heterogeneous disease that affects approximately 280 million people worldwide. Environmental, genetic, and neurobiological factors contribute to the depressive state. Since the nervous system is susceptible to shifts in activity of epigenetic modifiers, these allow for significant plasticity and response to rapid changes in the environment. Among the most studied epigenetic modifications in depressive disorder is DNA methylation, with findings centered on the brain-derived neurotrophic factor gene, the glucocorticoid receptor gene, and the serotonin transporter gene. In order to identify biomarkers that would be useful in clinical settings, for diagnosis and for treatment response, further research on antidepressants and alterations they cause in the epigenetic landscape throughout the genome is needed. Studies on cornerstone antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine, and dopamine reuptake inhibitors and their effects on depressive disorder are available, but systematic conclusions on their effects are still hard to draw due to the highly heterogeneous nature of the studies. In addition, two novel drugs, ketamine and esketamine, are being investigated particularly in association with treatment of resistant depression, which is one of the hot topics of contemporary research and the field of precision psychiatry.

Associations of DNA methylation of HPA axis-related genes and neuroendocrine abnormalities in panic disorder

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of aberrant DNA methylation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis-related genes (CRHR1, CRHR2, CRH, FKBP5, HSP90AA1, NR3C1, and POMC) in panic disorder (PD) development. We investigated the correlation among gene methylation levels, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), cortisol, and PD severity in patients.

METHODS

We compared the methylation levels of HPA axis-related genes between 178 patients with PD and 184 healthy controls using MethylTarget. We then measured ACTH and cortisol levels using chemiluminescence. Disease severity was assessed using the Panic Disorder Severity Scale.

RESULTS

Compared with healthy controls, patients with PD displayed significantly higher levels of ACTH and cortisol, and significantly reduced methylation levels of CRHR1, FKBP5, HSP90AA1, and NR3C1 after correcting for multiple testing using the false discovery method. A significant positive correlation was observed between the methylation of CRHR1, CRHR2, and NR3C1 and ACTH levels in patients with PD, and methylation levels of CRHR1 and NR3C1 were significantly positively related to cortisol levels. In addition, a negative correlation was observed between PD severity and the methylation of CRH, CRHR1, CRHR2, and HSP90AA1.

CONCLUSION

Aberrant methylation of HPA axis-related genes may predict PD development and impact ACTH and cortisol levels.

Nutrition, Epigenetics, and Major Depressive Disorder: Understanding the Connection

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex, multifactorial disorder of rising prevalence and incidence worldwide. Nearly, 280 million of people suffer from this leading cause of disability in the world. Moreover, patients with this condition are frequently co-affected by essential nutrient deficiency. The typical scene with stress and hustle in developed countries tends to be accompanied by eating disorders implying overnutrition from high-carbohydrates and high-fat diets with low micronutrients intake. In fact, currently, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has drawn more attention to this underdiagnosed condition, besides the importance of the nutritional status in shaping immunomodulation, in which minerals, vitamins, or omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ω-3 PUFA) play an important role. The awareness of nutritional assessment is greater and greater in the patients with depression since antidepressant treatments have such a significant probability of failing. As diet is considered a crucial environmental factor, underlying epigenetic mechanisms that experience an adaptation or consequence on their signaling and expression mechanisms are reviewed. In this study, we included metabolic changes derived from an impairment in cellular processes due to lacking some essential nutrients in diet and therefore in the organism. Finally, aspects related to nutritional interventions and recommendations are also addressed.

Ameliorative effect of Gastrodia elata Blume extracts on depression in zebrafish and cellular models through modulating reticulon 4 receptors and apoptosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata), a traditional Chinese herb, known as "Tian Ma", is widely used as a common medicine and diet ingredient for treating or preventing neurological disorders for thousands of years in China. However, the anti-depressant effect of G. elata and the underlying mechanism have not been fully evaluated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study is aimed to investigate the anti-depressant effect and the molecular mechanism of G. elata in vitro and in vivo using PC12 cells and zebrafish model, respectively.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Network pharmacology was performed to explore the potential active ingredients and action targets of G. elata Blume extracts (GBE) against depression. The cell viability and proliferation were determined by MTT and EdU assay, respectively. TUNEL assay was used to examine the anti-apoptotic effect of GBE. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were used to detect the protein expression level. In addition, novel tank diving test was used to investigate the anti-depressant effect in zebrafish depression model. RT-PCR was used to analyze the mRNA expression levels of genes.

RESULTS

G. elata against depression on the reticulon 4 receptors (RTN4R) and apoptosis-related targets, which were predicted by network pharmacology. Furthermore, GBE enhanced cell viability and inhibited the apoptosis in PC12 cells against CORT treatment. GBE relieved depression-like symptoms in adult zebrafish, included increase of exploratory behavior and regulation of depression related genes. Mechanism studies showed that the GBE inhibited the expression of RTN4R-related and apoptosis-related genes.

CONCLUSION

Our studies show the ameliorative effect of G. elata against depression. The mechanism may be associated with the inhibition of RTN4R-related and apoptosis pathways.

Methylation of the serotonin transporter gene moderates the depressive subjective effect of cocaine

Genetic variation in the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) has been shown to moderate the acute subjective effects of cocaine. Methylation of the SLC6A4 gene is associated with decreased transcription of the serotonin transporter, leading to increased serotonin in the synapse. In this study, methylation of the SLC6A4 gene was investigated in the moderation of the subjective effects of cocaine. Non-treatment-seeking cocaine-dependent individuals (N = 53) were intravenously administered cocaine (40 mg) and saline in a randomized order. The subjective effects of cocaine were self-reported using a visual analog scale starting prior to the administration of cocaine (-15 min) or saline and up to 20 min after infusion. Participants were evaluated for methylation of the SLC6A4 promoter region and 5-HTTLPR genotype. A series of ANCOVAs for SLC6A4 methylation (high/low) were run for each of ten subjective and three cardiovascular effects controlling for age, sex [utilizing the sex-determining region Y protein (SRY)], and population structure (determined from ancestry informative markers and STRUCTURE software). Participants with SLC6A4 hypermethylation reported greater subjective response to cocaine for 'depressed' relative to participants with SLC6A4 hypomethylation (experiment-wise p = 0.002). These findings indicate that SLC6A4 methylation moderates the 'depressed' subjective effect of cocaine in non-treatment-seeking cocaine-dependent participants.

Role of NR3C1 and SLC6A4 methylation in the HPA axis regulation in burnout

BACKGROUND

Work-related stress and burnout have become major occupational health concerns. Dysregulation of HPA axis is considered one of the central mechanisms and is potentially moderated through epigenetics. In the present study, we aim to investigate epigenetic regulation of the HPA axis in burnout, by focusing on salivary cortisol and cortisone and DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4).

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study with 59 subjects with burnout and 70 healthy controls recruited from the general population. All participants underwent a clinical interview and psychological assessment. Saliva samples were collected at 0, 30 and 60 min after awakening and were used to quantify cortisol and cortisone. Pyrosequencing was performed on whole blood-derived DNA to assess DNA methylation.

RESULTS

There were no between-group differences in cortisol levels, whereas burnout participants had higher levels of cortisone. Job stress was associated with increased cortisol and cortisone. We observed both increased and decreased NR3C1 and SLC6A4 methylation in the burnout group compared to the control group. Some of these methylation changes correlated with burnout symptoms dimensionally. Increased methylation in a specific CpG in the SLC6A4 promoter region moderated the association between job stress and burnout. DNA methylation in this CpG was also associated with increased cortisol. In addition, average methylation of NR3C1 was negatively associated with cortisone levels.

LIMITATIONS

This is a cross-sectional study and therefore no conclusions on causality could be made.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide first evidence of changes in DNA methylation of NR3C1 and SLC6A4 in burnout, which were further associated with cortisol and cortisone. Further, increased cortisol and cortisone seemed to reflect job stress rather than burnout itself.

The role of glucocorticoid receptor gene in the association between attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and smaller brain structures

ADHD is associated with smaller subcortical brain volumes and cortical surface area, with greater effects observed in children than adults. It is also associated with dysregulation of the HPA axis. Considering the effects of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) in neurophysiology, we hypothesize that the blurred relationships between brain structures and ADHD in adults could be partly explained by NR3C1 gene variation. Structural T1-weighted images were acquired on a 3 T scanner (N = 166). Large-scale genotyping was performed, and it was followed by quality control and pruning procedures, which resulted in 48 independent NR3C1 gene variants analyzed. After a stringent Bonferroni correction, two SNPs (rs2398631 and rs72801070) moderated the association between ADHD and accumbens and amygdala volumes in adults. The significant SNPs that interacted with ADHD appear to have a role in gene expression regulation, and they are in linkage disequilibrium with NR3C1 variants that present well-characterized physiological functions. The literature-reported associations of ADHD with accumbens and amygdala were only observed for specific NR3C1 genotypes. Our findings reinforce the influence of the NR3C1 gene on subcortical volumes and ADHD. They suggest a genetic modulation of the effects of a pivotal HPA axis component in the neuroanatomical features of ADHD.

Glucocorticoid Signaling and Epigenetic Alterations in Stress-Related Disorders

Stress is defined as a state of threatened or perceived as threatened homeostasis. The well-tuned coordination of the stress response system is necessary for an organism to respond to external or internal stressors and re-establish homeostasis. Glucocorticoid hormones are the main effectors of stress response and aberrant glucocorticoid signaling has been associated with an increased risk for psychiatric and mood disorders, including schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Emerging evidence suggests that life-stress experiences can alter the epigenetic landscape and impact the function of genes involved in the regulation of stress response. More importantly, epigenetic changes induced by stressors persist over time, leading to increased susceptibility for a number of stress-related disorders. In this review, we discuss the role of glucocorticoids in the regulation of stress response, the mechanism through which stressful experiences can become biologically embedded through epigenetic alterations, and we underline potential associations between epigenetic changes and the development of stress-related disorders.

Biopsychosocial correlates of psychological distress in Latina mothers

BACKGROUND

Few studies have explored the relationship between psychological, psychosocial and biological factors among Latinas. An integrated understanding of how these factors associate with psychological distress is necessary for the development of culturally relevant screening tools and interventions. The study aim was to examine the relationships among (a) psychological distress symptoms, (b) psychosocial factors (discrimination, acculturation, acculturative stress, economic hardship), and (c) biological (DNA methylation of stress-related genes) factors among Latinas during pregnancy and postpartum period.

METHODS

A sample of 150 pregnant Latinas completed the Inventory of Depression and Anxiety Symptoms II (IDAS-II), psychosocial questionnaires (discrimination, acculturation, acculturative stress, economic hardship) before (24-32 weeks) and after gestation (4-6 weeks postpartum). Blood samples were collected between 24-32 weeks gestation. Correlations were determined between psychosocial and biological measures and psychological distress measures. Multivariable linear regression models were conducted to assess the relationships between IDAS and stressors.

RESULTS

Several correlations among psychosocial measures,DNA methylation factors and IDAS-II variables were identified. Among the psychosocial measures, everyday discrimination was the most strongly and consistently associated with IDAS-II. DNA methylation of NR3C1 affects the associations between psychological and psychosocial distress.

LIMITATIONS

We only assessed DNA methylation during pregnancy and focused on four HPA-related genes. Longitudinal assessment of DNA methylation and genome-wide analysis can provide a better picture of the role of methylation in psychological distress.

CONCLUSIONS

This work may assist clinicians and policy makers in effectively recognizing and preventing maternal mental health disparities based on discrimination and other psychosocial stressors in at-risk groups.