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Lv X, Hou YS, Zhang ZH, Yue WH. OXTR polymorphisms associated with severity and treatment responses of schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 10:7. [PMID: 38184684 PMCID: PMC10851696 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-023-00413-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024]
Abstract
The mechanisms generating specific symptoms of schizophrenia remain unclear and genetic research makes it possible to explore these issues at a fundamental level. Taking into account the associations between the oxytocin system and social functions, which are apparently impaired in schizophrenia patients, we hypothesized that the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) might be associated with schizophrenia symptoms in both severity and responses to antipsychotics and did this exploratory positional study. A total of 2363 patients with schizophrenia (1181 males and 1182 females) included in our study were randomly allocated to seven antipsychotic treatment groups and received antipsychotic monotherapy for 6 weeks. Their blood DNA was genotyped for OXTR polymorphisms. Their symptom severity was assessed by Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the scores were transformed into seven factors (positive, disorganized, negative symptoms apathy/avolition, negative symptoms deficit of expression, hostility, anxiety and depression). Percentage changes in PANSS scores from baseline to week 6 were calculated to quantify antipsychotic responses. We found that OXTR polymorphisms were nominally associated with the severity of overall symptoms (rs237899, β = 1.669, p = 0.019), hostility symptoms (rs237899, β = 0.427, p = 0.044) and anxiety symptoms (rs13316193, β = -0.197, p = 0.038). As for treatment responses, OXTR polymorphisms were nominally associated with the improvement in negative symptoms apathy/avolition (rs2268490, β = 2.235, p = 0.0499). No association between severity or response to treatment and OXTR polymorphisms was found with statistical correction for multiplicity. Overall, our results highlighted the possibility of nominally significant associations of the OXTR gene with the severity and improvement in schizophrenia symptoms. Given the exploratory nature of this study, these associations are indicative of the role of the OXTR gene in the pathology of schizophrenia and may contribute to further elucidate the mechanism of specific symptoms of schizophrenia and to exploit antipsychotics more effective to specific symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Lv
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, 453100, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Yue-Sen Hou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, 453100, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Key Laboratory of Neurorestoratology, 453199, Xinxiang, Henan, China
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Physical Diagnostics and Treatment Technology for the Mental and Neurological Diseases, 453005, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Zhao-Hui Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical College, 453100, Xinxiang, Henan, China.
| | - Wei-Hua Yue
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, 100191, Beijing, China.
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Delikishkina E, Cohen-Zimerman S, Kachian ZR, Krueger F, Gordon B, Grafman J. Understanding altruistic behavior: The joint role of prefrontal damage and OXTR genotype. Neuropsychologia 2023; 190:108686. [PMID: 37741549 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Altruism is a type of prosocial behavior that is carried out in the absence of personal benefit or even at an expense to self. Trait altruism varies greatly across individuals, and the reasons for this variability are still not fully understood. Growing evidence suggests that altruism may be partly determined by the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene, which regulates the emotions underlying altruistic attitudes, such as empathy and trust. Neuroimaging and lesion studies have also implied several higher-order brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, in altruistic behaviors. Yet the existing reports are contradictory and suggest that the top-down control exercised by the prefrontal cortex may promote both altruistic and self-interested behaviors and, thus, could obscure one's natural proclivity towards altruism encoded by OXTR. Here, we hypothesized that extensive prefrontal damage would result in an increased influence of the OXTR genotype on one's altruistic attitudes and actions. To test this hypothesis, we recruited 115 male combat veterans with penetrating traumatic brain injury to the prefrontal cortex and other brain regions, as well as 35 demographically matched control subjects without brain injury. Participants completed a self-report altruism questionnaire and were genotyped for four OXTR single nucleotide polymorphisms implicated in prosocial behavior, including rs53576, rs1042778, rs2254298 and rs7632287. Consistent with the previous studies, we found that individuals homozygotic for the G allele of rs53576 and rs7632287 were significantly more altruistic than carriers of at least one "vulnerable" A allele. Remarkably, in patients with prefrontal cortex damage, greater lesion extent was associated with significantly lower altruism scores in carriers of the A allele of rs7632287, but not in G-homozygotes, suggesting that significant disruption of the prefrontal cortex increased the influence of genetic polymorphisms on prosocial behavior. This study presents the first account of an interaction effect between the OXTR genotype and the location and extent of brain damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Delikishkina
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Brain Injury Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Shira Cohen-Zimerman
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Brain Injury Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Zachary R Kachian
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Brain Injury Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Frank Krueger
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, 22030, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, 68161, Germany
| | - Barry Gordon
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA; Department of Cognitive Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21218, USA
| | - Jordan Grafman
- Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Brain Injury Research, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA; Departments of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Cognitive Neurology & Alzheimer's Disease Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Department of Psychology, Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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Chbeir S, Carrión V. Resilience by design: How nature, nurture, environment, and microbiome mitigate stress and allostatic load. World J Psychiatry 2023; 13:144-159. [PMID: 37303926 PMCID: PMC10251360 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v13.i5.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Resilience to psychological stress is defined as adaption to challenging life experiences and not the absence of adverse life events. Determinants of resilience include personality traits, genetic/epigenetic modifications of genes involved in the stress response, cognitive and behavioral flexibility, secure attachment with a caregiver, social and community support systems, nutrition and exercise, and alignment of circadian rhythm to the natural light/dark cycle. Therefore, resilience is a dynamic and flexible process that continually evolves by the intersection of different domains in human’s life; biological, social, and psychological. The objective of this minireview is to summarize the existing knowledge about the multitude factors and molecular alterations that result from resilience to stress response. Given the multiple contributing factors in building resilience, we set out a goal to identify which factors were most supportive of a causal role by the current literature. We focused on resilience-related molecular alterations resulting from mind-body homeostasis in connection with psychosocial and environmental factors. We conclude that there is no one causal factor that differentiates a resilient person from a vulnerable one. Instead, building resilience requires an intricate network of positive experiences and a healthy lifestyle that contribute to a balanced mind-body connection. Therefore, a holistic approach must be adopted in future research on stress response to address the multiple elements that promote resilience and prevent illnesses and psychopathology related to stress allostatic load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souhad Chbeir
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
| | - Victor Carrión
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, United States
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Kohlhoff J, Cibralic S, Hawes D, Eapen V. Oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphisms and social, emotional and behavioral functioning in children and adolescents: a systematic narrative review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104573. [PMID: 35149102 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study systematically reviewed available evidence regarding associations between polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene and socio-emotional and behavioral functioning in children and adolescents. The search yielded 69 articles, which were grouped into nine categories: depression, anxiety, and internalizing symptoms, alcohol abuse, borderline personality disorder, conduct disorder symptoms or diagnosis, autism spectrum disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, early childhood attachment and behavior, pro-social skills, and resilience. Direct and/or gene x environment interactions were identified in over half of the studies. ASD and conduct disorder (including callous unemotional traits) were the diagnoses that were most studied and for which there was the strongest evidence of direct links with OXTR polymorphisms. In most studies identifying gene x environment interactions, the candidate OXTR polymorphism was rs53576. Results suggest that OXTR polymorphisms are associated with social, emotional or behavioural functioning in children and adolescents. The mixed findings do, however, highlight the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Kohlhoff
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia; Karitane, P.O. Box 241, Villawood NSW 2163, Australia.
| | - Sara Cibralic
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - David Hawes
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, Camperdown NSW 2006, Australia.
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia; Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry and Clinical Academic, South West Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool Hospital, Elizabeth Street, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia.
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Abstract
Humans are an unusually prosocial species, who engage in social behaviors that include altruism-whereby an individual engages in costly or risky acts to improve the welfare of another person-care, and cooperation. Current perspectives on the neurobiology of human prosociality suggest that it is deeply rooted in the neuroendocrine architecture of the social brain and emphasize the modulatory role of the neuropeptide hormone oxytocin. In this review, we provide a conceptual overview of the neurobiology of prosocial behavior with a focus on oxytocin's modulatory role in human prosociality. Specifically, we aim to encourage a better understanding of the peptide's susceptibility to diverse factors that produce heterogeneity in outcomes and the resulting methodological implications for measuring the behavioral effects of oxytocin in humans. After providing an overview of the state-of-the-art research on oxytocin's exogenous use, we elaborate on the peptide's modulatory role in the context of care-based altruism, cooperation, and conflict and discuss its potential for therapeutic interventions in psychiatric disorders characterized by social dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Marsh
- Department of Psychiatry, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
| | - Abigail A. Marsh
- Department of Psychology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mary R. Lee
- Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - René Hurlemann
- Department of Psychiatry, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
- Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, Germany
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Byrd AL, Tung I, Manuck SD, Vine V, Horner M, Hipwell AE, Stepp SD. An interaction between early threat exposure and the oxytocin receptor in females: Disorder-specific versus general risk for psychopathology and social-emotional mediators. Dev Psychopathol 2021; 33:1248-1263. [PMID: 32693857 PMCID: PMC7934270 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579420000462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Early threat exposure is a transdiagnostic risk factor for psychopathology, and evidence suggests that genetic variation in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) moderates this association. However, it is unclear if this gene-by-environment (G×E) interaction is tied to unique risk for disorder-specific outcomes or instead increases shared risk for general psychopathology. Moreover, little is known about how this G×E interaction increases risk. The current study utilized a prospective, longitudinal sample of females (n = 2,020) to examine: (a) whether the interaction between early threat exposure and OXTR variation (rs53576, rs2254298) confers risk for disorder-specific outcomes (depression, anxiety, borderline and antisocial personality disorders) and/or general psychopathology in early adulthood; and (b) whether social-emotional deficits (emotion dysregulation, callousness, attachment quality) during adolescence constitute mediating mechanisms. Consistent with hypotheses, the interactive effects of early threat exposure and OXTR variation (rs53576) predicted general psychopathology, with threat-exposed women carrying at least one copy of the rs53576 A-allele at greatest risk. This interaction was mediated via emotional dysregulation in adolescence, with threat-exposed A-allele carriers demonstrating greater emotion dysregulation, and greater emotion dysregulation predicting general psychopathology in early adulthood. Findings suggest that this G×E places women at risk for a broad range of psychopathology via effects on emotion dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L. Byrd
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Irene Tung
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephen D. Manuck
- Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vera Vine
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michelle Horner
- Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alison E. Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Stephanie D. Stepp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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Rijnders RJP, Dykstra AH, Terburg D, Kempes MM, van Honk J. Sniffing submissiveness? Oxytocin administration in severe psychopathy. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 131:105330. [PMID: 34182248 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Psychopathy is a personality disorder associated with criminal behavior and violent recidivism, and therefore a burden to society. Social dominance is one of the characteristics of psychopathy that might contribute to these problems. Nevertheless, only few studies have objectively measured the relationship between socially dominant behavior and psychopathy. Therefore, the current study assessed performance of 21 forensic PCL-R confirmed psychopathic patients and 24 normal controls on a gaze aversion task, in which slower gaze aversion from masked angry faces compared to masked happy faces is a measure of reactive dominance. Moreover, the current study assessed the potential beneficial effects of the neuropeptide oxytocin. The results showed that psychopaths were not more dominant on the gaze aversion task compared to normal controls. However, the severity of psychopathy was positively correlated with reactive dominance. Crucially, a single nasal spray administration of oxytocin abolished the connection between psychopathy and reactive dominance. This implies that socially dominant psychopaths might benefit from oxytocin administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J P Rijnders
- Netherlands Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, Forensic Observation Clinic "Pieter Baan Centrum", Carl Barksweg 3, 1336 ZL Almere, the Netherlands; Utrecht University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Anouk H Dykstra
- Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain Cognition and Behaviour, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Postbox: 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - David Terburg
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; University of Cape Town, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, J-Block, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Maaike M Kempes
- Leiden University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Institute of Child and Education Studies, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, the Netherlands; Netherlands Institute of Forensic Psychiatry and Psychology, Department of Science and Education, Herman Gorterstraat 5, 3511 EW Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Jack van Honk
- Utrecht University, Faculty of Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, Heidelberglaan 8, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands; University of Cape Town, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, J-Block, Groote Schuur Hospital, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa; University of Cape Town, Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Anzio Rd, Observatory, 7925 Cape Town, South Africa.
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Bernhard A, Kirchner M, Martinelli A, Ackermann K, Kohls G, Gonzalez-Madruga K, Wells A, Fernández-Rivas A, De Artaza-Lavesa MG, Raschle NM, Konsta A, Siklósi R, Hervás A, Herpertz-Dahlmann B, De Brito SA, Popma A, Stadler C, Konrad K, Fairchild G, Freitag CM. Sex-specific associations of basal steroid hormones and neuropeptides with Conduct Disorder and neuroendocrine mediation of environmental risk. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 49:40-53. [PMID: 33813055 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Conduct Disorder (CD) is characterized by severe aggressive and antisocial behavior. The stress hormone system has frequently been investigated as a neurobiological correlate of CD, while other interacting neuroendocrine biomarkers of sex hormone or neuropeptide systems have rarely been studied, especially in females. We examined multiple basal neuroendocrine biomarkers in female and male adolescents with CD compared to healthy controls (HCs), and explored whether they mediate effects of environmental risk factors on CD. Within the FemNAT-CD study, salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase, testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), estradiol, progesterone, oxytocin, and arginine-vasopressin were measured under basal conditions in 166 pubertal adolescents with CD, and 194 sex-, age-, and puberty-matched HCs (60% females, 9-18 years). Further, environmental risk factors were assessed. Single hormone analyses showed higher DHEA-S, and lower estradiol and progesterone levels in both females and males with CD relative to HCs. When accounting for interactions between neuroendocrine systems, a male-specific sex hormone factor (testosterone/DHEA-S) predicted male CD, while estradiol and a stress-system factor (cortisol/alpha-amylase) interacting with oxytocin predicted female CD. Estradiol, progesterone, and oxytocin partly explained associations between early environmental risk and CD. Findings provide evidence for sex-specific associations between basal neuroendocrine measures and CD. Especially altered sex hormones (androgen increases in males, estrogen reductions in females) robustly related to CD, while basal stress-system measures did not. Early environmental risk factors for CD may act partly through their effects on the neuroendocrine system, especially in females. Limitations (e.g., basal neuroendocrine assessment, different sample sizes per sex, pubertal participants, exploratory mediation analyses) are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anka Bernhard
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Marietta Kirchner
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne Martinelli
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katharina Ackermann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Gregor Kohls
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Amy Wells
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Nora Maria Raschle
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development at the University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; University of Basel Psychiatric Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Angeliki Konsta
- Child and Adolescent Unit of the 1st Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Réka Siklósi
- Faculty of Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of the Child Health Center, Szeged University, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Amaia Hervás
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Unit, University Hospital Mutua Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain; AGAUR Clinical and Genetic Research Group, Global Institute of Neurodevelopment Integrated Care (IGAIN), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Beate Herpertz-Dahlmann
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stephane A De Brito
- Centre for Human Brain Health, School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Arne Popma
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christina Stadler
- University of Basel Psychiatric Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin Konrad
- Child Neuropsychology Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Graeme Fairchild
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Christine M Freitag
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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Stevens F, Taber K. The neuroscience of empathy and compassion in pro-social behavior. Neuropsychologia 2021; 159:107925. [PMID: 34186105 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2021.107925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Research in the scientific literature increasingly demonstrates that empathy consists of multiple dimensions, and that defining empathy as a single encompassing term may be imprecise. Recent calls have been made for increasing empathy as means to increase pro-social behavior. However, contradictory evidence exists that empathy may reduce pro-social behavior. This debate has sparked confusion around what is empathy, along with the value of empathy in promoting pro-social behavior. This paper will examine recent advances in affective neuroscience to better understand the construct of empathy and its relationship to pro-social behavior. Individuals' responses to affective empathy, seeing the suffering of others can result in personal distress or empathic concern, which may then subsequently affect motivation for pro-social behavior. Current research in affective neuroscience suggests that combining compassion interventions in conjunction with both affective and cognitive empathy offers the most optimal likelihood that individuals will engage in pro-social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katherine Taber
- Veterans Affairs Mid Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, USA; W.G. "Bill" Hefner VA Medical Center, USA; Division of Biomedical Sciences at College of Osteopathic Medicine, USA; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Baylor College of Medicine, USA
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10
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Harvey AR. Links Between the Neurobiology of Oxytocin and Human Musicality. Front Hum Neurosci 2020; 14:350. [PMID: 33005139 PMCID: PMC7479205 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2020.00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The human species possesses two complementary, yet distinct, universal communication systems—language and music. Functional imaging studies have revealed that some core elements of these two systems are processed in closely related brain regions, but there are also clear differences in brain circuitry that likely underlie differences in functionality. Music affects many aspects of human behavior, especially in encouraging prosocial interactions and promoting trust and cooperation within groups of culturally compatible but not necessarily genetically related individuals. Music, presumably via its impact on the limbic system, is also rewarding and motivating, and music can facilitate aspects of learning and memory. In this review these special characteristics of music are considered in light of recent research on the neuroscience of the peptide oxytocin, a hormone that has both peripheral and central actions, that plays a role in many complex human behaviors, and whose expression has recently been reported to be affected by music-related activities. I will first briefly discuss what is currently known about the peptide’s physiological actions on neurons and its interactions with other neuromodulator systems, then summarize recent advances in our knowledge of the distribution of oxytocin and its receptor (OXTR) in the human brain. Next, the complex links between oxytocin and various social behaviors in humans are considered. First, how endogenous oxytocin levels relate to individual personality traits, and then how exogenous, intranasal application of oxytocin affects behaviors such as trust, empathy, reciprocity, group conformity, anxiety, and overall social decision making under different environmental conditions. It is argued that many of these characteristics of oxytocin biology closely mirror the diverse effects that music has on human cognition and emotion, providing a link to the important role music has played throughout human evolutionary history and helping to explain why music remains a special prosocial human asset. Finally, it is suggested that there is a potential synergy in combining oxytocin- and music-based strategies to improve general health and aid in the treatment of various neurological dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan R Harvey
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
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Zhang M, Liu N, Chen H, Zhang N. Oxytocin receptor gene, childhood maltreatment and borderline personality disorder features among male inmates in China. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:332. [PMID: 32580785 PMCID: PMC7315490 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02710-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is caused by a variety of biological and environmental factors. Accumulating evidence suggests that childhood maltreatment is a risk environmental factor in the development of BPD, but research on the genetic pathology of BPD is still in its early stages, and very little is known about the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene. The purpose of this study is to further explore the interactive effects between OXTR gene polymorphisms and childhood maltreatment on BPD risk. METHODS Among the 1804 Chinese Han male inmates, 765 inmates who had BPD or antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) or highly impulsive or violent crime were considered as high-risk inmates and included in this study. Childhood maltreatment, BPD, antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and impulsivity were measured by self-reported questionnaires. Peripheral venous blood was collected for the genotype test. RESULTS Analyses revealed that the BP group (inmates with BPD features) had higher rs53576 AA genotype frequency and rs237987 AA genotype frequency than the non-BP group, while the statistical significances were lost after Bonferroni correction. Total childhood maltreatment score, emotional abuse and neglect could positively predict BPD risk. Among the high-risk samples, rs53576 GG genotype carriers had higher BPD scores at higher levels of physical abuse and sexual abuse and had lower BPD scores at lower levels of physical abuse and sexual abuse. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the interaction between OXTR gene variations and childhood maltreatment is an important mechanism for the development of BPD. The moderating role of the OXTR gene provides evidence for gene plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhang
- grid.260474.30000 0001 0089 5711School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210000 China ,grid.452645.40000 0004 1798 8369Medical Psychology Department, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Na Liu
- Medical Psychology Department, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000, China.
| | - Haocheng Chen
- grid.260474.30000 0001 0089 5711School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, 210000 China ,grid.452645.40000 0004 1798 8369Medical Psychology Department, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China ,grid.89957.3a0000 0000 9255 8984The Forth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China
| | - Ning Zhang
- grid.452645.40000 0004 1798 8369Medical Psychology Department, Nanjing Brain Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210000 China
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12
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Koyama E, Zai CC, Bryushkova L, Kennedy JL, Beitchman JH. Predicting risk of suicidal ideation in youth using a multigene panel for impulsive aggression. Psychiatry Res 2020; 285:112726. [PMID: 31870620 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.112726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Childhood traumatic experiences and impulsive aggression are strong predictors of suicide ideation in youth. This study examines whether a gene panel previously associated with impulsive aggression, together with a measure of traumatic experience, will predict suicidal ideation in youth. The sample consisted of 158 youth (ages 9-17 years) of European ancestry that participated in a case-control study for childhood aggression. The Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument (MAYSI-2) was used to examine suicide ideation and traumatic experiences. The impulsive aggression gene panel consists of 5 markers across 5 susceptibility genes (CRH, CRHR2, MC2R, OXTR, BDNF). A multi-gene risk score (MRS) for each individual was calculated by taking the total number of risk genotypes for that person. The covariates for the multiple regression model included sex, age, symptoms of anxiety/depression, MRS, traumatic experiences, and MRS x traumatic experience interaction. Results show the MRS x traumatic experience interaction term and the anxious/depressed symptoms to be significant predictors of suicide ideation in the full model. Importantly, genetic susceptibility to impulsive aggression and traumatic experiences remained a significant predictor for suicide ideation over and above the youth's level of anxiety and depression. This finding may have important implications for early intervention for youth suicide-related behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emiko Koyama
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 80 Workman Way Room 5218, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H4, Canada
| | - Clement C Zai
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lyubov Bryushkova
- Postgraduate Medical Education, Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - James L Kennedy
- Molecular Brain Science Department, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph H Beitchman
- Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth and Family Mental Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 80 Workman Way Room 5218, Toronto, Ontario M6J 1H4, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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13
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The Association of Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) Polymorphisms Antisocial Behavior: A Meta-analysis. Behav Genet 2020; 50:161-173. [DOI: 10.1007/s10519-020-09996-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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14
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Hodgins S. Sex differences in antisocial and aggressive disorders that onset in childhood and persist into adulthood. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2020; 175:405-422. [PMID: 33008540 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-64123-6.00027-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
As many as 10.7% of males and 7.5% of females display early-onset, stable, antisocial and aggressive behavior (ESAAB). Most research has focused on males. These individuals are diagnosed with conduct disorder in childhood and antisocial personality disorder in adulthood, and a very few, almost all males, present the syndrome of psychopathy. ESAAB includes three subgroups: (1) conduct problems and callousness; (2) conduct problems, callousness, and anxiety; and (3) conduct problems. Heritability of the first two subtypes is high. This high heritability derives, at least in part, from genes involved in regulating serotonergic functioning early in life and to genotypes that confer sensitivity to trauma. The first subtype is rare and characterized by difficulty in face emotion recognition, especially fear and sadness, and hypoarousal as indexed by both autonomic and neural measures, and by structural brain abnormalities. By contrast, those with conduct problems, callousness, and anxiety are more common. They include a greater proportion of females and show hypersensitivity to threat that triggers reactive aggression and that is reflected in both autonomic and neural functioning. In sum, fewer females than males present ESAAB, but many characteristics, autonomic and neural correlates, and etiology are similar. Importantly, however, females with ESAAB play a critical role in the intergenerational transfer of antisocial behavior. Despite higher prevalence of EASSB in males than females, few sex differences in neural abnormalities have been identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheilagh Hodgins
- Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Montréal, and Department of Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada.
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15
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The Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model and the development of callous-unemotional traits. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:656-671. [PMID: 31618611 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Research implicates callous-unemotional (CU) traits (i.e., lack of empathy, prosociality, and guilt, and reduced sensitivity to others' emotions) in the development of severe and persistent antisocial behavior. To improve etiological models of antisocial behavior and develop more effective treatments, we need a better understanding of the origins of CU traits. In this review, we discuss the role of two psychobiological and mechanistic precursors to CU traits: low affiliative reward (i.e., deficits in seeking out or getting pleasure from social bonding and closeness with others) and low threat sensitivity (i.e., fearlessness to social and non-social threat). We outline the Sensitivity to Threat and Affiliative Reward (STAR) model and review studies that have examined the development of affiliative reward and threat sensitivity across animal, neuroimaging, genetic, and behavioral perspectives. We next evaluate evidence for the STAR model, specifically the claim that CU traits result from deficits in both affiliative reward and threat sensitivity. We end with constructive suggestions for future research to test the hypotheses generated by the STAR model.
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Venta A, Ha C, Vanwoerden S, Newlin E, Strathearn L, Sharp C. Paradoxical Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on Trust in Inpatient and Community Adolescents. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2019; 48:706-715. [PMID: 29236527 PMCID: PMC6167185 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2017.1399401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests that oxytocin, a neuropeptide implicated in attachment, is a promising clinical tool because it increases affiliation and attachment behaviors, which are reduced in a range of psychiatric disorders. Oxytocin has been recommended as a psychiatric treatment for adolescents, but this remains largely unstudied. Skepticism is warranted, based on mixed findings in adults and absence of data across development. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of intranasal oxytocin on attachment-related and non-attachment-related trust in an interactive game, determining how this effect differs among inpatient adolescents and healthy controls and whether this effect is moderated by attachment security. There were 122 adolescents (ages 12-17; n = 75 inpatient, 70% female, 37% Black, 24% Hispanic, 20% White, and 20% multiracial; n = 46 control, 55% female, 75% Caucasian) randomized to receive self-administered intranasal oxytocin or a placebo and play a trust game with their mother and a stranger over the Internet. Oxytocin only affected the trust game behavior of adolescents when attachment security was moderate or low. At these levels, oxytocin increased the trust of patients, such that their behavior was equivalent to that of healthy controls. Paradoxically, oxytocin reduced the investments of healthy control subjects. This study takes a first step toward determining whether, and for whom, oxytocin may have a trust-enhancing effect and challenges simplistic notions of oxytocin as the attachment-chemical of the brain-pointing instead to differential oxytocin effects based upon clinical status (patient vs. control) and attachment security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Venta
- Sam Houston State University, Hunstville, TX 77341
| | - Carolyn Ha
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston, TX
| | | | | | | | - Carla Sharp
- University of Houston College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, Houston, TX 77204
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Kalyoncu T, Özbaran B, Köse S, Onay H. Variation in the Oxytocin Receptor Gene Is Associated With Social Cognition and ADHD. J Atten Disord 2019; 23:702-711. [PMID: 28478728 DOI: 10.1177/1087054717706757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children with ADHD show substantial deficits in social cognitive abilities. Oxytocin, mediated through its specific receptor (OXTR), is involved in the regulation of social behavior and social cognition. METHOD The entire coding sequence of the human OXT and OXTR genes were sequenced to identify mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 151 children with ADHD (ADHD-combined, n = 51; inattentive subtype, n = 50; ADHD-C plus conduct disorder [CD], n = 50; 11-18 years) and 100 healthy controls. RESULTS We examined the association of three detected SNPs of OXTR with social cognition deficits. A significant association was shown between the children with ADHD and children with CT/TT genotypes of rs4686302 (χ2 = 3.695; p = .037). ADHD children with CT/TT genotype for the OXTR rs4686302 performed significantly lower on the facial emotion recognition task than those with CC genotype. CONCLUSION OXTR rs4686302 polymorphism was shown to be a genetic marker in social cognition deficits in ADHD children.
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Viding E, McCrory E. Towards understanding atypical social affiliation in psychopathy. Lancet Psychiatry 2019; 6:437-444. [PMID: 31006435 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(19)30049-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
One distinctive feature of individuals with psychopathy is their reduced motivation and capacity to develop authentic social relationships, which are founded on an enjoyment of prosocial interactions or concern for others. Surprisingly, potential neurocognitive vulnerabilities contributing to atypical social affiliation, and lack of prosocial behaviours in psychopathy, have yet to be systematically investigated. Research efforts have largely focused on how individuals with psychopathy process negative emotions, and how this might affect their capacity to feel guilt or empathise with others' distress. Here, we propose a framework for understanding the development of atypical social affiliation and attachment in psychopathy, and outline several key processes and neural systems speculated to underpin them. We then describe present neurocognitive findings that suggest that these processes and neural systems are compromised in individuals with, or at risk of developing, psychopathy. Finally, we consider several research directions that would help with the understanding of the origin and development of social affiliation in individuals with psychopathy. This work has the potential to inform and enhance prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essi Viding
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Eamon McCrory
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London, London, UK; Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, UK
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19
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Association of OXTR rs53576 with the Developmental Trajectories of Callous-Unemotional Traits and Stressful Life Events in 3- to 9-Year-Old Community Children. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 47:1651-1662. [PMID: 31030321 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-019-00548-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The objective was to obtain developmental trajectories combining callous-unemotional traits and the number of stressful life-events between ages 3 and 9 years and to ascertain their association with the polymorphism rs53576 at the Oxytocin Receptor gene (OXTR). A total of 377 children were assessed yearly from ages 3 to 9 years. Latent class growth analysis for parallel processes was used to identify distinct trajectories for callous-unemotional traits (assessed using the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits, ICU) and number of stressful life-events, and then the influence of being an A allele carrier on class membership was included with OXTR genotypes as a binary time-invariant predictor, following a 3-step approach. A 3-class model showed the highest entropy (.859) and adequate posterior probabilities of class membership (≥.884). Class 1 (n = 226, 59.9%) included children with low and stable ICU scores and low and descending stressful life-events; class 2 (n = 127, 33.7%) included children with high and ascending ICU scores and low and slightly descending stressful life-events; and class 3 (n = 24, 6.4%) included children with persistently high profiles both for ICU scores and stressful life-events. Carrying an A allele (genotypes GA/AA) increased the odds of pertaining to class 3 (high and persistent ICU scores and stressful life-events) as opposed to class 2 (OR = 4.27, p = 0.034) or class 1 (OR = 3.81, p = 0.042). The results suggest the importance of considering callous-unemotional traits and stressful life-events in conjunction. In addition, the genetic variability of OXTR (rs53576) may help to understand individual differences in early development.
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20
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Fragkaki I, Verhagen M, van Herwaarden AE, Cima M. Daily oxytocin patterns in relation to psychopathy and childhood trauma in residential youth. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 102:105-113. [PMID: 30537640 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Inconsistent findings have been found on the relation between oxytocin levels and psychopathy or callous-unemotional (CU) traits in humans, potentially because the role of trauma in oxytocin secretion and the distinction between primary and secondary psychopathy have been overlooked so far. Primary psychopathy has a stronger biological background, whereas secondary psychopathy mainly develops due to environmental adversity, such as childhood trauma. This study investigated the interaction effects of CU traits and childhood trauma on daily salivary oxytocin levels in 57 males living in residential youth care facilities. Participants provided six saliva samples (morning, afternoon, and evening for two consecutive days) and completed self-report questionnaires on CU traits and childhood trauma. A mean daily oxytocin and an oxytocin pattern across the day were examined. A significant interaction between CU traits and one trauma category (emotional neglect) on mean daily oxytocin was observed, demonstrating that subjects with high CU traits and low levels of emotional neglect (primary psychopathy) exhibited lower daily oxytocin secretion compared to subjects with high CU traits and high levels of emotional neglect (secondary psychopathy). There were no significant interactions with the other trauma types or in daily oxytocin patterns. Our findings provided a first insight into the potentially distinct oxytocin concentrations in primary and secondary psychopathy, suggesting that primary psychopathy might be linked to lower daily oxytocin output. Future longitudinal studies are required to unravel the developmental patterns of oxytocin secretion and determine whether lower oxytocin output might be a biomarker of primary psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iro Fragkaki
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
| | - Maaike Verhagen
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | | | - Maaike Cima
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Stichting Conrisq Groep, the Netherlands; Stichting Jeugdzorg Sint Joseph, the Netherlands; Maastricht University, the Netherlands
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21
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The genetic underpinnings of callous-unemotional traits: A systematic research review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 100:85-97. [PMID: 30817934 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Callous-unemotional (CU) traits represent the affective features of psychopathy used to delineate youth at high risk for externalizing pathology. The genetic etiology CU traits is not currently well-understood. METHODS The current review surveyed the literature for studies on the genetic underpinnings of CU traits and integrated information from 39 genetic studies. RESULTS The results from 24 studies with quantitative data suggest that the heritability for CU traits is likely between 36-67%. A majority of the 16 molecular genetic studies focused on candidate genes in the serotonin and oxytocin systems with results that have not been well replicated. Although two genome-wide association studies have been conducted, no genome-wide significant loci have been discovered. DISCUSSION There is some evidence to suggest that the serotonin and oxytocin systems may play a role in CU traits; however, there is currently not enough evidence to implicate specific genetic mechanisms. The authors encourage researchers to continue to apply the most up-to-date and relevant methodology, specifically collaborations and consortiums using genome-wide and polygenic methods.
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Gedeon T, Parry J, Völlm B. The Role of Oxytocin in Antisocial Personality Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:76. [PMID: 30873049 PMCID: PMC6400857 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Antisocial personality disorder is an enduring mental disorder associated with significant disease burden and treatment difficulties. This is apparent within forensic populations. There is growing evidence to suggest that treatment with oxytocin could have some benefit in treating a range of psychiatric disorders. There are no reviews studying the use of oxytocin for patients with ASPD. We aim to present the first literature review on the use of oxytocin in patients with ASPD. Method: We searched relevant databases for original research on effect of oxytocin upon persons with a diagnosis of ASPD or healthy participants with symptoms seen in ASPD. Studies were included if they included healthy participants that evaluated the effect of oxytocin on symptoms relevant to ASPD, including empathy, inhibitory control, compliance, conformity, aggression, violence, and moral responsibility. Results: Thirty-six studies were included. There were a range of study designs, including randomized controlled trials, double blinded, single blinded, and unblinded controlled trials. The sample sizes in studies ranged from 20 to 259 participants. Studies looked at participants with a diagnosis of ASPD and participants with symptoms relevant to ASPD, including empathy, inhibitory control, compliance, conformity, aggression, violence, and moral responsibility. Oxytocin was found to demonstrate diversified effects, in most cases being associated with socially positive or non-criminogenic behaviors. However, some studies found opposite, and non-desirable, effects, e.g., an increase in violent inclinations to partners. The two studies looking at participants with ASPD had a number of limitations and had conflicting results on the impact that OT has on aggression in ASPD. Conclusions: This is the first systematic literature review exploring the potential use of oxytocin in managing ASPD and the symptoms of ASPD. It is apparent that there is a body of evidence addressing related symptoms in healthy individuals. There were diversified effects with oxytocin showing some benefits in promoting positive effects on symptoms of ASPD, but there were also studies showing non-desirable effects. It is difficult to draw any direct inferences from healthy control studies. Further high quality large sample studies are required to explore the effects of oxytocin in those with ASPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Gedeon
- NHSHSW Rampton High Secure Hospital, Retford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Birgit Völlm
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Forensische Psychiatrie, Universitätsmedizin Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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Intranasal oxytocin administration promotes emotional contagion and reduces aggression in a mouse model of callousness. Neuropharmacology 2018; 143:250-267. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Kim HW, Kang JI, An SK, Kim SJ. Oxytocin receptor gene variants are associated with emotion recognition and resilience, but not with false-belief reasoning performance in healthy young Korean volunteers. CNS Neurosci Ther 2018; 25:519-526. [PMID: 30311451 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS A growing body of literature has indicated that oxytocin is associated with several domains of social cognition and behavior. Nevertheless, the effects of oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) polymorphisms on social phenotypes remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to explore the genetic influence of OXTR variants on social cognition (social perception and theory of mind) and resilience in healthy individuals. METHODS We examined the influence of 10 common OXTR variants on social cognitive abilities, including facial emotion recognition and theory of mind, and trait resilience in 264 unrelated, healthy participants. RESULTS We found a significant association between the A-C haplotype at rs237887-rs2268490 and facial affect recognition. In addition, the single marker rs2254298 was significantly associated with participants' scores on the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. In contrast, variations in OXTR did not affect participants' performance on the false-belief reasoning task. CONCLUSIONS Single makers or haplotypes at OXTR may contribute to individual differences in facial emotion recognition and psychological resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Won Kim
- Department of Medical Education, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jee In Kang
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suk Kyoon An
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Se Joo Kim
- Institute of Behavioral Science in Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Jurek B, Neumann ID. The Oxytocin Receptor: From Intracellular Signaling to Behavior. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1805-1908. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00031.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 408] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The many facets of the oxytocin (OXT) system of the brain and periphery elicited nearly 25,000 publications since 1930 (see FIGURE 1 , as listed in PubMed), which revealed central roles for OXT and its receptor (OXTR) in reproduction, and social and emotional behaviors in animal and human studies focusing on mental and physical health and disease. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of OXT expression and release, expression and binding of the OXTR in brain and periphery, OXTR-coupled signaling cascades, and their involvement in behavioral outcomes to assemble a comprehensive picture of the central and peripheral OXT system. Traditionally known for its role in milk let-down and uterine contraction during labor, OXT also has implications in physiological, and also behavioral, aspects of reproduction, such as sexual and maternal behaviors and pair bonding, but also anxiety, trust, sociability, food intake, or even drug abuse. The many facets of OXT are, on a molecular basis, brought about by a single receptor. The OXTR, a 7-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor capable of binding to either Gαior Gαqproteins, activates a set of signaling cascades, such as the MAPK, PKC, PLC, or CaMK pathways, which converge on transcription factors like CREB or MEF-2. The cellular response to OXT includes regulation of neurite outgrowth, cellular viability, and increased survival. OXTergic projections in the brain represent anxiety and stress-regulating circuits connecting the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, amygdala, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, or the medial prefrontal cortex. Which OXT-induced patterns finally alter the behavior of an animal or a human being is still poorly understood, and studying those OXTR-coupled signaling cascades is one initial step toward a better understanding of the molecular background of those behavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Jurek
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D. Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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26
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Verona E, Murphy B, Bresin K. Oxytocin-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms, family environment, and psychopathic traits. Personal Disord 2018; 9:584-589. [PMID: 29927293 DOI: 10.1037/per0000290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Multiple studies have linked oxytocin to social behavior and affiliation-attachment. This research would suggest that oxytocin function may relate to the absence of loving kindness and empathy in psychopathy. The current study examined the associations between 3 oxytocin-related single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), participant-reported invalidating childhood environment, and psychopathic traits in community adults, predicting that alleles associated with higher empathy in the literature would relate to lower levels of psychopathic affective traits in particular. Results showed that the rs53576 SNP on the oxytocin receptor and cumulative risk alleles across the 3 SNPs were associated with psychopathic traits, and the interaction between cumulative risk and an emotionally invalidating environment was associated especially with affective deficits of psychopathy. Although this study requires replication in larger samples, results lend support to the role of attachment-related processes in psychopathy. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved).
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de Oliveira Pereira Ribeiro L, Vargas-Pinilla P, Kappel DB, Longo D, Ranzan J, Becker MM, dos Santos Riesgo R, Schuler-Faccini L, Roman T, Schuch JB. Evidence for Association Between OXTR Gene and ASD Clinical Phenotypes. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 65:213-221. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1088-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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28
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Maud C, Ryan J, McIntosh JE, Olsson CA. The role of oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) DNA methylation (DNAm) in human social and emotional functioning: a systematic narrative review. BMC Psychiatry 2018; 18:154. [PMID: 29843655 PMCID: PMC5975530 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1740-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide Oxytocin (OXT) plays a central role in birthing, mother-infant bonding and a broad range of related social behaviours in mammals. More recently, interest has extended to epigenetic programming of genes involved in oxytocinergic neurotransmission. This review brings together early findings in a rapidly developing field of research, examining relationships between DNA methylation (DNAm) of the Oxytocin Receptor Gene (OXTR) and social and emotional behaviour in human populations. METHOD A systematic search across Web of Knowledge/Science, Scopus, Medline and EMBASE captured all published studies prior to June 2017 examining the association between OXTR DNAm and human social and emotional outcomes. Search terms included 'oxytocin gene' or 'oxytocin receptor gene' and 'epigenetics' or 'DNA methylation'. Any article with a focus on social and emotional functioning was then identified from this set by manual review. RESULTS Nineteen studies met eligibility criteria. There was considerable heterogeneity of study populations, tissue samples, instrumentation, measurement, and OXTR site foci. Only three studies examined functional consequences of OXTR DNAm on gene expression and protein synthesis. Increases in OXTR DNAm were associated with callous-unemotional traits in youth, social cognitive deficits in Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), rigid thinking in anorexia nervosa, affect regulation problems, and problems with facial and emotional recognition. In contrast, reductions in DNAm were associated with perinatal stress, postnatal depression, social anxiety and autism in children. CONCLUSIONS Consistent with an emerging field of inquiry, there is not yet sufficient evidence to draw conclusions about the role of OXTR DNAm in human social and emotional behaviour. However, taken together, findings point to increased OXTR DNAm in general impairments in social, cognitive and emotional functioning, and decreased OXTR DNAm in specific patterns of impairment related to mood and anxiety disorders (but not in all). Future progress in this field would be enhanced by adequately powered designs, greater phenotypic precision, and methodological improvements including longitudinal studies with multiple time-points to facilitate causal inference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Maud
- Deakin University Geelong, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Monash University, Prahran, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Jennifer E McIntosh
- Deakin University Geelong, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Craig A Olsson
- Deakin University Geelong, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, Faculty of Health, School of Psychology, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, VIC, 3125, Australia.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3052, Australia
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Sonne JWH, Gash DM. Psychopathy to Altruism: Neurobiology of the Selfish-Selfless Spectrum. Front Psychol 2018; 9:575. [PMID: 29725317 PMCID: PMC5917043 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The age-old philosophical, biological, and social debate over the basic nature of humans as being “universally selfish” or “universally good” continues today highlighting sharply divergent views of natural social order. Here we analyze advances in biology, genetics and neuroscience increasing our understanding of the evolution, features and neurocircuitry of the human brain underlying behavior in the selfish–selfless spectrum. First, we examine evolutionary pressures for selection of altruistic traits in species with protracted periods of dependence on parents and communities for subsistence and acquisition of learned behaviors. Evidence supporting the concept that altruistic potential is a common feature in human populations is developed. To go into greater depth in assessing critical features of the social brain, the two extremes of selfish–selfless behavior, callous unemotional psychopaths and zealous altruists who take extreme measures to help others, are compared on behavioral traits, structural/functional neural features, and the relative contributions of genetic inheritance versus acquired cognitive learning to their mindsets. Evidence from population groups ranging from newborns, adopted children, incarcerated juveniles, twins and mindfulness meditators point to the important role of neuroplasticity and the dopaminergic reward systems in forming and reforming neural circuitry in response to personal experience and cultural influences in determining behavior in the selfish–selfless spectrum. The underlying neural circuitry differs between psychopaths and altruists with emotional processing being profoundly muted in psychopaths and significantly enhanced in altruists. But both groups are characterized by the reward system of the brain shaping behavior. Instead of rigid assignment of human nature as being “universally selfish” or “universally good,” both characterizations are partial truths based on the segments of the selfish–selfless spectrum being examined. In addition, individuals and populations can shift in the behavioral spectrum in response to cognitive therapy and social and cultural experience, and approaches such as mindfulness training for introspection and reward-activating compassion are entering the mainstream of clinical care for managing pain, depression, and stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W H Sonne
- Department of Health Professions, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Don M Gash
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Colins OF, Andershed H, Salekin RT, Fanti KA. Comparing Different Approaches for Subtyping Children with Conduct Problems: Callous-Unemotional Traits Only Versus the Multidimensional Psychopathy Construct. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2018; 40:6-15. [PMID: 29576679 PMCID: PMC5860105 DOI: 10.1007/s10862-018-9653-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to compare two youth psychopathy models (i.e., callous-unemotional versus multidimensional model) in their ability to predict future and stable conduct problems (CP). At baseline, mothers and fathers of 321 boys and 369 girls (ages 7-12) completed measures that tap callous-unemotional and other psychopathic traits. Parent-reported CP was collected at baseline and at 6- and 12 month follow-ups. Children were assigned to mutually exclusive groups based on their levels of CP and psychopathic traits. Children with CP who manifested callous-unemotional traits (Callous-Unemotional + CP) were occasionally at risk for future and stable CP. Yet, across gender, children with CP scoring high on all psychopathic trait dimensions (Psychopathic Personality + CP) showed the most robust and highest risk for future and stable CP. Also, Callous-Unemotional + CP children, and children who were only high in CP, often were at similar risk for future CP. The findings suggest that the callous-unemotional model is less sufficient than the multidimensional model in predicting future and stable CP. This can be concluded for both boys and girls and calls for more research reconsidering the multidimensional nature of psychopathy for CP subtyping purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier F. Colins
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium-Leiden University Medical Center, Endegeesterstraatweg 27, AK 2342 Leiden, The Netherlands
- Center for Criminological and Psychosocial Research, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Henrik Andershed
- Center for Criminological and Psychosocial Research, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | - Kostas A. Fanti
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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31
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Aghajani M, Klapwijk ET, Colins OF, Ziegler C, Domschke K, Vermeiren RRJM, van der Wee NJA. Interactions Between Oxytocin Receptor Gene Methylation and Callous-Unemotional Traits Impact Socioaffective Brain Systems in Conduct-Disordered Offenders. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY: COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2018; 3:379-391. [PMID: 29628070 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 12/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The developmental trajectory of psychopathy seemingly begins early in life and includes the presence of callous-unemotional (CU) traits (e.g., perturbed socioaffective reactivity and empathy, callousness) in youths with conduct disorder (CD). Whereas oxytocin receptor gene methylation (OXTRMeth) and its downstream neuromodulatory effects are deemed relevant to CU traits, nothing is known of how OXTRMeth interacts with CU traits to impact socioaffective brain systems in youngsters with CD. METHODS Hence, we uniquely probed OXTRMeth × CU trait interactions on corticolimbic activity and amygdala subregional connections during recognition and resonance of distressing socioaffective stimuli (angry and fearful faces), in juvenile offenders with CD (n = 39) versus matched healthy control youths (n = 27). RESULTS Relative to healthy control youths, elevated OXTRMeth and CU levels in youths with CD essentially interacted to predict frontoparietal hyperactivity and amygdalo-frontoparietal disconnection during task performance. Specifically, increasing OXTRMeth and CU levels in youths with CD interactively predicted midcingulate hyperactivity during both emotion conditions, with insular, temporoparietal, and precuneal hyperactivity additionally emerging during emotion recognition. Interactions between high OXTRMeth and CU levels in youths with CD additionally predicted centromedial amygdala decoupling from ventromedial/orbitofrontal regions during emotion recognition, along with basolateral amygdala decoupling from precuneal and temporoparietal cortices during emotion resonance. CONCLUSIONS These results uniquely suggest that interactions between OXTRMeth and CU traits in youths with CD may affect brain systems critical to decoding and integrating socioaffective information. Developmental models of CU traits and psychopathy could thus possibly advance by further examining OXTR epigenetic effects, which may hold promise for indicated prevention and personalized treatment by targeting oxytocinergic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moji Aghajani
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Eduard T Klapwijk
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands; Brain and Development Research Center, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Olivier F Colins
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Christiane Ziegler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Robert R J M Vermeiren
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Nic J A van der Wee
- Department of Pschiatry, Curium, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has a solid reputation as a facilitator of social interactions such as parental and pair bonding, trust, and empathy. The many results supporting a pro-social role of OT have generated the hypothesis that impairments in the endogenous OT system may lead to antisocial behavior, most notably social withdrawal or pathological aggression. If this is indeed the case, administration of exogenous OT could be the "serenic" treatment that psychiatrists have for decades been searching for.In the present review, we list and discuss the evidence for an endogenous "hypo-oxytocinergic state" underlying aggressive and antisocial behavior, derived from both animal and human studies. We furthermore examine the reported effects of synthetic OT administration on aggression in rodents and humans.Although the scientific findings listed in this review support, in broad lines, the link between a down-regulated or impaired OT system activity and increased aggression, the anti-aggressive effects of synthetic OT are less straightforward and require further research. The rather complex picture that emerges adds to the ongoing debate questioning the unidirectional pro-social role of OT, as well as the strength of the effects of intranasal OT administration in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trynke R de Jong
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioral and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
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33
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Oxytocin shapes the priorities and neural representations of attitudes and values. Behav Brain Sci 2017; 40:e241. [PMID: 29122030 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x16000807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The phylogenetically ancient neuropeptide oxytocin has been linked to a plethora of social behaviors. Here, we argue that the action of oxytocin is not restricted to the downstream level of emotional responses, but substantially alters higher representations of attitudes and values by exerting a distant modulatory influence on cortical areas and their reciprocal interplay with subcortical regions and hormonal systems.
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The reliability, concurrent validity and association with salivary oxytocin of the self-report version of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits in adolescents with conduct disorder. Psychiatry Res 2017. [PMID: 28628793 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2017.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study evaluated the self-report version of the Inventory of Callous-Unemotional Traits (ICU-SR) in terms of reliability, concurrent validity, and correlation with salivary oxytocin levels, a potential biomarker of CU traits. 67 socially at-risk male adolescents (mean 16.2 years) completed the ICU-SR, ICU teacher-version (ICU-TR), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and their medical files were coded for previous antisocial acts using Brown-Goodwin Lifetime Aggression Scale. Salivary samples were assayed for oxytocin. The reliability of ICU-SR was lower (α = 0.71) than ICU-TR (α = 0.86). ICU-SR mean score was significantly lower than ICU-TR (M = 25.29, SD = 8.02; M = 33.14, SD = 9.47). ICU-TR but not ICU-SR, significantly correlated with history of antisocial acts (r = 0.40). Two-way analysis of variance showed a significant effect of conduct disorder and oxytocin on ICU-TR but not ICU-SR [F(1,59) = 6.53; F(1,59) = 6.08], and a significant interaction only for ICU-TR [F(1,59) = 2.89]. Subjective self-reports of CU traits may be less reliable and valid than teachers' reports.
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Fonagy P, Luyten P. Conduct problems in youth and the RDoC approach: A developmental, evolutionary-based view. Clin Psychol Rev 2017; 64:57-76. [PMID: 28935341 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2017.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Revised: 02/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Problems related to aggression in young people are traditionally subsumed under the header of conduct problems, which include conduct disorder and oppositional defiant disorder. Such problems in children and adolescents are an important societal and mental health problem. In this paper we present an evolutionarily informed developmental psychopathology view of conduct problems inspired by the NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative. We assume that while there are many pathways to conduct problems, chronic or temporary impairments in the domain of social cognition or mentalizing are a common denominator. Specifically, we conceptualize conduct problems as reflecting temporary or chronic difficulties with mentalizing, that is, the capacity to understand the self and others in terms of intentional mental states, leading to a failure to inhibit interpersonal violence through a process of perspective-taking and empathy. These difficulties, in turn, stem from impairments in making use of a normally evolutionarily protected social learning system that functions to facilitate intergenerational knowledge transmission and protect social collaborative processes from impulsive and aggressive action. Temperamental, biological, and social risk factors in different combinations may all contribute to this outcome. This adaptation then interacts with impairments in other domains of functioning, such as in negative and positive valence systems and cognitive systems. This view highlights the importance of a complex interplay among biological, psychological, and environmental factors in understanding the origins of conduct problems. We outline the implications of these views for future research and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK.
| | - Patrick Luyten
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, UK; Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, KU Leuven, Belgium
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36
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Moul C, Hawes DJ, Dadds MR. Mapping the developmental pathways of child conduct problems through the neurobiology of empathy. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 91:34-50. [PMID: 28377098 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2016] [Revised: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The notion that antisocial behavior reflects failures of empathy has a long history in the clinical literature, yet only recently has evidence emerged to support neuroscientific accounts of empathy and the development of child conduct problems. Much of this evidence has come from research into callous-unemotional traits, which correspond to the affective component of psychopathy and therefore encompass deficits in empathy within a broader cluster of emotional impairments. In this review we integrate current evidence concerning the biobehavioral bases of empathy and callous-unemotional traits, and discuss how it may inform models of heterogeneous subgroups of individuals with early onset conduct problems. We argue that somewhat distinct failures of empathy map onto distinct risk pathways to early onset conduct problems, and that these pathways may be best understood by examining empathy in terms of cognitive and environmental prerequisites and the various neurochemical systems implicated therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Moul
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, 2006, Australia.
| | - David J Hawes
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, 2006, Australia.
| | - Mark R Dadds
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, 2006, Australia.
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37
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Anderson MR, Miller L, Wickramaratne P, Svob C, Odgerel Z, Zhao R, Weissman MM. Genetic Correlates of Spirituality/Religion and Depression: A Study in Offspring and Grandchildren at High and Low Familial Risk for Depression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 4:43-63. [PMID: 29057276 DOI: 10.1037/scp0000125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Possible genetic correlates of spirituality and depression have been identified in community samples. We investigate some of the previously identified candidates in a sample of families at both high and low-risk for depression. METHOD Offspring and grandchildren of individuals at high and low-risk for depression, participating in a multi-wave thirty-year longitudinal study, were assessed for seven SNPS drawn from four single gene candidates associated with systems implicated in both depression and spirituality: Serotonin (5-HT1B and 5-HT2A), Dopamine (DRD2), Oxytocin (OT) and Monoamine Vesicular Transporter (VMAT1). RESULTS Dopamine (DRD2) Serotonin (5-HT1B), their Transporter (VMAT1) and Oxytocin (OXTR) were positively associated with a high level of importance of spirituality or religion (S/R) in the group at low familial risk for depression. DRD2 minor allele was associated with both lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD) and spirituality in the low-risk group for depression. No SNPs were related to S/R in the group at high familial risk for depression. OXTR was associated with lifetime MDD in the full sample. CONCLUSION Genes for dopamine, serotonin, their vesicular transporter, and oxytocin may be associated with S/R in people at low familial risk for depression. Genes for dopamine may be associated both with S/R and increased risk for depression in people at low-risk for depression, suggesting a common pathway or physiology to mild to moderate depression. MDD is associated with oxytocin across risk groups. In the high-risk group, phenotypic expression of S/R may be suppressed. IMPLICATIONS The shared association of DRD2 by S/R and depression, generally found to be inversely related, calls for further research on their common physiological pathways, and the phenotypic expression of these pathways based upon use and environment. Prevention for offspring at high familial risk for depression might include support for the development of child spirituality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Miller
- Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY
| | - Priya Wickramaratne
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.,Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Connie Svob
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zagaa Odgerel
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ruixin Zhao
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Myrna M Weissman
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Epidemiology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.,Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Wasilewska K, Pawlak A, Kostrzewa G, Sobczyk-Kopcioł A, Kaczorowska A, Badowski J, Brzozowska M, Drygas W, Piwoński J, Bielecki W, Płoski R. OXTR polymorphism in depression and completed suicide-A study on a large population sample. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 77:84-89. [PMID: 28024273 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
In the light of contradictory results concerning OXTR polymorphism rs53576 and depression, we decided to verify the potential association between the two on 1) a large, ethnically homogenous sample of 1185 individuals who completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), as well as on 2) a sample of 763 suicide victims. In the population sample, AA males showed significantly lower BDI scores (p=0.005, pcor=0.030). Exploratory analyses suggested that this effect was limited to a subgroup within 0-9 BDI score range (p=0.0007, U-Mann Whitney test), whereas no main effect on depressive symptoms (BDI>9) was found. In the suicide sample no association with rs53576 genotype was present. Exploratory analyses in suicides revealed higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) among AA than GG/GA males (p=0.014, U-Mann Whitney test). Our results show that the OXTR rs53576 variant modulates the mood in male individuals and may positively correlate with alcohol intake among male suicides, but is not associated with suicide or depression. The study adds to the growing knowledge on rs53576 genotype characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystyna Wasilewska
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Pawlak
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Oczki 1, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland; Department of Clinical Nursing, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Erazma Ciołka 27, 01-445 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grażyna Kostrzewa
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Oczki 1, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Sobczyk-Kopcioł
- Department of General Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Chałubińskiego 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Kaczorowska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Oczki 1, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Badowski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Brzozowska
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Oczki 1, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Drygas
- Department of Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Institute of Cardiology, ul. Niemodlińska 33, 04-635 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Piwoński
- Department of Epidemiology, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Institute of Cardiology, ul. Niemodlińska 33, 04-635 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wojciech Bielecki
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Łódź, Poland
| | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Pawińskiego 3c, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland.
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Tabbaa M, Paedae B, Liu Y, Wang Z. Neuropeptide Regulation of Social Attachment: The Prairie Vole Model. Compr Physiol 2016; 7:81-104. [PMID: 28135000 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Social attachments are ubiquitous among humans and integral to human health. Although great efforts have been made to elucidate the neural underpinnings regulating social attachments, we still know relatively little about the neuronal and neurochemical regulation of social attachments. As a laboratory animal research model, the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) displays behaviors paralleling human social attachments and thus has provided unique insights into the neural regulation of social behaviors. Research in prairie voles has particularly highlighted the significance of neuropeptidergic regulation of social behaviors, especially of the roles of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP). This article aims to review these findings. We begin by discussing the role of the OT and AVP systems in regulating social behaviors relevant to social attachments, and thereafter restrict our discussion to studies in prairie voles. Specifically, we discuss the role of OT and AVP in adult mate attachments, biparental care, social isolation, and social buffering as informed by studies utilizing the prairie vole model. Not only do these studies offer insight into social attachments in humans, but they also point to dysregulated mechanisms in several mental disorders. We conclude by discussing these implications for human health. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:81-104, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Tabbaa
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Brennan Paedae
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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40
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Masi G, Milone A, Brovedani P, Pisano S, Muratori P. Psychiatric evaluation of youths with Disruptive Behavior Disorders and psychopathic traits: A critical review of assessment measures. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 91:21-33. [PMID: 27677830 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Disruptive Behavior Disorders (DBDs) are stable and impairing disorders, heterogeneous in presentation, developmental pathways, and treatment needs. Disentangling subtypes according to psychopathological dimensions is helpful for timely diagnoses, precise prognoses and tailored interventions. Psychopathic traits are relevant in subtyping DBDs with severe antisocial and aggressive behaviors. Three psychopathy dimensions have been found: 1) an affective dimension, the callous-unemotional (CU) trait, with lack of empathy and remorse, and with short-lived emotions; 2) an interpersonal dimension, the narcissistic domain, with manipulative abilities, superficial charm, egocentricity and grandiosity; 3) a behavioral dimension, the impulsivity or impulsive-irresponsibility, with irresponsibility, proneness to boredom, and novelty seeking. Recently, research suggests that youth with CU traits, similarly to adults with psychopathy, can present a low-anxious "primary" and high-anxious "secondary" variants. Our aim is to critically review the main measures of psychopathic traits, including the three main dimensions (with specific emphasis on CU traits), and the "primary/secondary" distinction, focusing on the assessment in clinical settings. An assessment procedure is proposed, based on previous literature and personal clinical experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Annarita Milone
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Brovedani
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Pisano
- Department of Mental and Physical Health and Preventive Medicine, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Second University of Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris, Scientific Institute of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
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Bernhard RM, Chaponis J, Siburian R, Gallagher P, Ransohoff K, Wikler D, Perlis RH, Greene JD. Variation in the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) is associated with differences in moral judgment. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2016; 11:1872-1881. [PMID: 27497314 PMCID: PMC5141955 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsw103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Moral judgments are produced through the coordinated interaction of multiple neural systems, each of which relies on a characteristic set of neurotransmitters. Genes that produce or regulate these neurotransmitters may have distinctive influences on moral judgment. Two studies examined potential genetic influences on moral judgment using dilemmas that reliably elicit competing automatic and controlled responses, generated by dissociable neural systems. Study 1 (N = 228) examined 49 common variants (SNPs) within 10 candidate genes and identified a nominal association between a polymorphism (rs237889) of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) and variation in deontological vs utilitarian moral judgment (that is, judgments favoring individual rights vs the greater good). An association was likewise observed for rs1042615 of the arginine vasopressin receptor gene (AVPR1A). Study 2 (N = 322) aimed to replicate these findings using the aforementioned dilemmas as well as a new set of structurally similar medical dilemmas. Study 2 failed to replicate the association with AVPR1A, but replicated the OXTR finding using both the original and new dilemmas. Together, these findings suggest that moral judgment is influenced by variation in the oxytocin receptor gene and, more generally, that single genetic polymorphisms can have a detectable effect on complex decision processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regan M Bernhard
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 02138, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Chaponis
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Human Genetics Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114, Boston MA, USA
| | - Richie Siburian
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Human Genetics Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114, Boston MA, USA
| | - Patience Gallagher
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Human Genetics Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114, Boston MA, USA
| | | | - Daniel Wikler
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard School of Public Health, 02115, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roy H Perlis
- Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit, Center for Human Genetics Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, 02114, Boston MA, USA.,Center for Experimental Drugs and Diagnostics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 02114, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joshua D Greene
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, 02138, Cambridge, MA, USA
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White SF, Briggs-Gowan MJ, Voss JL, Petitclerc A, McCarthy K, R Blair RJ, Wakschlag LS. Can the fear recognition deficits associated with callous-unemotional traits be identified in early childhood? J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2016; 38:672-84. [PMID: 27167866 PMCID: PMC5155588 DOI: 10.1080/13803395.2016.1149154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Callous-unemotional (CU) traits in the presence of conduct problems are associated with increased risk of severe antisocial behavior. Developmentally sensitive methods of assessing CU traits have recently been generated, but their construct validity in relation to neurocognitive underpinnings of CU has not been demonstrated. The current study sought to investigate whether the fear-specific emotion recognition deficits associated with CU traits in older individuals are developmentally expressed in young children as low concern for others and punishment insensitivity. METHOD A subsample of 337 preschoolers (mean age 4.8 years, SD = 0.8) who completed neurocognitive tasks was taken from a larger project of preschool psychopathology. Children completed an emotional recognition task in which they were asked to identify the emotional face from the neutral faces in an array. CU traits were assessed using the Low Concern (LC) and Punishment Insensitivity (PI) subscales of the Multidimensional Assessment Profile of Disruptive Behavior (MAP-DB), which were specifically designed to differentiate the normative misbehavior of early childhood from atypical patterns. RESULTS High LC, but not PI, scores were associated with a fear-specific deficit in emotion recognition. Girls were more accurate than boys in identifying emotional expressions but no significant interaction between LC or PI and sex was observed. CONCLUSIONS Fear recognition deficits associated with CU traits in older individuals were observed in preschoolers with developmentally defined patterns of low concern for others. Confirming that the link between CU-related impairments in empathy and distinct neurocognitive deficits is present in very young children suggests that developmentally specified measurement can detect the substrates of these severe behavioral patterns beginning much earlier than prior work. Exploring the development of CU traits and disruptive behavior disorders at very early ages may provide insights critical to early intervention and prevention of severe antisocial behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart F White
- a Section on Affective Cognitive Neuroscience , National Institute of Mental Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | | | - Joel L Voss
- c Department of Medical Social Sciences , Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | - Amelie Petitclerc
- c Department of Medical Social Sciences , Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
| | | | - R James R Blair
- a Section on Affective Cognitive Neuroscience , National Institute of Mental Health , Bethesda , MD , USA
| | - Lauren S Wakschlag
- c Department of Medical Social Sciences , Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
- d Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University , Chicago , IL , USA
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Antisocial behavior and polymorphisms in the oxytocin receptor gene: findings in two independent samples. Mol Psychiatry 2016; 21:983-8. [PMID: 26390829 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2015.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 07/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The quantitative genetic contribution to antisocial behavior is well established, but few, if any, genetic variants are established as risk factors. Emerging evidence suggests that the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) may modulate interpersonal aggression. We here investigated whether single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the OXT receptor gene (OXTR) are associated with the expression of antisocial behavior. A discovery sample, including both sexes, was drawn from the Child and Adolescent Twin Study in Sweden (CATSS; n=2372), and a sample from the Twin Study of Child and Adolescent Development (TCHAD; n=1232) was used for replication. Eight SNPs in OXTR, selected on previous associations with social and antisocial behavior, were genotyped in the participants of CATSS. Significant polymorphisms were subsequently genotyped in TCHAD for replication. Participants completed self-assessment questionnaires-Life History of Aggression (LHA; available only in CATSS), and Self-Reported Delinquency (SRD; available in both samples)-designed to capture antisocial behavior as continuous traits. In the discovery sample, the rs7632287 AA genotype was associated with higher frequency of antisocial behavior in boys, and this was then replicated in the second sample. In particular, overt aggression (directly targeting another individual) was strongly associated with this genotype in boys (P=6.2 × 10(-7) in the discovery sample). Meta-analysis of the results for antisocial behavior from both samples yielded P=2.5 × 10(-5). Furthermore, an association between rs4564970 and LHA (P=0.00013) survived correction in the discovery sample, but there was no association with the SRD in the replication sample. We conclude that the rs7632287 and rs4564970 polymorphisms in OXTR may independently influence antisocial behavior in adolescent boys. Further replication of our results will be crucial to understanding how aberrant social behavior arises, and would support the OXT receptor as one potential target in the treatment of aggressive antisocial behavior.
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Fernàndez-Castillo N, Cormand B. Aggressive behavior in humans: Genes and pathways identified through association studies. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171:676-96. [PMID: 26773414 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Aggressive behavior has both genetic and environmental components. Many association studies have been performed to identify genetic factors underlying aggressive behaviors in humans. In this review we summarize the previous work performed in this field, considering both candidate gene (CGAS) and genome-wide association studies (GWAS), excluding those performed in samples where the primary diagnosis is a psychiatric or neurological disorder other than an aggression-related phenotype. Subsequently, we have studied the enrichment of pathways and functions in GWAS data. The results of our searches show that most CGAS have identified associations with genes involved in dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission and in hormone regulation. On the other hand, GWAS have not yet identified genome-wide significant associations, but top nominal findings are related to several signaling pathways, such as axon guidance or estrogen receptor signaling, and also to neurodevelopmental processes and synaptic plasticity. Future studies should use larger samples, homogeneous phenotypes and standardized measurements to identify genes that underlie aggressive behaviors in humans. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain
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45
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Longman T, Hawes DJ, Kohlhoff J. Callous-Unemotional Traits as Markers for Conduct Problem Severity in Early Childhood: A Meta-analysis. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2016; 47:326-34. [PMID: 26123709 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-015-0564-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Extensive research has shown that callous-unemotional (CU) traits in middle-childhood and adolescence are markers for a particularly severe and chronic pattern of antisocial behavior (Frick et al. in Psychol Bull 140:1-57, 2014). Comparatively little, however, is known about the relationship between CU traits and antisocial behavior in early childhood. A meta-analysis of k = 10 studies comprising n = 5731 participants was conducted to examine the relationship between CU traits and conduct problem severity prior to 5 years of age. Overall, a significant positive relationship was found between CU traits and conduct problem severity, in the order of large effect size (r = .39, p < .001). Moderator analyses revealed that this relationship differed based on use of same versus different informant across measures, but was consistent across sex and sample type (at-risk/clinic referred or community). This supports the view that CU traits represent a potentially informative focus for clinical assessment in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thea Longman
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - David J Hawes
- School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Jane Kohlhoff
- Karitane, Sydney South West Area Health Service, PO Box 241, Villawood, NSW, 2163, Australia
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46
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Waller R, Corral-Frías NS, Vannucci B, Bogdan R, Knodt AR, Hariri AR, Hyde LW. An oxytocin receptor polymorphism predicts amygdala reactivity and antisocial behavior in men. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2016; 11:1218-26. [PMID: 27036876 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsw042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 03/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Variability in oxytocin (OXT) signaling is associated with individual differences in sex-specific social behavior across species. The effects of OXT signaling on social behavior are, in part, mediated through its modulation of amygdala function. Here, we use imaging genetics to examine sex-specific effects of three single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR; rs1042778, rs53576 and rs2254298) on threat-related amygdala reactivity and social behavior in 406 Caucasians. Analyses revealed that among men but not women, OXTR rs1042778 TT genotype was associated with increased right amygdala reactivity to angry facial expressions, which was uniquely related to higher levels of antisocial behavior among men. Moderated meditation analysis suggested a trending indirect effect of OXTR rs1042778 TT genotype on higher antisocial behavior via increased right amygdala reactivity to angry facial expressions in men. Our results provide evidence linking genetic variation in OXT signaling to individual differences in amygdala function. The results further suggest that these pathways may be uniquely important in shaping antisocial behavior in men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Waller
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Nadia S Corral-Frías
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, USA
| | - Bianca Vannucci
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, USA
| | - Ryan Bogdan
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, USA
| | - Annchen R Knodt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Ahmad R Hariri
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, USA
| | - Luke W Hyde
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA
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47
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Veroude K, Zhang-James Y, Fernàndez-Castillo N, Bakker MJ, Cormand B, Faraone SV. Genetics of aggressive behavior: An overview. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171B:3-43. [PMID: 26345359 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) address three types of aggression: frustrative non-reward, defensive aggression and offensive/proactive aggression. This review sought to present the evidence for genetic underpinnings of aggression and to determine to what degree prior studies have examined phenotypes that fit into the RDoC framework. Although the constructs of defensive and offensive aggression have been widely used in the animal genetics literature, the human literature is mostly agnostic with regard to all the RDoC constructs. We know from twin studies that about half the variance in behavior may be explained by genetic risk factors. This is true for both dimensional, trait-like, measures of aggression and categorical definitions of psychopathology. The non-shared environment seems to have a moderate influence with the effects of shared environment being unclear. Human molecular genetic studies of aggression are in an early stage. The most promising candidates are in the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems along with hormonal regulators. Genome-wide association studies have not yet achieved genome-wide significance, but current samples are too small to detect variants having the small effects one would expect for a complex disorder. The strongest molecular evidence for a genetic basis for aggression comes from animal models comparing aggressive and non-aggressive strains or documenting the effects of gene knockouts. Although we have learned much from these prior studies, future studies should improve the measurement of aggression by using a systematic method of measurement such as that proposed by the RDoC initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Veroude
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yanli Zhang-James
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain
| | - Mireille J Bakker
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain
| | - Stephen V Faraone
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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48
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Jong TRD, Menon R, Bludau A, Grund T, Biermeier V, Klampfl SM, Jurek B, Bosch OJ, Hellhammer J, Neumann ID. Salivary oxytocin concentrations in response to running, sexual self-stimulation, breastfeeding and the TSST: The Regensburg Oxytocin Challenge (ROC) study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 62:381-8. [PMID: 26385109 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Intranasal oxytocin (OXT) application is emerging as a potential treatment for socio-emotional disorders associated with abnormalities in OXT system (re-) activity. The crucial identification of patients with such abnormalities could be streamlined by the assessment of basal and stimulus-induced OXT concentrations in saliva, using a simple, stress-free sampling procedure (i.e. an OXT challenge test). We therefore established the Regensburg Oxytocin Challenge (ROC) test to further validate salivary OXT concentrations as a practical, reliable and sensitive biomarker. OXT concentrations were quantified by radioimmunoassay in samples collected at home by healthy adult male and female volunteers before and after running ("Run") or sexual self-stimulation ("Sex"). In lactating women, salivary OXT concentrations were quantified before, during and after breastfeeding. Salivary OXT along with salivary cortisol and heart rate were monitored in healthy adult participants undergoing the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). The home-based "Run" and "Sex" challenges as well as the laboratory-based TSST caused quantifiable, rapid, and consistent increases in salivary OXT (approximately 2.5-fold after 10-15min), which were similar for men and women. Breastfeeding did not result in measurably increased salivary OXT levels, probably because the short pulses of OXT release characteristic for lactation were missed. Taken together, ROC tests reliably assess the responsiveness of the OXT system (i.e., the increase in salivary OXT concentrations as compared to basal levels) to challenges such as "Run" and "Sex" at home or psychosocial stress (TSST) in the laboratory. Further studies with larger sample numbers are essentially needed in order to reveal individual differences in ROC test outcomes depending on, for example, genetic or environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trynke R de Jong
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Rohit Menon
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Anna Bludau
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Grund
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Verena Biermeier
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie M Klampfl
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Benjamin Jurek
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Juliane Hellhammer
- Diagnostic Assessment and Clinical Research Organization (DAACRO) GmbH & Co, KG, Science Park Trier, Trier, Germany
| | - Inga D Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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49
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Salivary oxytocin in adolescents with conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015; 24:1543-51. [PMID: 26433370 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-015-0765-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Callous-unemotional (CU) traits correlate with the severity and prognosis of conduct disorder in youth. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has been linked to prosocial behaviors, including empathy and collaboration with others. This study discusses a possible role for OT in the biology of delinquent behavior. We hypothesized that in delinquent youth OT secretion will correlate with the severity of conduct problems and specifically with the level of CU traits. The study group included 67 male adolescents (mean age 16.2 years) undergoing residential treatment, previously assessed by an open clinical interview and history for the psychiatric diagnosis. Staff based Inventory of Callous-Unemotional traits for psychopathy and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire were administered, and patients' medical and social personal files were systematically coded for previous history of antisocial acts using the Brown-Goodwin Questionnaire. Salivary OT was assayed by ELISA. Salivary OT levels were inversely correlated with conduct problems severity on Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (r = -0.27; p ≤ 0.01). Recorded history of antisocial acts did not correlate with current OT levels. Odds ratio (OR) for significant CU traits among subjects with conduct problems was increased in low-OT (OR = 14, p ≤ 0.05) but not in high-OT subjects (OR = 6, p ≥ 0.05). Children with conduct problems and low levels of salivary OT are at risk for significant CU traits. These results suggest a possible role for salivary OT as a biomarker for CU traits and conduct problems severity.
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50
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Brüne M. On the role of oxytocin in borderline personality disorder. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2015; 55:287-304. [PMID: 26616386 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Interpersonal dysfunction is central to borderline personality disorder (BPD). Recent research has focused on the role of oxytocin (OT) in BPD, particularly regarding associations of OT activity with symptoms, genetic polymorphisms of the oxytocin receptor coding gene (OXTR) in BPD, and experimental modification of interpersonal core problems of patients with BPD such as hypervigilance towards threat detection, mistrust, and non-verbal behaviour during social interaction by intranasal application of OT. METHODS A literature ('medline') review was performed using the keywords 'oxytocin' and 'borderline personality disorder'. Secondary literature on trauma and attachment in relation to OT was also considered relevant. RESULTS Together, findings suggest that in BPD OT is associated with enhanced defensive mechanisms and avoidance behaviour. Moreover, gene-environment interaction concerning polymorphic variations of the OXTR gene and childhood adversity in BPD suggests that these genes convey developmental flexibility or 'differential susceptibility' to environmental contingencies, whereby BPD resides at the poor outcome end of the spectrum. CONCLUSIONS In view of the conflicting literature, it needs to be studied carefully whether OT can serve as a therapeutic agent given adjunct to psychotherapy in BPD. More research about the role of OT is also required with regard to the prevention of the non-genetic intergenerational transmission of BPD. Clarifying the role of OT in BPD may also benefit from research in non-human animals targeting the interaction between early adversity and OT availability more directly. PRACTITIONER POINTS The study of oxytocin can contribute to the understanding of the neurobiology of borderline personality disorder. Oxytocin is critically involved in attachment security, and methylation of the oxytocin receptor may play a role in the epigenetic modulation of early adversity. The intranasal application of oxytocin may be a useful therapeutic adjunct to psychotherapy. Insecure attachment and childhood adversity may produce differential neurobiological effects on the oxytocinergic system in borderline personality disorder. There is insufficient knowledge of how oxytocin interacts with vasopressin, testosterone, dopamine, and serotonin, which are also important key players in the experience of social reward and stress responsivity. It is unclear whether or not oxytocin could be beneficial in preventing the intergenerational (non-genetic) transmission of borderline personality traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Brüne
- Division of Cognitive Neuropsychiatry and Psychiatric Preventive Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Preventive Medicine, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
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