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Horn AJ, Cole S, Nazarloo HP, Nazarloo P, Davis JM, Carrier D, Bryan C, Carter CS. Severe PTSD is marked by reduced oxytocin and elevated vasopressin. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 19:100236. [PMID: 38764609 PMCID: PMC11101686 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2024.100236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine analyses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have generally focused on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis alterations. In the present analyses, we examine two additional neuroendocrine factors that have been previously implicated in biological stress responses: oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP). Here we examined basal neuropeptide status in military veterans clinically diagnosed with PTSD (n = 29) and in two non-traumatized comparison groups with previous stress exposure (n = 11 SWAT trainees and n = 21 ultramarathon runners). PTSD patients showed low levels of plasma OT and high levels of AVP. The ratio of AVP/OT robustly related to PTSD status, and emerged as a statistically plausible mediator of relationships between the number of personal traumatic experiences and subsequent PTSD symptom burden. Over the course of behavioral therapy for PTSD, measures of OT showed a significant but modest normalization. Plasma cortisol levels were not statistically different among the three groups. This study suggests that AVP/OT ratios may represent a neuroendocrine predictor of severe PTSD, as well as a potential treatment response biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Steve Cole
- UCLA School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - John M. Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David Carrier
- Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Craig Bryan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - C. Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Yin H, Jiang M, Han T, Xu X. Intranasal oxytocin as a treatment for anxiety and autism: From subclinical to clinical applications. Peptides 2024; 176:171211. [PMID: 38579916 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171211] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Animal and human studies have demonstrated that intranasal oxytocin (OT) can penetrate the brain and induce cognitive, emotional, and behavioral changes, particularly in social functioning. Consequently, numerous investigations have explored the potential of OT as a treatment for anxiety and autism, conditions characterized by social deficits. Although both subclinical and clinical studies provide converging evidence of the therapeutic effects of OT in reducing anxiety levels and improving social symptoms in autism, results are not always consistent. Additionally, the pharmacological mechanism of OT requires further elucidation for its effective clinical application. Therefore, this review aims to examine the contentious findings concerning the effects of OT on anxiety and autism, offer interpretations of the inconsistent results from the perspectives of individual differences and varying approaches to OT administration, and shed light on the underlying mechanisms of OT. Ultimately, standardization of dosage, frequency of administration, formulation characteristics, and nasal spray devices is proposed as essential for future human studies and clinical applications of OT treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailian Yin
- School of psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Meiyun Jiang
- School of psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250000, China.
| | - Xiaolei Xu
- School of psychology, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China.
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Gan HW, Cerbone M, Dattani MT. Appetite- and Weight-Regulating Neuroendocrine Circuitry in Hypothalamic Obesity. Endocr Rev 2024; 45:309-342. [PMID: 38019584 PMCID: PMC11074800 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Since hypothalamic obesity (HyOb) was first described over 120 years ago by Joseph Babinski and Alfred Fröhlich, advances in molecular genetic laboratory techniques have allowed us to elucidate various components of the intricate neurocircuitry governing appetite and weight regulation connecting the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, brainstem, adipose tissue, pancreas, and gastrointestinal tract. On a background of an increasing prevalence of population-level common obesity, the number of survivors of congenital (eg, septo-optic dysplasia, Prader-Willi syndrome) and acquired (eg, central nervous system tumors) hypothalamic disorders is increasing, thanks to earlier diagnosis and management as well as better oncological therapies. Although to date the discovery of several appetite-regulating peptides has led to the development of a range of targeted molecular therapies for monogenic obesity syndromes, outside of these disorders these discoveries have not translated into the development of efficacious treatments for other forms of HyOb. This review aims to summarize our current understanding of the neuroendocrine physiology of appetite and weight regulation, and explore our current understanding of the pathophysiology of HyOb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoong-Wei Gan
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Manuela Cerbone
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Mehul Tulsidas Dattani
- Department of Endocrinology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London WC1N 3JH, UK
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research & Teaching Department, University College London Great Ormond Street Institute for Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK
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Tromp DPM, Fox AS, Riedel MK, Oler JA, Zhou X, Roseboom PH, Alexander AL, Kalin NH. Early life adversity in primates: Behavioral, endocrine, and neural effects. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 162:106953. [PMID: 38232531 PMCID: PMC11179711 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Evidence suggests that early life adversity is associated with maladaptive behaviors and is commonly an antecedent of stress-related psychopathology. This is particularly relevant to rearing in primate species as infant primates depend on prolonged, nurturant rearing by caregivers for normal development. To further understand the consequences of early life rearing adversity, and the relation among alterations in behavior, physiology and brain function, we assessed young monkeys that had experienced maternal separation followed by peer rearing with behavioral, endocrine and multimodal neuroimaging measures. METHODS 50 young rhesus monkeys were studied, half of which were rejected by their mothers and peer reared, and the other half were reared by their mothers. Assessments were performed at approximately 1.8 years of age and included: threat related behavioral and cortisol responses, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measurements of oxytocin and corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), and multimodal neuroimaging measures (anatomical scans, resting functional connectivity, diffusion tensor imaging, and threat-related regional glucose metabolism). RESULTS The results demonstrated alterations across behavioral, endocrine, and neuroimaging measures in young monkeys that were reared without their mothers. At a behavioral level in response to a potential threat, peer reared animals engaged in significantly less freezing behavior (p = 0.022) along with increased self-directed behaviors (p < 0.012). Levels of oxytocin in the CSF, but not plasma, were significantly reduced in the peer reared animals (p = 0.019). No differences in plasma cortisol or CSF CRH were observed. Diffusion tensor imaging revealed significantly decreased white matter density across the brain. Exploratory correlational and permutation analyses suggest that the impact of peer rearing on behavior, endocrine and brain structural alterations are mediated by separate parallel mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results demonstrate in NHPs the importance of maternal rearing on the development of brain, behavior and hormonal systems that are linked to social functioning and adaptive responses. The findings suggest that the effects of maternal deprivation are mediated via multiple independent pathways which may account for the heterogeneity in behavioral and biological alterations observed in individuals that have experienced this early life adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Do P M Tromp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; HealthEmotion Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andrew S Fox
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Marissa K Riedel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; HealthEmotion Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jonathan A Oler
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; HealthEmotion Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Xiaojue Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; HealthEmotion Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Patrick H Roseboom
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; HealthEmotion Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Andrew L Alexander
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ned H Kalin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; HealthEmotion Research Institute, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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McArdle CJ, Arnone AA, Heaney CF, Raab-Graham KF. A paradoxical switch: the implications of excitatory GABAergic signaling in neurological disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1296527. [PMID: 38268565 PMCID: PMC10805837 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1296527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. In the mature brain, inhibitory GABAergic signaling is critical in maintaining neuronal homeostasis and vital human behaviors such as cognition, emotion, and motivation. While classically known to inhibit neuronal function under physiological conditions, previous research indicates a paradoxical switch from inhibitory to excitatory GABAergic signaling that is implicated in several neurological disorders. Various mechanisms have been proposed to contribute to the excitatory switch such as chloride ion dyshomeostasis, alterations in inhibitory receptor expression, and modifications in GABAergic synaptic plasticity. Of note, the hypothesized mechanisms underlying excitatory GABAergic signaling are highlighted in a number of neurodevelopmental, substance use, stress, and neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, we present an updated review discussing the presence of excitatory GABAergic signaling in various neurological disorders, and their potential contributions towards disease pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin J. McArdle
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Alana A. Arnone
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
- Department of General Surgery, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Chelcie F. Heaney
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
| | - Kimberly F. Raab-Graham
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, United States
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Parker KJ. Tales from the life and lab of a female social neuroscientist. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2023; 16:100202. [PMID: 38108026 PMCID: PMC10724734 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This narrative review charts my unconventional path to becoming a social neuroscientist and describes my research findings - some baffling, some serendipitous, some pivotal - in the field of neuropeptide biology. I trace my childhood as a Bell Labs "brat" to my adolescence as a soccer-playing party girl, to my early days as a graduate student, when I first encountered oxytocin and vasopressin. These two molecules instantly captivated - and held - my attention and imagination. For more than 25 years, a core goal of my research program has been to better understand how these neuropeptides regulate social functioning across a range of species (e.g., meadow voles, mice, squirrel monkeys, rhesus monkeys, and humans), and to translate fundamental insights from this work to guide development of novel pharmacotherapies to treat social impairments in clinical populations. I also discuss my experience of being a woman and a mother in STEM, and identify the important people and events which helped shape my career and the scientist I am today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen J. Parker
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- California National Primate Research Center, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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7
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Souza MS, Sanvicente-Vieira B, Zaparte A, Baptista T, Nagai MA, Mangone FR, Pavanelli AC, Viola TW, Grassi-Oliveira R. Cocaine use disorder effects on blood oxytocin levels and OXTR DNA methylation. Neurosci Lett 2023; 816:137506. [PMID: 37778686 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137506] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorders have been associated with alterations in the oxytocinergic system, but few studies have investigated both the peptide and epigenetic mechanisms potentially implicated in the regulation of oxytocin receptor. In this study, we compared plasma oxytocin and blood DNA methylation in the OXTR gene between people with and without cocaine use disorder (CUD). We measured the oxytocin levels of 51 people with CUD during acute abstinence and of 30 healthy controls using an enzyme immunoassay. The levels of DNA methylation in four CpG sites at exon III of the OXTR gene were evaluated in a subsample using pyrosequencing. The Addiction Severity Index was used to assess clinical characteristics. We found higher oxytocin levels in men with CUD (56.5 pg/mL; 95% CI: 48.2-64.7) than in control men (33.6 pg/mL; 95% CI: 20.7-46.5), while no differences between women with and without CUD were detected. With a moderate effect size, the interaction effect between group and sex remained significant when controlling for height, weight and age data. A positive correlation in the CUD sample was found between oxytocin levels and days of psychological suffering prior to treatment enrollment. No group differences were observed regarding DNA methylation data. This suggests that CUD is associated with higher peripheral oxytocin levels in men during acute abstinence. This finding may be considered in future studies that aim at using exogenous oxytocin as a potential treatment for cocaine addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manassés Soares Souza
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, School of Medicine, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Breno Sanvicente-Vieira
- Laboratory of Individual Differences and Psychopathology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Aline Zaparte
- LSU Pulmonary, Critical Care & Immunology, Department of Medicine, Louisiana State University of Health Sciences, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Talita Baptista
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, School of Medicine, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Maria Aparecida Nagai
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Research in Oncology (LIM-24), Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Comprehensive Center for Precision Oncology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia Rotea Mangone
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Research in Oncology (LIM-24), Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Comprehensive Center for Precision Oncology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Pavanelli
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Center for Translational Research in Oncology (LIM-24), Instituto do Cancer do Estado de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, Comprehensive Center for Precision Oncology, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago Wendt Viola
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, School of Medicine, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Grassi-Oliveira
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, School of Medicine, Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (InsCer), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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8
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Üstün NSG, Gümüş ŞN, Soylu N. Oxytocin Levels in Children with Separation Anxiety and Their Mothers before and after Treatment. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN COLLEGE OF NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 21:499-515. [PMID: 37424418 PMCID: PMC10335901 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.22.1008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the plasma oxytocin levels of children with separation anxiety disorder (SAD) and their mothers with those of healthy controls and to examine the relationship between oxytocin levels and changes in anxiety three months after treatment. Methods Thirty children aged 6-12 years with SAD, 30 healthy children, and mothers of both groups were included in the study. All cases were evaluated with semi-structured interview and Clinical Global Impression Scale. All cases and mothers of both groups filled out scales to determine various psychological variables (anxiety, depression, and attachment). The patient group children were re-evaluated with their mothers after three months, following treatment. Plasma oxytocin levels were evaluated from both groups and their mothers before and after treatment. Results The plasma oxytocin levels of mothers of children with SAD were significantly lower than those of the controls and increased significantly three months after their children were treated. No difference was found between the plasma oxytocin levels of children with SAD and the control group, and these children's levels decreased significantly after treatment. A positive correlation was found between changes in the plasma oxytocin levels of children with SAD and the change in anxiety scores. Conclusion Our results show that the change in plasma oxytocin levels in both children and mothers after treatment suggests that oxytocin may be important in the etiology of SAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Seda Gülcü Üstün
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Şefika Nur Gümüş
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nusret Soylu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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9
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Gan HW, Leeson C, Aitkenhead H, Dattani M. Inaccuracies in plasma oxytocin extraction and enzyme immunoassay techniques. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2023; 15:100188. [PMID: 37360277 PMCID: PMC10285453 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have reported extensive associations between plasma oxytocin (OXT) concentrations and various human physiological and neurobehavioral processes. Measurement of OXT is fraught with difficulty due to its low molecular weight and plasma concentrations, with no consensus as to the optimal conditions for pre-analytical sample extraction, standards for immunoassay validation or the ideal protease inhibitors to prevent OXT degradation. Previous attempts at determining the efficacy of various purification techniques such as solid phase extraction (SPE) or ultrafiltration have only utilized human plasma samples, making it difficult to dissect out whether the effect of interference comes from the extraction process itself or cross-reactivity with other proteins. By testing these on pure OXT solutions, we demonstrate poor recovery efficacy and reliability of reversed phase SPE (maximum 58.1%) and ultrafiltration (<1%) techniques, and the potential for the former to introduce interference into enzyme immunoassay (EIA) measurements. The clonality of antibodies used in EIA kits also potentially contributes to the differences in the readings obtained, and we validate an EIA kit which did not require pre-analytical sample extraction with low cross-reactivity and high reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient 0.980 (95% CI 0.896-0.999). Biochemical techniques used for measuring plasma OXT concentrations must therefore be internally validated prior to translation into clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoong-Wei Gan
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research and Training Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Leeson
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Aitkenhead
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
| | - Mehul Dattani
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine Research and Training Department, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London, WC1N 1EH, United Kingdom
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, Great Ormond Street, London, WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom
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López-Arjona M, Botía M, Martínez-Subiela S, Cerón JJ. Oxytocin measurements in saliva: an analytical perspective. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:96. [PMID: 37507690 PMCID: PMC10386254 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03661-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin has traditionally been known for its physiological effects on muscle contraction associated with birth and lactation, but in the last years is widely used as a biomarker of "positive experiences" in psychology and behavior. Different types of samples have been used for oxytocin measurements with saliva samples having the particular advantage of an easy and non-stressful collection. However, the low concentration of oxytocin in saliva can represent a limitation for its use. For this reason, sensitive assays and even a previous sample treatment in some cases are required for saliva oxytocin quantification. In addition, the lack of standardized and generally agreed-upon approach to peripheral oxytocin measurement leads to large discrepancies between different laboratories, that use different sample treatment protocols and different assays. The main objectives of this review are to describe the current status of the use of saliva for oxytocin measurement, provide details of the different sample processing techniques that can be applied and inform about the analytical techniques and assays available in different animal species, and also in humans for comparative purposes. It is expected that this information can contribute to an increase in the knowledge about the measurements of oxytocin in saliva and to its wider use in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina López-Arjona
- Department of Animal and Food Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Barcelona, 08193, Spain.
| | - María Botía
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis, Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum', University of Murcia (Interlab-UMU), University of Murcia, Campus de Espinardo s/n, Murcia, 30100, Spain
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Henry JD, Grainger SA, von Hippel W. Determinants of Social Cognitive Aging: Predicting Resilience and Risk. Annu Rev Psychol 2023; 74:167-192. [PMID: 35973407 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-033020-121832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
This review focuses on conceptual and empirical research on determinants of social cognitive aging. We present an integrated model [the social cognitive resource (SCoRe) framework] to organize the literature and describe how social cognitive resilience is determined jointly by capacity and motivational resources. We discuss how neurobiological aging, driven by genetic and environmental influences, is associated with broader sensory, neural, and physiological changes that are direct determinants of capacity as well as indirect determinants of motivation via their influence on expectation of loss versus reward and cognitive effort valuation. Research is reviewed that shows how contextual factors, such as relationship status, familiarity, and practice, are fundamental to understanding the availability of both types of resource. We conclude with a discussion of the implications of social cognitive change in late adulthood for everyday social functioning and with recommendations for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie D Henry
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia; , ,
| | - Sarah A Grainger
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia; , ,
| | - William von Hippel
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Australia; , ,
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12
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Chen Q, Zhuang J, Zuo R, Zheng H, Dang J, Wang Z. Exploring associations between postpartum depression and oxytocin levels in cerebrospinal fluid, plasma and saliva. J Affect Disord 2022; 315:198-205. [PMID: 35917937 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.07.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mental health concern affecting approximately 17.22 % of new mothers worldwide. In addition to its obstetric effects, oxytocin (OXT) has also been considered to play a role in PPD. However, most previous studies exploring associations between PPD and OXT levels focus on easier accessible compartments such as blood or saliva. STUDY AIM To explore the possible association between PPD and OXT levels, and to assess the interaction between peripheral secretion and central release of OXT. METHODS In this study, we prospectively measured OXT concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), plasma and saliva of 94 women with elective cesarean section by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. The participants were divided into the PPD group if the score of Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) ≥ 10 at 3 months postpartum, otherwise into the non-PPD (nPPD) group. RESULTS The incidence of PPD was 30.85 %. OXT concentrations in CSF (r = -0.518, p < 0.001), plasma (r = -0.240, p = 0.020) and saliva (r = -0.263, p = 0.010) were negatively correlated with EPDS score, and were valuable for the prediction of PPD, with AUC and 95%CI of 0.890 (0.809-0.945), 0.683 (0.579-0.775) and 0.699 (0.596-0.790), respectively. Moreover, OXT concentrations in plasma (r = 0.407, p < 0.001) and saliva (r = 0.624, p < 0.001) were positively correlated with CSF OXT concentrations. LIMITATIONS Only full-term pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section were included in this study, which may affect study generalizability. CONCLUSIONS The central and peripheral release of OXT is coordinated, and OXT level measured prenatally in CSF, plasma, or saliva is valuable for the prediction of PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianmin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingwen Zhuang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Changde City, Changde 415000, Hunan, China
| | - Ronghua Zuo
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiwen Zheng
- Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingjing Dang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiping Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou 221004, Jiangsu, China.
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13
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Infant Stimulation Induced a Rapid Increase in Maternal Salivary Oxytocin. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091246. [PMID: 36138982 PMCID: PMC9497188 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide involved in human social behaviors and reproduction. Non-invasive OT levels in saliva have recently roused interest as it does not require a specialized medical setting. Here, we observed one woman’s basal serum and saliva OT from pregnancy to 1 year postpartum to track OT concentration changes over this period. We examined the changes in salivary OT levels over time in response to maternal physiological and behavioral responses. The fluctuation of saliva OT levels is well correlated with serum OT during pregnancy and breastfeeding. However, while salivary OT increased rapidly during direct interaction (social interaction tests) with the infant and/or when the mother was watching her own infant’s video (video tests), no increase was observed in serum. We used social interaction and video tests on a group of mothers (nine mothers for social interaction and six for the video test) to clarify these single-subject results. In both tests, the mothers had increased OT in their saliva but not serum. Our study may suggest that salivary samples reflect not only the physical but also the emotional state and that saliva samples may be useful for monitoring women’s OT levels during pre- and postpartum periods. Further studies with larger sample numbers are necessary to confirm the rapid changes in salivary OT levels in response to maternal physiological and behavioral responses.
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14
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Clarke L, Zyga O, Pineo-Cavanaugh PL, Jeng M, Fischbein NJ, Partap S, Katznelson L, Parker KJ. Socio-behavioral dysfunction in disorders of hypothalamic-pituitary involvement: The potential role of disease-induced oxytocin and vasopressin signaling deficits. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 140:104770. [PMID: 35803395 PMCID: PMC10999113 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Disorders involving hypothalamic and pituitary (HPIT) structures-including craniopharyngioma, Langerhans cell histiocytosis, and intracranial germ cell tumors-can disrupt brain and endocrine function. An area of emerging clinical concern in patients with these disorders is the co-occurring socio-behavioral dysfunction that persists after standard hormone replacement therapy. Although the two neuropeptides most implicated in mammalian social functioning (oxytocin and arginine vasopressin) are of hypothalamic origin, little is known about how disease-induced damage to HPIT structures may disrupt neuropeptide signaling and, in turn, impact patients' socio-behavioral functioning. Here we provide a clinical primer on disorders of HPIT involvement and a review of neuropeptide signaling and socio-behavioral functioning in relevant animal models and patient populations. This collective evidence suggests that neuropeptide signaling disruptions contribute to socio-behavioral deficits experienced by patients with disorders of HPIT involvement. A better understanding of the biological underpinnings of patients' socio-behavioral symptoms is now needed to enable the development of the first targeted pharmacological strategies by which to manage patients' socio-behavioral dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 1201 Welch Road, MSLS P-104, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Olena Zyga
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 1201 Welch Road, MSLS P-104, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Psalm L Pineo-Cavanaugh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 1201 Welch Road, MSLS P-104, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Michael Jeng
- Department of Pediatrics (Hematology/Oncology Division), Stanford University, 1000 Welch Road, Suite 300, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Nancy J Fischbein
- Department of Radiology, Stanford University, 450 Quarry Rd, Suite 5659, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Sonia Partap
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences (Child Neurology Division), Stanford University, 750 Welch Road, Suite 317, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Laurence Katznelson
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Medicine (Endocrinology Division), Stanford University, 875 Blake Wilbur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Karen J Parker
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 1201 Welch Road, MSLS P-104, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Comparative Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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15
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Marazziti D, Diep PT, Carter S, Carbone MG. Oxytocin: An Old Hormone, A Novel Psychotropic Drug And Possible Use In Treating Psychiatric Disorders. Curr Med Chem 2022; 29:5615-5687. [PMID: 35894453 DOI: 10.2174/0929867329666220727120646] [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: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxytocin is a nonapeptide synthesized in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. Historically, this molecule has been involved as a key factor in the formation of infant attachment, maternal behavior and pair bonding and, more generally, in linking social signals with cognition, behaviors and reward. In the last decades, the whole oxytocin system has gained a growing interest as it was proposed to be implicated in etiopathogenesis of several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS With the main goal of an in-depth understanding of the oxytocin role in the regulation of different functions and complex behaviors as well as its intriguing implications in different neuropsychiatric disorders, we performed a critical review of the current state of art. We carried out this work through PubMed database up to June 2021 with the search terms: 1) "oxytocin and neuropsychiatric disorders"; 2) "oxytocin and neurodevelopmental disorders"; 3) "oxytocin and anorexia"; 4) "oxytocin and eating disorders"; 5) "oxytocin and obsessive-compulsive disorder"; 6) "oxytocin and schizophrenia"; 7) "oxytocin and depression"; 8) "oxytocin and bipolar disorder"; 9) "oxytocin and psychosis"; 10) "oxytocin and anxiety"; 11) "oxytocin and personality disorder"; 12) "oxytocin and PTSD". RESULTS Biological, genetic, and epigenetic studies highlighted quality and quantity modifications in the expression of oxytocin peptide or in oxytocin receptor isoforms. These alterations would seem to be correlated with a higher risk of presenting several neuropsychiatric disorders belonging to different psychopathological spectra. Collaterally, the exogenous oxytocin administration has shown to ameliorate many neuropsychiatric clinical conditions. CONCLUSION Finally, we briefly analyzed the potential pharmacological use of oxytocin in patient with severe symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and immunoregulatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Italy.,Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Phuoc-Tan Diep
- Department of Histopathology, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sue Carter
- Director Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Manuel G Carbone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Division of Psychiatry, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
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16
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Zelenina M, Kosilo M, da Cruz J, Antunes M, Figueiredo P, Mehta MA, Prata D. Temporal Dynamics of Intranasal Oxytocin in Human Brain Electrophysiology. Cereb Cortex 2022; 32:3110-3126. [PMID: 34979544 PMCID: PMC9290557 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a key modulator of human social cognition, popular in behavioral neuroscience. To adequately design and interpret intranasal OT (IN-OT) research, it is crucial to know for how long it affects human brain function once administered. However, this has been mostly deduced from peripheral body fluids studies, or uncommonly used dosages. We aimed to characterize IN-OT's effects on human brain function using resting-state EEG microstates across a typical experimental session duration. Nineteen healthy males participated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, within-subject, cross-over design of 24 IU of IN-OT in 12-min windows 15 min-to-1 h 42min after administration. We observed IN-OT effects on all microstates, across the observation span. During eyes-closed, IN-OT increased duration and contribution of A and contribution and occurrence of D, decreased duration and contribution of B and C; and increased transition probability C-to-B and C-to-D. In eyes-open, it increased A-to-C and A-to-D. As microstates A and D have been related to phonological auditory and attentional networks, respectively, we posit IN-OT may tune the brain for reception of external stimuli, particularly of social nature-tentatively supporting current neurocognitive hypotheses of OT. Moreover, we contrast our overall results against a comprehensive literature review of IN-OT time-course effects in the brain, highlighting comparability issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Zelenina
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal
- Section on Clinical and Computational Psychiatry, NIMH, NIH, MD 20814, USA
| | - Maciej Kosilo
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Janir da Cruz
- Laboratory of Psychophysics, Brain Mind Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne 1015 , Switzerland
- Institute for Systems and Robotics–Lisbon (LARSyS) and Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001 , Portugal
| | - Marília Antunes
- Centro de Estatística e Aplicações e Departamento de Estatística e Investigação Operacional, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Figueiredo
- Institute for Systems and Robotics–Lisbon (LARSyS) and Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1049-001 , Portugal
- INESC-ID, Instituto Superior Técnico, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mitul A Mehta
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Diana Prata
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa 1749-016, Portugal
- Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (ISCTE-IUL), CIS-IUL, Lisboa 1649-026, Portugal
- Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, SE5 8AF London, UK
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17
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Masdrakis VG, Papageorgiou C, Markianos M. Correlations of plasma oxytocin with clinical and hormonal parameters in panic disorder. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 77:221-226. [PMID: 35714973 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2022.2083675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The potential association between oxytocin (OXT) plasma levels and clinical and hormonal parameters in panic disorder (PD) especially in its acute phase - has not been investigated as yet. This was the aim of this article. METHOD Twenty-four consecutively-referred, acutely-ill, medication-free PD patients with (PDA, N = 21) or without agoraphobia, moreover without comorbidities, completed the following clinical measures: Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS); Agoraphobic Cognitions Questionnaire (ACQ); Mobility Inventory-Alone subscale (MI-alone); and number of panic attacks during last 21 d (PA21d). Plasma levels of OXT, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol were evaluated. RESULTS OXT levels were significantly, negatively associated with the HARS scores (r= -0.59 p=.002) and weakly, negatively correlated with the ACQ scores (r = -0.403 p=.051). No significant correlations were traced between OXT levels and PA21d, MI-alone, ACTH, and cortisol. CONCLUSION In acutely-ill, medication-free PD patients, OXT plasma levels may be relevant to the severity of their 'general' anxiety symptoms, but not to the 'specific' panic psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilios G Masdrakis
- First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Charalambos Papageorgiou
- First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Manolis Markianos
- First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Eginition Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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18
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Possible oxytocin-related biomarkers in anxiety and mood disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 116:110531. [PMID: 35150782 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and mood disorders are prevalent, disabling, and frequently difficult to treat. Such disorders are often comorbid and share similar characteristics. For more accurate diagnosis and improved treatment, a deeper understanding of the pathophysiology of anxiety and mood disorders is important. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide synthesized in the hypothalamus, affects human psychology and behaviors such as social and affiliative behaviors, fear and emotion processing, and stress regulation. Thus, oxytocin is believed to exert anxiolytic and antidepressant-like effects. This review article provides an overview of clinical studies on relationships between the oxytocin system and anxiety and mood disorders, focusing on oxytocin-related biomarker findings. Biomarkers used in such studies include central and peripheral oxytocin levels, analysis of oxytocin-related genes, and expression levels of oxytocin and oxytocin receptor genes in postmortem brains. Although a growing number of studies support the presence of oxytocinergic effects on anxiety and mood disorders, study results are heterogeneous and inconclusive. Moderating factors such as the characteristics of study populations, including sex, age, context, early life adversity, and attachment styles in patient cohorts, might affect the heterogeneity of the study results. Limitations in existing research such as small sample sizes, large dependence on peripheral sources of oxytocin, and inconsistent results between immunoassay methods complicate the interpretation of existing findings.
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19
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Bey K, Campos-Martin R, Klawohn J, Reuter B, Grützmann R, Riesel A, Wagner M, Ramirez A, Kathmann N. Hypermethylation of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) in obsessive-compulsive disorder: further evidence for a biomarker of disease and treatment response. Epigenetics 2022; 17:642-652. [PMID: 34269138 PMCID: PMC9235899 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2021.1943864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has recently been linked to increased methylation levels in the oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene, and OXTR hypermethylation has predicted a worse treatment response to cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT). Furthermore, OCD is associated with childhood trauma and stressful life events, which have both been shown to affect OXTR methylation. Here, we aimed to replicate findings of increased OXTR methylation as a predictor of disease and worse treatment response in an independent sample that received treatment within the public health care system. In addition, we aimed to extend previous findings by examining associations between OXTR hypermethylation, environmental stressors, OCD diagnosis, and treatment response. Methylation levels at two CpGs within OXTR exon III were compared between n = 181 OCD patients and n = 199 healthy controls using linear regression analysis. In a subsample of OCD patients (n = 98) with documented treatment data, we examined associations between methylation and treatment response to CBT. Childhood adversity and stressful life events were assessed using Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and Life Experience Survey, respectively. OCD patients exhibited significant hypermethylation at CpG site cg04523291 compared to controls, and increased methylation was associated with impaired treatment response. Moreover, hypermethylation at cg04523291 was associated with stressful life events in OCD patients, and with childhood adversity in controls. Yet, there were no significant mediation effects. In conclusion, we replicated the association between OXTR hypermethylation and OCD in the largest sample, so far. Furthermore, our findings support the role of OXTR methylation as a promising biomarker for treatment response in OCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Bey
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Rafael Campos-Martin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Klawohn
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Benedikt Reuter
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rosa Grützmann
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anja Riesel
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- Department for Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alfredo Ramirez
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Norbert Kathmann
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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20
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Flanagan J, Chatzittofis A, Boström ADE, Hallberg J, Öberg KG, Arver S, Jokinen J. High Plasma Oxytocin Levels in Men With Hypersexual Disorder. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2022; 107:e1816-e1822. [PMID: 35108393 PMCID: PMC9016473 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hypersexual disorder (HD) involves excessive, persistent sexual behaviors related to various mood states and the diagnosis compulsive sexual behavior disorder is included as an impulse control disorder in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases. Although the neurobiology behind the disorder is not clear, some studies suggest dysregulated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Oxytocin acts as counterregulatory neuroendocrine hormone to cortisol and is also involved in sexual behavior. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that oxytocin may play a role in the pathophysiology of HD with compensatory actions to cortisol. DESIGN Longitudinal. SETTING ANOVA clinic (Karolinska University Hospital). PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS 64 males with HD and 38 age-matched healthy volunteers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Plasma oxytocin levels, measured with radioimmunoassay; Hypersexual Disorder Screening Inventory; and Hypersexual Disorder: Current Assessment Scale for assessing hypersexual symptoms. INTERVENTIONS A patient subgroup (n = 30) completed the manual-based group-administered cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) program for HD, and posttreatment oxytocin levels were measured. RESULTS Hypersexual men (n = 64) exhibited significantly higher oxytocin plasma levels (mean ± SD: 31.0 ± 9.9 pM) compared with healthy volunteers (16.9 ± 3.9 pM; P < 0.001). There were significant positive correlations between oxytocin levels and the rating scales measuring hypersexual behavior. Patients who completed CBT treatment (n = 30) had a significant reduction of oxytocin plasma levels from pretreatment (30.5 ± 10.1 pM) to posttreatment (20.2 ± 8.0 pM; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the hyperactive oxytocinergic system in hypersexual men may be a compensatory mechanism to attenuate hyperactive stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Flanagan
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Chatzittofis
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Clinical Sciences/Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå,Sweden
- Correspondence: Andreas Chatzittofis, MD, PhD, University of Cyprus, Medical School, Palaios dromos Lefkosias Lemesou No.215/6 2029 Aglantzia, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Adrian Desai E Boström
- Department of Clinical Sciences/Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå,Sweden
- Neuropaediatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Hallberg
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katarina Görts Öberg
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefan Arver
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jussi Jokinen
- Department of Clinical Sciences/Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå,Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience/Psychiatry, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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Novak Kujundžić R. COVID-19: Are We Facing Secondary Pellagra Which Cannot Simply Be Cured by Vitamin B3? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084309. [PMID: 35457123 PMCID: PMC9032523 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune response to SARS-CoV-2 and ensuing inflammation pose a huge challenge to the host’s nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) metabolism. Humans depend on vitamin B3 for biosynthesis of NAD+, indispensable for many metabolic and NAD+-consuming signaling reactions. The balance between its utilization and resynthesis is vitally important. Many extra-pulmonary symptoms of COVID-19 strikingly resemble those of pellagra, vitamin B3 deficiency (e.g., diarrhoea, dermatitis, oral cavity and tongue manifestations, loss of smell and taste, mental confusion). In most developed countries, pellagra is successfully eradicated by vitamin B3 fortification programs. Thus, conceivably, it has not been suspected as a cause of COVID-19 symptoms. Here, the deregulation of the NAD+ metabolism in response to the SARS-CoV-2 infection is reviewed, with special emphasis on the differences in the NAD+ biosynthetic pathway’s efficiency in conditions predisposing for the development of serious COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 infection-induced NAD+ depletion and the elevated levels of its metabolites contribute to the development of a systemic disease. Acute liberation of nicotinamide (NAM) in antiviral NAD+-consuming reactions potentiates “NAM drain”, cooperatively mediated by nicotinamide N-methyltransferase and aldehyde oxidase. “NAM drain” compromises the NAD+ salvage pathway’s fail-safe function. The robustness of the host’s NAD+ salvage pathway, prior to the SARS-CoV-2 infection, is an important determinant of COVID-19 severity and persistence of certain symptoms upon resolution of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Novak Kujundžić
- Laboratory for Epigenomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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22
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Quintana DS. Towards better hypothesis tests in oxytocin research: Evaluating the validity of auxiliary assumptions. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 137:105642. [PMID: 34991063 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Various factors have been attributed to the inconsistent reproducibility of human oxytocin research in the cognitive and behavioral sciences. These factors include small sample sizes, a lack of pre-registered studies, and the absence of overarching theoretical frameworks that can account for oxytocin's effects over a broad range of contexts. While there have been efforts to remedy these issues, there has been very little systematic scrutiny of the role of auxiliary assumptions, which are claims that are not central for testing a hypothesis but nonetheless critical for testing theories. For instance, the hypothesis that oxytocin increases the salience of social cues is predicated on the assumption that intranasally administered oxytocin increases oxytocin levels in the brain. Without robust auxiliary assumptions, it is unclear whether a hypothesis testing failure is due to an incorrect hypothesis or poorly supported auxiliary assumptions. Consequently, poorly supported auxiliary assumptions can be blamed for hypothesis failure, thereby safeguarding theories from falsification. In this article, I will evaluate the body of evidence for key auxiliary assumptions in human behavioral oxytocin research in terms of theory, experimental design, and statistical inference, and highlight assumptions that require stronger evidence. Strong auxiliary assumptions will leave hypotheses vulnerable for falsification, which will improve hypothesis testing and consequently advance our understanding of oxytocin's role in cognition and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S Quintana
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Depressive symptomatology, temperament and oxytocin serum levels in a sample of healthy female university students. BMC Psychol 2022; 10:36. [PMID: 35193693 PMCID: PMC8862362 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-022-00744-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Depressive symptomatology is prevalent among female university students with adverse effects on their quality of life and academic performance. Previous research suggested associations between depressive symptomatology and oxytocin levels and between depressive symptomatology and Temperament Traits. Despite this evidence, to the best of our knowledge no research has studied the effects fboth oxytocin serum levels and temperament dimensions on depressivesymptoms in a healthy sample. The present study aimed to analyse the effect of oxytocin levels and temperament traits on depressive symptomatology in healthy female university students.
Methods All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory and the Adult Temperament Questionnaire. Blood samples were collected between 8 and 8H30 a.m. after 12 h of fasting and between 5 and 8 day of the menstrual cycle and serum oxytocin levels were quantified using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A hierarchical multiple regression model using a stepwise method was conducted to identify predictors of depression. Results Forty-five women aged between 18 and 25 years old (19.37 ± 1.32 years) volunteered to participate in this study. Depressive symptomatology was negatively associated with oxytocin serum levels and "Negative affect" and positively associated with "Effortful control" and "Activation Control". In the final regression model, only oxytocin level was a predictor (B = − 0.090, p < 0.0001), the model explaining 65.2% of the depression variation. Oxytocin played a mediation role between "Negative affects" and Depressive symptomatology. Conclusions Our results showed that oxytocin level, rather than personality dimensions, was associated with depressive symptomatology. These results highlight the relevance of the discussion on the use of oxytocin as a biological marker of emotional and social symptoms that characterize depression.
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Parkitny L, Carter CS, Peckins MK, Hon DA, Saturn S, Nazarloo H, Hurlbut W, Knutson B, Crane S, Harris X, Younger J. Longitudinal tracking of human plasma oxytocin suggests complex responses to moral elevation. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 9:100105. [PMID: 35755919 PMCID: PMC9216598 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive social experiences may induce oxytocin release. However, previous studies of moral elevation have generally utilized cross-sectional and simple modeling approaches to establish the relationship between oxytocin and emotional stimuli. Utilizing a cohort of 30 non-lactating women (aged 23.6 ± 5.7 years), we tested whether exposure to a video identified as capable of eliciting moral elevation could change plasma oxytocin levels. Uniquely, we utilized a high-frequency longitudinal sampling approach and multilevel growth curve modeling with landmark registration to test physiological responses. The moral elevation stimulus, versus a control video, elicited significantly greater reports of being “touched/inspired” and “happy/joyful”. However, the measured plasma oxytocin response was found to be markedly heterogeneous. While the moral elevation stimulus elicited increased plasma oxytocin as expected, this increase was only modestly larger than that seen following the control video. This increase was also only present in some individuals. We found no relationship between plasma oxytocin and self-report responses to the stimulus. From these data, we argue that future studies of the relationship between oxytocin and emotion need to anticipate heterogeneous responses and thus incorporate comprehensive individual psychological data; these should include evidence-based variables known to be associated with oxytocin such as a history of trauma, and the individual’s psychological and emotional state at the time of testing. Given the complexity of physiological oxytocin release, such studies also need to incorporate frequent biological sampling to properly examine the dynamics of hormonal release and response. A moral elevation stimulus elicits positive emotional responses The human oxytocin responses to a morel elevation stimulus are more heterogenous than previously reported Future studies need to utilize longitudinal hormone measurements and comprehensive psychological assessments
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Hylin MJ, Watanasriyakul WT, Hite N, McNeal N, Grippo AJ. Morphological changes in the basolateral amygdala and behavioral disruptions associated with social isolation. Behav Brain Res 2022; 416:113572. [PMID: 34499940 PMCID: PMC8492539 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Social isolation and the disruption of established social bonds contribute to several physical and psychological health issues. Animal models are a useful tool for investigating consequences of social stress, including social isolation. The current study examined morphological changes in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) and affect-related behavioral and endocrine changes due to prolonged social isolation, using the translational prairie vole model (Microtus ochrogaster). Adult male prairie voles were either socially paired (control) or isolated from a same-sex sibling for 4 weeks. Following this 4-week period, a subset of animals (n = 6 per condition) underwent a series of behavioral tasks to assess affective, social, and stress-coping behaviors. Plasma was collected following the last behavioral task for stressor-induced endocrine assays. Brains were collected from a separate subset of animals (n = 10 per condition) following the 4-week social housing period for dendritic structure analyses in the BLA. Social isolation was associated with depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors, as well as elevated oxytocin reactivity following a social stressor. Social isolation was also associated with altered amount of dendritic material in the BLA, with an increase in spine density. These results provide further evidence that social isolation may lead to the development of affective disorders. Dysfunction in the oxytocin system and BLA remodeling may mediate these behavioral changes. Further research will promote an understanding of the connections between oxytocin function and structural changes in the BLA in the context of social stress. This research can facilitate novel treatments for alleviating or preventing behavioral and physiological consequences of social stressors in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Hylin
- Department of Psychology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901
| | | | - Natalee Hite
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, 62901
| | - Neal McNeal
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115
| | - Angela J. Grippo
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, DeKalb, IL, 60115,Author for Correspondence: Angela J. Grippo, Ph.D.Department of PsychologyNorthern Illinois University1425 W. Lincoln HighwayDeKalb, IL, 60115 815-753-0372
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Tereshchenko S, Azanova A, Shubina M, Gorbacheva N. Oxytocin genetic pathway (CD38) and SDQ psychosocial characteristics in adolescent schoolchildren. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:117-123. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro2022122111117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Plessow F, Galbiati F, Eddy KT, Misra M, Miller KK, Klibanski A, Aulinas A, Lawson EA. Low oxytocin levels are broadly associated with more pronounced psychopathology in anorexia nervosa with primarily restricting but not binge/purge eating behavior. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1049541. [PMID: 36798485 PMCID: PMC9927219 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1049541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa (AN) is commonly associated with depression, anxiety, and deficits in socioemotional functioning. Basal levels of oxytocin, a neurohormone with antidepressant, anxiolytic, and prosocial properties, are low in women with AN. However, the relationship between oxytocin and psychopathology of AN/atypical AN has not been examined in individuals with primarily food restriction (AN/AtypAN-R) or those with restriction plus binge/purge behaviors (AN/AtypAN-BP) alone, which is important to further elucidate the neurobiology of different AN presentations. We investigated whether oxytocin levels are related to eating, affective, and socioemotional psychopathology in women with AN/AtypAN-R and separately AN/AtypAN-BP. METHODS In a cross-sectional study of 53 women with low-weight AN or atypical AN based on DSM-5 (AN/AtypAN-R: n=21, AN/AtypAN-BP: n=32), we obtained fasting serum oxytocin levels and self-report measures of psychopathology, including the Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q), Beck Depression Inventory-IA (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20). RESULTS In individuals with AN/AtypAN-R, oxytocin levels were negatively associated with eating psychopathology (EDE-Q Global Score: r=-0.49, p=0.024), depressive and anxiety symptoms (BDI Total Score: r=-0.55, p=0.009; STAI Trait Score: r=-0.63, p=0.002), and socioemotional symptoms (TAS-20 Difficulty Identifying Feelings Score: r=-0.49, p=0.023). In contrast, in those with AN/AtypAN-BP oxytocin levels were negatively associated with depressive symptoms only (BDI Total Score: r=-0.52, p=0.049). CONCLUSIONS These findings support the notion that AN/AtypAN-R and AN/AtypAN-BP might have divergent underlying neurobiology. Understanding these differences is crucial to develop targeted treatments for a population with high levels of chronicity, for which no specific pharmacological treatments are currently available. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION https://clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT01121211.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Plessow
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Francesca Galbiati
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Kamryn T. Eddy
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Karen K. Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Anna Aulinas
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
- *Correspondence: Elizabeth A. Lawson,
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Kohlhoff J, Karlov L, Dadds M, Barnett B, Silove D, Eapen V. The contributions of maternal oxytocin and maternal sensitivity to infant attachment security. Attach Hum Dev 2021; 24:525-540. [PMID: 34963414 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2021.2018472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated links between maternal postnatal oxytocin, maternal sensitivity, and infant attachment security. At 3-months postpartum, participants (n=88) took part in a structured parent-infant interaction. Maternal oxytocin levels were assessed via blood, before and after the interaction. At 12-months postpartum, mother-child dyads completed the Strange Situation Procedure. Neither baseline oxytocin, oxytocin response, or maternal sensitivity were identified as significant independent predictors of infant attachment security or organisation. However, an interaction effect was identified, with higher maternal sensitivity being associated with secure infant attachment for mothers who showed an increase in oxytocin during parent-child interaction. Results indicate that maternal sensitivity, when accompanied by an increase in maternal oxytocin during parent-child interaction, is associated with the establishment of a positive early parent-child attachment relationship. This adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting maternal oxytocin response as a key adaptive process in the postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Kohlhoff
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Research Department, Karitane, Sydney, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia
| | - Lisa Karlov
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Dadds
- Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bryanne Barnett
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Derrick Silove
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,Ingham Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, Australia.,Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
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Caicedo Mera JC, Cárdenas Molano MA, García López CC, Acevedo Triana C, Martínez Cotrina J. Discussions and perspectives regarding oxytocin as a biomarker in human investigations. Heliyon 2021; 7:e08289. [PMID: 34805562 PMCID: PMC8581272 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e08289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This article introduces a review of research that has implemented oxytocin measurements in different fluids such as plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, urine and, mainly, saliva. The main purpose is to evaluate the level of evidence supporting the measurement of this biomarker implicated in a variety of psychological and social processes. First, a review of the technical developments that allowed the characterization, function establishing, and central and peripheral levels of this hormone is proposed. Then, the article approaches the current discussions regarding the level of reliability of the laboratory techniques that enable the measurement of oxytocin, focusing mainly on the determination of its concentration in saliva through Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Finally, research results, which have established the major physiological correlates of this hormone in fields such as social neuroscience and neuropsychology, are collected and discussed in terms of the hormone measurement methods that different authors have used. In this way, the article is expected to contribute to the panorama of debates and current perspectives regarding investigation involving this important biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Caicedo Mera
- Laboratorio Interdisciplinar de Ciencias y Procesos Humanos LINCIPH, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Colombia
| | - Melissa Andrea Cárdenas Molano
- Laboratorio Interdisciplinar de Ciencias y Procesos Humanos LINCIPH, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Colombia
| | - Christian Camilo García López
- Laboratorio Interdisciplinar de Ciencias y Procesos Humanos LINCIPH, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Colombia
| | - Cristina Acevedo Triana
- Laboratorio Interdisciplinar de Ciencias y Procesos Humanos LINCIPH, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Colombia
| | - Jorge Martínez Cotrina
- Laboratorio Interdisciplinar de Ciencias y Procesos Humanos LINCIPH, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales y Humanas, Universidad Externado de Colombia, Colombia
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Le J, Peng R, Li Y. Trimethylamine-N-oxide and Precursors as Novel Potential Biomarkers for Anxiety Disorder. Lab Med 2021; 53:177-182. [PMID: 34480186 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmab063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety disorder (AD) is closely related to changes in the composition of the gut microbiota, and changes in gut microbiota abundance affect the synthesis of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO). OBJECTIVE To explore whether TMAO is related to and serves as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of AD. METHODS The concentrations of TMAO, choline, and betaine were analyzed in 60 patients with AD and 60 control individuals using a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method. RESULTS Compared with controls, TMAO was significantly reduced in patients with AD. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that decreased TMAO concentrations were associated with an increased risk of AD. The multiplication of TMAO and its precursors (choline and betaine) produced the best AUC for the diagnosis of AD (AUC = 0.847; 95% CI, 0.780-0.914; P <.001). CONCLUSION The decrease of TMAO concentration is related to the increase of anxiety disorder. TMAO and precursors could be identified as novel potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Le
- Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Peng
- Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Clinical Laboratory, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Associação entre níveis de ocitocina e estilos de apego numa amostra de idosos da Estratégia Saúde da Família. PAJAR - PAN AMERICAN JOURNAL OF AGING RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.15448/2357-9641.2021.1.40965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Objetivo: o objetivo desse estudo é identificar o perfil de apego de uma amostra de idosos da Estratégia Saúde da Família e verificar a associação com níveis de ocitocina no soro.Método: foi realizado um estudo transversal, descritivo e analítico com pacientes idosos, atendidos na Estratégia de Saúde da Família em Porto Alegre, RS. Foram investigadas as variáveis sociodemográficas, ocitocina e estilos de apego. Os instrumentos utilizados foram o Questionário Geral do Programa de Envelhecimento Cerebral (PENCE) para dados sociodemográficos e o Relationship Scale Questionnaire (RSQ) para estilos de apego. A ocitocina foi obtida através do soro e mensurada por meio da técnica de Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).Resultados: foram investigados 108 idosos, com prevalência do sexo feminino (73,1%) e média de idade de 71,8 anos. Foi observado uma correlação positiva entre ocitocina e apego seguro (p<0,05) e (r=0,195). Os resultados demonstraram, também, diferença estatisticamente significativa nos estilos de apego ansioso e medroso, entre os sexos.Conclusão: os achados deste estudo reforçam o importante papel da ocitocina como molécula moduladora do funcionamento social, reforçando a ideia de que, esse neuropeptídeo se apresenta como potencial elo entre a neurofisiologia e a formação do vínculo de apego seguro. Nossos dados sugerem, também, que o gênero pode se apresentar como aspecto influenciador na formação do apego, ampliando ainda mais a discussão acerca da neutralidade, proposta pelo modelo clássico da teoria do apego.
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Kerem L, Lawson EA. The Effects of Oxytocin on Appetite Regulation, Food Intake and Metabolism in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7737. [PMID: 34299356 PMCID: PMC8306733 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic peptide oxytocin and its receptor are involved in a range of physiological processes, including parturition, lactation, cell growth, wound healing, and social behavior. More recently, increasing evidence has established the effects of oxytocin on food intake, energy expenditure, and peripheral metabolism. In this review, we provide a comprehensive description of the central oxytocinergic system in which oxytocin acts to shape eating behavior and metabolism. Next, we discuss the peripheral beneficial effects oxytocin exerts on key metabolic organs, including suppression of visceral adipose tissue inflammation, skeletal muscle regeneration, and bone tissue mineralization. A brief summary of oxytocin actions learned from animal models is presented, showing that weight loss induced by chronic oxytocin treatment is related not only to its anorexigenic effects, but also to the resulting increase in energy expenditure and lipolysis. Following an in-depth discussion on the technical challenges related to endogenous oxytocin measurements in humans, we synthesize data related to the association between endogenous oxytocin levels, weight status, metabolic syndrome, and bone health. We then review clinical trials showing that in humans, acute oxytocin administration reduces food intake, attenuates fMRI activation of food motivation brain areas, and increases activation of self-control brain regions. Further strengthening the role of oxytocin in appetite regulation, we review conditions of hypothalamic insult and certain genetic pathologies associated with oxytocin depletion that present with hyperphagia, extreme weight gain, and poor metabolic profile. Intranasal oxytocin is currently being evaluated in human clinical trials to learn whether oxytocin-based therapeutics can be used to treat obesity and its associated sequela. At the end of this review, we address the fundamental challenges that remain in translating this line of research to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Kerem
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
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Roels R, Rehman US, Carter CS, Nazarloo HP, Janssen E. The link between oxytocin plasma levels and observed communication behaviors during sexual and nonsexual couple discussions: An exploratory study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 129:105265. [PMID: 34023731 PMCID: PMC8271180 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The role of oxytocin (OT) in close relationships is complex, as both positive and negative associations have been found between OT and relationship processes. Also, with most research focusing on the effects of exogenous OT administration on communication and couple behaviors, our knowledge about the association between endogenous OT and couple dynamics remains limited. This study is the first to assess the link between peripheral OT levels and observed communication behaviors during sexual and nonsexual conflict discussions in romantic relationships. A sample of 126 young, heterosexual couples (Mean age = 23.3, SD = 2.4; average relationship duration = 1.9 years, SD = 0.9) participated in videotaped sexual and nonsexual couple conflict discussions of 7 min each. Communication behaviors were coded using an adaptation of the Specific Affect Coding System (SPAFF) and the System for Coding Interactions and Family Functioning (SCIFF). Blood samples were collected prior to the couple discussions, during a separate lab visit, and OT plasma levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Plasma OT levels were positively associated with validating behaviors during sexual discussions in both women (r = +.24, p = .008) and men (r = +.18, p = .052). No significant associations were found between OT levels and validating behaviors during nonsexual discussions and between OT and affectionate and negative behaviors during either sexual or nonsexual discussions. Analyses revealed significant associations between OT levels and one's own validating behaviors during sexual discussions (b = 47.82, t(201.16) = 3.81, p < .001) and one's partner's (b = 32.12, t(216.35) = 2.62, p = .009). The results highlight the biobehavioral aspects of couples' sexual communication and may contribute to a better understanding of the processes involved in individual and relational well-being. This study is the first to report an association between peripheral OT levels and validating behaviors during sexual communication, indicating neurophysiological involvement in dyadic sexual communication patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rick Roels
- Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven/University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Uzma S Rehman
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - C Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | | | - Erick Janssen
- Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Department of Neurosciences, KU Leuven/University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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Carmassi C, Marazziti D, Mucci F, Della Vecchia A, Barberi FM, Baroni S, Giannaccini G, Palego L, Massimetti G, Dell'Osso L. Decreased Plasma Oxytocin Levels in Patients With PTSD. Front Psychol 2021; 12:612338. [PMID: 34276462 PMCID: PMC8280334 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.612338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is still unclear, growing preclinical evidences suggest that oxytocin (OT), a pleiotropic hormone, is possibly involved. However, direct studies on OT levels or clinical trials with this exogenous hormone in patients with PTSD led to inconsistent findings. Therefore, the aim of the present study was at exploring and comparing the plasma OT levels in a group of patients with PTSD and matched healthy subjects as the control group. Materials and Methods Twenty-six outpatients (13 men, 13 women, mean age: 40.3 ± 11.5 years) suffering from PTSD, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), and 26 healthy subjects (13 men, 13 women, mean age: 43.8 ± 12.7 years) were included. The patients were assessed through the structured clinical interview for DSM-5 research version, patient edition (SCID-I/P), and the Impact for Event Scale revised (IES-R). All fasting subjects underwent three venous blood samples for the subsequent oxytocin radioimmunoassay. We used unpaired Student’s t-test to assess OT levels and the intergroup difference of demographic characteristics, while anxiety, avoidance, and hyperarousal scores were compared among groups adjusting for the effect of gender and age by means of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The correlations between different variables were investigated by Pearson’s method. Results The most common traumatic events of patients with PTSD were the following: severe car accident, physical violence, sexual violence, sudden death of a loved one, and natural disaster. The IES total score was 55 ± 15. Student’s t-test revealed that the patients showed significantly lower OT levels (mean ± SD, pg/ml) than healthy control subjects (4.37 ± 1.61 vs 5.64 ± 2.17, p < 0.001). We detected no correlation between the IES total score, subscales, or single items and OT plasma levels. Again, no difference between men and women was detected in the patients’ group, while healthy control women showed higher OT levels than men. Discussion Our study, while reporting the presence of decreased plasma OT levels in outpatients with PTSD of both sexes, as compared with healthy control subjects, would support the possible involvement of OT in the pathophysiology of PTSD. However, given the complexity of the clinical picture, future investigations are necessary to better deepen the role and level of OT in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,Unicamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Medical and Health Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Mucci
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry, North-Western Tuscany Region, NHS Local Health Unit, Viareggio, Italy
| | - Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Maria Barberi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Stefano Baroni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Gabriele Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Schneider E, Müller LE, Ditzen B, Herpertz SC, Bertsch K. Oxytocin and social anxiety: Interactions with sex hormones. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 128:105224. [PMID: 33878602 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has been associated with anxiolytic and stress reducing effects in a number of studies. Less is known about the associations of endogenous oxytocin concentrations and their interaction with other hormones such as sex hormones in relation to self-reported anxiety levels. In this study, endogenous oxytocin and sex hormone levels were analyzed in 99 high (51 women) and 100 low (50 women) socially anxious individuals. Regression analyses showed that women with high oxytocin and estradiol levels reported a lower total Liebowitz Social Anxiety Score (LSAS) as well as a lower score on the subscale LSAS Fear. This association of hormonal interaction with social anxiety scores was significant in the subsample of high socially anxious women. In men there were no significant associations for endogenous hormones with LSAS scores. These findings suggest that in women the link between oxytocin and anxiety might be dependent on basal anxiety levels as well as on individual sex hormone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Schneider
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - L E Müller
- Clinic of Psychosomatic and Psychotherapy, Hospital Darmstadt, Germany; Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - B Ditzen
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Ruprecht-Karls University Heidelberg, Germany
| | - S C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - K Bertsch
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Erikson DW, Blue SW, Kaucher AV, Shnitko TA. LC-MS/MS measurement of endogenous oxytocin in the posterior pituitary and CSF of macaques: A pilot study. Peptides 2021; 140:170544. [PMID: 33811949 PMCID: PMC8462972 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170544] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a nanopeptide released into systemic circulation via the posterior pituitary (peripheral) and into the central nervous system via widespread OTergic pathways (central). Central OT plays a significant role in variety of functions from social and executive cognition to immune regulation. Many ongoing studies explore its therapeutic potential for variety of neuropsychiatric disorders. Measures of peripheral OT levels are most frequently used as an indicator of its concentration in the central nervous system in humans and animal models. In this study, LC-MS/MS was used to measure OT in pituitary samples collected from adult male macaque monkeys in order to explore the correlation between individual levels of OT in the CSF (central) and pituitary (peripheral). We quantified individual differences in the levels of OT in the pituitaries (44-151 ng/mg) and CSF (41-66 pg/mL) of these monkeys. A positive correlation between these two measures was identified. These preliminary results allow for future analyses to determine whether LC-MS/MS measures of peripheral OT can be used as markers of OT levels in the brain of nonhuman primates that serve as valuable models for many human neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- D W Erikson
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006-3448, USA
| | - S W Blue
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006-3448, USA
| | - A V Kaucher
- Endocrine Technologies Core, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006-3448, USA
| | - T A Shnitko
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, 505 NW 185th Avenue, Beaverton, OR 97006-3448, USA.
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Norholt H. Delivering Clinically on Our Knowledge of Oxytocin and Sensory Stimulation: The Potential of Infant Carrying in Primary Prevention. Front Psychol 2021; 11:590051. [PMID: 33995157 PMCID: PMC8116555 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.590051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is one of the most intensively researched neuropeptides during the three past decades. In benign social contexts, OT exerts a range of desirable socioemotional, stress-reducing, and immunoregulatory effects in mammals and humans and influences mammalian parenting. Consequentially, research in potential pharmacological applications of OT toward human social deficits/disorders and physical illness has increased substantially. Regrettably, the results from the administration of exogenous OT are still relatively inconclusive. Research in rodent maternal developmental programming has demonstrated the susceptibility of offspring endogenous OT systems to maternal somatosensory stimulation, with consequences for behavioral, epigenetic, cognitive, and neurological outcomes. A translation of this animal research into practically feasible human parenting recommendations has yet to happen, despite the significant prevention potential implied by the maternal developmental programming research. Extended physical contact with full-term healthy infants in the months following birth (infant carrying) might constitute the human equivalent of those specific rodent maternal behaviors, found to positively influence emerging OT systems. Findings from both OT and maternal programming research parallel those found for infants exposed to such extended parental physical contact, whether through skin-to-skin contact or infant carrying. Clinical support of parents to engage in extended physical contact represents a feasible intervention to create optimum conditions for the development of infant OT systems, with potential beneficial long-term health effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Norholt
- SomAffect - The Somatosensory & Affective Neuroscience Group, Liverpool, United Kingdom
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Łoś K, Waszkiewicz N. Biological Markers in Anxiety Disorders. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1744. [PMID: 33920547 PMCID: PMC8073190 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are one of the most commonly reported disorders in psychiatry, causing a high medical and socio-economic burden. Recently, there has been a soaring interest in the biological basis of anxiety disorders, which is reflected in an increasing number of articles related to the topic. Due to the ambiguity of the diagnosis and a large number of underdiagnosed patients, researchers are looking for laboratory tests that could facilitate the diagnosis of anxiety disorders in clinical practice and would allow for the earliest possible implementation of appropriate treatment. Such potential biomarkers may also be useable in monitoring the efficacy of pharmacological therapy for anxiety disorders. Therefore this article reviews the literature of potential biomarkers such as components of saliva, peripheral blood, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and neuroimaging studies. There are promising publications in the literature that can be useful. The most valuable and promising markers of saliva are cortisol, lysozyme, and α-amylase (sAA). In the blood, in turn, we can distinguish serotonin, brain-derived serum neurotrophic factor (BDNF), cortisol, and microRNA. Structural changes in the amygdala and hippocampus are promising neuroimaging markers, while in CSF, potential markers include oxytocin and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). Unfortunately, research in the field of biomarkers is hampered by insufficient knowledge about the etiopathogenesis of anxiety disorders, the significant heterogeneity of anxiety disorders, frequent comorbidities, and low specificity of biomarkers. The development of appropriate biomarker panels and their assessment using new approaches may have the prospective to overcome the above-mentioned obstacles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kacper Łoś
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Bialystok, Plac Brodowicza 1, 16-070 Choroszcz, Poland;
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Schaebs FS, Wirobski G, Marshall-Pescini S, Range F, Deschner T. Validation of a commercial enzyme immunoassay to assess urinary oxytocin in humans. Endocr Connect 2021; 10:290-301. [PMID: 33617463 PMCID: PMC8052582 DOI: 10.1530/ec-20-0583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Within the last decade, oxytocin (OT) has attracted a lot of attention in the context of various human social behaviors. Besides its importance in regulating physiological processes in females related to giving birth and lactation, OT is involved in the establishment and maintenance of social relationships, trust and emotion recognition. However, results are not always consistent across studies, which may partly be due to the incomplete validation of methods used to assess OT levels. Carefully validating a method before its use is of crucial importance to ensure that it can be used to accurately, reliably and repeatedly assess OT levels. With this study we evaluated a commercially available Enzyme Immunoassay to assess OT in human urine samples by conducting a careful analytical validation. Results indicate that, with regard to parallelism and immunoreactivity, human urinary OT can be assessed reliably. However, extraction methods need further improvement to optimize measures of accuracy and extraction efficiency, especially in the lower range of the assay system. Tests on OT stability indicate that OT is affected by degradation when stored at 4°C or room temperature. Storing urine samples over longer periods revealed that OT levels are most stable when stored as ethanol extracts at -20°C compared to being stored as samples at -20°C or -80°C. Although some of the validated parameters did not reach the intended quality criteria, this study highlights the importance of such in depth validation procedures and reporting results to make them available to researchers embarking on projects utilizing such methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franka S Schaebs
- Interim Group Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
- ZLS, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
| | - Gwen Wirobski
- Domestication Lab, Wolf Science Center, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Correspondence should be addressed to G Wirobski or T Deschner: or
| | - Sarah Marshall-Pescini
- Domestication Lab, Wolf Science Center, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Friederike Range
- Domestication Lab, Wolf Science Center, Konrad Lorenz Institute of Ethology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tobias Deschner
- Interim Group Primatology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Leipzig, Saxony, Germany
- Correspondence should be addressed to G Wirobski or T Deschner: or
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Albantakis L, Brandi ML, Brückl T, Gebert D, Auer M, Kopczak A, Stalla G, Neumann I, Schilbach L. Oxytocin and cortisol concentrations in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder in response to physical exercise. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2021; 5:100027. [PMID: 35754449 PMCID: PMC9216704 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, whose core symptoms consist of deficits in social interaction and communication as well as restricted and repetitive behavior. Brain oxytocin (OXT) has been associated with various prosocial behaviors, and might, therefore, be involved in the pathogenesis of disorders associated with socio-emotional dysfunctions such as ASD. However, significant associations between central and peripheral OXT levels may only be present in response to physiological or stressful stimuli but were not shown under baseline conditions. In this study, we, therefore, investigated salivary and plasma OXT in response to physical exercise in adults with ASD (n = 33, mean age: 36.8 ± 10.7 years) without intellectual impairment (IQ > 70) and neurotypical controls (n = 31, mean age: 31.0 ± 11.7 years). To stimulate the OXT system, we used rapid cycling and measured cortisol (CORT) concentrations to monitor the physiological stress response. When controlling for age, neither salivary OXT (p = .469), plasma OXT (p = .297) nor CORT (p = .667) concentrations significantly differed between groups at baseline. In addition, neither OXT nor CORT concentrations significantly differed between groups after physical exercise. Social anxiety traits were negatively correlated with plasma, but not saliva OXT concentrations in neurotypicals at baseline, while empathetic traits were positively correlated with saliva, but not plasma concentrations in autistic patients at baseline. No significant correlations between salivary and plasma OXT concentrations were found at any time point. Future studies including adult participants should investigate the effect of age on CORT and OXT concentrations in response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Albantakis
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry – Independent Max Planck Research Group for Social Neuroscience, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - M.-L. Brandi
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry – Independent Max Planck Research Group for Social Neuroscience, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - T. Brückl
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry – Translational Research in Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
| | - D. Gebert
- Neurological Specialty Hospital for Movement Disorders/Parkinson’s Disease, Straße Nach Fichtenwalde 16, 14547, Beelitz, Germany
| | - M.K. Auer
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, LMU Klinikum, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - A. Kopczak
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Straße 17, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - G.K. Stalla
- Medizinische Klinik and Poliklinik IV, LMU Klinikum, Ziemssenstr. 1, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Medicover Neuroendokrinologie, Orleansplatz 3, 81667, Munich, Germany
| | - I.D. Neumann
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstr. 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - L. Schilbach
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry – Independent Max Planck Research Group for Social Neuroscience, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804, Munich, Germany
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Munich, Germany
- Graduate School of Systemic Neurosciences, LMU Munich, Großhaderner Str. 2, 82152 Planegg, Germany
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Abstract
The hypothalamic peptide oxytocin has been increasingly recognized as a hormone and neurotransmitter with important effects on energy intake, metabolism, and body weight and is under investigation as a potential novel therapeutic agent for obesity. The main neurons producing oxytocin and expressing the oxytocin receptor are strategically located in brain areas known to be critically involved in homeostatic energy balance as well as hedonic and motivational aspects of eating behavior. In this chapter, we will review the central and peripheral physiology of oxytocin and the interaction of oxytocin with key hormones and neural circuitries that affect food intake and metabolism. Next, we will synthesize the available data on endogenous oxytocin levels related to caloric intake, body weight, and metabolic status. We will then review the effects of exogenous oxytocin administration on eating behavior, body weight, and metabolism in humans, including in healthy individuals as well as specific populations with suspected perturbations involving oxytocin pathways. Finally, we will address the promise and fundamental challenges of translating this line of research to clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Kerem
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States; Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.
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Galbally M, Watson SJ, Keelan J, MacMillan KK, Power J, IJzendoorn MV, Lewis AJ. Maternal perinatal depression, circulating oxytocin levels and childhood emotional disorders at 4 years of age: The importance of psychosocial context. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 130:247-253. [PMID: 32854075 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin has been a hormone of interest in understanding both depression and parenting. Here, the role of oxytocin has been explored in understanding the interaction between perinatal depression, history of trauma and subsequent longer-term child socio-emotional outcomes. Data were obtained from 203 pregnant women from the Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study (MPEWS), a pregnancy cohort study with data collected across pregnancy, postpartum and until 4 years for mother and child. Maternal antenatal depression was measured using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV) together with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire to measure maternal trauma history. Maternal oxytocin levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay following extraction at four time points across pregnancy and the postpartum. The offspring consisted of 203 children followed up from birth until 4 years of age when they were assessed for DSM 5 depression and anxiety disorders (emotional disorders) using the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment. Maternal oxytocin levels increased over pregnancy and the postpartum in both control and depressed women with no difference between groups. Maternal childhood trauma and antenatal antidepressant use was also not associated with maternal oxytocin levels. Lower gestational age, maternal depression and early childhood trauma, and late pregnancy oxytocin concentrations were associated with later childhood emotional disorders; together they predicted 10% of variance for emotional disorders. Oxytocin is a hormone whose role in understanding intergenerational risk from pregnancy to child emotional disorders is dependent on relational context. Future research can expand on understanding these important early predictors of childhood mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Galbally
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Australia; King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, Australia; Women and Infants Research Foundation, Carson House, Subiaco, Australia.
| | - Stuart J Watson
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Australia
| | - Jeff Keelan
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Western Australia, Australia; Women and Infants Research Foundation, Carson House, Subiaco, Australia
| | - Kelli K MacMillan
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Australia
| | | | - Marinus van IJzendoorn
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands; School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Lewis
- College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Australia
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Lønfeldt NN, Strandberg-Larsen K, Verhulst FC, Plessen KJ, Lebowitz ER. Birth with Synthetic Oxytocin and Risk of Childhood Emotional Disorders: A Danish Population-based Study. J Affect Disord 2020; 274:112-117. [PMID: 32469793 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Concerns have been raised that synthetic oxytocin, a widely used obstetric tool for labor induction and augmentation, may have deleterious effects on the neuropsychological development of children. Few studies have examined the relationship between oxytocin-stimulated labor and emotional disorders. METHODS We conducted a nationwide register-based cohort study including 677,629 singletons born in Denmark in the years 2000 to 2012 and followed through 2016 (median age = 10.6 years). Data on oxytocin-stimulation were obtained from the Danish Medical Birth Register. Cases of emotional disorders - anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, mood or traumatic stress disorders or a redeemed prescription for a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor - were identified using Danish patient and prescription registries. RESULTS Oxytocin was used to stimulate 31% of births, and oxytocin-stimulated labor was not associated with childhood emotional disorders (HR = 1.05, 95% CI 0.99, 1.11) after adjustment for maternal history of psychopathology, antidepressants during pregnancy, cohabitation status, highest educational attainment, smoking status during pregnancy, birth year, and indications for labor stimulation. The crude cox model was also small and close to unity (HR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.03, 1.15). LIMITATIONS About 50% of our population had reached the age of 10 years, but the outcome included disorders with later average debut ages. Oxytocin dosage levels are not recorded in the registers. CONCLUSIONS Our small effect size estimates suggest that perinatal synthetic oxytocin does not contribute to the development of emotional disorders. Current evidence does not warrant revision of guidelines for the use of oxytocin in obstetrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Nadine Lønfeldt
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Frank Cornelis Verhulst
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Section of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kerstin Jessica Plessen
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Wernicke J, Zhang Y, Felten A, Du J, Yao S, Kou J, Chen Y, Kendrick KM, Becker B, Reuter M, Montag C. Blood oxytocin levels are not associated with ADHD tendencies and emotionality in healthy adults. Neurosci Lett 2020; 738:135312. [PMID: 32827574 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135312] [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: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) regulates social and emotional behaviour. Core symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) include social and emotional dysfunctions potentially associated with lower endogenous OT levels. A dimensional approach was employed to examine relationships between plasma OT levels, ADHD tendencies, and emotionality in a healthy adult sample. Moreover, we aimed at replication of results regarding ADHD tendencies and emotionality from our previous work. Subjects were N = 110 healthy Chinese males (Mage: 22.01 ± 2.02 years). Variables of interest were plasma OT levels, individual variations in ADHD tendencies assessed via the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist (ASRS), and positive and negative emotionality assessed via primary emotional traits of the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales (ANPS). Hypotheses were tested by means of (partial) Spearman and Pearson correlations. Plasma OT levels were neither related to ADHD tendencies, nor to primary emotional traits. ADHD tendencies were significantly related to higher negative emotionality (correlation coefficients: r= .35 to r = .47) and lower positive emotionality (correlation coefficients: r= -.42 to r = -.36). The absence of associations between plasma OT levels and ADHD tendencies, primary emotional traits, and emotionality might be explained by the lack of robust associations between peripheral and central OT levels. Results regarding ADHD tendencies and emotionality replicate previous findings, emphasizing that (sub-clinically) elevated ADHD tendencies associate with dysregulated emotionality. Future studies examining the role of endogenous OT in ADHD should explore the generalizability of the present findings to women and patients with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Wernicke
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Yingying Zhang
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Andrea Felten
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jun Du
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuxia Yao
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Kou
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanshu Chen
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Martin Reuter
- Department of Psychology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Center for Economics & Neuroscience (CENs), Laboratory of Neurogenetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Montag
- Department of Molecular Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany; The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for Neuroinformation, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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45
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Vismara M, Girone N, Cirnigliaro G, Fasciana F, Vanzetto S, Ferrara L, Priori A, D’Addario C, Viganò C, Dell’Osso B. Peripheral Biomarkers in DSM-5 Anxiety Disorders: An Updated Overview. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E564. [PMID: 32824625 PMCID: PMC7464377 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10080564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are prevalent and highly disabling mental disorders. In recent years, intensive efforts focused on the search for potential neuroimaging, genetic, and peripheral biomarkers in order to better understand the pathophysiology of these disorders, support their diagnosis, and characterize the treatment response. Of note, peripheral blood biomarkers, as surrogates for the central nervous system, represent a promising instrument to characterize psychiatric disorders, although their role has not been extensively applied to clinical practice. In this report, the state of the art on peripheral biomarkers of DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) Anxiety Disorders is presented, in order to examine their role in the pathogenesis of these conditions and their potential application for diagnosis and treatment. Available data on the cerebrospinal fluid and blood-based biomarkers related to neurotransmitters, neuropeptides, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, neurotrophic factors, and the inflammation and immune system are reviewed. Despite the wide scientific literature and the promising results in the field, only a few of the proposed peripheral biomarkers have been defined as a specific diagnostic instrument or have been identified as a guide in the treatment response to DSM-5 Anxiety Disorders. Therefore, further investigations are needed to provide new biological insights into the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders, to help in their diagnosis, and to tailor a treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Vismara
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (N.G.); (G.C.); (F.F.); (S.V.); (L.F.); (C.V.); (B.D.)
| | - Nicolaja Girone
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (N.G.); (G.C.); (F.F.); (S.V.); (L.F.); (C.V.); (B.D.)
| | - Giovanna Cirnigliaro
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (N.G.); (G.C.); (F.F.); (S.V.); (L.F.); (C.V.); (B.D.)
| | - Federica Fasciana
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (N.G.); (G.C.); (F.F.); (S.V.); (L.F.); (C.V.); (B.D.)
| | - Simone Vanzetto
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (N.G.); (G.C.); (F.F.); (S.V.); (L.F.); (C.V.); (B.D.)
| | - Luca Ferrara
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (N.G.); (G.C.); (F.F.); (S.V.); (L.F.); (C.V.); (B.D.)
| | - Alberto Priori
- Department of Health Sciences, Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy;
| | - Claudio D’Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy;
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caterina Viganò
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (N.G.); (G.C.); (F.F.); (S.V.); (L.F.); (C.V.); (B.D.)
| | - Bernardo Dell’Osso
- Department of Mental Health, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences “Luigi Sacco”, University of Milan, 20157 Milan, Italy; (N.G.); (G.C.); (F.F.); (S.V.); (L.F.); (C.V.); (B.D.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Aldo Ravelli Center for Neurotechnology and Brain Therapeutic, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy;
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Bipolar Disorders Clinic, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- “Centro per lo studio dei meccanismi molecolari alla base delle patologie neuro-psico-geriatriche”, University of Milan, 20100 Milan, Italy
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The New Frontier in Oxytocin Physiology: The Oxytonic Contraction. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145144. [PMID: 32708109 PMCID: PMC7404128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (Oxt) is a nine amino acid peptide important in energy regulation and is essential to stress-related disorders. Specifically, low Oxt levels are associated with obesity in human subjects and diet-induced or genetically modified animal models. The striking evidence that Oxt is linked to energy regulation is that Oxt- and oxytocin receptor (Oxtr)-deficient mice show a phenotype characterized by late onset obesity. Oxt-/- or Oxtr-/- develop weight gain without increasing food intake, suggesting that a lack of Oxt reduce metabolic rate. Oxt is differentially expressed in skeletal muscle exerting a protective effect toward the slow-twitch muscle after cold stress challenge in mice. We hypothesized that Oxt potentiates the slow-twitch muscle as it does with the uterus, triggering "the oxytonic contractions". Physiologically, this is important to augment muscle strength in fight/flight response and is consistent with the augmented energetic need at time of labor and for the protection of the offspring when Oxt secretion spikes. The normophagic obesity of Oxt-/- or Oxtr-/- mice could have been caused by decreased skeletal muscle tonicity which drove the metabolic phenotype. In this review, we summarized our findings together with the recent literature on this fascinating subjects in a "new oxytonic perspective" over the physicology of Oxt.
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Mierop A, Mikolajczak M, Stahl C, Béna J, Luminet O, Lane A, Corneille O. How Can Intranasal Oxytocin Research Be Trusted? A Systematic Review of the Interactive Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on Psychosocial Outcomes. PERSPECTIVES ON PSYCHOLOGICAL SCIENCE 2020; 15:1228-1242. [DOI: 10.1177/1745691620921525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, research about the role of oxytocin (OT) in human behavior has grown exponentially. However, a unified theory of OT effects has yet to be developed. Relatedly, growing concerns about the robustness of conclusions drawn in the field have been raised. The current article contributes to this debate by reporting on and discussing key conclusions from a systematic review of published studies addressing the interactive effects of intranasal OT (IN-OT) administration on psychosocial outcomes in a healthy population. The review indicates that (a) tested interactive IN-OT effects were highly heterogeneous; (b) for most published interactions, no replication was attempted; (c) when attempted, replications were largely unsuccessful; (d) significance was unrelated to sample size; (e) statistical power was critically low and unrelated to the rate of significant results; and (f) research practices were characteristic of an exploratory approach. This concerning state of affairs makes it virtually impossible to tease apart true from false interactive IN-OT effects. We provide constructive directions on the basis of this observation and positive predictive value simulations for future research that should help extract true effects from noise and move the IN-OT field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Mierop
- Research Institute of Psychological Sciences, UCLouvain
| | | | - C. Stahl
- Department of Psychology, University of Cologne
| | - J. Béna
- Le Laboratoire Cognition, Langues, Langage, Ergonomie, University of Toulouse, CNRS
| | - O. Luminet
- Research Institute of Psychological Sciences, UCLouvain
- Fund for Scientific Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - A. Lane
- Research Institute of Psychological Sciences, UCLouvain
| | - O. Corneille
- Research Institute of Psychological Sciences, UCLouvain
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Özyurt J, Mehren A, Boekhoff S, Müller HL, Thiel CM. Social Cognition in Patients With Hypothalamic-Pituitary Tumors. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1014. [PMID: 32714861 PMCID: PMC7343961 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01014] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The current study aimed to investigate whether childhood-onset craniopharyngioma patients are impaired in social-cognitive skills, and whether individual differences in task performance are modulated by the neurohormone oxytocin. Study design: We tested 31 adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma patients with and without hypothalamic lesions and 35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. To test for between-group differences in social-cognitive skills, we experimentally assessed participants' abilities to interpret social signs or dispositions and to understand others' thoughts, feelings, and intentions. Associations between fasting oxytocin saliva concentrations and task performance were analyzed across the whole group of participants. Results: Compared to controls, patients with hypothalamic lesions were significantly less able to identify the correct emotional content of vocal expressions and to understand others' mental states. Judgements of trustworthiness were not different between patients and controls. There were no correlations between the primary measures of task performance and fasting oxytocin saliva concentrations. Conclusions: This is the first study to show that craniopharyngioma patients with hypothalamic lesions are impaired in some aspects of social cognition, which are of high relevance for everyday social interactions. These deficits suggest a disruption of the normal functionality of hypothalamic-fronto-limbic networks and/or additional areas of the social brain, which are at particular risk by hypothalamic location of the tumor and its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jale Özyurt
- Biological Psychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Aylin Mehren
- Biological Psychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Svenja Boekhoff
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Hermann L Müller
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University Children's Hospital, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Christiane M Thiel
- Biological Psychology Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany.,Research Center Neurosensory Science, Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence "Hearing4all", Carl von Ossietzky Universität, Oldenburg, Germany
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Exogenous effects of oxytocin in five psychiatric disorders: a systematic review, meta-analyses and a personalized approach through the lens of the social salience hypothesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 114:70-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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50
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Pehlivanoglu D, Myers E, Ebner NC. Tri-Phasic Model ofOxytocin (TRIO): A systematic conceptual review of oxytocin-related ERP research. Biol Psychol 2020; 154:107917. [PMID: 32512020 PMCID: PMC7556712 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2020.107917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has been shown to play a role in variety of cognitive and social processes and different hypotheses have been put forth to explain OT's effects on brain and behavior in humans. However, these previous explanatory accounts do not provide information about OT-related temporal modulation in the brain. OBJECTIVES This paper systematically reviewed intranasal OT administration studies employing event-related potentials (ERPs) and synthesized the existing evidence into a novel conceptual framework. METHODS Empirical studies, published until February 2020 and cited in major databases (EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Web of Science), were examined in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. To be included, studies had to: (i) employ intranasal administration of OT, as the chemical modulator; (ii) measure ERPs; (iii) be peer-reviewed journal articles; (iv) be written in English; and (v) examine human participants. RESULTS The search criteria yielded 17 empirical studies. The systematic review resulted in conceptualization of the Tri-Phasic Model ofOxytocin (TRIO), which builds on three processing stages: (i) perception, (ii) selection, and (iii) evaluation. While OT increases attention irrespective of stimuli characteristics in the perception stage, in the selection and evaluation stages, OT acts as a filter to guide attention selectively towards social over non-social stimuli and modulates prosociality/approach motivation associated with social stimuli. CONCLUSIONS TRIO offers an empirically-derived conceptual framework that can guide the study of OT-related modulation on attentional processes, starting very early in the processing stream. This novel account furthers theoretical understanding and informs empirical investigation into OT modulation on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Pehlivanoglu
- University of Florida, Contact Information Didem Pehlivanoglu Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603, United States.
| | - Elisha Myers
- University of Florida, Contact Information Didem Pehlivanoglu Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603, United States
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- University of Florida, Contact Information Didem Pehlivanoglu Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603, United States
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