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Kim D, Yadav D, Song M. An updated review on animal models to study attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:187. [PMID: 38605002 PMCID: PMC11009407 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02893-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder affecting both children and adolescents. Individuals with ADHD experience heterogeneous problems, such as difficulty in attention, behavioral hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Recent studies have shown that complex genetic factors play a role in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. Animal models with clear hereditary traits are crucial for studying the molecular, biological, and brain circuit mechanisms underlying ADHD. Owing to their well-managed genetic origins and the relative simplicity with which the function of neuronal circuits is clearly established, models of mice can help learn the mechanisms involved in ADHD. Therefore, in this review, we highlighting the important genetic animal models that can be used to study ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daegeon Kim
- Department of Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, South Korea
| | - Dhananjay Yadav
- Department of Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, South Korea
| | - Minseok Song
- Department of Life Science, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan-si, South Korea.
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2
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Radkowska-Walkowicz M, Maciejewska-Mroczek E. 'Should I Buy Her a Doll'? Motherhood and Turner Syndrome in Poland. Med Anthropol 2023; 42:177-190. [PMID: 36705567 DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2023.2170797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic condition that affects only girls and women, leading to health issues including infertility. Patients usually require recombinant growth hormone, and sex hormone therapy. Based on our anthropological research in Poland, we posit questions regarding the management of societal expectations by female parents regarding the femininity of their daughters, especially within the context of infertility. We query: Is it possible to understand TS and its consequences as not only being an obstacle to future plans, but also having emancipatory potential? To answer this question, we refer to the concept of hope and analyze the interpretative work of mothers of girls with TS.
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3
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Turner syndrome is the most common sex chromosome abnormality in female individuals, affecting 1/2000-1/2500 female newborns. Despite the high incidence of this condition, the mechanisms underlying the development of multiorgan dysfunction have not been elucidated. RECENT FINDINGS Clinical features involve multiple organ systems and include short stature, dysmorphic facial features, delayed puberty and gonadal failure, cardiac and renal abnormalities, audiologic abnormalities, and a high prevalence of endocrine and autoimmune disorders. Paucity of available genotype/phenotype correlation limits the ability of clinicians to provide accurate guidance and management. Given the advent of robust genetic testing and analysis platforms, developments in the genetic basis of disease are materializing at a rapid pace. SUMMARY The objective of this review is to highlight the recent advances in knowledge and to provide a framework with which to apply new data to the foundational understanding of the condition.
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4
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Ebeling PR, Nguyen HH, Aleksova J, Vincent AJ, Wong P, Milat F. Secondary Osteoporosis. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:240-313. [PMID: 34476488 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a global public health problem, with fractures contributing to significant morbidity and mortality. Although postmenopausal osteoporosis is most common, up to 30% of postmenopausal women, > 50% of premenopausal women, and between 50% and 80% of men have secondary osteoporosis. Exclusion of secondary causes is important, as treatment of such patients often commences by treating the underlying condition. These are varied but often neglected, ranging from endocrine to chronic inflammatory and genetic conditions. General screening is recommended for all patients with osteoporosis, with advanced investigations reserved for premenopausal women and men aged < 50 years, for older patients in whom classical risk factors for osteoporosis are absent, and for all patients with the lowest bone mass (Z-score ≤ -2). The response of secondary osteoporosis to conventional anti-osteoporosis therapy may be inadequate if the underlying condition is unrecognized and untreated. Bone densitometry, using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, may underestimate fracture risk in some chronic diseases, including glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and obesity, and may overestimate fracture risk in others (eg, Turner syndrome). FRAX and trabecular bone score may provide additional information regarding fracture risk in secondary osteoporosis, but their use is limited to adults aged ≥ 40 years and ≥ 50 years, respectively. In addition, FRAX requires adjustment in some chronic conditions, such as glucocorticoid use, type 2 diabetes, and HIV. In most conditions, evidence for antiresorptive or anabolic therapy is limited to increases in bone mass. Current osteoporosis management guidelines also neglect secondary osteoporosis and these existing evidence gaps are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter R Ebeling
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Hanh H Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Western Health, Victoria 3011, Australia
| | - Jasna Aleksova
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Amanda J Vincent
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Phillip Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | - Frances Milat
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia.,Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
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5
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Davenport ML, Cornea E, Xia K, Crowley JJ, Halvorsen MW, Goldman BD, Reinhartsen D, DeRamus M, Pretzel R, Styner M, Gilmore JH, Hooper SR, Knickmeyer RC. Altered Brain Structure in Infants with Turner Syndrome. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:587-596. [PMID: 31216015 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic disorder affecting approximately 1:2000 live-born females. It results from partial or complete X monosomy and is associated with a range of clinical issues including a unique cognitive profile and increased risk for certain behavioral problems. Structural neuroimaging studies in adolescents, adults, and older children with TS have revealed altered neuroanatomy but are unable to identify when in development differences arise. In addition, older children and adults have often been exposed to years of growth hormone and/or exogenous estrogen therapy with potential implications for neurodevelopment. The study presented here is the first to test whether brain structure is altered in infants with TS. Twenty-six infants with TS received high-resolution structural MRI scans of the brain at 1 year of age and were compared to 47 typically developing female and 39 typically developing male infants. Results indicate that the typical neuroanatomical profile seen in older individuals with TS, characterized by decreased gray matter volumes in premotor, somatosensory, and parietal-occipital cortex, is already present at 1 year of age, suggesting a stable phenotype with origins in the prenatal or early postnatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Davenport
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - E Cornea
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - K Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - J J Crowley
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - M W Halvorsen
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - B D Goldman
- Frank Porter Graham Child Development Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA.,Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - D Reinhartsen
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - M DeRamus
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - R Pretzel
- Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - M Styner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA.,Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - J H Gilmore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - S R Hooper
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA.,Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA
| | - R C Knickmeyer
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Michigan State University, North Carolina, 27599, USA.,Institute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.,Center for Research on Autism, Intellectual and other Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (C-RAIND) Fellow, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, 48824, USA
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6
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Nguyen HH, Milat F, Vincent AJ. New insights into the diagnosis and management of bone health in premature ovarian insufficiency. Climacteric 2021; 24:481-490. [PMID: 33955314 DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2021.1917539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), defined as a loss of ovarian function before the age of 40 years, is a life-changing diagnosis that has numerous long-term consequences. Musculoskeletal complications, including osteoporosis and fractures, are a key concern for women with POI. The risk of bone loss is influenced by the underlying etiology of POI, and the degree and duration of estrogen deficiency. A decline in muscle mass as a result of estrogen and androgen deficiency may contribute to skeletal fragility, but has not been examined in women with POI. This article aims to review musculoskeletal health in POI; summarize the traditional and novel modalities available to screen for skeletal fragility and muscle dysfunction; and provide updated evidence for available management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Western Health, St. Albans, VIC, Australia
| | - F Milat
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Metabolic Bone Research Group, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - A J Vincent
- Department of Endocrinology, Monash Health, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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7
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Davies W. The contribution of Xp22.31 gene dosage to Turner and Klinefelter syndromes and sex-biased phenotypes. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104169. [PMID: 33610733 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a rare developmental condition in females caused by complete, or partial, loss of the second sex chromosome; it is associated with a number of phenotypes including short stature, ovarian failure and infertility, as well as neurobehavioural and cognitive manifestations. In contrast, Klinefelter syndrome (KS) arises from an excess of X chromosome material in males (typical karyotype is 47,XXY); like TS, KS is associated with infertility and hormonal imbalance, and behavioural/neurocognitive differences from gonadal sex-matched counterparts. Lower dosage of genes that escape X-inactivation may partially explain TS phenotypes, whilst overdosage of these genes may contribute towards KS-related symptoms. Here, I discuss new findings from individuals with deletions or duplications limited to Xp22.31 (a region escaping X-inactivation), and consider the extent to which altered gene dosage within this small interval (and of the steroid sulfatase (STS) gene in particular) may influence the phenotypic profiles of TS and KS. The expression of X-escapees can be higher in female than male tissues; I conclude by considering how lower Xp22.31 gene dosage in males may increase their likelihood of exhibiting particular phenotypes relative to females. Understanding the genetic contribution to specific phenotypes in rare disorders such as TS and KS, and to more common sex-biased phenotypes, will be important for developing more effective, and more personalised, therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Davies
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences and Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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8
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Karalexi MA, Georgakis MK, Dimitriou NG, Vichos T, Katsimpris A, Petridou ET, Papadopoulos FC. Gender-affirming hormone treatment and cognitive function in transgender young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2020; 119:104721. [PMID: 32512250 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have examined whether steroid hormone treatment in transgender individuals may affect cognitive function; yet, their limited power does not allow firm conclusions to be drawn. We leveraged data from to-date literature aiming to explore the effect of gender-affirming hormone administration on cognitive function in transgender individuals. METHODS A search strategy of MEDLINE was developed (through June 1, 2019) using the key terms transgender, hormone therapy and cognitive function. Eligible were (i) cohort studies examining the longitudinal effect of hormone therapy on cognition, and (ii) cross-sectional studies comparing the cognitive function between treated and non-treated individuals. Standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) were pooled using random-effects models. Study quality was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. OUTCOMES Ten studies (seven cohort and three cross-sectional) were eligible representing 234 birth-assigned males (aM) and 150 birth-assigned females (aF). The synthesis of cohort studies (n = 5) for visuospatial ability following hormone treatment showed a statistically significant enhancement among aF (g = 0.55, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 0.29, 0.82) and an improvement with a trend towards statistical significance among aM (g = 0.28, 95%CI: -0.01, 0.58). By contrast, no adverse effects of hormone administration were shown. No heterogeneity was evident in most meta-analyses. INTERPRETATION Current evidence does not support an adverse impact of hormone therapy on cognitive function, whereas a statistically significant enhancing effect on visuospatial ability was shown in aF. New longitudinal studies with longer follow-up should explore the long-term effects of hormone therapy, especially the effects on younger individuals, where there is greater scarcity of data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Karalexi
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marios K Georgakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos G Dimitriou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Vichos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Katsimpris
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Th Petridou
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fotios C Papadopoulos
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden.
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9
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Bueichekú E, Aznárez-Sanado M, Diez I, d'Oleire Uquillas F, Ortiz-Terán L, Qureshi AY, Suñol M, Basaia S, Ortiz-Terán E, Pastor MA, Sepulcre J. Central neurogenetic signatures of the visuomotor integration system. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:6836-6843. [PMID: 32144139 PMCID: PMC7104395 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1912429117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Visuomotor impairments characterize numerous neurological disorders and neurogenetic syndromes, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Dravet, Fragile X, Prader-Willi, Turner, and Williams syndromes. Despite recent advances in systems neuroscience, the biological basis underlying visuomotor functional impairments associated with these clinical conditions is poorly understood. In this study, we used neuroimaging connectomic approaches to map the visuomotor integration (VMI) system in the human brain and investigated the topology approximation of the VMI network to the Allen Human Brain Atlas, a whole-brain transcriptome-wide atlas of cortical genetic expression. We found the genetic expression of four genes-TBR1, SCN1A, MAGEL2, and CACNB4-to be prominently associated with visuomotor integrators in the human cortex. TBR1 gene transcripts, an ASD gene whose expression is related to neural development of the cortex and the hippocampus, showed a central spatial allocation within the VMI system. Our findings delineate gene expression traits underlying the VMI system in the human cortex, where specific genes, such as TBR1, are likely to play a central role in its neuronal organization, as well as on specific phenotypes of neurogenetic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisenda Bueichekú
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Basic Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychobiology, Jaume I University, 12071 Castelló de la Plana, Spain
| | - Maite Aznárez-Sanado
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ibai Diez
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Neurotechnology Laboratory, Health Department, Tecnalia, E-48160 Derio, Spain
| | - Federico d'Oleire Uquillas
- Princeton Neuroscience Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, 08540
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Laura Ortiz-Terán
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Department of Radiology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston MA 02115
| | - Abid Y Qureshi
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 66160
| | - Maria Suñol
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge University Hospital, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in Mental Health Network, Carlos III Health Institute, 08907 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Basaia
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Ortiz-Terán
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Maria A Pastor
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jorge Sepulcre
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115;
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129
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10
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Lašaitė L, Krikščiūnienė R, Žilaitienė B, Verkauskienė R. Emotional state, cognitive functioning and quality of life of adult women with Turner syndrome in Lithuania. Growth Horm IGF Res 2019; 45:37-42. [PMID: 30921667 DOI: 10.1016/j.ghir.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM The aim was to analyze emotional state, cognitive functioning and quality of life (QoL) of adult women with Turner syndrome (TS) in Lithuania. PATIENTS AND METHODS Of all invited adult TS patients from Lithuanian TS database (n = 150), 68 (age 18-60, average 30.2 ± 9.0 years) agreed and were recruited for the study, as well as 68 age-matched healthy control women. Emotional state was evaluated by Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire, cognitive functioning by Trail Making Test and Digit Span Test (DST) of Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and QoL by WHO Brief Quality of Life Questionnaire (WHO QoL). RESULTS Patients with TS were of a significantly shorter stature (p < .001) than age-matched control women and than the 3rd percentile of the National Standards of Lithuania. After the adjustment for height, weight and body mass index (BMI), no significant differences in emotional state were detected, though without the adjustment, depression-dejection (p = .004) score was significantly higher in TS women than in age-matched controls. Significantly worse cognitive functioning (attention capacity, visual scanning abilities, executive function and psychomotor speed, p < .001), as well as worse psychological (p = .002) and social (p = .006) aspects of QoL were found after the adjustment for height, weight and BMI in adult women with TS than in age-matched controls. CONCLUSION In conclusion, after the adjustment for height, weight and BMI, adult women with Turner syndrome in Lithuania have impaired cognitive functioning and worse psychological and social aspects of QoL, but not emotional state and physical and environmental aspects of QoL in comparison to age-matched healthy women.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lašaitė
- Institute of Endocrinology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania.
| | | | - B Žilaitienė
- Institute of Endocrinology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - R Verkauskienė
- Institute of Endocrinology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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11
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Summarize the literature on the social skills and relationships of women with Turner syndrome and examine the biological and psychological factors that may contribute to social interaction difficulties. RECENT FINDINGS Turner syndrome is often associated with impaired social-cognitive processing and executive function deficits. These cognitive abnormalities, together with a range of physical differences, may adversely affect social communication skills, which typically begin to impair quality of life during early adolescence. Parental accounts of their daughter's social skills frequently highlight interaction problems, both in the home and beyond; in contrast, self-reports are usually far more positive. At present, we do not know the extent to which such self-reports reflect a lack of social awareness, or a lack of concern about social difficulties. SUMMARY Women with Turner syndrome are likely to experience social interaction challenges (especially in friendships and relationships) across the lifespan. Providing appropriate guidance and support to them demands a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.
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Hutaff-Lee C, Bennett E, Howell S, Tartaglia N. Clinical developmental, neuropsychological, and social-emotional features of Turner syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:126-134. [PMID: 30767374 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with Turner syndrome (TS) are at risk for a constellation of neurocognitive and psychosocial differences, although there is significant individual variability in these features. TS is associated with an increased risk for difficulties with visual-spatial reasoning, visual-spatial memory, attention, executive functioning, motor, and math skills. Additionally, increased rates of social difficulties, anxiety, and depression are observed. There can be significant interplay between all of these factors contributing to the behavioral phenotype. Neuropsychological features and previous research are reviewed. Clinical considerations and recommendations for evaluation and treatment of psychological and behavioral difficulties are provided, including consideration of medical features in TS, as well as therapies, educational supports, and medication treatment. Future research is needed to evaluate effectiveness of different treatments for neuropsychological and psychosocial features of TS, including modification and validation of existing evidence-based treatments and new approaches to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christa Hutaff-Lee
- Division of Neurology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado.,Department of Pediatrics, eXtraOrdinary Kids Turner Syndrome Clinic, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Elizabeth Bennett
- Department of Pediatrics, eXtraOrdinary Kids Turner Syndrome Clinic, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado.,Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Susan Howell
- Department of Pediatrics, eXtraOrdinary Kids Turner Syndrome Clinic, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado.,Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Nicole Tartaglia
- Department of Pediatrics, eXtraOrdinary Kids Turner Syndrome Clinic, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado.,Division of Developmental Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
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13
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Knickmeyer RC, Hooper SR. The deep biology of cognition: Moving toward a comprehensive neurodevelopmental model of Turner syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL GENETICS PART C-SEMINARS IN MEDICAL GENETICS 2019; 181:91-99. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.c.31679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C. Knickmeyer
- Department of Pediatrics and Human DevelopmentInstitute for Quantitative Health Sciences and Engineering, C‐RAIND Fellow, Michigan State University East Lansing Michigan
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina
| | - Stephen R. Hooper
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina
- Department of Allied Health SciencesUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill North Carolina
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14
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Shankar RK, Backeljauw PF. Current best practice in the management of Turner syndrome. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2018; 9:33-40. [PMID: 29344338 PMCID: PMC5761955 DOI: 10.1177/2042018817746291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is characterized by partial or complete loss of the second X-chromosome in phenotypic females resulting in a constellation of clinical findings that may include lymphedema, cardiac anomalies, short stature, primary ovarian failure and neurocognitive difficulties. Optimizing health care delivery is important to enable these individuals achieve their full potential. We review the current best practice management recommendations for individuals with TS focusing on the latest consensus opinion in regard to genetic diagnosis, treatment of short stature, estrogen supplementation, addressing psychosocial issues, as well screening for other comorbidities. A multidisciplinary approach and a well-planned transition to adult follow-up care will improve health care delivery significantly for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roopa Kanakatti Shankar
- Assistant Professor, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Philippe F Backeljauw
- Cincinnati Center for Pediatric and Adult Turner Syndrome Care, Professor, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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15
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Gravholt CH, Andersen NH, Conway GS, Dekkers OM, Geffner ME, Klein KO, Lin AE, Mauras N, Quigley CA, Rubin K, Sandberg DE, Sas TCJ, Silberbach M, Söderström-Anttila V, Stochholm K, van Alfen-van derVelden JA, Woelfle J, Backeljauw PF. Clinical practice guidelines for the care of girls and women with Turner syndrome: proceedings from the 2016 Cincinnati International Turner Syndrome Meeting. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 177:G1-G70. [PMID: 28705803 DOI: 10.1530/eje-17-0430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 588] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Turner syndrome affects 25-50 per 100,000 females and can involve multiple organs through all stages of life, necessitating multidisciplinary approach to care. Previous guidelines have highlighted this, but numerous important advances have been noted recently. These advances cover all specialty fields involved in the care of girls and women with TS. This paper is based on an international effort that started with exploratory meetings in 2014 in both Europe and the USA, and culminated with a Consensus Meeting held in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA in July 2016. Prior to this meeting, five groups each addressed important areas in TS care: 1) diagnostic and genetic issues, 2) growth and development during childhood and adolescence, 3) congenital and acquired cardiovascular disease, 4) transition and adult care, and 5) other comorbidities and neurocognitive issues. These groups produced proposals for the present guidelines. Additionally, four pertinent questions were submitted for formal GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) evaluation with a separate systematic review of the literature. These four questions related to the efficacy and most optimal treatment of short stature, infertility, hypertension, and hormonal replacement therapy. The guidelines project was initiated by the European Society for Endocrinology and the Pediatric Endocrine Society, in collaboration with The European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, The Endocrine Society, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, The American Heart Association, The Society for Endocrinology, and the European Society of Cardiology. The guideline has been formally endorsed by the European Society for Endocrinology, the Pediatric Endocrine Society, the European Society for Pediatric Endocrinology, the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology and the Endocrine Society. Advocacy groups appointed representatives who participated in pre-meeting discussions and in the consensus meeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus H Gravholt
- Departments of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine
- Departments of Molecular Medicine
| | - Niels H Andersen
- Departments of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gerard S Conway
- Department of Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Olaf M Dekkers
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mitchell E Geffner
- The Saban Research Institute, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Karen O Klein
- Rady Children's Hospital, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Angela E Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical Genetics Unit, Mass General Hospital for Children, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nelly Mauras
- Division of Endocrinology, Nemours Children's Health System, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | | | - Karen Rubin
- Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, Connecticut, USA
| | - David E Sandberg
- Division of Psychology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Theo C J Sas
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Silberbach
- Department of Pediatrics, Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | | | - Kirstine Stochholm
- Departments of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine
- Center for Rare Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Joachim Woelfle
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philippe F Backeljauw
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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Mao S, Sun L, Tu M, Zou C, Wang X. Cytogenetic and Clinical Features in Children Suspected With Congenital Abnormalities in 1 Medical Center of Zhejiang Province From 2011 to 2014. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e1857. [PMID: 26496335 PMCID: PMC4620764 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000001857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the detection rate of chromosome abnormalities in children suspected with congenital disorders in 1 single center, identify any differences according to different classification criteria, and try to enlighten the medical professionals what clinical features should be transferred for cytogenetic analysis.From January 1, 2011 to March 31, 2014, children who were suspected with chromosomal disorders were included. All the cytogenetic analyses were performed in the Medical Biology and Genetic Department Laboratory in Zhejiang DIAN Diagnostics. We evaluated the variants of clinical indications, and incidence and types of chromosomal abnormalities among groups.During the study period, 4129 samples were collected and analyzed. Among them, 769 children were detected with chromosome abnormalities, accounting for 18.62% of all referral cases. The ratio of sex-linked chromosomal abnormalities to autosomal ones was 1:3.2. The detection rates were 19.66% (365/1857) for boys and 17.78% (404/2272) for girls. Most of trisomy 21 were found before the age of 1 year old, while most of children with Turner syndrome were found after 6 years old. The group presenting with specific clinical stigmata had highest detection rate of 59.1%.We demonstrated the detection rates of chromosome abnormalities in children who were suspected with chromosomal disorders. Combined with previous report, we established a database of common chromosomal anomalies and the clinical features that could be useful for genetic counseling and remind the medical professionals what kind of patients should be transferred to genetic analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujiong Mao
- From the Department of Endocrinology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China (SM, MT, CZ, XW); Department of Pediatrics, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China (SM); and Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China (LS)
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17
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Freriks K, Verhaak CM, Sas TCJ, Menke LA, Wit JM, Otten BJ, de Muinck Keizer-Schrama SMPF, Smeets DFCM, Netea-Maier RT, Hermus ARMM, Kessels RPC, Timmers HJLM. Long-term effects of oxandrolone treatment in childhood on neurocognition, quality of life and social-emotional functioning in young adults with Turner syndrome. Horm Behav 2015; 69:59-67. [PMID: 25562712 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2014.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is the result of (partial) absence of one X-chromosome. Besides short stature, gonadal dysgenesis and other physical aspects, TS women have typical psychological features. Since psychological effects of androgen exposure in childhood probably are long-lasting, we explored long-term psychological functioning after oxandrolone (Ox) therapy during childhood in adults with TS in terms of neurocognition, quality of life and social-emotional functioning. During the initial study, girls were treated with growth hormone (GH) combined with placebo (Pl), Ox 0.03 mg/kg/day, or Ox 0.06 mg/kg/day from the age of eight, and estrogen from the age of twelve. Sixty-eight women participated in the current double-blinded follow-up study (mean age 24.0 years, mean time since stopping GH/Ox 8.7 years). We found no effects on neurocognition. Concerning quality of life women treated with Ox had higher anxiety levels (STAI 37.4 ± 8.4 vs 31.8 ± 5.0, p=0.002) and higher scores on the depression subscale of the SCL-90-R (25.7 ± 10.7 vs 20.5 ± 4.7, p=0.01). Regarding social-emotional functioning, emotion perception for fearful faces was lower in the Ox-treated patients, without effect on interpersonal behavior. Our exploratory study is the first to suggest that androgen treatment in adolescence possibly has long-term effects on adult quality of life and social-emotional functioning. However, differences are small and clinical implications of our results seem limited. Therefore we would not recommend against the use of Ox in light of psychological consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Freriks
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, 471, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - C M Verhaak
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, 118/925, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - T C J Sas
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus Medical Centre/Sophia Children's Hospital, Dr. Molewaterplein 60, 3015 GJ Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Pediatrics, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, P.O. Box 444, 3300 AK Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L A Menke
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, J6S, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - J M Wit
- Department of Pediatrics, Leiden University Medical Center, J6S, P.O. Box 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - B J Otten
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud University Medical Center, 804, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S M P F de Muinck Keizer-Schrama
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus Medical Centre/Sophia Children's Hospital, Dr. Molewaterplein 60, 3015 GJ Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D F C M Smeets
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, 848, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R T Netea-Maier
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, 471, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A R M M Hermus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, 471, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R P C Kessels
- Department of Medical Psychology, Radboud University Medical Center, 118/925, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Centre of Excellence for Korsakoff and Alcohol-Related Cognitive Disorders, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - H J L M Timmers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Radboud University Medical Center, 471, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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18
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Roelofs RL, Wingbermühle E, Freriks K, Verhaak CM, Kessels RPC, Egger JIM. Alexithymia, emotion perception, and social assertiveness in adult women with Noonan and Turner syndromes. Am J Med Genet A 2015; 167A:768-76. [PMID: 25711203 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Noonan syndrome (NS) and Turner syndrome (TS) are associated with cognitive problems and difficulties in affective information processing. While both phenotypes include short stature, facial dysmorphisms, and a webbed neck, genetic etiology and neuropsychological phenotype differ significantly. The present study examines putative differences in affective information processing and social assertiveness between adult women with NS and TS. Twenty-six women with NS, 40 women with TS, and 40 female controls were matched on age and intelligence, and subsequently compared on (1) alexithymia, measured by the Bermond-Vorst Alexithymia Questionnaire, (2) emotion perception, evaluated by the Emotion Recognition Task, and (3) social assertiveness and social discomfort, assessed by the Scale for Interpersonal Behavior. Women with TS showed higher levels of alexithymia than women with NS and controls (P-values < 0.001), whereas women with NS had more trouble recognizing angry facial expressions in comparison with controls (P = 0.01). No significant group differences were found for the frequency of social assertiveness and the level of social discomfort. Women with NS and TS demonstrated different patterns of impairment in affective information processing, in terms of alexithymia and emotion perception. The present findings suggest neuropsychological phenotyping to be helpful for the diagnosis of specific cognitive-affective deficits in genetic syndromes, for the enhancement of genetic counseling, and for the development of personalized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renée L Roelofs
- Centre of Excellence for Neuropsychiatry, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands; Centre of Excellence for Korsakoff and Alcohol-Related Cognitive Disorders, Vincent van Gogh Institute for Psychiatry, Venray, the Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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19
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Davies W. Sex differences in attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: candidate genetic and endocrine mechanisms. Front Neuroendocrinol 2014; 35:331-46. [PMID: 24680800 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2014.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a developmental condition characterised by severe inattention, pathological impulsivity and hyperactivity; it is relatively common affecting up to 6% of children, and is associated with a risk of long-term adverse educational and social consequences. Males are considerably more likely to be diagnosed with ADHD than females; the course of the disorder and its associated co-morbidities also appear to be sensitive to sex. Here, I discuss fundamental biological (genetic and endocrine) mechanisms that have been shown to, or could theoretically, contribute towards these sexually dimorphic phenomena. Greater understanding of how and why the sexes differ with respect to ADHD vulnerability should allow us to identify and characterise novel protective and risk factors for the disorder, and should ultimately facilitate improved diagnosis, prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Davies
- Behavioural Genetics Group, Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Schools of Psychology and Medicine, Cardiff University, Tower Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK; Medical Research Council Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK.
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20
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The influence of steroid sex hormones on the cognitive and emotional processing of visual stimuli in humans. Front Neuroendocrinol 2013; 34:315-28. [PMID: 23988462 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2013.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Steroid sex hormones are responsible for some of the differences between men and women. In this article, I review evidence that steroid sex hormones impact on visual processing. Given prominent sex-differences, I focus on three topics for sex hormone effects for which there is most research available: 1. Preference and mate choice, 2. Emotion and recognition, and 3. Cerebral/perceptual asymmetries and visual-spatial abilities. For each topic, researchers have examined sex hormones and visual processing using various methods. I review indirect evidence addressing variation according to: menstrual cycle phase, pregnancy, puberty, and menopause. I further address studies of variation in testosterone and a measure of prenatal testosterone, 2D:4D, on visual processing. The most conclusive evidence, however, comes from experiments. Studies in which hormones are administrated are discussed. Overall, many studies demonstrate that sex steroids are associated with visual processing. However, findings are sometimes inconsistent, differences in methodology make strong comparisons between studies difficult, and we generally know more about activational than organizational effects.
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21
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Using mouse models to investigate sex-linked genetic effects on brain, behaviour and vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders. Brain Res Bull 2013; 92:12-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 06/17/2011] [Accepted: 06/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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22
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Lepage JF, Mazaika PK, Hong DS, Raman M, Reiss AL. Cortical brain morphology in young, estrogen-naive, and adolescent, estrogen-treated girls with Turner syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 23:2159-68. [PMID: 22806268 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhs195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic condition that permits direct investigation of the complex interaction among genes, hormones, behavior, and brain development. Here, we used automated segmentation and surface-based morphometry to characterize the differences in brain morphology in children (n = 30) and adolescents (n = 16) with TS relative to age- and sex-matched control groups (n = 21 and 24, respectively). Our results show that individuals with TS, young and adolescent, present widespread reduction of gray matter volume, white matter volume and surface area (SA) over both parietal and occipital cortices bilaterally, as well as enlarged amygdala. In contrast to the young cohort, adolescents with TS showed significantly larger mean cortical thickness and significantly smaller total SA compared with healthy controls. Exploratory developmental analyses suggested aberrant regional brain maturation in the parahippocampal gyrus and orbitofrontal regions from childhood to adolescence in TS. These findings show the existence of abnormal brain morphology early in development in TS, but also suggest the presence of altered neurodevelopmental trajectories in some regions, which could potentially be the consequences of estrogen deficiency, both pre- and postnatally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Francois Lepage
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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23
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Temple CM, Shephard EE. Exceptional lexical skills but executive language deficits in school starters and young adults with Turners syndrome: implications for X chromosome effects on brain function. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2012; 120:345-359. [PMID: 22240237 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2011.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2011] [Revised: 11/23/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
TS school starters had enhanced receptive and expressive language on standardised assessment (CELF-P) and enhanced rhyme judgements, spoonerisms, and lexical decision, indicating enhanced phonological skills and word representations. There was marginal but consistent advantage across lexico-semantic tasks. On executive tasks, speeded naming of numbers was impaired but not pictures. Young TS adults had enhanced naming and receptive vocabulary, indicating enhanced semantic skills. There were consistent deficits in executive language: phonemic oral fluency, rhyme fluency, speeded naming of pictures, numbers and colours; sentence completion requiring supression of prepotent responses. Haploinsufficiency of X-chromosome drives mechanisms that affect the anatomical and neurochemical development of the brain, resulting in enhanced temporal lobe aspects of language. These strengths co-exist with impaired development of frontal lobe executive language systems. This means not only that these elements of language can decouple in development but that their very independence is driven by mechanisms linked to the X-chromosome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Temple
- Developmental Neuropsychology Unit, Department of Psychology, University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester CO7 9JU, UK.
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24
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Yamagata B, Barnea-Goraly N, Marzelli MJ, Park Y, Hong DS, Mimura M, Reiss AL. White matter aberrations in prepubertal estrogen-naive girls with monosomic Turner syndrome. Cereb Cortex 2011; 22:2761-8. [PMID: 22172580 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhr355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) offers a unique opportunity to investigate associations among genes, the brain, and cognitive phenotypes. In this study, we used 3 complementary analyses of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) data (whole brain, region of interest, and fiber tractography) and a whole brain volumetric imaging technique to investigate white matter (WM) structure in prepubertal, nonmosaic, estrogen-naive girls with TS compared with age and sex matched typically developing controls. The TS group demonstrated significant WM aberrations in brain regions implicated in visuospatial abilities, face processing, and sensorimotor and social abilities compared with controls. Extensive spatial overlap between regions of aberrant WM structure (from DTI) and regions of aberrant WM volume were observed in TS. Our findings indicate that complete absence of an X chromosome in young females (prior to receiving exogenous estrogen) is associated with WM aberrations in specific regions implicated in characteristic cognitive features of TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bun Yamagata
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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25
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Lepage JF, Clouchoux C, Lassonde M, Evans AC, Deal CL, Théoret H. Abnormal motor cortex excitability is associated with reduced cortical thickness in X monosomy. Hum Brain Mapp 2011; 34:936-44. [PMID: 22102524 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.21481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 09/09/2011] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a noninherited genetic disorder caused by the absence of one or part of one X chromosome. It is characterized by physical and cognitive phenotypes that include motor deficits that may be related to neuroanatomical abnormalities of sensorimotor pathways. Here, we used transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and cortical thickness analysis to assess motor cortex excitability and cortical morphology in 17 individuals with TS (45, X) and 17 healthy controls. Exploratory analysis was performed to detect the effect of parental origin of the X chromosome (X(mat), X(pat)) on both measures. Results showed that long-interval intracortical inhibition was reduced and motor threshold (MT) was increased in TS relative to controls. Areas of reduced thickness were observed in the precentral gyrus of individuals with TS that correlated with MT. A significant difference between X(mat) (n = 11) and X(pat) (n = 6) individuals was found on the measure of long-interval intracortical inhibition. These findings demonstrate the presence of converging anatomical and neurophysiological abnormalities of the motor system in X monosomy.
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26
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Bray S, Dunkin B, Hong DS, Reiss AL. Reduced functional connectivity during working memory in Turner syndrome. Cereb Cortex 2011; 21:2471-81. [PMID: 21441396 PMCID: PMC3183420 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhr017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic disorder affecting females, resulting from the complete or partial absence of an X chromosome. The cognitive profile of TS shows relative strengths in the verbal domain and weaknesses in the procedural domain, including working memory. Neuroimaging studies have identified differences in the morphology of the parietal lobes, and white matter pathways linking frontal and parietal regions, as well as abnormal activation in dorsal frontal and parietal regions. Taken together these findings suggest that abnormal functional connectivity between frontal and parietal regions may be related to working memory impairments in TS, a hypothesis we tested in the present study. We scanned TS and typically developing participants with functional magnetic resonance imaging while they performed visuospatial and phonological working memory tasks. We generated a seed region in parietal cortex based on structural differences in TS and found that functional connectivity with dorsal frontal regions was reduced during working memory in TS. Finally, we found that connectivity was correlated with task performance in TS. These findings suggest that structural brain abnormalities in TS affect not only regional activity but also the functional interactions between regions and that this has important consequences for behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Bray
- Center for Interdisciplinary Brain Sciences Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA.
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27
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The influence of sex-linked genetic mechanisms on attention and impulsivity. Biol Psychol 2011; 89:1-13. [PMID: 21983394 PMCID: PMC3245859 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2011.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 09/20/2011] [Accepted: 09/20/2011] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
It is now generally agreed that there are inherent sex differences in healthy individuals across a number of neurobiological domains (including brain structure, neurochemistry, and cognition). Moreover, there is a burgeoning body of evidence highlighting sex differences within neuropsychiatric populations (in terms of the rates of incidence, clinical features/progression, neurobiology and pathology). Here, we consider the extent to which attention and impulsivity are sexually dimorphic in healthy populations and the extent to which sex might modulate the expression of disorders characterised by abnormalities in attention and/or impulsivity such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism and addiction. We then discuss general genetic mechanisms that might underlie sex differences in attention and impulsivity before focussing on specific positional and functional candidate sex-linked genes that are likely to influence these cognitive processes. Identifying novel sex-modulated molecular targets should ultimately enable us to develop more effective therapies in disorders associated with attentional/impulsive dysfunction.
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28
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Hochberg Z, Feil R, Constancia M, Fraga M, Junien C, Carel JC, Boileau P, Le Bouc Y, Deal CL, Lillycrop K, Scharfmann R, Sheppard A, Skinner M, Szyf M, Waterland RA, Waxman DJ, Whitelaw E, Ong K, Albertsson-Wikland K. Child health, developmental plasticity, and epigenetic programming. Endocr Rev 2011; 32:159-224. [PMID: 20971919 PMCID: PMC3365792 DOI: 10.1210/er.2009-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 401] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Plasticity in developmental programming has evolved in order to provide the best chances of survival and reproductive success to the organism under changing environments. Environmental conditions that are experienced in early life can profoundly influence human biology and long-term health. Developmental origins of health and disease and life-history transitions are purported to use placental, nutritional, and endocrine cues for setting long-term biological, mental, and behavioral strategies in response to local ecological and/or social conditions. The window of developmental plasticity extends from preconception to early childhood and involves epigenetic responses to environmental changes, which exert their effects during life-history phase transitions. These epigenetic responses influence development, cell- and tissue-specific gene expression, and sexual dimorphism, and, in exceptional cases, could be transmitted transgenerationally. Translational epigenetic research in child health is a reiterative process that ranges from research in the basic sciences, preclinical research, and pediatric clinical research. Identifying the epigenetic consequences of fetal programming creates potential applications in clinical practice: the development of epigenetic biomarkers for early diagnosis of disease, the ability to identify susceptible individuals at risk for adult diseases, and the development of novel preventive and curative measures that are based on diet and/or novel epigenetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Hochberg
- Rambam Medical Center, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine and Research Institute, Technion–Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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29
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Aziz A, Harrop SP, Bishop NE. DIA1R is an X-linked gene related to Deleted In Autism-1. PLoS One 2011; 6:e14534. [PMID: 21264219 PMCID: PMC3022024 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0014534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are frequently occurring disorders diagnosed by deficits in three core functional areas: social skills, communication, and behaviours and/or interests. Mental retardation frequently accompanies the most severe forms of ASDs, while overall ASDs are more commonly diagnosed in males. Most ASDs have a genetic origin and one gene recently implicated in the etiology of autism is the Deleted-In-Autism-1 (DIA1) gene. Methodology/Principal Findings Using a bioinformatics-based approach, we have identified a human gene closely related to DIA1, we term DIA1R (DIA1-Related). While DIA1 is autosomal (chromosome 3, position 3q24), DIA1R localizes to the X chromosome at position Xp11.3 and is known to escape X-inactivation. The gene products are of similar size, with DIA1 encoding 430, and DIA1R 433, residues. At the amino acid level, DIA1 and DIA1R are 62% similar overall (28% identical), and both encode signal peptides for targeting to the secretory pathway. Both genes are ubiquitously expressed, including in fetal and adult brain tissue. Conclusions/Significance Examination of published literature revealed point mutations in DIA1R are associated with X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) and DIA1R deletion is associated with syndromes with ASD-like traits and/or XLMR. Together, these results support a model where the DIA1 and DIA1R gene products regulate molecular traffic through the cellular secretory pathway or affect the function of secreted factors, and functional deficits cause disorders with ASD-like symptoms and/or mental retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azhari Aziz
- Department of Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sean P. Harrop
- Department of Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Naomi E. Bishop
- Department of Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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30
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Ricardi F, Zaia L, Pellegrino-Rosa I, Rosa J, Mantovani de Assis O, Saldanha P. Psychogenetics of Turner syndrome: an investigation of 28 subjects and respective controls using the Bender test and Piagetian scales. GENETICS AND MOLECULAR RESEARCH 2010; 9:1701-25. [DOI: 10.4238/vol9-3gmr815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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31
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Abstract
The Road-Map Test (RMT) is a popular neurological assessment of left-right orientation, using a simplified road map. Inspired by the RMT, we developed a new computerized navigation test, the Random Walker Test (RWT), for further quantitative assessment of left-right orientation ability. RWT provides verbal or nonverbal instructions for the direction (left, right, or front) in which to proceed, and participants must judge the spatially correct direction. Perspectives rotate by 90 degrees during navigation. Verbal judgments demand verbal-to-spatial mapping of left/right/front and, if necessary, egocentric perspective rotation. Using the RWT, we evaluated the left-right orientation of normal male participants. The RWT reliably recorded the response times and error rates for participant performance and also revealed egocentric perspective rotation as an unreliable mental process with large intra- and interpersonal variability. These results indicate that the RWT may be useful in investigating left-right orientation and/or egocentric perspective rotation in both normal participants and neuropathological patients.
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32
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Crespi B, Summers K, Dorus S. Genomic sister-disorders of neurodevelopment: an evolutionary approach. Evol Appl 2009; 2:81-100. [PMID: 25567849 PMCID: PMC3352408 DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-4571.2008.00056.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2008] [Accepted: 11/26/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic sister-disorders are defined here as diseases mediated by duplications versus deletions of the same region. Such disorders can provide unique information concerning the genomic underpinnings of human neurodevelopment because effects of diametric variation in gene copy number on cognitive and behavioral phenotypes can be inferred. We describe evidence from the literature on deletions versus duplications for the regions underlying the best-known human neurogenetic sister-disorders, including Williams syndrome, Velocardiofacial syndrome, and Smith-Magenis syndrome, as well as the X-chromosomal conditions Klinefelter and Turner syndromes. These data suggest that diametric copy-number alterations can, like diametric alterations to imprinted genes, generate contrasting phenotypes associated with autistic-spectrum and psychotic-spectrum conditions. Genomically based perturbations to the development of the human social brain are thus apparently mediated to a notable degree by effects of variation in gene copy number. We also conducted the first analyses of positive selection for genes in the regions affected by these disorders. We found evidence consistent with adaptive evolution of protein-coding genes, or selective sweeps, for three of the four sets of sister-syndromes analyzed. These studies of selection facilitate identification of candidate genes for the phenotypes observed and lend a novel evolutionary dimension to the analysis of human cognitive architecture and neurogenetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biosciences, Simon Fraser University Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Kyle Summers
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University Greenville, NC, USA
| | - Steve Dorus
- Department of Biology and Biochemistry, University of Bath Bath, UK
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33
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Brookes KJ, Hawi Z, Kirley A, Barry E, Gill M, Kent L. Association of the steroid sulfatase (STS) gene with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2008; 147B:1531-5. [PMID: 18937300 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common behavioral disorder affecting children worldwide. The male bias in the prevalence of the disorder, suggests that some susceptibility genes may lie on the X chromosome. In this study we present evidence for a role of the X-linked steroid sulfatase (STS) gene and neurosteroids in the development of ADHD. Previously it has been observed that probands with ADHD have lower serum concentrations of the neurosteroids DHEA, which is synthesized from DHEA-S by STS. In further support, boys that suffer from XLI, a skin disorder caused by the deletion of the STS gene, have higher rates of ADHD, in particular the inattentive subtype. In a moderately sized sample of ADHD families (N = 384), we genotyped seven single nucleotide polymorphisms, tagging the entire gene. TDT analysis of the data yielded two polymorphisms that were significantly associated with ADHD (rs2770112-Transmitted: 71 Not Transmitted; 48; rs12861247-Transmitted: 43 Not Transmitted: 21), located towards the 5' end of the gene (P < 0.05). We conclude that the STS gene may play a role in susceptibility for ADHD, and that the neurosteroids pathways should be investigated further to access their potential contribution in susceptibility to the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J Brookes
- Bute Medical School, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Scotland, UK
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34
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Ganou M, Grouios G. Cerebral laterality in Turner syndrome: a critical review of the literature. Child Neuropsychol 2008; 14:135-47. [PMID: 17943479 DOI: 10.1080/09297040701346099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a genetic disorder in females characterized by the complete or partial absence of one X chromosome. Its most consistent physical features include short stature and ovarian dysgenesis. TS individuals demonstrate a characteristic neurocognitive profile involving weaknesses in visuospatial processing. The hypothesis of defective right hemisphere specialization has been offered to explain the visuospatial deficits in TS. In contrast, an alternative explanation proposes a more uniform dysfunction of the left and right hemispheres, based on findings of symmetrical abnormalities. This article presents an overview of the two hypotheses, along with relevant findings on hemispheric specialization with respect to TS. The impact of the genetic and hormonal mechanisms on the neurocognitive profile of TS is also discussed and directions for further empirical research are identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ganou
- Laboratory of Motor Control and Learning, Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece
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35
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Bakalov VK, Bondy CA. Fracture risk and bone mineral density in Turner syndrome. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2008; 9:145-51. [PMID: 18415020 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-008-9076-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2008] [Accepted: 02/20/2008] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Bone health is a major lifelong concern in caring for women and girls with Turner syndrome (TS). There is an approximately 25% increase in fracture risk most of which is related to medium or high impact trauma. The long bones, especially of the forearm are predominantly affected. This fact may be due to a selective cortical bone deficiency in TS which is unrelated to hypogonadism. In addition, lack of adequate estrogen replacement can lead to trabecular bone deficiency and increase in vertebral compression fractures after age 45. Evaluation of bone density by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is important, however, it should be used judiciously in TS in view of its inherent tendency to underestimate the bone density of people with short stature. Bone size-independent methods, such as QCT or volumetric transformation of DEXA data should be used in individuals shorter than 150 cm. Achieving optimal bone density is of critical importance for fracture prevention in TS, and should be pursued by timely introduction of hormone replacement therapy, adequate dose of estrogens during the young adult life, optimal calcium and vitamin D intake and regular physical exercise. In addition, other measures to prevent fall and trauma should be considered, including optimizing hearing and vision, avoiding contact sports and exercise to improve coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir K Bakalov
- National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
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36
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Puts DA, McDaniel MA, Jordan CL, Breedlove SM. Spatial ability and prenatal androgens: meta-analyses of congenital adrenal hyperplasia and digit ratio (2D:4D) studies. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2008; 37:100-11. [PMID: 18074217 PMCID: PMC2883918 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-007-9271-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Hormonal manipulations indicate that early androgens organize sex differences in spatial ability in laboratory rats. In humans, spatial ability is also sexually dimorphic, and information about the effects of prenatal androgens on spatial ability can be obtained from studies of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) and the ratio of the second and fourth finger lengths (2D:4D). CAH is characterized by prenatal overproduction of adrenal androgens and several lines of evidence suggest that 2D:4D reflects prenatal androgen exposure. Some studies have found that these proxy measures of prenatal androgens predict spatial ability, others have found no significant relationship, and yet others have obtained results in the opposite direction. In light of these mixed findings, we conducted meta-analyses of published literature and unpublished results to determine if, across studies, either of these indicators of prenatal androgens predicts performance on spatial tasks that show a male advantage. In addition, we applied a trim and fill analysis to the data in search of asymmetry that might be an indication of publication bias. Results indicated that females with CAH perform better on these spatial tasks, and CAH males perform worse, than do controls. Little or no relationship exists between 2D:4D and spatial ability. Implications for possible hormonal contributions and the developmental timing of sex differences in spatial cognition are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Puts
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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37
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Abstract
Turner syndrome is a neurogenetic disorder characterized by partial or complete monosomy-X. It is associated with certain physical and medical features, including estrogen deficiency, short stature, and increased risk for several diseases, with cardiac conditions being among the most serious. The cognitive-behavioral phenotype associated with the syndrome includes strengths in verbal domains with impairments in visuospatial, executive function, and emotion processing. Less is known regarding psychosocial and psychiatric functioning in Turner syndrome, but essential aspects of psychotherapeutic treatment plans are suggested. Future investigations should include continued genetic studies and determination of candidate genes for physical and cognitive features. Multimodal, interdisciplinary studies are essential for identifying optimal, syndrome-specific interventions for improving the lives of individuals who have Turner syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelli R Kesler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, MC5795, Stanford, CA 94305-5795, USA.
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38
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Davies W, Humby T, Isles AR, Burgoyne PS, Wilkinson LS. X-monosomy effects on visuospatial attention in mice: a candidate gene and implications for Turner syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2007; 61:1351-60. [PMID: 17161381 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2006.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2006] [Revised: 08/11/2006] [Accepted: 08/15/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The loss of all, or part of an X chromosome, in Turner syndrome (TS, 45,XO) results in deficits in attentional functioning. METHODS Using a 39,XO mouse model, we tested the hypothesis that X-monosomy and/or parental origin of the single X chromosome may influence visuospatial attentional functioning in a 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT). RESULTS Under attentionally demanding conditions 39,XO mice displayed impaired discriminative response accuracy and slowed correct reaction times relative to 40,XX mice; these deficits were alleviated in a version of the task with reduced attentional demands. Parental origin of the X did not affect performance of the 5-CSRTT. In contrast, the attentional phenotype was rescued in 40,XY*X mice possessing a single maternally inherited X chromosome and a small Y*X chromosome that comprises a complete pseudoautosomal region (PAR), and a small X-specific segment. CONCLUSIONS Our findings are consistent with an X-monosomy effect on attention and suggest the existence of X-linked gene(s) that escape X-inactivation, are present on the small Y*X chromosome and impact on attentional functioning; the strongest candidate gene is Sts, encoding steroid sulfatase. The data inform the TS literature and indicate novel genetic mechanisms that may be of general significance to the neurobiology of attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Davies
- Laboratories of Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and Developmental Genetics and Imprinting, The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Babraham, United Kingdom
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39
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Lynn PMY, Davies W. The 39,XO mouse as a model for the neurobiology of Turner syndrome and sex-biased neuropsychiatric disorders. Behav Brain Res 2007; 179:173-82. [PMID: 17367875 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2007.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2006] [Revised: 02/09/2007] [Accepted: 02/15/2007] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a developmental disorder most frequently arising from the loss of a complete X chromosome (karyotype 45,XO). The disorder is characterised by physiological abnormalities (notably short stature and ovarian dysfunction), emotional anomalies (including heightened anxiety) and by a neuropsychological profile encompassing deficits in visuospatial skills, memory, attention, social cognition and emotion recognition. Moreover, TS subjects are at significantly increased risk of developing attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism. At the neuroanatomical level, TS subjects display abnormalities across a number of brain structures, including the amygdala, hippocampus and orbitofrontal cortex. The TS phenotype arises due to reduced dosage of X-linked genes, and may also be modulated by parental origin of the single X chromosome. In this review, we discuss the utility of a mouse model of TS, the 39,XO mouse, in which the parental origin of the single X chromosome can be varied. This model provides the opportunity to investigate the effects of X-linked gene dosage/parent-of-origin effects on neurobiology in the absence of gross physiological abnormalities. Initial findings indicate that several features of the TS behavioural phenotype may be accurately recapitulated in the mouse. Furthermore, as X-linked gene dosage/imprinting can influence sex-specific neurobiology, investigations in the 39,XO mouse are also likely to offer insights into why certain neuropsychiatric disorders (including ADHD and autism) affect the sexes differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe M Y Lynn
- Behavioural Genetics Group, School of Psychology and Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Cardiff, UK
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40
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Davies W, Wilkinson LS. It is not all hormones: Alternative explanations for sexual differentiation of the brain. Brain Res 2006; 1126:36-45. [PMID: 17101121 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.09.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2006] [Revised: 09/22/2006] [Accepted: 09/22/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Males and females of many species differ with regard to neurodevelopment, ongoing brain function and behavior. For many years, it was assumed that these differences primarily arose due to hormonal masculinization of the male brain (and to a lesser extent hormonal feminization of the female brain). Recent elegant experiments in model systems have revealed that, while gonadal hormones undoubtedly play an important role in sexual differentiation of the brain, they are not the only possible mechanism for this phenomenon. In the present review, we discuss the concept that genes residing upon the sex chromosomes (which are asymmetrically inherited between males and females) may influence sexually dimorphic neurobiology directly, and suggest possible mechanisms. Future work will be directed towards understanding the extent and specificity with which sex-linked genes and hormones define brain structure and function, and towards elucidating potential interactions between the two mechanisms. Ultimately, it is hoped that such studies will provide insights into why men and women are differentially vulnerable to certain mental disorders, and will enable the development of effective sex-tailored therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Davies
- The Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Babraham, Cambridge CB2 4AT, UK.
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41
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Abstract
This review highlights recent developments in the detection and management of congenital heart disease and osteoporosis in patients with monosomy X, or Turner syndrome (TS). Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using gadolinium as a contrast agent demonstrates a higher prevalence and greater diversity of congenital cardiovascular defects than previously recognized in TS. Almost 50% of girls and women with TS have marked tortuosity or ectasia of the aortic arch, suggesting that these individuals may be at greater risk for aneurysm formation or dissection and therefore require closer monitoring. MRA also reveals that major venous anomalies are common in TS, with partial anomalous pulmonary venous return and persistent left superior vena cava each found in about 13% of patients. MR imaging even without contrast is a valuable complement to routine cardiac ultrasound in detecting abnormalities of the aortic valve. Abnormal electrocardiographic findings, including prolongation of the QTc interval, have recently been documented in many individuals with TS. Conduction and repolarization abnormalities have not been associated with congenital anatomic defects and are as common in young girls as adults. The clinical significance of these electrophysiological findings is unknown at present, but attention to the ECG in TS is important, particularly in monitoring the QTc when prescribing drugs associated with QT prolongation. Patients with TS are at high risk for osteoporosis as a result of premature ovarian failure and intrinsic bone abnormalities specific to the syndrome. Low cortical bone mineral density (BMD) is apparent in prepubertal girls, and it remains low in adults, independent of estrogen treatment and other hormonal factors. The low mineralization of cortical bone in TS may be associated with a small increased fracture risk, but no treatments are known to increase cortical bone mineral content in TS. Trabecular BMD is normal in TS women who have received continuous estrogen treatment from their mid-teens, although areal densitometry scores may be misleadingly low in very small patients. However, young women with ovarian failure who have not received estrogen treatment for extended periods of time are at high risk for osteoporosis of trabecular bone of the spine, with associated compression fractures and height loss. Therefore, judicious management of estrogen therapy to prevent osteoporosis while minimizing estrogen-associated adverse events is a challenging aspect of care for girls and women with TS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Bondy
- Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, CRC 1-3330, 10 Center Dr, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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42
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Doswell BH, Visootsak J, Brady AN, Graham JM. Turner syndrome: an update and review for the primary pediatrician. Clin Pediatr (Phila) 2006; 45:301-13. [PMID: 16703153 DOI: 10.1177/000992280604500402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is among the most common of the sex chromosomal aneuploidies. It results from the absence of one sex chromosome (or part of an X chromosome) in a female, leaving only one X chromosome present in the cell. Primary care physicians should be able to recognize the presenting signs and symptoms of TS, and once the diagnosis is confirmed by a chromosome analysis, they should be able to serve as a valuable source of support for the patient and her family and understand the most current treatments available.
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43
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Abstract
This review has tried to update our view of TS, highlighting the less severe phenotype we are seeing today, aiming to motivate clinicians to scrutinize normal looking short girls more closely, and to provide more relevant information for those counseling prospective parents on the implications of a TS karyotype during prenatal screening. New approaches to cardiac evaluation, including imaging with MR and ECG analysis-were suggested to strengthen our ability to detect and prevent potentially life-threatening cardiac complications. The new emphasis on reproductive potential and concerns about the adequacy and safety of current HRT regimens certainly require further studies and adjustment of treatment strategies in light of new priorities and safety concerns. In the same vein, prospective studies are required to assess the outcome and safety of assisted pregnancy in TS, which, despite the warning ofa potential catastrophic increase in maternal morbidity is going to become a much more common occurrence in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn A Bondy
- Developmental Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA.
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44
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Kesler SR, Menon V, Reiss AL. Neuro-functional differences associated with arithmetic processing in Turner syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 16:849-56. [PMID: 16135780 PMCID: PMC3061626 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhj028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Turner syndrome (TS) is a neurogenetic disorder characterized by the absence of one X chromosome in a phenotypic female. Individuals with TS are at risk for impairments in mathematics. We investigated the neural mechanisms underlying arithmetic processing in TS. Fifteen subjects with TS and 15 age-matched typically developing controls were scanned using functional MRI while they performed easy (two-operand) and difficult (three-operand) versions of an arithmetic processing task. Both groups activated fronto-parietal regions involved in arithmetic processing during the math tasks. Compared with controls, the TS group recruited additional neural resources in frontal and parietal regions during the easier, two-operand math task. During the more difficult three-operand task, individuals with TS demonstrated significantly less activation in frontal, parietal and subcortical regions than controls. However, the TS group's performance on both math tasks was comparable to controls. Individuals with TS demonstrate activation differences in fronto-parietal areas during arithmetic tasks compared with controls. They must recruit additional brain regions during a relatively easy task and demonstrate a potentially inefficient response to increased task difficulty compared with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelli R Kesler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305-5719, USA.
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45
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Isles AR, Davies W, Burrmann D, Burgoyne PS, Wilkinson LS. Effects on fear reactivity in XO mice are due to haploinsufficiency of a non-PAR X gene: implications for emotional function in Turner's syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2004; 13:1849-55. [PMID: 15238507 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddh203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent work has indicated altered emotional functioning in Turner's syndrome (TS) subjects (45,XO). We examined the role of X-chromosome deficiency on fear reactivity in X-monosomic mice (39,XO), and found that they exhibited anxiogenic behaviour relative to normal females (40,XX). A molecular candidate for this effect is Steroid sulfatase (Sts) as this is located in the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) of the X-chromosome and consequently is normally biallelically expressed. In addition, the steroid sulfatase enzyme (STS) is putatively linked to fear reactivity by an effect on GABAA receptors via the action of neurosteroids. Real-time PCR demonstrated that levels of Sts mRNA were reduced by half in the brains of 39,XO mice compared with 40,XX, and that expression levels of a number of GABAA subunits previously shown to be important components of fear processing (Gabra3, Gabra1 and Gabrg2) were also altered. However, 40,XY*X mice, in which the Y*X is a small chromosome comprising of a complete PAR and a small non-PAR segment of the X-chromosome, exhibited the same pattern of fear reactivity behaviour as 39,XO animals, but equivalent expression levels of Sts, Gabra1, Gabra3 and Gabrg2 to 40,XX females. This showed that although Sts may cause alterations in GABAA subunit expression, these changes do not result in increased fear reactivity. This suggests an alternative X-chromosome gene, that escapes inactivation, is responsible for the differences in fear reactivity between 39,XO and 40,XX mice. These findings inform the TS data, and point to novel genetic mechanisms that may be of general significance to the neurobiology of fear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R Isles
- Neurobiology and Developmental Genetics Programmes, The Babraham Institute, Cambridge, UK
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46
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Carel JC, Bastié-Sigeac I, Ecosse E, Coste J. La santé des jeunes adultes atteintes de syndrome de Turner en France. Arch Pediatr 2004; 11:559-61. [PMID: 15158833 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcped.2004.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J-C Carel
- Service d'endocrinologie pédiatrique, Inserm U561 et biostatistiques, groupe hospitalier Cochin-Saint-Vincent-de-Paul, 82, avenue Denfert-Rochereau, 75014 Paris, France.
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47
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Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as a powerful tool in the study of normal and abnormal brain structure, function, and biochemistry. In particular, functional MRI has come into its own as a tool to study normal and abnormal brain functions such as learning, memory, and motor learning, as well as delineation of neurogenetic cognitive phenotypes. White matter microstructure can be studied using diffusion tensor imaging, which may allow abnormal white matter to be visualized prior to abnormalities on anatomic MRI. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, a noninvasive method to study brain biochemistry, may allow for the delineation of regional metabolic changes as a result of disease progression and/or therapeutic intervention. With MRI techniques, one can investigate the relationship between structure, function, genes, and behavior. This report discusses the research applications of MRI to the study of neurogenetic disorders of childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gropman
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, Georgetown University Medical Center, 3800 Reservoir Road NW, 2PHC, Washington, DC 20007, USA.
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