Human catechol-O-methyltransferase down-regulation by estradiol

α-PHP: Acute effects and pharmacokinetic in male and female mice, and clinical data on related intoxications

Alpha-Pyrrolidinohexanophenone (α-PHP) is a synthetic pyrovalerone derivative with structural characteristics and stimulant effects on humans comparable to α-PVP and MDPV. Since its pharmaco-toxicological effects have been poorly investigated, the aim of this study was to evaluate the acute effects of α-PHP (0.1-30mg/kg; i.p.) on behavioral responses in CD-1 male and female mice. Sex-related differences in pharmacokinetic profile of α-PHP (30mg/kg; i.p.) in mice were evaluated by analyzing i) the urine concentration of α-PHP and its metabolites at different time points, and ii) α-PHP levels in plasma, brain, and kidneys at 35min after the injection. Clinical data related to α-PHP intoxications, recorded by the Pavia Poison Control Centre (PCC) are also described. The present study shows that female mice were more sensitive to the effects of α-PHP on visual object, tactile, mobility time, and hypothermia, but males showed a deeper effect on visual placing. Both sexes developed analgesia to the mechanical stimulation, but only males showed a slight increase in enduring the thermal stimulation. Male mice showed higher plasma levels of α-PHP and a different elimination of α-PHP and metabolites than females. Case reports highlighted severe toxidromes characterized by Central Nervous System alterations (psychomotor agitation, tremors/fasciculations, hallucinations), cardiovascular toxicity signs (tachycardia, tachypnoea, thoracic pain) and other peripheral symptoms (hyperthermia, rhabdomyolysis). Our findings highlight the importance of the in vivo investigation of the effects and pharmacokinetic differences in male and female mice, to make contribution to the translational toxicological and forensic sex-related value.

Phytochemicals Modulate Biosynthesis and Function of Serotonin, Dopamine, and Norepinephrine for Treatment of Monoamine Neurotransmission-Related Psychiatric Diseases

Serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA), and norepinephrine (NE) are key monoamine neurotransmitters regulating behaviors, mood, and cognition. 5-HT affects early brain development, and its dysfunction induces brain vulnerability to stress, raising the risk of depression, anxiety, and autism in adulthood. These neurotransmitters are synthesized from tryptophan and tyrosine via hydroxylation and decarboxylation, and are metabolized by monoamine oxidase (MAO). This review aims to summarize the current findings on the role of dietary phytochemicals in modulating monoamine neurotransmitter biosynthesis, metabolism, and function, with an emphasis on their potential therapeutic applications in neuropsychiatric disorders. Phytochemicals exert antioxidant, neurotrophic, and neurohormonal activities, regulate gene expression, and induce epigenetic modifications. Phytoestrogens activate the estrogen receptors or estrogen-responsive elements of the promoter of target genes, enhance transcription of tryptophan hydroxylase and tyrosine hydroxylase, while inhibiting that of MAO. These compounds also influence the interaction between genetic and environmental factors, potentially reversing dysregulated neurotransmission and the brain architecture associated with neuropsychiatric conditions. Despite promising preclinical findings, clinical applications of phytochemicals remain challenging. Advances in nanotechnology and targeted delivery systems offer potential solutions to enhance clinical efficacy. This review discusses mechanisms, challenges, and strategies, underscoring the need for further research to advance phytochemical-based interventions for neuropsychiatric diseases.

Dopaminergic and anti-estrogenic responses in juvenile steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) exposed to bifenthrin

The frequency of detection and concentrations of bifenthrin, a pyrethroid insecticide, in the waterways inhabited by the endangered species, steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), has become a significant concern for regulatory agencies. Endocrine disruption has been observed with estrogenic and anti-estrogenic responses in fish species at different life stages. Since several studies have indicated alterations in dopaminergic signaling associated with endocrine responses, juvenile steelhead were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations of 60 or 120 ng/L bifenthrin for two weeks. Fish brains were assessed for dopamine levels and the expression of genes involved in dopaminergic and estrogenic processes, such as catechol-o-methyltransferase (comt) and monoamine oxidase (mao). Vitellogenin (vtg) and estrogenic receptors (ERα1, ERβ1, and ERβ2) were also evaluated in livers of the animals. Dopamine concentrations were significantly higher in fish brains following bifenthrin exposure. Consistent with a reduction in dopamine clearance, there was a significant decrease in the mRNA expression of comt with increased bifenthrin concentration. Hepatic expression of ERα1 and ERβ2 mRNA was significantly decreased with increased bifenthrin concentration. These data support the possible mechanism of bifenthrin altering the dopaminergic pathway at low ng/L concentrations, in juvenile steelhead, which could interfere with endocrine feedback loops. These findings support the need for and importance of identifying species and life stage differences in pesticide modes of action to reduce uncertainties in risk assessments.

Neuroendocrine mechanisms of mood disorders during menopause transition: A narrative review and future perspectives

The menopause transition is an important period in a woman's life, during which she is at an increased risk of mood disorders. Estrogen and progesterone fluctuations during the menopausal transition and very low levels of estradiol after menopause have a profound effect on the central nervous system (CNS), causing an imbalance between excitatory and inhibitory inputs. Changes in neurotransmission and neuronal interactions that occur with estradiol withdrawal disrupt the normal neurological balance and may be associated with menopausal symptoms. Hot flushes, depressed mood and anxiety are all symptoms of menopause that are a consequence of the complex changes that occur in the CNS, involving many signaling pathways and neurotransmitters (i.e. γ-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, dopamine), neurosteroids (i.e. allopregnanolone), and neuropeptides (i.e. kisspeptin, neurokinin B). All these pathways are closely linked, and the complex interactions that exist are not yet fully understood. This review summarizes the neuroendocrine changes in the CNS during the menopausal transition, with particular emphasis on those that underlie mood changes.

The intersection between menopause and depression: overview of research using animal models

Menopausal women may experience symptoms of depression, sometimes even progressing clinical depression requiring treatment to improve quality of life. While varying levels of estrogen in perimenopause may contribute to an increased biological vulnerability to mood disturbances, the effectiveness of estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) in the relief of depressive symptoms remains controversial. Menopausal depression has a complex, multifactorial etiology, that has limited the identification of optimal treatment strategies for the management of this psychiatric complaint. Nevertheless, clinical evidence increasingly supports the notion that estrogen exerts neuroprotective effects on brain structures related to mood regulation. Indeed, research using preclinical animal models continues to improve our understanding of menopause and the effectiveness of ERT and other substances at treating depression-like behaviors. However, questions regarding the efficacy of ERT in perimenopause have been raised. These questions may be answered by further investigation using specific animal models of reduced ovarian function. This review compares and discusses the advantages and pitfalls of different models emulating the menopausal stages and their relationship with the onset of depressive-like signs, as well as the efficacy and mechanisms of conventional and novel ERTs in treating depressive-like behavior. Ovariectomized young rats, middle-to-old aged intact rats, and females treated with reprotoxics have all been used as models of menopause, with stages ranging from surgical menopause to perimenopause. Additionally, this manuscript discusses the impact of organistic and therapeutic variables that may improve or reduce the antidepressant response of females to ERT. Findings from these models have revealed the complexity of the dynamic changes occurring in brain function during menopausal transition, reinforcing the idea that the best approach is timely intervention considering the opportunity window, in addition to the careful selection of treatment according to the presence or absence of reproductive tissue. Additionally, data from animal models has yielded evidence to support new promising estrogens that could be considered as ERTs with antidepressant properties and actions in endocrine situations in which traditional ERTs are not effective.

Sex as a Determinant of Age-Related Changes in the Brain

The notion of notable anatomical, biochemical, and behavioral distinctions within male and female brains has been a contentious topic of interest within the scientific community over several decades. Advancements in neuroimaging and molecular biological techniques have increasingly elucidated common mechanisms characterizing brain aging while also revealing disparities between sexes in these processes. Variations in cognitive functions; susceptibility to and progression of neurodegenerative conditions, notably Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases; and notable disparities in life expectancy between sexes, underscore the significance of evaluating aging within the framework of gender differences. This comprehensive review surveys contemporary literature on the restructuring of brain structures and fundamental processes unfolding in the aging brain at cellular and molecular levels, with a focus on gender distinctions. Additionally, the review delves into age-related cognitive alterations, exploring factors influencing the acceleration or deceleration of aging, with particular attention to estrogen's hormonal support of the central nervous system.

The Influence of Genetic Polymorphic Variability of the Catechol-O-methyltransferase Gene in a Group of Patients with a Diagnosis of Behavioural Addiction, including Personality Traits

Gambling Disorder (GD) is characterised by a harmful, enduring, and recurrent involvement in betting-related behaviours. Therefore, GD shares similar biological mechanisms and symptoms to substance use disorders (SUD). Therefore, in this study, we chose the behavioural addictions group. During the examination and recruitment to the study, it turned out that all the people undergoing treatment for gambling addiction were also addicted to amphetamines, which is consistent with the biological mechanism related to cerebral neurotransmission. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of the COMT gene polymorphism with behavioral addiction. The study group consisted of 307 participants: 107 men with gambling disorder and amphetamine dependency (mean age = 27.51, SD = 5.25) and 200 non-addicted, nor dependent, free from neuro-psychiatric disorders control group men (mean age = 20.20, SD = 4.51). Both groups were subjected to psychometric evaluation using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the NEO Five-Factor Personality Inventory. Genomic DNA was extracted from venous blood following standard protocols. Determination of the rs4680 polymorphism in the COMT gene was performed using the real-time PCR technique. Statistically significant differences in the frequency of rs4680 genotypes were found in the tested sample of subjects compared with the control group (p = 0.03543). Subjects with gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder compared to the control group obtained higher scores in the assessment of the STAI trait scale (p = 0.0019), state scale (p < 0.0000), and NEO-FFI Neuroticism scale (p < 0.0000). Significantly lower results were obtained for the NEO-FFI Agreeability scale (p < 0.0000). Additionally, a significant statistical impact of gambling disorder and amphetamine use disorder, and the COMT rs4680 genotype was demonstrated for the score of the STAI trait (p = 0.0351) and state (p = 0.0343) and the NEO-FFI Conscientiousness scale (p = 0.0018). We conclude that COMT and its polymorphic variant influence the development of addiction. Still, considering its multifactorial and polygenic nature, it should be combined with other factors such as personality.

Catechol-O-Methyltransferase inhibition and alcohol use disorder: Evaluating the efficacy of tolcapone in ethanol-dependent rats

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a significant public health issue in the United States. It affects millions of individuals and their families and contributes to substantial societal and economic burdens. Despite the availability of some pharmacological treatments, there is still a pressing need to develop more effective therapeutic strategies to address the diverse range of symptoms and challenges associated with AUD. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibition recently emerged as a promising new approach to treating AUD due to its potential to improve cognitive effects commonly associated with AUD. Tolcapone, an FDA-approved COMT inhibitor, has shown some promise for treating AUD; however, its ability to decrease drinking in ethanol-dependent rats has not been well-established. In this study, we evaluated the effects of tolcapone on operant, oral ethanol self-administration in non-dependent and dependent rats, and in rats that self-administered oral saccharin. To induce dependence, rats underwent the chronic intermittent exposure to vapor model, and their drinking levels were assessed during acute withdrawal from ethanol. Our results demonstrated that tolcapone attenuated responding for ethanol in dependent rats only, without affecting self-administration in non-dependent rats or rats self-administering saccharin. Moreover, we found that tolcapone was differentially effective in different estrous phases in female rats. These findings suggest that COMT inhibition, specifically using tolcapone, may be a valuable pharmacotherapy for treating AUD, particularly in individuals who are physically dependent on alcohol. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying the observed effects and to assess the potential of COMT inhibitors in a broader population of individuals with AUD.

Estradiol and the Catechol-o-methyltransferase Gene Interact to Predict Working Memory Performance: A Replication and Extension

Decades of evidence across taxa have established the importance of dopamine (DA) signaling in the pFC for successful working memory performance. Genetic and hormonal factors can shape individual differences in prefrontal DA tone. The catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) gene regulates basal prefrontal DA, and the sex hormone 17β-estradiol potentiates DA release. E. Jacobs and M. D'Esposito [Estrogen shapes dopamine-dependent cognitive processes: Implications for women's health. Journal of Neuroscience, 31, 5286-5293, 2011] investigated the moderating role of estradiol on cognition using the COMT gene and COMT enzymatic activity as a proxy for pFC DA tone. They found that increases in 17β-estradiol within women at two time points during the menstrual cycle influenced working memory performance in a COMT-dependent manner. Here, we aimed to replicate and extend the behavioral findings of Jacobs and D'Esposito by employing an intensive repeated-measures design across a full menstrual cycle. Our results replicated the original investigation. Within-person increases in estradiol were associated with improved performance on 2-back lure trials for participants with low basal levels of DA (Val/Val carriers). The association was in the opposite direction for participants with higher basal levels of DA (Met/Met carriers). Our findings support the role of estrogen in DA-related cognitive functions and further highlight the need to consider gonadal hormones in cognitive science research.

Interaction between COMT Val158 Met polymorphism and childhood trauma predicts risk for depression in men

Depression is a disabling illness with complex etiology. While the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) gene, in particular the functional Val¹⁵⁸ Met polymorphism, has been related to depression, the mechanisms underlying this gene-disease association are not completely understood. Therefore, we explore the association of COMT Val¹⁵⁸ Met polymorphism with depression as well as its interaction with childhood trauma in 1,136 young adults from a population-based study carried out in the city of Pelotas-Brazil. The diagnosis was performed through the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview 5.0 (MINI 5.0), and trauma was assessed with the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ). Total DNA was extracted and genotyped by real-time PCR and the QTLbase dataset was queried to perform large-scale quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. Our research showed no direct association between the Val¹⁵⁸ Met polymorphism and the diagnosis of depression (women: χ2=0.10, d=1, p=0.751 and men: χ2=0.003, df=1 p=0.956). However, the Met-allele of the Val¹⁵⁸ Met polymorphism modified the effect of childhood trauma in men [OR=2.58 (95% CI:1.05-6.29); p=0.038] conferring risk for depression only on those who suffer from trauma. The conditional effect from moderation analysis showed that trauma impacts the risk of depression only in men carrying the Met-allele (Effect: 0.9490, Standard Error (SE): 0.2570; p=0.0002). QTLbase and dataset for Val¹⁵⁸ Met polymorphism were consistent for markers that influence chromatin accessibility transcription capacity including histone methylation and acetylation. The changes caused in gene regulation by childhood trauma exposure and polymorphism may serve as evidence of the mechanism whereby the interaction increases susceptibility to this disorder in men.

The COMT Genetic Factor Regulates Chemotherapy-Related Prospective Memory Impairment in Survivors With HER2-/+ Breast Cancer

Background

Previous findings indicated that polymorphism in gene catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) had been linked to chemotherapy-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). Nevertheless, the motivation of COMT polymorphisms in regulating cognitive impairment in breast cancer survivors with disparate status of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) was still vague.

Objective

The current research aimed to evaluate the regulation of the risk by COMT genotype on CRCI in breast cancer survivors with disparate status of HER2.

Methods

Breast cancer survivors (103 with HER2− and 118 with HER2+) underwent neuropsychological tests before and after chemotherapy, containing event- and time-based prospective memory (EBPM and TBPM). Three single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were estimated by providing peripheral blood, containing COMT (rs165599, rs737865, and rs4680).

Results

The EBPM and TBPM performances was lower as compared with these before chemotherapy (z = −7.712, z = −2.403, respectively, p < 0.01). Furthermore, the EBPM and TBPM performances of HER2− group survivors were lower than those of HER2+ group survivors after chemotherapy (z = −7.181, p < 0.01; z = −2.205 p < 0.05, respectively). The survivors with COMT (rs165599) A/A genotype carriers had a meaningfully poorer chance of memory descend [dominant model: adjusted, OR = 2.21, CI (95%) = 1.156–4.225, p = 0.016] and showed better on TBPM test, relative to G/G genotype. Patients with the COMT (rs737865) A/G and G/G genotype showed protective function than the patients with the A/A and performed better on MMSE and TBPM tests.

Conclusion

The types of HER2 may be correlated to chemotherapy-related prospective memory impairments in breast cancer survivors. Furthermore, the COMT (rs165599, rs737865) polymorphisms were correlated to the risk of TBPM decline scores and possibly be a potential genetic identifying for increasing risk of CRCI in breast cancer patients with disparate status of HER2.

Moderators of gene-outcome associations following traumatic brain injury

The field of genomics is the principal avenue in the ongoing development of precision/personalised medicine for a variety of health conditions. However, relating genes to outcomes is notoriously complex, especially when considering that other variables can change, or moderate, gene-outcome associations. Here, we comprehensively discuss moderation of gene-outcome associations in the context of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a common, chronically debilitating, and costly neurological condition that is under complex polygenic influence. We focus our narrative review on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of three of the most studied genes (apolipoprotein E, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and catechol-O-methyltransferase) and on three demographic variables believed to moderate associations between these SNPs and TBI outcomes (age, biological sex, and ethnicity). We speculate on the mechanisms which may underlie these moderating effects, drawing widely from biomolecular and behavioural research (n = 175 scientific reports) within the TBI population (n = 72) and other neurological, healthy, ageing, and psychiatric populations (n = 103). We conclude with methodological recommendations for improved exploration of moderators in future genetics research in TBI and other populations.

The Impact of Estrogen and Estrogen-Like Molecules in Neurogenesis and Neurodegeneration: Beneficial or Harmful?

Estrogens and estrogen-like molecules can modify the biology of several cell types. Estrogen receptors alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) belong to the so-called classical family of estrogen receptors, while the G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER-1) represents a non-classical estrogen receptor mainly located in the plasma membrane. As estrogen receptors are ubiquitously distributed, they can modulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival in several tissues and organs, including the central nervous system (CNS). Estrogens can exert neuroprotective roles by acting as anti-oxidants, promoting DNA repair, inducing the expression of growth factors, and modulating cerebral blood flow. Additionally, estrogen-dependent signaling pathways are involved in regulating the balance between proliferation and differentiation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs), thus influencing neurogenic processes. Since several estrogen-based therapies are used nowadays and estrogen-like molecules, including phytoestrogens and xenoestrogens, are omnipresent in our environment, estrogen-dependent changes in cell biology and tissue homeostasis have gained attention in human health and disease. This article provides a comprehensive literature review on the current knowledge of estrogen and estrogen-like molecules and their impact on cell survival and neurodegeneration, as well as their role in NSPCs proliferation/differentiation balance and neurogenesis.

Female-specific effects of the catechol-O-methyl transferase Val158Met gene polymorphism on working memory-related brain function

The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val¹⁵⁸Met polymorphism has been associated with working memory (WM) in many studies, but the results have not been consistent. One plausible explanation is sex-specific effects of this polymorphism as reported in several studies. The current study aimed to explore the sex-specific effects of the COMT Val¹⁵⁸Met polymorphism on WM-related brain function in an elderly sample. We found that Val homozygotes outperformed Met allele carriers on the backward digit span subtest for both males and females. The triangular part of the left inferior frontal gyrus and the left inferior temporal gyrus exhibited higher activation in Met allele carriers compared with Val homozygotes during the n-back task, while the background functional connectivity (bFC) between the left angular gyrus (ANG) and the right ANG was enhanced in Val homozygotes as compared to Met allele carriers. Finally, the associations between brain activation, bFC (among various regions), and WM performance were identified only in specific genotype groups of the female participants. These findings provide new insights into the role of COMT Val¹⁵⁸Met gene polymorphism in brain function, particularly its female-specific nature.

First Demonstration of Double Dissociation between COMT-Met158 and COMT-Val158 Cognitive Performance When Stressed and When Calmer

We present here the first evidence of the much-predicted double dissociation between the effect of stress on cognitive skills [executive functions (EFs)] dependent on prefrontal cortex (PFC) by catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype. The COMT gene polymorphism with methionine (Met) at codon 158 results in more dopamine (DA) in PFC and generally better EFs, while with valine (Val) at codon 158 the result is less PFC DA and generally poorer EFs. Many have predicted that mild stress, by raising PFC DA levels should aid EFs of COMT-Vals (bringing their PFC DA levels up, closer to optimal) and impair EFs of COMT-Mets (raising their PFC DA levels past optimal). We tested 140 men and women in a within-subject crossover design using extremely mild social evaluative stress. On trials requiring EFs (incongruent trials) of the Flanker/Reverse Flanker task, COMT-Val158 homozygotes performed better when mildly stressed than when calmer, while COMT-Met158 carriers performed worse when mildly stressed. Two other teams previously tried to obtain this, but only found stress impairing EFs of COMT-Mets, not improving EFs of COMT-Vals. Perhaps we found both because we used a much milder stressor. Evidently, the bandwidth for stress having a facilitative effect on EFs is exceedingly narrow.

Interaction of Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158 Met polymorphism and sex influences association of parietal intrinsic functional connectivity and immediate verbal memory

INTRODUCTION

Sex differences modulate catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype effect at a synaptic dopamine level, which influences brain function as well as cognitive performance. In this study, we investigated how COMT Val¹⁵⁸ Met polymorphism and sex affect intrinsic functional connectivity and memory.

METHODS

Intrinsic functional networks were extracted using independent component analysis of resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data from 186 healthy young COMT-genotyped participants. The association of these functional networks and memory function was tested to investigate whether the effect of COMT × sex interaction influences the association of intrinsic functional connectivity and memory performance. Quadratic curve fit estimation was used to examine the relationship between functional connectivity and speculative dopamine level among groups.

RESULTS

COMT MM/MV carriers, relative to VV carriers, showed increased functional connectivity in left superior parietal lobule and right inferior frontal gyrus. Further, male MM/MV carriers showed significant higher mean functional connectivity in left inferior parietal lobule relative to male VV carriers and female MM/MV carriers, which was associated with worse immediate verbal recall performance. Additionally, the relationship between inferior parietal lobule functional connectivity and speculative dopamine level among groups fits the quadratic curve.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the interaction of COMT genotype and sex might regulate synaptic dopaminergic concentrations and influence the association of intrinsic functional connectivity and immediate verbal memory in left inferior parietal lobule.

Sex Differences in the Inflammatory Consequences of Stress: Implications for Pharmacotherapy

Women are at significantly greater risk of developing stress-related disorders such as depression. The increased risk begins during puberty and continues throughout life until menopause, suggesting a role for ovarian hormones in this increased susceptibility. Importantly, inflammation has been gaining momentum in its role in the pathogenesis of depression. Herein, clinical and preclinical studies have been reviewed to better understand how sex differences within the immune system may contribute to exaggerated risk of depression in females. First, studies that investigate the ability of psychologic stress episodes to engage the inflammatory systems both in the brain and periphery are reviewed with a special focus on sex-specific effects. Moreover, studies are discussed that identify whether imbalanced inflammatory milieu contributes to the development of depression in males versus females and whether these effects are regulated by estradiol. Importantly, we propose a locus coeruleus-norepinephrine-cytokine circuit as a conduit through which stress could increase stress susceptibly in females. Finally, the anti-inflammatory capacity of traditional and nontraditional antidepressants is investigated, with the goal of providing a better understanding of pharmacotherapeutics to enhance strategies to personalize antidepressant treatments between the sexes. The studies reviewed herein strongly support the need for further studies to elucidate whether females are especially sensitive to anti-inflammatory compounds as adjuvants to traditional therapies. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Women have hve an increased risk of developing stress-related disorders such as depression. In this review, literature from clinical and preclinical studies are integrated to define sex differences in stress-induced inflammatory responses as a potential source for the etiology of sex differences in depressive disorders. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory capacity of traditional and nontraditional antidepressants is reviewed to inform on potential pharmacotherapeutic strategies to personalize antidepressant therapy in a sex-dependent manner.

Inhibition of the fatty acid amide hydrolase changes behaviors and brain catecholamines in a sex-specific manner in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable stress

Sex differences in the susceptibility to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) and the effects of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 in rats have been investigated in this study. In this context, we investigated the effects of prolonged treatment with URB597 on behavior, pro-inflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10), catecholamine content and the expression of its biosynthetic and degrading enzymes in the hippocampus, hypothalamus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats subjected to CUS. The results show that CUS increases anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors but it was more pronounced in females. The data suggests sex differences in brain cytokines, catecholamines and their enzymes of synthesis and degradation expression in response to CUS. Our findings indicate that the FAAH inhibitor URB597 differently regulated catecholamine levels and its enzymes of synthesis and degradation in the examined brain areas of male and female rats. URB treatment failed to reduce anxiety or restore reduced norepinephrine and did not affect enzymes of catecholamine degradation in the mPFC, hippocampus and hypothalamus of CUS female rats. These studies are important because they investigate the neurochemical consequences of stress related mood disorders that might lead to the development of sex specific treatments.

Genetic Markers for Later Remission in Response to Early Improvement of Antidepressants

Planning subsequent treatment strategies based on early responses rather than waiting for delayed antidepressant action can be helpful. We identified genetic markers for later non-remission in patients exhibiting poor early improvement using whole-exome sequencing data of depressive patients treated in a naturalistic manner. Among 1000 patients, early improvement at 2 weeks (reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAM-D] score ≥ 20%) and remission at 12 weeks (HAM-D score ≤ 7) were evaluated. Gene- and variant-level analyses were conducted to compare patients who did not exhibit early improvement and did not eventually achieve remission (n = 126) with those who exhibited early improvement and achieved remission (n = 385). Genes predicting final non-remission in patients who exhibited poor early improvement (COMT, PRNP, BRPF3, SLC25A40, and CGREF1 in males; PPFIBPI, LZTS3, MEPCE, MAP1A, and PFAS in females; ST3GAL5 in the total population) were determined. Among the significant genes, variants in the PRNP (rs1800014), COMT (rs6267), BRPF3 (rs200565609), and SLC25A40 genes (rs3213633) were identified. However, interpretations should be made cautiously, as complex pharmacotherapy involves various genes and pathways. Early detection of poor early improvement and final non-remission based on genetic risk would be helpful for decision-making in a clinical setting.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and stress

Stress is associated with the onset of several stress-related mental disorders that occur more frequently in women than in men, such as major depression or posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is the major component of the neuroendocrine network responding to internal and external challenges. The proper functioning of the HPA axis is critical for the maintenance of mental and physical health, as dysregulations of the HPA axis have been linked to several mental and physical disorders. Numerous studies have observed distinct sex differences in the regulation of the HPA axis in response to stress, and it is supposed that these differences may partially explain the female predominance in stress-related mental disorders. Preclinical models have clearly shown that the HPA axis in females is activated more rapidly and produces a larger output of stress hormones than in males. However, studies with humans often produced inconsistent findings, which might be traced back to the variation of investigated stressors, the use of contraceptives in some of the studies, and different menstrual cycle stages of the female subjects. This article discusses rodent and human literature of sex differences in the function of the HPA axis.

Estradiol Metabolism: Crossroads in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a debilitating and progressive disease that predominantly develops in women. Over the past 15 years, cumulating evidence has pointed toward dysregulated metabolism of sex hormones in animal models and patients with PAH. 17β-estradiol (E2) is metabolized at positions C2, C4, and C16, which leads to the formation of metabolites with different biological/estrogenic activity. Since the first report that 2-methoxyestradiol, a major non-estrogenic metabolite of E2, attenuates the development and progression of experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH), it has become increasingly clear that E2, E2 precursors, and E2 metabolites exhibit both protective and detrimental effects in PH. Furthermore, both experimental and clinical data suggest that E2 has divergent effects in the pulmonary vasculature versus right ventricle (estrogen paradox in PAH). The estrogen paradox is of significant clinical relevance for understanding the development, progression, and prognosis of PAH. This review updates experimental and clinical findings and provides insights into: (1) the potential impacts that pathways of estradiol metabolism (EMet) may have in PAH; (2) the beneficial and adverse effects of estrogens and their precursors/metabolites in experimental PH and human PAH; (3) the co-morbidities and pathological conditions that may alter EMet and influence the development/progression of PAH; (4) the relevance of the intracrinology of sex hormones to vascular remodeling in PAH; and (5) the advantages/disadvantages of different approaches to modulate EMet in PAH. Finally, we propose the three-tier-estrogen effects in PAH concept, which may offer reconciliation of the opposing effects of E2 in PAH and may provide a better understanding of the complex mechanisms by which EMet affects the pulmonary circulation–right ventricular interaction in PAH.

Catechol-O-Methyltransferase and Cardiovascular Disease: MESA

Background Genetic variation in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), a key enzyme in estrogen and catecholamine metabolism, has plausible physiological links to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its risk factors. In WHS (Women's Health Study), COMT variants rs4818 and rs4680 were associated with a lower risk of CVD among women receiving placebo but not aspirin, suggesting a possible role of COMT in thrombosis. Methods and Results To evaluate potential pathways linking COMT with CVD, and COMT effect modification of aspirin in prevention, we examined COMT association with CVD risk and subclinical measures, coronary artery calcium, and carotid intima-media thickness in MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). In 65 957 person-years of follow-up, during which 498 events occurred, COMT rs4818 was associated with lower CVD risk (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74-0.97 [P=0.02]). This association remained virtually unchanged after adjusting for common CVD risk factors. Fibrinogen was the only risk factor associated with rs4818 (β, -3.65; SE, 1.35 mg/dL [P=0.007]). Results were directionally similar but not significant for rs4680. Adjusted hazard ratios for COMT rs4818 CVD association were 0.79 (95% CI, 0.65-0.95; P=0.02) among individuals who used aspirin <3 days per week and 0.89 (95% CI, 0.71-1.13; P=0.34) among more frequent users (Pinteraction=0.39). Neither intima-media thickness nor coronary artery calcium was associated with COMT. Conclusions In a multiethnic prospective cohort of men and women, the COMT rs4818G allele was associated with lower CVD risk and lower fibrinogen levels but not with radiographic measures of subclinical atherosclerosis. These results suggest a plausible role of COMT in the latter stages of CVD.

Identification of loci associated with conception rate in primiparous Holstein cows

BACKGROUND

Subfertility is a major issue facing the dairy industry as the average US Holstein cow conception rate (CCR) is approximately 35%. The genetics underlying the physiological processes responsible for CCR, the proportion of cows able to conceive and maintain a pregnancy at each breeding, are not well characterized. The objectives of this study were to identify loci, positional candidate genes, and transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) associated with CCR and determine if there was a genetic correlation between CCR and milk production in primiparous Holstein cows. Cows were bred via artificial insemination (AI) at either observed estrus or timed AI and pregnancy status was determined at day 35 post-insemination. Additive, dominant, and recessive efficient mixed model association expedited (EMMAX) models were used in two genome-wide association analyses (GWAA). One GWAA focused on CCR at first service (CCR1) comparing cows that conceived and maintained pregnancy to day 35 after the first AI (n = 494) to those that were open after the first AI (n = 538). The second GWAA investigated loci associated with the number of times bred (TBRD) required for conception in cows that either conceived after the first AI (n = 494) or repeated services (n = 472).

RESULTS

The CCR1 GWAA identified 123, 198, and 76 loci associated (P < 5 × 10- 08) in additive, dominant, and recessive models, respectively. The TBRD GWAA identified 66, 95, and 33 loci associated (P < 5 × 10- 08) in additive, dominant, and recessive models, respectively. Four of the top five loci were shared in CCR1 and TBRD for each GWAA model. Many of the associated loci harbored positional candidate genes and TFBS with putative functional relevance to fertility. Thirty-six of the loci were validated in previous GWAA studies across multiple breeds. None of the CCR1 or TBRD associated loci were associated with milk production, nor was their significance with phenotypic and genetic correlations to 305-day milk production.

CONCLUSIONS

The identification and validation of loci, positional candidate genes, and TFBS associated with CCR1 and TBRD can be utilized to improve, and further characterize the processes involved in cattle fertility.

Role of Estradiol in the Expression of Genes Involved in Serotonin Neurotransmission: Implications for Female Depression

BACKGROUND

In women, changes in estrogen levels may increase the incidence and/or symptomatology of depression and affect the response to antidepressant treatments. Estrogen therapy in females may provide some mood benefits as a single treatment or might augment clinical response to antidepressants that inhibit serotonin reuptake.

OBJECTIVE

We analyzed the mechanisms of estradiol action involved in the regulation of gene expression that modulates serotonin neurotransmission implicated in depression.

METHOD

Publications were identified by a literature search on PubMed.

RESULTS

The participation of estradiol in depression may include regulation of the expression of tryptophan hydroxylase-2, monoamine oxidase A and B, serotonin transporter and serotonin-1A receptor. This effect is mediated by estradiol binding to intracellular estrogen receptor that interacts with estrogen response elements in the promoter sequences of tryptophan hydroxylase-2, serotonin transporter and monoamine oxidase-B. In addition to directly binding deoxyribonucleic acid, estrogen receptor can tether to other transcription factors, including activator protein 1, specificity protein 1, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein β and nuclear factor kappa B to regulate gene promoters that lack estrogen response elements, such as monoamine oxidase-A and serotonin 1A receptor.

CONCLUSION

Estradiol increases tryptophan hydroxylase-2 and serotonin transporter expression and decreases the expression of serotonin 1A receptor and monoamine oxidase A and B through the interaction with its intracellular receptors. The understanding of molecular mechanisms of estradiol regulation on the protein expression that modulates serotonin neurotransmission will be helpful for the development of new and more effective treatment for women with depression.

Heterosis in COMT Val158Met Polymorphism Contributes to Sex-Differences in Children's Math Anxiety

Math anxiety (MA) is a phobic reaction to math activities, potentially impairing math achievement. Higher frequency of MA in females is explainable by the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. The molecular-genetic basis of MA has not been investigated. The COMT Val158Met polymorphism, which affects dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex, has been associated with anxiety manifestations. The valine allele is associated with lower, and the methionine allele with higher, dopamine availability. In the present study, the effects of sex and COMT Val158Met genotypes on MA were investigated: 389 school children aged 7-12 years were assessed for intelligence, numerical estimation, arithmetic achievement and MA and genotyped for COMT Val158Met polymorphism. The Math Anxiety Questionnaire (MAQ) was used to assess the cognitive and affective components of MA. All genotype groups of boys and girls were comparable regarding genotype frequency, age, school grade, numerical estimation, and arithmetic abilities. We compared the results of all possible genetic models: codominance (Val/Val vs. Val/Met vs. Met/Met), heterosis (Val/Met vs. Val/Val plus Met/Met), valine dominance (Val/Val plus Val/Met vs. Met/Met), and methionine dominance (Met/Met plus Val/Met vs. Val/Val). Models were compared using AIC and AIC weights. No significant differences between girls and boys and no effects of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism on numerical estimation and arithmetic achievement were observed. Sex by genotype effects were significant for intelligence and MA. Intelligence scores were higher in Met/Met girls than in girls with at least one valine allele (valine dominance model). The best fitting model for MA was heterosis. In Anxiety Toward Mathematics, heterozygous individuals presented MA levels close to the grand average regardless of sex. Homozygous boys were significantly less and homozygous girls significantly more math anxious. Heterosis has been seldom explored, but in recent years has emerged as the best genetic model for some phenotypes associated with the COMT Val158Met polymorphism. This is the first study to investigate the genetic-molecular basis of MA.

Evaluation of the estrogen receptor alpha as a possible target of bifenthrin effects in the estrogenic and dopaminergic signaling pathways in zebrafish embryos

Bifenthrin (BF) is a pyrethroid insecticide widely used in urban and agricultural applications. Previous studies in embryos of zebrafish have shown that BF can affect estradiol biosynthesis and the dopaminergic system. To examine the role of the estrogen receptor (ER) in the endocrine effects of BF, embryos were exposed for 96 h to a mixture of 0.15 and 1.5 μg/L BF and an ER agonist (17α-ethynylestradiol - EE2) at 0.09 μg/L. Transcripts related to estrogenic (vitellogenin VTG) and dopaminergic (tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), dopamine receptor 1 (DR1), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and catechol-O-methyltransferase b (COMTb)) signaling pathways were investigated by qRT-PCR. Dopamine (DA) and its metabolites (homovanillic acid (HVA) and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC)) were also measured. There was a significant increase in VTG, DR1, MAO and COMTb mRNA levels and HVA-DA ratios within all zebrafish embryos exposed to EE2, including EE2 alone, 0.15 μg/L BF + EE2 and 1.5 μg/L BF + EE2. A significant decrease in homogenate concentrations of DA was observed within all zebrafish embryos exposed to EE2, which included EE2 alone, 0.15 μg/L BF + EE2 and 1.5 μg/L BF + EE2. Co-exposure of BF with EE2 failed to diminish estrogenic or dopaminergic signaling in embryos. Additionally, embryos with diminished ERα expression by morpholino injection were exposed to 0.15 μg/L BF, 1.5 μg/L BF and 0.09 μg/L EE2, with subsequent gene expression measurements. ERα knockdown did not prevent the effects of BF, indicating ERα may have a limited role in the estrogenic and dopaminergic effects caused by BF in zebrafish embryos.

Sex differences in stress reactivity in arousal and attention systems

Women are more likely than men to suffer from psychiatric disorders with hyperarousal symptoms, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depression. In contrast, women are less likely than men to be diagnosed with schizophrenia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which share attentional impairments as a feature. Stressful events exacerbate symptoms of the aforementioned disorders. Thus, researchers are examining whether sex differences in stress responses bias women and men towards different psychopathology. Here we review the preclinical literature suggesting that, compared to males, females are more vulnerable to stress-induced hyperarousal, while they are more resilient to stress-induced attention deficits. Specifically described are sex differences in receptors for the stress neuropeptide, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), that render the locus coeruleus arousal system of females more vulnerable to stress and less adaptable to CRF hypersecretion, a condition found in patients with PTSD and depression. Studies on the protective effects of ovarian hormones against CRF-induced deficits in sustained attention are also detailed. Importantly, we highlight how comparing males and females in preclinical studies can lead to the development of novel therapeutics to improve treatments for psychiatric disorders in both women and men.

Dopamine-dependent cognitive processes after menopause: the relationship between COMT genotype, estradiol, and working memory

The present study examined how a gene related to functioning of the dopaminergic system, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), and estradiol were related to brain functioning in healthy postmenopausal women. Participants were 118 healthy, cognitively normal postmenopausal women between the ages of 50-60 years. All women provided a blood sample for COMT and estradiol analyses and underwent a magnetic resonance imaging scan. Working memory performance and related brain activation were measured with BOLD functional magnetic resonance imaging during the N-back task. Results were examined across each COMT genotype and a median split was performed on the circulating estradiol levels to create high and low estradiol groups for each genotype. COMT genotype and estradiol level were hypothesized to be proxy measures for brain dopamine levels with the Met/Met and high estradiol group having the most dopamine and Val/Val and low estradiol group having the least dopamine. The functional magnetic resonance imaging results showed that the N-back task activated the expected bilateral frontal and bilateral parietal working memory network. However, no main effects of COMT genotype or estradiol group were found. There was COMT-estradiol interaction found in a small area of decreased activation in the right precentral gyrus (Brodmann Area 6) that was related to the increasing hypothesized dopamine level. Specifically, women with a Met/Met genotype in the high estradiol group had the least activation in this frontal lobe working memory region. Women with a Val/Val genotype in the low estradiol group had greater activation in this region relative to the other groups. Performance on the N-back task did not show any group differences. These data indicate that after menopause COMT genotype and potentially the menopause-related changes to the dopaminergic system are not related to cognition. Future studies should examine how the relationship between COMT, estradiol, and cognition around the menopause transition as there appear to be differences in this relationship for premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

The COMT Val158Met Polymorphism and Reaction to a Transgression: Findings of Genetic Associations in Both Chinese and German Samples

After a transgression, people often either tend to avoid the transgressor or seek revenge. These tendencies can be investigated via a trait approach and surprisingly little is known about their biological underpinnings. One promising candidate gene polymorphism, which may influence individual differences in avoidance of a transgressor and vengefulness, is the COMT Val158Met (rs4680) polymorphism known to affect dopaminergic signaling and among others brain activity in situations in which people punish others for their behavior. We therefore investigated the molecular genetics of individual differences in Avoidance Motivation and vengefulness with a focus on this polymorphism. Possible genetic associations were first investigated in a sample of N = 730 Chinese participants (n = 196 females) using buccal cells to extract the DNA for genotyping. To replicate the findings we carried out a parallelized investigation in a sample of N = 585 German participants (n = 399 females). Chinese and German versions of the TRIM-12 and the Vengeance Scale were implemented to assess individual differences in tendencies to react to a transgression. Results show that Met allele carriers of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism (Val/Met and Met/Met) score significantly higher on the tendency to avoid a transgressor in the Chinese male and female samples, with an especially pronounced effect in the female subgroup. The same effect could be found in the German sample, again especially in females. Additionally, carrying a Met allele was associated with higher vengefulness in the Chinese sample only, especially in males. The present findings indicate that the COMT Val158Met polymorphism might influence individual differences in the motivation to avoid transgressors across cultures, especially in females. However, its association with vengefulness seems to be more complex and may exhibit some cultural and gender specific effects.

Association of Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT Val158Met) with future risk of cardiovascular disease in depressed individuals - a Swedish population-based cohort study

Background

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT Val¹⁵⁸Met) has been implicated in both depression and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study was to assess if COMT Val¹⁵⁸Met, which influences the COMT enzyme activity, has an effect on the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in individuals with a history of depression and also to determine if the risk differs depending on gender.

Methods

Data from a longitudinal cohort study of mental health among Swedish adults was used. Depression was assessed twice 3 years apart for each participant, in 1998–2001 and 2001–2003. Saliva DNA was contributed by 4349 (41.7%) of the participants and 3525 was successfully genotyped for COMT Val¹⁵⁸Met. Participants were followed up until December 2014 from the National Patient register with regard to cardiovascular outcomes (hypertensive or ischemic heart disease, and stroke).

Results

Those with depression and the high COMT enzyme activity genotype (Val/Val) had almost a three-fold increased risk of later CVD (OR 3.6; 95% CI: 2.0-6.6) compared to those non-depressed carrying the Val/Val allele. This effect on risk for CVD was higher in women compared to men (OR 7.0; 95% CI: 3.0-14.0 versus OR 2.1; 95% CI: 1.0-6.8). Both additive interaction (attributable proportion (AP) = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.24-0.90 and synergy index (SI) = 4.39; 1.0-18.7) and multiplicative interaction (log likelihood test p = 0.1) was present between depression and COMT Val¹⁵⁸Met in predicting risk of later CVD.

Conclusion

High COMT activity genotype Val¹⁵⁸Met increased the risk of CVD in depressed persons. The risk was higher in women compared to men.

Genetic markers of dopaminergic transmission predict performance for older males but not females

Mobility and memory declines with aging can limit independence. Several single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been associated with cognitive performance, but studies investigating motor function are scant. We examined 4 single-nucleotide polymorphisms involved in dopaminergic metabolism: BDNF (Val66Met), DRD3 (Ser9Gly), DBH (C>T), and COMT (Val158Met) for their relationship to motor and cognitive function in healthy older adults (n = 4605 and n = 7331) who participated in the U.S. Health and Retirement Study. Individuals with genotypes associated with reduced dopamine metabolism exhibited poorer balance and memory. We found the most pronounced effects in the oldest participants (aged 85+ years), supporting the notion that age-related declines in dopamine availability contribute to magnified genotype effects with advancing age. Moreover, males demonstrated stronger associations than did females between a number of beneficial dopamine alleles and cognitive scores, suggesting that sex differences in dopaminergic transmission interact with genotype to influence performance. These findings point to common genetic variants related to dopaminergic metabolism that characterizes individual differences in motor and cognitive function in older adults.

Differential COMT expression and behavioral effects of COMT inhibition in male and female Wistar and alcohol preferring rats

Polymorphisms of the catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene have been associated with alcoholism, suggesting that alterations in the metabolism of catecholamines may be a critical component of the neuropathology of alcoholism. In the current experiments, the COMT inhibitor tolcapone was utilized in an operant behavioral model of reinforcer-seeking and drinking to determine if this compound was capable of remediating the excessive seeking and drinking phenotype of the alcohol-preferring P rat. Tolcapone was administered to male and female alcohol-reinforced P and Wistar rats. Additionally, tolcapone was administered to male sucrose-reinforced P and Wistar rats to determine if its effects also extended to a natural reinforcer. Animals were trained to make an operant response that resulted in 20 min uninterrupted access to the reinforcer solutions. Tolcapone had no effect in female rats on either seeking or consumption of ethanol. However, reductions of both reinforcer seeking and consumption were observed in male P rats, but only of seeking in Wistars. In separate experiments, using reinforcer naïve male and female animals, COMT expression was assessed via Western Blot analysis. Sex differences in COMT expression were also observed, where male P rats exhibited a marked reduction in protein expression relative to females in the PFC. Sex differences were not observed for Wistars or in the striatum and hippocampus. These data complement our previous findings in which tolcapone reduced cue-evoked responses in P rats and further suggest clinical utility of COMT inhibitors in the treatment of addiction disorders, specifically in male high drinkers.

The divergent impact of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met genetic polymorphisms on executive function in adolescents with discrete patterns of childhood adversity

PURPOSE

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val¹⁵⁸Met functional polymorphisms play a crucial role in the development of executive function (EF), but their effect may be moderated by environmental factors such as childhood adversity. The present study aimed at testing the divergent impact of the COMT Val¹⁵⁸Met genotype on EF in non-clinical adolescents with discrete patterns of childhood adversity.

METHODS

A total of 341 participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, the self-reported version of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, and self-administered questionnaires on familial function. The participants' COMT Val¹⁵⁸Met genotype was determined. Associations among the variables were explored using latent class analysis and general linear models.

RESULTS

We found that Val/Val homozygotes showed significantly worse performance on behavioral shift, relative to Met allele carriers (F=5.921, p=0.015, Partial η²=0.018). Moreover, three typical patterns of childhood adversity, namely, low childhood adversity (23.5%), childhood neglect (59.8%), and high childhood adversity (16.7%), were found. Both childhood neglect and high childhood adversity had a negative impact on each aspect of EF and on global EF performance. Importantly, these results provided evidence for significant interaction effects, as adolescents with the Val/Val genotype showed inferior behavioral shift performance than Met carriers (F=6.647, p=0.010, Partial η²=0.020) in the presence of high childhood adversity. Furthermore, there were no differences between the genotypes for childhood neglect and low childhood adversity.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this is the first study to show that an interaction between the COMT genotype and childhood adversity affects EF in non-clinical adolescents. These results suggest that the COMT genotype may operate as a susceptibility gene vulnerable to an adverse environment.

A genetic variant in the catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) gene is related to age-dependent differences in the therapeutic effect of calcium-channel blockers

Hypertension is the leading risk factor for cardiovascular disease and one of the major health concerns worldwide. Genetic factors impact both the risk for hypertension and the therapeutic effect of antihypertensive drugs. Sex- and age-specific variances in the prevalence of hypertension are partly induced by estrogen. We investigated 6 single nucleotide polymorphisms in genes encoding enzymes involved in estrogen metabolism in relation to sex- and age-specific differences in the systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP and DBP) outcome under the treatment of diuretics, calcium-channel blockers (CCBs), angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors, and angiotensin-receptor blockers (ARBs).We included 5064 subjects (age: 40-82) from the population-based CoLaus cohort. Participants were genotyped for the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene (COMT) variants rs4680, rs737865, and rs165599; the uridine-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1A gene family (UGT1A) variants rs2070959 and rs887829; and the aromatase gene (CYP19A1) variant rs10046. Binomial and linear regression analyses were performed correcting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, diabetes, and antihypertensive therapy to test whether the variants in focus are significantly associated with BP.All investigated COMT variants were strongly associated with the effect of diuretics, CCBs, and ARBs on SBP or DBP (P < .05), showing an additive effect when occurring in combination. After Bonferroni correction the polymorphism rs4680 (ValMet) in COMT was significantly associated with lower SBP in participants treated with CCBs (P = .009) with an especially strong impact in elderly individuals (age ≥ 70) alone (Δ = -14.08 mm Hg, P = .0005).These results underline the important role of estrogens and catecholamines in hypertension and the importance of genotype dependent, age-related adjustments of calcium-channel blocker treatment.

Association of Catechol-O-methyltransferase polymorphism Val158Met and mammographic density: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The Val158Met polymorphism in catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme reduces the methylation of catechol estrogens, which may affect mammographic density. High mammographic density is a known risk factor of breast cancer. Our aim was to perform meta-analysis of the effect of COMT Val158Met polymorphism on mammographic density.

METHODS

Original studies reporting data on mammographic density, stratified by the presence of COMT Val158Met polymorphism, were identified and combined using genetic models Met/Val vs. Val/Val, Met/Met vs. Val/Val, Val/Met+Met/Met vs. Val/Val (dominant model) and Met/Met vs. Val/Met+Val/Val (recessive model). Subgroup analyses by breast cancer status, menopausal status and use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were also performed.

RESULTS

Eight studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall effect in percent mammographic density was -1.41 (CI -2.86 to 0.05; P=0.06) in the recessive model. Exclusion of breast cancer patients increased the effect size to -1.93 (CI -3.49 to -0.37; P=0.02). The results suggested opposite effect of COMT Val158Met for postmenopausal users of HRT versus premenopausal women or postmenopausal non-users of HRT.

CONCLUSIONS

COMT Val158Met polymorphism may be associated with mammographic density at least in healthy women. Menopausal status and HRT should be taken into account in future studies to avoid masking of the underlying effects.

Anthropometric measures and serum estrogen metabolism in postmenopausal women: the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Several anthropometric measures have been associated with hormone-related cancers. However, it is unknown whether estrogen metabolism plays an important role in these relationships. We examined whether measured current body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), height, and self-reported BMI at age 18 years were associated with serum estrogens/estrogen metabolites using baseline, cross-sectional data from 1835 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study.

METHODS

Fifteen estrogens/estrogen metabolites were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Geometric means (GMs) of estrogens/estrogen metabolites (in picomoles per liter) were estimated using inverse probability weighted linear regression, adjusting for potential confounders and stratified on menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use.

RESULTS

Among never or former MHT users, current BMI (≥30 vs. <25 kg/m²) was positively associated with parent estrogens (multivariable adjusted GM 432 vs. 239 pmol/L for estrone, 74 vs. 46 pmol/L for estradiol; p-trend < 0.001 for both) and all of the 2-, 4-, and 16-pathway estrogen metabolites evaluated (all p-trend ≤ 0.02). After additional adjustment for estradiol, unconjugated methylated 2-catechols were inversely associated (e.g., 2-methoxyestrone multivariable GM 9.3 vs. 12.0 pmol/L; p-trend < 0.001). Among current MHT users, current BMI was not associated with parent estrogens but was inversely associated with methylated catechols (e.g., 2-methoxyestrone multivariable GM 216 vs. 280 pmol/L; p-trend = 0.008). Similar patterns of association were found with WHR; however, the associations were not independent of BMI. Height and BMI at age 18 years were not associated with postmenopausal estrogens/estrogen metabolite levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that postmenopausal BMI is associated with increased circulating levels of parent estrogens and reduced methylation of catechol estrogen metabolites, the estrogen metabolism patterns that have previously been associated with higher breast cancer risk.

Influence of COMT Val158Met polymorphism on emotional decision-making: A sex-dependent relationship?

The biological underpinnings of sex-related differences in decision-making are still under-explored. The COMT gene is related to sexual dimorphism and with different choices made under uncertainty, albeit no study has specifically investigated a moderation effect of sex on the association between the COMT gene and the performance on decision-making paradigms. In this study, we investigated the influence of the COMT Val¹⁵⁸Met polymorphism on Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) performance depending on sex in a healthy adult sample. Participants were 192 healthy adults (84 men and 108 women). The first 40 choices in the IGT were considered decisions under ambiguity and the last 60 choices decisions under risk. To test our moderation hypothesis we used a separate regressions approach. The results revealed a sex-dependent effect of COMT Va l¹⁵⁸Met polymorphism on decision-making as measured by the IGT. Val/Val women showed the best performance in the last trials of the IGT. Therefore, the COMT Val¹⁵⁸Met polymorphism may be considered a genetic marker underlying sex differences in decision-making.

COMT and DAT1 genes are associated with hyperactivity and inattention traits in the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort: evidence of sex-specific combined effect

BACKGROUND

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms are dimensionally distributed in the population. This study aimed to assess the role of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and of the dopamine transporter (DAT1) genes on ADHD symptoms in the general population.

METHODS

We investigated 4101 individuals from the 1993 Pelotas Birth Cohort Study using the parent version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) at ages 11 and 15 years. The SDQ hyperactivity/inattention scores were the main outcomes.

RESULTS

Linear regression analyses demonstrated that the increasing number of COMT158Val and DAT1 10R alleles significantly predicted increasing SDQ hyperactivity/inattention scores in boys at both 11 and 15 years of age (β coefficient = 0.049, t = 2.189, p = 0.029, R² = 0.012, and β coefficient = 0.064, t = 2.832, p = 0.005, R² = 0.008, respectively). The presence of both COMT158Val and DAT1 10R alleles was also associated with full categorical ADHD diagnosis at 18 years of age in boys (χ² = 4.561, p = 0.033, odds ratio 2.473, 95% confidence interval 1.048-5.838) from this cohort. We did not observe these associations in girls.

LIMITATIONS

Our analyses of SDQ hyperactivity/inattention scores were not corrected for SDQ scores of conduct problems because these variables were highly correlated.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a role for COMT and DAT1 genes on hyperactivity/inattention symptoms and provides further support for ADHD as the extreme of traits that vary in the population. It also confirms previous evidence for sexual dimorphism on COMT and DAT1 gene expression.

Polymorphisms in the estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1), daily cycling estrogen and mammographic density phenotypes

Background

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) involved in the estrogen pathway and SNPs in the estrogen receptor alpha gene (ESR1 6q25) have been linked to breast cancer development, and mammographic density is an established breast cancer risk factor. Whether there is an association between daily estradiol levels, SNPs in ESR1 and premenopausal mammographic density phenotypes is unknown.

Methods

We assessed estradiol in daily saliva samples throughout an entire menstrual cycle in 202 healthy premenopausal women in the Norwegian Energy Balance and Breast Cancer Aspects I study. DNA was genotyped using the Illumina Golden Gate platform. Mammograms were taken between days 7 and 12 of the menstrual cycle, and digitized mammographic density was assessed using a computer-assisted method (Madena). Multivariable regression models were used to study the association between SNPs in ESR1, premenopausal mammographic density phenotypes and daily cycling estradiol.

Results

We observed inverse linear associations between the minor alleles of eight measured SNPs (rs3020364, rs2474148, rs12154178, rs2347867, rs6927072, rs2982712, rs3020407, rs9322335) and percent mammographic density (p-values: 0.002–0.026), these associations were strongest in lean women (BMI, ≤23.6 kg/m^2.). The odds of above-median percent mammographic density (>28.5 %) among women with major homozygous genotypes were 3–6 times higher than those of women with minor homozygous genotypes in seven SNPs. Women with rs3020364 major homozygous genotype had an OR of 6.46 for above-median percent mammographic density (OR: 6.46; 95 % Confidence Interval 1.61, 25.94) when compared to women with the minor homozygous genotype. These associations were not observed in relation to absolute mammographic density. No associations between SNPs and daily cycling estradiol were observed. However, we suggest, based on results of borderline significance (p values: 0.025–0.079) that the level of 17β-estradiol for women with the minor genotype for rs3020364, rs24744148 and rs2982712 were lower throughout the cycle in women with low (<28.5 %) percent mammographic density and higher in women with high (>28.5 %) percent mammographic density, when compared to women with the major genotype.

Conclusion

Our results support an association between eight selected SNPs in the ESR1 gene and percent mammographic density. The results need to be confirmed in larger studies.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-016-2804-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Catechol-O-methyltransferase val(158)met Polymorphism Interacts with Sex to Affect Face Recognition Ability

The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) val158met polymorphism affects the breakdown of synaptic dopamine. Consequently, this polymorphism has been associated with a variety of neurophysiological and behavioral outcomes. Some of the effects have been found to be sex-specific and it appears estrogen may act to down-regulate the activity of the COMT enzyme. The dopaminergic system has been implicated in face recognition, a form of cognition for which a female advantage has typically been reported. This study aimed to investigate potential joint effects of sex and COMT genotype on face recognition. A sample of 142 university students was genotyped and assessed using the Faces I subtest of the Wechsler Memory Scale - Third Edition (WMS-III). A significant two-way interaction between sex and COMT genotype on face recognition performance was found. Of the male participants, COMT val homozygotes and heterozygotes had significantly lower scores than met homozygotes. Scores did not differ between genotypes for female participants. While male val homozygotes had significantly lower scores than female val homozygotes, no sex differences were observed in the heterozygotes and met homozygotes. This study contributes to the accumulating literature documenting sex-specific effects of the COMT polymorphism by demonstrating a COMT-sex interaction for face recognition, and is consistent with a role for dopamine in face recognition.

Sleep duration, depression, and oxytocinergic genotype influence prepulse inhibition of the startle reflex in postpartum women

The postpartum period is characterized by a post-withdrawal hormonal status, sleep deprivation, and susceptibility to affective disorders. Postpartum mothering involves automatic and attentional processes to screen out new external as well as internal stimuli. The present study investigated sensorimotor gating in relation to sleep duration, depression, as well as catecholaminergic and oxytocinergic genotypes in postpartum women. Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle reflex and startle reactivity were assessed two months postpartum in 141 healthy and 29 depressed women. The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met, and oxytocin receptor (OXTR) rs237885 and rs53576 polymorphisms were genotyped, and data on sleep duration were collected. Short sleep duration (less than four hours in the preceding night) and postpartum depression were independently associated with lower PPI. Also, women with postpartum depression had higher startle reactivity in comparison with controls. The OXTR rs237885 genotype was related to PPI in an allele dose-dependent mode, with T/T healthy postpartum women carriers displaying the lowest PPI. Reduced sensorimotor gating was associated with sleep deprivation and depressive symptoms during the postpartum period. Individual neurophysiological vulnerability might be mediated by oxytocinergic genotype which relates to bonding and stress response. These findings implicate the putative relevance of lower PPI of the startle response as an objective physiological correlate of liability to postpartum depression.

Longitudinal study of premorbid adjustment in 22q11.2 deletion (velocardiofacial) syndrome and association with psychosis

Velocardiofacial syndrome, also known as 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), is associated with an increased risk of major psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The emergence of psychotic symptoms in individuals with schizophrenia in the general population is often preceded by a premorbid period of poor or worsening social and/or academic functioning. Our current study evaluated premorbid adjustment (via the Cannon-Spoor Premorbid Adjustment Scale [PAS]) and psychotic symptoms (via the Structured Interview for Prodromal Symptoms and the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version) in youth with 22q11DS (N = 96), unaffected siblings (N = 40), and community controls (N = 50). The PAS scores indicated greater maladjustment during all developmental periods in individuals with 22q11DS compared to the controls. Many participants with 22q11DS had chronically poor (n = 33) or deteriorating (n = 6) PAS scores. In 22q11DS, chronically poor PAS trajectories and poor childhood and early adolescence academic domain and total PAS scores significantly increased the risk of prodromal symptoms or overt psychosis. Taking into account the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genotype, the best predictor of (prodromal) psychosis was the early adolescence academic domain score, which yielded higher sensitivity and specificity in the subgroup of youth with 22q11DS and the high-activity (valine) allele. PAS scores may help identify individuals at higher risk for psychosis.