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Rubens M, Bruenig D, Adams JAM, Suresh SM, Sathyanarayanan A, Haslam D, Shenk CE, Mathews B, Mehta D. Childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 147:105079. [PMID: 36764637 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment (CM) encompasses sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and exposure to domestic and family violence. Epigenetic research investigating CM has focused on differential DNA methylation (DNAm) in genes associated with the stress response, but there has been limited evaluation of the specific effects of subtypes of CM. This systematic review of literature investigating DNAm associated with CM in non-clinical populations aimed to summarise the approaches currently used in research, how the type of maltreatment and age of exposure were encoded via methylation, and which genes have consistently been associated with CM. A total of fifty-four papers were eligible for review, including forty-one candidate gene studies, eight epigenome-wide association studies, and five studies with a mixed design. The ways in which the various forms of CM were conceptualised and measured varied between papers. Future studies would benefit from assessments that employ conceptually robust definitions of CM, and that capture important contextual information such as age of exposure and subtype of CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie Rubens
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Dagmar Bruenig
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Jessica A M Adams
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Shruthi M Suresh
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Anita Sathyanarayanan
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia
| | - Divna Haslam
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, School of Law, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia; Parenting and Family Support Centre, University of Queensland, Australia
| | - Chad E Shenk
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, USA
| | - Ben Mathews
- Australian Centre for Health Law Research, School of Law, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Australia; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | - Divya Mehta
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia.
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Wang T, Li L, Yue Y, Liu X, Chen S, Shen T, Xu Z, Yuan Y. The interaction of P11 methylation and early-life stress impacts the antidepressant response in patients with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2022; 312:128-135. [PMID: 35752218 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.06.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present research investigates the influence of P11 gene DNA methylation combined with life stress on the response to antidepressants in the first two weeks. METHODS A total of 291 Han Chinese patients with major depressive disorder and 100 healthy controls were included. The Life Events Scale and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire were used to assess stress. The primary endpoint was the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 reduction rate after two weeks of treatment. The Illumina HiSeq Platform was used to detect the methylation of 74 CpG sites of the P11 gene in peripheral blood samples. RESULTS The mean methylation of all P11 CpG sites, as well as the methylation at 4 CpG sites (P11-2-169, P11-2-192, P11-2-202, P11-2-204), were significantly higher in patients with MDD than in healthy controls (FDR-corrected P < 0.05). The response to antidepressants was associated with the following interactions: the CTQ score and P11-3-185 site methylation (OR = 0.297, FDR-corrected P = 0.023), the CTQ physical neglect score and P11-2-117 site methylation (OR = 0.005, FDR-corrected P = 0.033), and the CTQ emotional abuse score and P11-3-185 site methylation (OR = 0.001, FDR-corrected P = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS The methylation of the P11 gene was significantly higher in patients with major depressive disorder. The interaction of P11 DNA methylation and early-life stress may influence the short-term antidepressant treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Wang
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China; Department of Sleep Medicine, The Fourth People's Hospital of Lianyungang, Lianyungang 222000, PR China
| | - Yingying Yue
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Xiaoyun Liu
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Suzhen Chen
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Tian Shen
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China
| | - Zhi Xu
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
| | - Yonggui Yuan
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychiatry, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, PR China; Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Critical Care Medicine, Southeast university, Nanjing 210009, PR China.
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Zhang Y, Liu C. Evaluating the challenges and reproducibility of studies investigating DNA methylation signatures of psychological stress. Epigenomics 2022; 14:405-421. [PMID: 35170363 PMCID: PMC8978984 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress can increase the risk of a wide range of negative health outcomes. Studies have been completed to determine if DNA methylation changes occur in the human brain because of stress and are associated with long-term effects and disease, but results have been inconsistent. Human candidate gene studies (150) and epigenome-wide association studies (67) were systematically evaluated to assess how DNA methylation is impacted by stress during the prenatal period, early childhood and adulthood. The association between DNA methylation of NR3C1 exon 1F and child maltreatment and early life adversity was well demonstrated, but other genes did not exhibit a clear association. The reproducibility of individual CpG sites in epigenome-wide association studies was also poor. However, biological pathways, including stress response, brain development and immunity, have been consistently identified across different stressors throughout the life span. Future studies would benefit from the increased sample size, longitudinal design, standardized methodology, optimal quality control, and improved statistical procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Medical Department, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Ecology and Population Health in Northwest Minority Areas, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
| | - Chunyu Liu
- Center for Medical Genetics and Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China
- Department of Psychiatry, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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An Y, Shi J, Chuan-Peng H, Wu X. The symptom structure of posttraumatic stress disorder and co-morbid depression among college students with childhood abuse experience: A network analysis. J Affect Disord 2021; 293:466-475. [PMID: 34256208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.06.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are highly co-morbid among individuals with childhood abuse history, while the mechanism of the co-morbidity is highly debated. This study sought to extent the work among college students with network analysis, which is a novel method that sees the co-morbidity from a symptom interacting perspective. METHODS Data was collected from 476 college students who were assessed to have childhood abuse history, PTSD and depression at the same time, using Childhood Trauma Questionnaire- Short Form, PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression. We created a Graphical Gaussian Model (GGM) network to show associations between symptom pairs and a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) to estimate potential casual relationships among symptoms. RESULTS The GGM network was reliably stable, feeling sad (Depression) and trouble experiencing positive feelings (PTSD) were the most central nodes. Trouble experiencing positive feelings and several negative affect symptoms, sleep problems and difficulty in concentrating were acting as important bridging nodes. The DAG network suggested the key triggering roles of exaggerated startle (PTSD) and several re-experiencing symptoms. LIMITATIONS The study used cross-sectional data and self-reported measures. Results from network analysis could be affected by scale factors and contain spurious correlations. CONCLUSIONS In the childhood-abuse-related co-morbid structure, several negative affect symptoms both in PTSD and depression have pivotal roles, hyper-arousal symptoms and re-experiencing symptoms could trigger the co-morbid structure. Illustrating the strength and limitations of network analysis, this study help target the potentially influential symptoms for better clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan An
- School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, 122 Ninghai Road, Gulou Distinct, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Junyi Shi
- School of Psychology, Nanjing Normal University, 122 Ninghai Road, Gulou Distinct, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Hu Chuan-Peng
- Leibniz Institute for Resilience Research, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Xinchun Wu
- Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No.19 Xinjiekou Wai Street, Beijing, PR China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, Beijing Normal University, No.19 Xinjiekou Wai Street, Beijing, PR China.
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Parade SH, Huffhines L, Daniels TE, Stroud LR, Nugent NR, Tyrka AR. A systematic review of childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation: candidate gene and epigenome-wide approaches. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:134. [PMID: 33608499 PMCID: PMC7896059 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01207-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment is a major risk factor for chronic and severe mental and physical health problems across the lifespan. Increasing evidence supports the hypothesis that maltreatment is associated with epigenetic changes that may subsequently serve as mechanisms of disease. The current review uses a systematic approach to identify and summarize the literature related to childhood maltreatment and alterations in DNA methylation in humans. A total of 100 empirical articles were identified in our systematic review of research published prior to or during March 2020, including studies that focused on candidate genes and studies that leveraged epigenome-wide data in both children and adults. Themes arising from the literature, including consistent and inconsistent patterns of results, are presented. Several directions for future research, including important methodological considerations for future study design, are discussed. Taken together, the literature on childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation underscores the complexity of transactions between the environment and biology across development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie H Parade
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Lindsay Huffhines
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Bradley/Hasbro Children's Research Center, E. P. Bradley Hospital, East Providence, RI, USA
| | - Teresa E Daniels
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Laura R Stroud
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Nicole R Nugent
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Audrey R Tyrka
- Initiative on Stress, Trauma, and Resilience, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
- Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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Lagdon S, Ross J, Robinson M, Contractor AA, Charak R, Armour C. Assessing the Mediating Role of Social Support in Childhood Maltreatment and Psychopathology Among College Students in Northern Ireland. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2021; 36:NP2112-2136NP. [PMID: 29448910 DOI: 10.1177/0886260518755489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The detrimental impact of early trauma, particularly childhood maltreatment, on mental health is well documented. Although it is understood that social support can act as a protective factor toward mental health for children who experience such adversity, few studies have addressed the experience of childhood maltreatment and the important function of social support in adulthood. The current study aimed to assess the mediating role of social support in the relationship between childhood experiences of maltreatment and mental health outcomes including anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and problematic alcohol use in a sample of university students (N = 640) from Northern Ireland. Results of binary logistic regression analyses indicated that those reporting experiences of childhood maltreatment were at increased odds of mental health outcomes of PTSD, anxiety, and depression, but not alcohol use. Those reporting greater social support were significantly less likely to report on these mental health outcomes. In addition, the indirect paths from childhood maltreatment through social support to PTSD, depression, and anxiety were all significant, suggesting that social support, particularly family support, is a significant mediator of these relationships. Such findings have important implications for the social care response to children experiencing maltreatment and future support for such children as they transition to adolescence and adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ruby Charak
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg, USA
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Uselman TW, Barto DR, Jacobs RE, Bearer EL. Evolution of brain-wide activity in the awake behaving mouse after acute fear by longitudinal manganese-enhanced MRI. Neuroimage 2020; 222:116975. [PMID: 32474079 PMCID: PMC7805483 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2020.116975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Life threatening fear after a single exposure evolves in a subset of vulnerable individuals to anxiety, which may persist for their lifetime. Yet neither the whole brain's response to innate acute fear nor how brain activity evolves over time is known. Sustained neuronal activity may be a factor in the development of a persistent fear response. We couple two experimental protocols to provoke acute fear leading to prolonged fear: Predator stress (PS), a naturalistic approach to induce fear in rodents; and Serotonin transporter knockout mouse (SERT-KO) that responds to PS with sustained defensive behavior. Behavior was monitored before, during and at short and long times after PS in wild type (WT) and SERT-KO mice. Both genotypes responded to PS with defensive behavior. SERT-KO retained defensive behavior for 23 days, while WT mice returned to baseline exploratory behavior by 9 days. Thus, differences in neural activity between WT and SERT-KO 9 days after PS identifies neural correlates of persistent defensive behavior, in mice. We used longitudinal manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) to identify brain-wide neural activity associated with different behaviors. Mn2+ accumulation in active neurons occurs in awake, behaving mice and is retrospectively imaged. Following the same two cohorts of mice, WT and SERT-KO, longitudinally allowed unbiased quantitative comparisons of brain-wide activity by statistical parametric mapping (SPM). During natural behavior in WT, only low levels of activity-induced Mn2+-accumulation were detected, while much more accumulation appeared immediately after PS in both WT and SERT-KO, and evolved at 9 days to a new activity pattern (p < 0.0001, uncorr., T = 5.4). Patterns of accumulation differed between genotypes, with more regions of the brain and larger volumes within regions involved in SERT-KO than WT. A new computational segmentation analysis, using our InVivo Atlas based on a manganese-enhanced MR image of a living mouse, revealed dynamic changes in the volume of significantly enhanced voxels within each segment that differed between genotypes across 45 of 87 segmented regions. At Day 9 after PS, the striatum and ventral pallidum were active in both genotypes but more so in the SERT-KO. SERT-KO also displayed sustained or increased volume of Mn2+ accumulations between Post-Fear and Day 9 in eight segments where activity was decreased or silenced in WT. C-fos staining, an alternative neural activity marker, of brains from the same mice fixed at conclusion of imaging sessions confirmed that MEMRI detected active neurons. Intensity measurements in 12 regions of interest (ROIs) supported the SPM results. Between group comparisons by SPM and of ROI measurements identified specific regions differing between time points and genotypes. We report brain-wide activity in response to a single exposure of acute fear, and, for the first time, its evolution to new activity patterns over time in individuals vulnerable to persistent fear. Our results show multiple regions with dynamic changes in neural activity and that the balance of activity between segments is disordered in the SERT-KO. Thus, longitudinal MEMRI represents a powerful approach to discover how brain-wide activity evolves from the natural state either after an experience or during a disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor W Uselman
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Daniel R Barto
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Russell E Jacobs
- Zilkha Neurogenetics Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Elaine L Bearer
- Department of Pathology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA; California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
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Wulandari MD, Hanurawan F, Chusniyah T. Children's Knowledge and Skills Related to Self-Protection from Sexual Abuse in Central Java Indonesia. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2020; 29:499-512. [PMID: 31900103 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2019.1703231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The research aimed at assessing Muhammadiyah Elementary Schools' children's knowledge and skill in protecting themselves from CSA by analyzing them based on gender. It applied a quantitative method with descriptive statistical and inferential analysis designs. The samples amounted to 301 fifth-grade students from 10 Muhammadiyah Elementary Schools in Surakarta, Central Java, Indonesia. They were asked to complete the questionnaires of the "What If" Situation Test (WIST-III), adapted to an Indonesian context. When testing comprehension of touching situations, it was found that less than half of the respondents could identify appropriate touching situations (42%, M = 1.99, SD = ±1.04). There was a significant difference in the appropriate touching situation between males (M = 2.26, SD = ±1.9) and females (M = 1.76, SD = ±1.09). However, the ability to tell someone about the sexual abuse incident was very low, and a significant difference was found between females (p = .029, M = 1.7, SD = ± 2.3) and males (p = .029, M = 1.55, SD = ± 2.11). Only two per cent of the children achieved the maximum skills score. A CSA preventive program must be focused on building and developing children with regards to the skills to protect themselves from CSA by referring to cultural and Islamic values.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fattah Hanurawan
- Education Psychology Department, Universitas Negeri Malang , Malang, Indonesia
| | - Tutut Chusniyah
- Education Psychology Department, Universitas Negeri Malang , Malang, Indonesia
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Cecil CAM, Zhang Y, Nolte T. Childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 112:392-409. [PMID: 32081689 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) - an epigenetic process that regulates gene expression - may represent a mechanism for the biological embedding of early traumatic experiences, including childhood maltreatment. Here, we conducted the first systematic review of human studies linking childhood maltreatment to DNAm. In total, 72 studies were included in the review (2008-2018). The majority of extant studies (i) were based on retrospective data in adults, (ii) employed a candidate gene approach (iii) focused on global maltreatment, (iv) were based on easily accessible peripheral tissues, typically blood; and (v) were cross-sectional. Two-thirds of studies (n = 48) also examined maltreatment-related outcomes, such as stress reactivity and psychiatric symptoms. While findings generally support an association between childhood maltreatment and altered patterns of DNAm, factors such as the lack of longitudinal data, low comparability across studies as well as potential genetic and 'pre-exposure' environmental confounding currently limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Key challenges are discussed and concrete recommendations for future research are provided to move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A M Cecil
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton; State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tobias Nolte
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, United Kingdom
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Montesino-Goicolea S, Sinha P, Huo Z, Rani A, Foster TC, Cruz-Almeida Y. Enrichment of genomic pathways based on differential DNA methylation profiles associated with chronic musculoskeletal pain in older adults: An exploratory study. Mol Pain 2020; 16:1744806920966902. [PMID: 33073674 PMCID: PMC7711149 DOI: 10.1177/1744806920966902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Our study aimed to identify differentially methylated CpGs/regions and their enriched genomic pathways associated with underlying chronic musculoskeletal pain in older individuals. We recruited cognitively healthy older adults with (n = 20) and without (n = 9) self-reported musculoskeletal pain and collected DNA from peripheral blood that was analyzed using MethylationEPIC arrays. We identified 31,739 hypermethylated CpG and 10,811 hypomethylated CpG probes (ps ≤ 0.05). All CpG probes were clustered into 5966 regions, among which 600 regions were differentially methylated at p ≤ 0.05 level, including 294 hypermethylated regions and 306 hypomethylated regions (differentially methylated regions). Ingenuity pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the pain-related differentially methylated regions were enriched across multiple pathways. The top 10 canonical pathways were linked to cellular signaling processes related to immune responses (i.e. antigen presentation, programed cell death 1 receptor/PD-1 ligand 1, interleukin-4, OX40 signaling, T cell exhaustion, and apoptosis) and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor signaling. Further, Weighted Gene Correlation Network Analysis revealed a comethylation network module in the pain group that was not preserved in the control group, where the hub gene was the cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent transcription factor ATF-2. Our preliminary findings provide new epigenetic insights into the role of aberrant immune signaling in musculoskeletal pain in older adults while further supporting involvement of dysfunctional GABAergic signaling mechanisms in chronic pain. Our findings need to be urgently replicated in larger cohorts as they may serve as a basis for developing and targeting future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soamy Montesino-Goicolea
- Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence,
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Community Dentistry & Behavioral Science,
College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Puja Sinha
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of
Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Zhiguang Huo
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health &
Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville,
FL, USA
| | - Asha Rani
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of
Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Thomas C Foster
- Department of Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of
Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Genetics and Genomics Program, University of Florida,
Gainesville, FL, USA
- Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL,
USA
| | - Yenisel Cruz-Almeida
- Pain Research & Intervention Center of Excellence,
University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Community Dentistry & Behavioral Science,
College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Turniansky H, Ben-Dor D, Krivoy A, Weizman A, Shoval G. A history of prolonged childhood sexual abuse is associated with more severe clinical presentation of borderline personality disorder in adolescent female inpatients - A naturalistic study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 98:104222. [PMID: 31639585 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.104222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is associated with high rates of suicidal and self-injurious behaviors and a substantial proportion of BPD patients have a history of trauma, particularly childhood sexual abuse (CSA). OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical presentation severity in female adolescent inpatients with BPD with and without history of prolonged CSA. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Female adolescent BPD patients admitted to a psychiatric inpatient unit. METHODS A retrospective analysis of records of the inpatients, divided into two groups: with (n = 38) and without (n = 40) a history of prolonged CSA. Prolonged CSA was defined as sexual abuse continuing for at least 3 months. Demographic and clinical data, including number and duration of psychiatric hospitalizations until the age 19, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicide attempts, cigarette smoking, alcohol and drug use, and sexual impulsivity were compared between the two groups. RESULTS The BPD + prolonged CSA group had a larger duration of the first psychiatric hospitalization, number of hospitalizations and cumulative length of hospitalizations compared with the control group. Furthermore, the BPD + prolonged CSA group had a higher number of suicidal attempts, and higher rates of severe NSSI events, cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and sexual impulsivity. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated for the first time that adolescent female BPD inpatients with a history of prolonged CSA, manifest more severe clinical presentation compared to those without prolonged CSA. Hence, it appears essential to encourage therapists to inquire about history of CSA and refer adolescent female BPD inpatients with prolonged CSA to appropriate intensive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hila Turniansky
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; The Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Division, the Edmond and Lily Safra Children's Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, 5262000, Israel.
| | - David Ben-Dor
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Amir Krivoy
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, UK.
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Petah Tikva, Israel.
| | - Gal Shoval
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Seif EA, Diab IH, Ibrahim SA, Hussein HA, Ghitani SA. Association between different parameters of child maltreatment and global DNA methylation. ALEXANDRIA JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/20905068.2019.1681178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eman A Seif
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Iman H Diab
- department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Soha A Ibrahim
- department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Heba A Hussein
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Sara A Ghitani
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
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13
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Neves I, Dinis-Oliveira RJ, Magalhães T. Epigenomic mediation after adverse childhood experiences: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Forensic Sci Res 2019; 6:103-114. [PMID: 34377567 PMCID: PMC8330736 DOI: 10.1080/20961790.2019.1641954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are potential mediators of the physiological response to abuse by altering the genetic predisposition of the cellular response to the environment, leading to changes in the regulation of multiple organ systems. This study was established to review the epigenetic mechanisms associated with childhood abuse as well as the long-term determinants that these epigenetic changes may have on future illness. We retrospectively analysed the effect of exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs, specifically those relating to childhood maltreatment) between the ages of 0 and 16 years on the human epigenome, as well as possible clinical associations. After meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, 36 articles were included in this systematic review. Eight of these studies did not find a relationship between childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation. Of the remaining 28 studies, nine were genome-wide association studies, whereas the rest were candidate gene studies, mainly studying effects on neuroendocrine, serotoninergic and immunoregulatory systems. Meta-analysis of correlation coefficients from candidate gene studies estimated an association of childhood adversity and DNA methylation variation at r = 0.291 (P < 0.0001), and meta-analysis of two epigenome-wide association studies (EWASs) identified 44 differentially methylated CpG sites. In conclusion, childhood maltreatment may mediate epigenetic mechanisms through DNA methylation, thereby affecting physiological responses and conferring a predisposition to an increased risk for psychopathology and forensic repercussions. Similar evidence for somatic illnesses is not yet available. KEY POINTS Adverse childhood experiences are associated with increased mortality partly explained by acquired epigenetic changes There is a positive correlation between childhood abuse and DNA methylation at specific gene sites The cumulative effect of different types of childhood abuse and neglect may lead to changes in DNA methylation Epigenome changes associated with childhood abuse appear to be involved in the development of psychiatric illness in adulthood Studying epigenetic changes may have important public health and forensic applications in the future
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Neves
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Jorge Dinis-Oliveira
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal.,UCIBIO, REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Teresa Magalhães
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.,IINFACTS-Institute of Research and Advanced Training in Health Sciences and Technologies, Department of Sciences, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, CRL, Gandra, Portugal
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Tanksley PT, Motz RT, Kail RM, Barnes JC, Liu H. The Genome-Wide Study of Human Social Behavior and Its Application in Sociology. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2019; 4:53. [PMID: 33869376 PMCID: PMC8022812 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2019.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen a push for the integration of modern genomic methodologies with sociological inquiry. The inclusion of genomic approaches promises to help address long-standing issues in sociology (e.g., selection effects), as well as open up new avenues for future research. This article reviews the substantive findings of behavior genetic/genomic research, both from the recent past (e.g., twin/adoption studies, candidate gene studies) and from contemporary genomic analyses. The article primarily focuses on modern genomic methods available to sociologists (e.g., polygenic score analysis) and their various applications for answering sociological questions. The article concludes by considering a number of areas to which genomic researchers and sociologists should pay close attention if a consilience between genomic methods and sociological research is to be fully realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter T. Tanksley
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Ryan T. Motz
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Rachel M. Kail
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - J. C. Barnes
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Hexuan Liu
- School of Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Data Science, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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15
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What DNA methylation modifications and/or genetic variations interact with childhood maltreatment in the development of depression: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2019; 252:325-333. [PMID: 30999089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.04.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 01/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child maltreatment predicts a significant risk factor for depression. The relationship between child maltreatment and depression has been shown to vary as a function of genetic factors. There have been very few systematic reviews conducted to date to synthesize what DNA methylations and/ or genetic variations interact with childhood maltreatment in the course of depression. This systematic review aimed to provide an overview of DNA methylation modifications with/without genetic variations associated with childhood maltreatment in depression. METHODS Computerized and manual search on six databases (EMBASE, HealthStar, PsychoInfo, Medline, PubMed and Cochrane Library) and grey literature up to June 30th 2018 were conducted. Studies were critically evaluated for their eligibility and study quality. RESULTS The initial search resulted in 196 articles. Five articles met the eligibility criteria being included in this review. All the selected studies were from the United States and published within the last five years. Changes in ID3, TPPP, GRIN1, and OXTR DNA methylation sites were found to be involved in the childhood maltreatment-depression relationship. LIMITATIONS The number of eligible articles included in this review was small. Selected articles had small sample sizes. A high degree of heterogeneity was found. It is difficult to conclude what the roles of DNA methylation modifications are in the relationship between maltreatment and depression. Population stratification has not been extensively studied so far and should be considered in the further research. CONCLUSIONS This review synthesizes an overview of the interaction between childhood maltreatment, DNA methylation modifications and genetic variations in depression. Findings of this review highlight an urgent need for genetic and epigenetic research in the area of childhood maltreatment and depression. Future etiological explorations should target on the above identified sites.
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Guha A, Luebbers S, Papalia N, Ogloff JRP. A follow-up study of mental health service utilisation in a cohort of 2433 sexually abused Australian children utilising five years of medical data. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 90:174-184. [PMID: 30798015 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES There are well established links between child sex abuse (CSA) and a range of mental health adversities in the literature. However, there has been very limited examination of mental health care needs of CSA survivors, indicated by contacts with mental health professionals. Similarly, no existing research has examined rates of prescription of psychopharmacology to CSA survivors. Service utilisation is a vital component of the health landscape, and a clear understanding of the mental health care needs of CSA survivors is central to policy formation regarding mental health funding. Therefore, this study aimed to assess differences in rates of mental health care utilisation and rates of prescription of psychopharmacology during adulthood between individuals with a history of CSA and a comparison sample from the general population without a known abuse history. PARTICIPANTS, SETTING, AND METHOD The forensic medical records of 2433 CSA victims identified between 1964 and 1995 were linked to Australian medical and medication-use data accessed between 2010 and 2015, when victims were, on average, aged between 28.78 and 33.78 years. CSA cases were compared to a matched comparison cohort on rates of contact with mental health professionals and prescriptions for mood stabilisers, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, stimulants, analgesics and addiction treatment medication. RESULTS CSA was associated with increased levels of attendance at psychiatrists (OR = 1.29, p < .001), psychologists and clinical social workers (OR = 6.68, p < .001) and general practitioners (OR = 1.76, p < .001) for mental health care. CSA was also associated with increased frequency of prescription of all categories of psychopharmacology (ORs ranging from 1.40 to 6.18). Outcomes differed by victim gender and age at abuse. Abused females demonstrated greater overall service and medication utilisation than abused males. Females abused after puberty (age 12 years) had more frequent contacts with general practitioners for mental health care and greater frequency of prescription of psychopharmacology than females abused under age 12 years, including elevated frequency of analgesic and mood stabiliser use. Males abused after puberty also demonstrated higher frequency of service utilisation, including inflated rates of antipsychotic and anxiolytic prescriptions and visits to psychiatrists. CONCLUSIONS Experiencing CSA was associated with increased use of psychopharmacology and contact with health professionals for mental health care. Abused females and participants abused after age 12 demonstrated most inflated use of services. These findings have important implications for policy decisions regarding the provision of mental health care to CSA survivors deemed to be at risk of developing mental health difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahona Guha
- Swinburne University of Technology, Australia.
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Provenzi L, Brambilla M, Borgatti R, Montirosso R. Methodological Challenges in Developmental Human Behavioral Epigenetics: Insights Into Study Design. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:286. [PMID: 30532698 PMCID: PMC6266797 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental human behavioral epigenetics (DHBE) holds potential for contributing to better understanding of how early life exposures contribute to human developmental trajectories and to inform clinical practice and early interventions. Nonetheless, DHBE research to date is challenged by two major issues: (a) the frequent use of retrospective study designs; and (b) the major focus on epigenetic variations associated with early life adversities, rather than protective care exposures. In order for DHBE research to maintain its promises, these issues need to be addressed in a systematic way according to a careful methodological planning of study design. In this contribution, we provide pragmatic insights on methodological aspects that should be dealt with while designing DHBE studies. We propose different study designs for the retrospective and prospective investigation of both adversity- and care-related epigenetic variations. Examples from available scientific literature are provided to better describe the advantages and the limitations of each study design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Maddalena Brambilla
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Rosario Montirosso
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Bosisio Parini, Italy
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Deighton S, Neville A, Pusch D, Dobson K. Biomarkers of adverse childhood experiences: A scoping review. Psychiatry Res 2018; 269:719-732. [PMID: 30273897 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.08.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are stressful and/or traumatic experiences that occur during childhood. Research has demonstrated a link between ACEs and risk of physical and mental health disorders, where early life adversity may become "biologically embedded" and have wide-ranging effects on various physiological systems. The aim of this study was to identify the extent and breadth of recent research activity relating to biological measures of ACEs in adulthood. We undertook a scoping review including published research articles. Medline and PsycINFO were searched for articles from 2007 to July 2017. Articles were eligible if they included adult participants, were written in English, and reported on a biomarker of childhood adversity in adulthood. Forty articles met our inclusion criteria. Studies investigated a range of ACEs that were often measured retrospectively. The studies identified biomarkers related to inflammation (e.g., CRP), cardio/metabolic systems (e.g., BMI), genetics (e.g., telomere length), and endocrine systems (e.g., cortisol), as well as composites of multiple physiological systems. However, not every study identified found significant associations. Health behaviours, emotional distress, social relationships, and socioeconomic factors may help explain some of these associations. Further research is needed to better understand biomarkers of ACEs in adulthood and their relationship to health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dennis Pusch
- Southport Psychological Services, Alberta, Calgary, Canada
| | - Keith Dobson
- University of Calgary, Department of Psychology, Alberta, Canada
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Palumbo S, Mariotti V, Iofrida C, Pellegrini S. Genes and Aggressive Behavior: Epigenetic Mechanisms Underlying Individual Susceptibility to Aversive Environments. Front Behav Neurosci 2018; 12:117. [PMID: 29950977 PMCID: PMC6008527 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last two decades, the study of the relationship between nature and nurture in shaping human behavior has encountered a renewed interest. Behavioral genetics showed that distinct polymorphisms of genes that code for proteins that control neurotransmitter metabolic and synaptic function are associated with individual vulnerability to aversive experiences, such as stressful and traumatic life events, and may result in an increased risk of developing psychopathologies associated with violence. On the other hand, recent studies indicate that experiencing aversive events modulates gene expression by introducing stable changes to DNA without modifying its sequence, a mechanism known as “epigenetics”. For example, experiencing adversities during periods of maximal sensitivity to the environment, such as prenatal life, infancy and early adolescence, may introduce lasting epigenetic marks in genes that affect maturational processes in brain, thus favoring the emergence of dysfunctional behaviors, including exaggerate aggression in adulthood. The present review discusses data from recent research, both in humans and animals, concerning the epigenetic regulation of four genes belonging to the neuroendocrine, serotonergic and oxytocinergic pathways—Nuclear receptor subfamily 3-group C-member 1 (NR3C1), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), solute carrier-family 6 member 4 (SLC6A4) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)—and their role in modulating vulnerability to proactive and reactive aggressive behavior. Behavioral genetics and epigenetics are shedding a new light on the fine interaction between genes and environment, by providing a novel tool to understand the molecular events that underlie aggression. Overall, the findings from these studies carry important implications not only for neuroscience, but also for social sciences, including ethics, philosophy and law.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Palumbo
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular Pathology and Critical Care, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Veronica Mariotti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Pellegrini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Burns SB, Szyszkowicz JK, Luheshi GN, Lutz PE, Turecki G. Plasticity of the epigenome during early-life stress. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2018; 77:115-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Barnett Burns S, Almeida D, Turecki G. The Epigenetics of Early Life Adversity: Current Limitations and Possible Solutions. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 157:343-425. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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22
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Exploring genetic moderators and epigenetic mediators of contextual and family effects: From Gene × Environment to epigenetics. Dev Psychopathol 2016; 28:1333-1346. [PMID: 27692009 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579416000882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In the current manuscript, we provide an overview of a research program at the University of Georgia's Center for Family Research designed to expand upon rapid and ongoing developments in the fields of genetics and epigenetics. By placing those developments in the context of translational research on family and community determinants of health and well-being among rural African Americans, we hope to identify novel, modifiable environments and biological processes. In the first section of the article, we review our earlier work on genotypic variation effects on the association between family context and mental and physical health outcomes as well as differential responses to family-based intervention. We then transition to discuss our more recent research on the association of family and community environments with epigenetic processes. In this second section of the article, we begin by briefly reviewing terminology and basic considerations before describing evidence that early environments may influence epigenetic motifs that potentially serve as mediators of long-term effects of early family and community environments on longer term health outcomes. We also provide evidence that genotype may sometimes influence epigenetic outcomes. Finally, we describe our recent efforts to use genome-wide characterization of epigenetic patterns to better understand the biological impact of protective parenting on long-term shifts in inflammatory processes and its potential implications for young adult health. As will be clear, research on epigenetics as a mediator of the connections between family/community processes and a range of health outcomes is still in its infancy, but the potential to develop important insights regarding mechanisms linking modifiable environments to biological processes and long-term health outcomes already is coming into view.
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Abstract
This article highlights the defining principles, progress, and future directions in epigenetics research in relation to this Special Issue. Exciting studies in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry have provided new insights into the epigenetic factors (e.g., DNA methylation) that are responsive to environmental input and serve as biological pathways in behavioral development. Here we highlight the experimental evidence, mainly from animal models, that factors such as psychosocial stress and environmental adversity can become encoded within epigenetic factors with functional consequences for brain plasticity and behavior. We also highlight evidence that epigenetic marking of genes in one generation can have consequences for future generations (i.e., inherited), and work with humans linking epigenetics, cognitive dysfunction, and psychiatric disorder. Though epigenetics has offered more of a beginning than an answer to the centuries-old nature-nurture debate, continued research is certain to yield substantial information regarding biological determinants of central nervous system changes and behavior with relevance for the study of developmental psychopathology.
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DeLisi M, Vaughn MG. The Vindication of Lamarck? Epigenetics at the Intersection of Law and Mental Health. BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES & THE LAW 2015; 33:607-628. [PMID: 26387846 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Research on epigenetic mechanisms is gaining traction, yet is poorly understood by criminologists and behavioral scientists. The current objective is to review relevant studies of interest to behavioral scientists who study crime, and to translate admittedly challenging scientific information into text that is digestible to the average criminologist. Using systematic search procedures the authors identified and reviewed 41 studies of epigenetic mechanisms in psychiatric and behavioral phenotypes among humans. Findings revealed significant epigenetic effects in an assortment of genes that are implicated in the etiology of depression, suicidality, callous-unemotional traits, and chronic and intergenerational aggressive behavior. Several polymorphisms that mediate the HPA axis, neurotransmission, immune response, brain development, serotonin synthesis, and other processes were found. Although prescriptive knowledge based on epigenetic findings to date is premature, epigenetics is a new and exciting scientific frontier not too different in spirit from Lamarck's observations centuries ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt DeLisi
- Department of Sociology, Iowa State University
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25
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Vinkers CH, Kalafateli AL, Rutten BPF, Kas MJ, Kaminsky Z, Turner JD, Boks MPM. Traumatic stress and human DNA methylation: a critical review. Epigenomics 2015; 7:593-608. [DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal studies have identified persistent and functional effects of traumatic stress on the epigenome. This review discusses the clinical evidence for trauma-induced changes in DNA methylation across the life span in humans. Studies are reviewed based on reports of trauma exposure during the prenatal period (13 studies), early life (20 studies), and adulthood (ten studies). Even though it is apparent that traumatic stress influences the human epigenome, there are significant drawbacks in the existing human literature. These include a lack of longitudinal studies, methodological heterogeneity, selection of tissue type, and the influence of developmental stage and trauma type on methylation outcomes. These issues are discussed in order to present a way in which future studies can gain more insight into the functional relevance of trauma-related DNA methylation changes. Epigenetic studies investigating the detrimental effects of traumatic stress have great potential for an improved detection and treatment of trauma-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan H Vinkers
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Aimilia Lydia Kalafateli
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- John B Pierce Laboratory, Department of Neurobiology, Yale Medical School, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | - Bart PF Rutten
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health & Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Martien J Kas
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Zachary Kaminsky
- The Mood Disorders Center, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, MD 21205, USA
| | - Jonathan D Turner
- Institute of Immunology, Centre de Recherche Public de la Santé/Laboratoire National de Santé, Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Marco PM Boks
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Utrecht, PO Box 85500, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Checknita D, Maussion G, Labonté B, Comai S, Tremblay RE, Vitaro F, Turecki N, Bertazzo A, Gobbi G, Côté G, Turecki G. Monoamine oxidase A gene promoter methylation and transcriptional downregulation in an offender population with antisocial personality disorder. Br J Psychiatry 2015; 206:216-22. [PMID: 25497297 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.114.144964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) is characterised by elevated impulsive aggression and increased risk for criminal behaviour and incarceration. Deficient activity of the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene is suggested to contribute to serotonergic system dysregulation strongly associated with impulsive aggression and antisocial criminality. AIMS To elucidate the role of epigenetic processes in altered MAOA expression and serotonin regulation in a population of incarcerated offenders with ASPD compared with a healthy non-incarcerated control population. METHOD Participants were 86 incarcerated participants with ASPD and 73 healthy controls. MAOA promoter methylation was compared between case and control groups. We explored the functional impact of MAOA promoter methylation on gene expression in vitro and blood 5-HT levels in a subset of the case group. RESULTS Results suggest that MAOA promoter hypermethylation is associated with ASPD and may contribute to downregulation of MAOA gene expression, as indicated by functional assays in vitro, and regression analysis with whole-blood serotonin levels in offenders with ASPD. CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with prior literature suggesting MAOA and serotonergic dysregulation in antisocial populations. Our results offer the first evidence suggesting epigenetic mechanisms may contribute to MAOA dysregulation in antisocial offenders.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Checknita
- D. Checknita, MSc, G. Maussion, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; B. Labonté, PhD, Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; S. Comai, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; R. E. Tremblay, PhD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland, and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; F. Vitaro, PhD, School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; N. Turecki, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; A. Bertazzo, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univerity of Padua, Padua, Italy; G. Gobbi, MD, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; G. Côté, PhD, Institute Philippe-Pinel, Department of Psychology, Université de Québec à Trois-Rivères, Montreal, Canada; G. Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - G Maussion
- D. Checknita, MSc, G. Maussion, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; B. Labonté, PhD, Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; S. Comai, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; R. E. Tremblay, PhD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland, and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; F. Vitaro, PhD, School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; N. Turecki, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; A. Bertazzo, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univerity of Padua, Padua, Italy; G. Gobbi, MD, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; G. Côté, PhD, Institute Philippe-Pinel, Department of Psychology, Université de Québec à Trois-Rivères, Montreal, Canada; G. Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - B Labonté
- D. Checknita, MSc, G. Maussion, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; B. Labonté, PhD, Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; S. Comai, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; R. E. Tremblay, PhD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland, and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; F. Vitaro, PhD, School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; N. Turecki, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; A. Bertazzo, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univerity of Padua, Padua, Italy; G. Gobbi, MD, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; G. Côté, PhD, Institute Philippe-Pinel, Department of Psychology, Université de Québec à Trois-Rivères, Montreal, Canada; G. Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - S Comai
- D. Checknita, MSc, G. Maussion, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; B. Labonté, PhD, Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; S. Comai, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; R. E. Tremblay, PhD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland, and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; F. Vitaro, PhD, School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; N. Turecki, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; A. Bertazzo, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univerity of Padua, Padua, Italy; G. Gobbi, MD, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; G. Côté, PhD, Institute Philippe-Pinel, Department of Psychology, Université de Québec à Trois-Rivères, Montreal, Canada; G. Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - R E Tremblay
- D. Checknita, MSc, G. Maussion, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; B. Labonté, PhD, Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; S. Comai, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; R. E. Tremblay, PhD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland, and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; F. Vitaro, PhD, School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; N. Turecki, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; A. Bertazzo, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univerity of Padua, Padua, Italy; G. Gobbi, MD, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; G. Côté, PhD, Institute Philippe-Pinel, Department of Psychology, Université de Québec à Trois-Rivères, Montreal, Canada; G. Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - F Vitaro
- D. Checknita, MSc, G. Maussion, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; B. Labonté, PhD, Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; S. Comai, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; R. E. Tremblay, PhD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland, and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; F. Vitaro, PhD, School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; N. Turecki, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; A. Bertazzo, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univerity of Padua, Padua, Italy; G. Gobbi, MD, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; G. Côté, PhD, Institute Philippe-Pinel, Department of Psychology, Université de Québec à Trois-Rivères, Montreal, Canada; G. Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - N Turecki
- D. Checknita, MSc, G. Maussion, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; B. Labonté, PhD, Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; S. Comai, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; R. E. Tremblay, PhD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland, and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; F. Vitaro, PhD, School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; N. Turecki, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; A. Bertazzo, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univerity of Padua, Padua, Italy; G. Gobbi, MD, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; G. Côté, PhD, Institute Philippe-Pinel, Department of Psychology, Université de Québec à Trois-Rivères, Montreal, Canada; G. Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - A Bertazzo
- D. Checknita, MSc, G. Maussion, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; B. Labonté, PhD, Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; S. Comai, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; R. E. Tremblay, PhD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland, and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; F. Vitaro, PhD, School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; N. Turecki, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; A. Bertazzo, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univerity of Padua, Padua, Italy; G. Gobbi, MD, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; G. Côté, PhD, Institute Philippe-Pinel, Department of Psychology, Université de Québec à Trois-Rivères, Montreal, Canada; G. Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - G Gobbi
- D. Checknita, MSc, G. Maussion, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; B. Labonté, PhD, Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; S. Comai, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; R. E. Tremblay, PhD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland, and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; F. Vitaro, PhD, School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; N. Turecki, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; A. Bertazzo, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univerity of Padua, Padua, Italy; G. Gobbi, MD, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; G. Côté, PhD, Institute Philippe-Pinel, Department of Psychology, Université de Québec à Trois-Rivères, Montreal, Canada; G. Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - G Côté
- D. Checknita, MSc, G. Maussion, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; B. Labonté, PhD, Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; S. Comai, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; R. E. Tremblay, PhD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland, and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; F. Vitaro, PhD, School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; N. Turecki, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; A. Bertazzo, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univerity of Padua, Padua, Italy; G. Gobbi, MD, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; G. Côté, PhD, Institute Philippe-Pinel, Department of Psychology, Université de Québec à Trois-Rivères, Montreal, Canada; G. Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - G Turecki
- D. Checknita, MSc, G. Maussion, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; B. Labonté, PhD, Fishberg Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; S. Comai, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; R. E. Tremblay, PhD, School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College, Dublin, Ireland, and Departments of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; F. Vitaro, PhD, School of Psycho-Education, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; N. Turecki, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; A. Bertazzo, PhD, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Univerity of Padua, Padua, Italy; G. Gobbi, MD, PhD, Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; G. Côté, PhD, Institute Philippe-Pinel, Department of Psychology, Université de Québec à Trois-Rivères, Montreal, Canada; G. Turecki, MD, PhD, McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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27
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Lutz PE, Turecki G. DNA methylation and childhood maltreatment: from animal models to human studies. Neuroscience 2014; 264:142-56. [PMID: 23933308 PMCID: PMC5293537 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.07.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2013] [Revised: 07/27/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment (CM) has estimated prevalence among Western societies between 10% and 15%. As CM associates with increased risk of several psychiatric disorders, early age of illness onset, increased comorbidity and negative clinical outcome, it imposes a major public health, social and economic impact. Although the clinical consequences of CM are well characterized, a major challenge remains to understand how negative early-life events can affect brain function over extended periods of time. We review here both animal and human studies indicating that the epigenetic mechanism of DNA methylation is a crucial mediator of early-life experiences, thereby maintaining life-long neurobiological sequelae of CM, and strongly determining psychopathological risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- P-E Lutz
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - G Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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