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Sullivan ADW, Merrill SM, Konwar C, Coccia M, Rivera L, MacIsaac JL, Lieberman AF, Kobor MS, Bush NR. Intervening After Trauma: Child-Parent Psychotherapy Treatment Is Associated With Lower Pediatric Epigenetic Age Acceleration. Psychol Sci 2024:9567976241260247. [PMID: 39141017 DOI: 10.1177/09567976241260247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Early-life adversity increases the risk of health problems. Interventions supporting protective and responsive caregiving offer a promising approach to attenuating adversity-induced changes in stress-sensitive biomarkers. This study tested whether participation in an evidence-based dyadic psychosocial intervention, child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), was related to lower epigenetic age acceleration, a trauma-sensitive biomarker of accelerated biological aging that is associated with later health impairment, in a sample of children with trauma histories. Within this quasi-experimental, repeated-measures study, we examined epigenetic age acceleration at baseline and postintervention in a low-income sample of children receiving CPP treatment (n = 45; age range = 2-6 years; 76% Latino) compared with a weighted, propensity-matched community-comparison sample (n = 110; age range = 3-6 years; 40% Latino). Baseline epigenetic age acceleration was equivalent across groups. However, posttreatment, epigenetic age acceleration in the treatment group was lower than in the matched community sample. Findings highlight the potential for a dyadic psychosocial intervention to ameliorate accelerated biological aging in trauma-exposed children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra D W Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Sarah M Merrill
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
| | - Chaini Konwar
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
| | - Michael Coccia
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Luisa Rivera
- Neukom Institute for Computational Science, Dartmouth College
| | - Julia L MacIsaac
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
| | - Alicia F Lieberman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Michael S Kobor
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
- Child and Brain Development Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Edwin S.H. Leong Centre for Healthy Aging, University of British Columbia
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California, San Francisco
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco
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2
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Dasari MR, Roche KE, Jansen D, Anderson J, Alberts SC, Tung J, Gilbert JA, Blekhman R, Mukherjee S, Archie EA. Social and environmental predictors of gut microbiome age in wild baboons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.02.605707. [PMID: 39131274 PMCID: PMC11312535 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.02.605707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Understanding why some individuals age faster than others is essential to evolutionary biology and geroscience, but measuring variation in biological age is difficult. One solution may lie in measuring gut microbiome composition because microbiota change with many age-related factors (e.g., immunity and behavior). Here we create a microbiome-based age predictor using 13,563 gut microbial profiles from 479 wild baboons collected over 14 years. The resulting "microbiome clock" predicts host chronological age. Deviations from the clock's predictions are linked to demographic and socio-environmental factors that predict baboon health and survival: animals who appear old-for-age tend to be male, sampled in the dry season (for females), and high social status (both sexes). However, an individual's "microbiome age" does not predict the attainment of developmental milestones or lifespan. Hence, the microbiome clock accurately reflects age and some social and environmental conditions, but not the pace of development or mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauna R. Dasari
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Kimberly E. Roche
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David Jansen
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Jordan Anderson
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Susan C. Alberts
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jenny Tung
- Department of Evolutionary Anthropology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Duke University Population Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Primate Behavior and Evolution, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
- Canadian Institute for Advanced Research, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Institute of Biology, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jack A. Gilbert
- Department of Pediatrics and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ran Blekhman
- Section of Genetic Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sayan Mukherjee
- Departments of Statistical Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Bioinformatics & Biostatistics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Center for Scalable Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence, University of Leipzig, Leipzig Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Mathematics in the Natural Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Elizabeth A. Archie
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA
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Clark SL, McGinnis EW, Zhao M, Xie L, Marks GT, Aberg KA, van den Oord EJCG, Copeland WE. The Impact of Childhood Mental Health and Substance Use on Methylation Aging Into Adulthood. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 63:825-834. [PMID: 38157979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.10.014] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test whether childhood mental health symptoms, substance use, and early adversity accelerate the rate of DNA methylation (DNAm) aging from adolescence to adulthood. METHOD DNAm was assayed from blood samples in 381 participants in both adolescence (mean [SD] age = 13.9 [1.6] years) and adulthood (mean [SD] age = 25.9 [2.7] years). Structured diagnostic interviews were completed with participants and their parents at multiple childhood observations (1,950 total) to assess symptoms of common mental health disorders (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, anxiety, and depression) and common types of substance use (alcohol, cannabis, nicotine) and early adversities. RESULTS Neither childhood mental health symptoms nor substance use variables were associated with DNAm aging cross-sectionally. In contrast, the following mental health symptoms and substance variables were associated with accelerated DNAm aging from adolescence to adulthood: depressive symptoms (b = 0.314, SE = 0.127, p = .014), internalizing symptoms (b = 0.108, SE = 0.049, p = .029), weekly cannabis use (b =1.665, SE = 0.591, p = .005), and years of weekly cannabis use (b = 0.718, SE = 0.283, p = .012). In models testing all individual variables simultaneously, the combined effect of the variables was equivalent to a potential difference of 3.17 to 3.76 years in DNAm aging. A final model tested a variable assessing cumulative exposure to mental health symptoms, substance use, and early adversities. This cumulative variable was strongly associated with accelerated aging (b = 0.126, SE = 0.044, p = .005). CONCLUSION Mental health symptoms and substance use accelerated DNAm aging into adulthood in a manner consistent with a shared risk mechanism. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY Using data from 381 participants in the Great Smoky Mountains Study, the authors examined whether childhood mental health symptoms, substance use, and early adversity accelerate biological aging, as measured by DNA methylation age, from adolescence to adulthood. Depressive symptoms and cannabis use were found to significantly accelerate biological aging. Models that tested the combined effect of mental health symptoms, substance use, and early adversity demonstrated that there was a shared effect across these types of childhood problems on accelerated aging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Min Zhao
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Linying Xie
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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Meier M, Kantelhardt S, Gurri L, Stadler C, Schmid M, Clemens V, O’Donovan A, Boonmann C, Bürgin D, Unternaehrer E. Childhood trauma is linked to epigenetic age deceleration in young adults with previous youth residential care placements. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2379144. [PMID: 39051592 PMCID: PMC11275517 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2379144] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Early adversity increases the risk for mental and physical disorders as well as premature death. Epigenetic processes, and altered epigenetic aging in particular, might mediate these effects. While the literature that examined links between early adversity and epigenetic aging is growing, results have been heterogeneous.Objective: In the current work, we explored the link between early adversity and epigenetic aging in a sample of formerly out-of-home placed young adults.Method: A total of N = 117 young adults (32% women, age mean = 26.3 years, SD = 3.6 years) with previous youth residential care placements completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) and the Life Events Checklist (LEC-R) and provided blood samples for the analysis of DNA methylation using the Illumina Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip Microarray. Epigenetic age was estimated using Hovarth's and Hannum's epigenetic clocks. Furthermore, Hovarth's and Hannum's epigenetic age residuals were calculated as a proxy of epigenetic aging by regressing epigenetic age on chronological age. The statistical analysis plan was preregistered (https://osf.io/b9ev8).Results: Childhood trauma (CTQ) was negatively associated with Hannum's epigenetic age residuals, β = -.23, p = .004 when controlling for sex, BMI, smoking status and proportional white blood cell type estimates. This association was driven by experiences of physical neglect, β = -.25, p = .001. Lifetime trauma exposure (LEC-R) was not a significant predictor of epigenetic age residuals.Conclusion: Childhood trauma, and physical neglect in particular, was associated with decelerated epigenetic aging in our sample. More studies focusing on formerly institutionalized at-risk populations are needed to better understand which factors affect stress-related adaptations following traumatic experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Meier
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Sina Kantelhardt
- Department of Psychology, Friedrich-Schiller-University of Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Laura Gurri
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christina Stadler
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marc Schmid
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Vera Clemens
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Aoife O’Donovan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Cyril Boonmann
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (LUMC Curium), Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - David Bürgin
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Eva Unternaehrer
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department, University Psychiatric Clinics Basel (UPK), University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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5
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Bourassa KJ, Sbarra DA. Trauma, adversity, and biological aging: behavioral mechanisms relevant to treatment and theory. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:285. [PMID: 38997260 PMCID: PMC11245531 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-03004-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Although stress and adversity are largely universal experiences, people exposed to greater hardship are at increased risk for negative health consequences. Recent studies identify accelerated biological aging as a mechanism that could explain how trauma and adversity gives rise to poor health, and advances in this area of study coincide with technological innovations in the measurement of biological aging, particularly epigenetic profiles consistent with accelerated aging derived from DNA methylation. In this review, we provide an overview of the current literature examining how adversity might accelerate biological aging, with a specific focus on social and health behaviors. The most extensive evidence in this area suggests that health-compromising behaviors, particularly smoking, may partially explain the association between adversity and accelerated aging. Although there is relatively less published support for the role of social behaviors, emerging evidence points to the importance of social connection as a mechanism for future study. Our review highlights the need to determine the extent to which the associations from adversity to accelerated aging are consistent with causal processes. As we consider these questions, the review emphasizes methodological approaches from the causal inference literature that can help deepen our understanding of how stress and trauma might result in poor health. The use of these methodologies will help provide evidence as to which behavioral interventions might slow aging and improve health, particularly among populations that more often experience adversity and trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle J Bourassa
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA.
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs (VA) Health Care System, Durham, NC, USA.
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - David A Sbarra
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
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Martínez-Magaña JJ, Hurtado-Soriano J, Rivero-Segura NA, Montalvo-Ortiz JL, Garcia-delaTorre P, Becerril-Rojas K, Gomez-Verjan JC. Towards a Novel Frontier in the Use of Epigenetic Clocks in Epidemiology. Arch Med Res 2024; 55:103033. [PMID: 38955096 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2024.103033] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Health problems associated with aging are a major public health concern for the future. Aging is a complex process with wide intervariability among individuals. Therefore, there is a need for innovative public health strategies that target factors associated with aging and the development of tools to assess the effectiveness of these strategies accurately. Novel approaches to measure biological age, such as epigenetic clocks, have become relevant. These clocks use non-sequential variable information from the genome and employ mathematical algorithms to estimate biological age based on DNA methylation levels. Therefore, in the present study, we comprehensively review the current status of the epigenetic clocks and their associations across the human phenome. We emphasize the potential utility of these tools in an epidemiological context, particularly in evaluating the impact of public health interventions focused on promoting healthy aging. Our review describes associations between epigenetic clocks and multiple traits across the life and health span. Additionally, we highlighted the evolution of studies beyond mere associations to establish causal mechanisms between epigenetic age and disease. We explored the application of epigenetic clocks to measure the efficacy of interventions focusing on rejuvenation.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Jaime Martínez-Magaña
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neuroscience Division, West Haven, CT, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Janitza L Montalvo-Ortiz
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Clinical Neuroscience Division, West Haven, CT, USA; VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paola Garcia-delaTorre
- Unidad de Investigación Epidemiológica y en Servicios de Salud, Área de Envejecimiento, Centro Médico Nacional, Siglo XXI, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Mexico City, Mexico
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7
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Short AK, Weber R, Kamei N, Wilcox Thai C, Arora H, Mortazavi A, Stern HS, Glynn L, Baram TZ. Individual longitudinal changes in DNA-methylome identify signatures of early-life adversity and correlate with later outcome. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 31:100652. [PMID: 38962694 PMCID: PMC11219970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse early-life experiences (ELA) affect a majority of the world's children. Whereas the enduring impact of ELA on cognitive and emotional health is established, there are no tools to predict vulnerability to ELA consequences in an individual child. Epigenetic markers including peripheral-cell DNA-methylation profiles may encode ELA and provide predictive outcome markers, yet the interindividual variance of the human genome and rapid changes in DNA methylation in childhood pose significant challenges. Hoping to mitigate these challenges we examined the relation of several ELA dimensions to DNA methylation changes and outcome using a within-subject longitudinal design and a high methylation-change threshold. DNA methylation was analyzed in buccal swab/saliva samples collected twice (neonatally and at 12 months) in 110 infants. We identified CpGs differentially methylated across time for each child and determined whether they associated with ELA indicators and executive function at age 5. We assessed sex differences and derived a sex-dependent 'impact score' based on sites that most contributed to methylation changes. Changes in methylation between two samples of an individual child reflected age-related trends and correlated with executive function years later. Among tested ELA dimensions and life factors including income to needs ratios, maternal sensitivity, body mass index and infant sex, unpredictability of parental and household signals was the strongest predictor of executive function. In girls, high early-life unpredictability interacted with methylation changes to presage executive function. Thus, longitudinal, within-subject changes in methylation profiles may provide a signature of ELA and a potential predictive marker of individual outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel K. Short
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, ersity of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Ryan Weber
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Noriko Kamei
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, ersity of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Christina Wilcox Thai
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Hina Arora
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Hal S. Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Laura Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, 92866, USA
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, ersity of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
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8
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Elbasheir A, Katrinli S, Kearney BE, Lanius RA, Harnett NG, Carter SE, Ely TD, Bradley B, Gillespie CF, Stevens JS, Lori A, van Rooij SJH, Powers A, Jovanovic T, Smith AK, Fani N. Racial Discrimination, Neural Connectivity, and Epigenetic Aging Among Black Women. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2416588. [PMID: 38869898 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.16588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Racial discrimination increases the risk of adverse brain health outcomes, potentially via neuroplastic changes in emotion processing networks. The involvement of deep brain regions (brainstem and midbrain) in these responses is unknown. Potential associations of racial discrimination with alterations in deep brain functional connectivity and accelerated epigenetic aging, a process that substantially increases vulnerability to health problems, are also unknown. Objective To examine associations of racial discrimination with brainstem and midbrain resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) and DNA methylation age acceleration (DMAA) among Black women in the US. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study was conducted between January 1, 2012, and February 28, 2015, and included a community-based sample of Black women (aged ≥18 years) recruited as part of the Grady Trauma Project. Self-reported racial discrimination was examined in association with seed-to-voxel brain connectivity, including the locus coeruleus (LC), periaqueductal gray (PAG), and superior colliculus (SC); an index of DMAA (Horvath clock) was also evaluated. Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma exposure, and age were used as covariates in statistical models to isolate racial discrimination-related variance. Data analysis was conducted between January 10 and October 30, 2023. Exposure Varying levels of racial discrimination exposure, other trauma exposure, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Main Outcomes and Measures Racial discrimination frequency was assessed with the Experiences of Discrimination Scale, other trauma exposure was evaluated with the Traumatic Events Inventory, and current PTSD was evaluated with the PTSD Symptom Scale. Seed-to-voxel functional connectivity analyses were conducted with LC, PAG, and SC seeds. To assess DMAA, the Methylation EPIC BeadChip assay (Illumina) was conducted with whole-blood samples from a subset of 49 participants. Results This study included 90 Black women, with a mean (SD) age of 38.5 (11.3) years. Greater racial discrimination was associated with greater left LC RSFC to the bilateral precuneus (a region within the default mode network implicated in rumination and reliving of past events; cluster size k = 228; t85 = 4.78; P < .001, false discovery rate-corrected). Significant indirect effects were observed for the left LC-precuneus RSFC on the association between racial discrimination and DMAA (β [SE] = 0.45 [0.16]; 95% CI, 0.12-0.77). Conclusions and Relevance In this study, more frequent racial discrimination was associated with proportionately greater RSFC of the LC to the precuneus, and these connectivity alterations were associated with DMAA. These findings suggest that racial discrimination contributes to accelerated biological aging via altered connectivity between the LC and default mode network, increasing vulnerability for brain health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aziz Elbasheir
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Seyma Katrinli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Breanne E Kearney
- Department of Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nathaniel G Harnett
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Timothy D Ely
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bekh Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Charles F Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jennifer S Stevens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Adriana Lori
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sanne J H van Rooij
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Abigail Powers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Negar Fani
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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9
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Miller JG, Gluckman PD, Fortier MV, Chong YS, Meaney MJ, Tan AP, Gotlib IH. Faster pace of hippocampal growth mediates the association between perinatal adversity and childhood depression. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2024; 67:101392. [PMID: 38761439 PMCID: PMC11127214 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2024.101392] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity has been posited to influence the pace of structural neurodevelopment. Most research, however, has relied on cross-sectional data, which do not reveal whether the pace of neurodevelopmental change is accelerated or slowed following early exposures. In a birth cohort study that included neuroimaging data obtained at 4.5, 6, and 7.5 years of age (N = 784), we examined associations among a cumulative measure of perinatal adversity relative to resources, nonlinear trajectories of hippocampal and amygdala volume, and children's subsequent depressive symptoms at 8.5 years of age. Greater adversity was associated with reduced bilateral hippocampal body volume in early childhood, but also to faster growth in the right hippocampal body across childhood. Further, the association between adversity and childhood depressive symptoms was mediated by faster hippocampal body growth. These findings suggest that perinatal adversity is biologically embedded in hippocampal structure development, including an accelerated pace of change in the right hippocampal body that is implicated in children's psychopathology risk. In addition, our findings suggest that reduced hippocampal volume is not inconsistent with accelerated hippocampal change; these aspects of structural development may typically co-occur, as smaller regional volumes in early childhood were associated with faster growth across childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas G Miller
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, CT, USA.
| | - Peter D Gluckman
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Marielle V Fortier
- Department of Diagnostic & Interventional Imaging, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yap Seng Chong
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A⁎STAR Research Entities, Singapore; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A⁎STAR Research Entities, Singapore; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Canada; Brain - Body Initiative, A⁎STAR Research Entities, Singapore
| | - Ai Peng Tan
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, A⁎STAR Research Entities, Singapore; Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Brain - Body Initiative, A⁎STAR Research Entities, Singapore; Department of Diagnostic Imaging, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Ian H Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, CA, USA
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Sandalova E, Maier AB. Targeting the epigenetically older individuals for geroprotective trials: the use of DNA methylation clocks. Biogerontology 2024; 25:423-431. [PMID: 37968337 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10077-4] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Chronological age is the most important risk factor for the incidence of age-related diseases. The pace of ageing determines the magnitude of that risk and can be expressed as biological age. Targeting fundamental pathways of human aging with geroprotectors has the potential to lower the biological age and therewith prolong the healthspan, the period of life one spends in good health. Target populations for geroprotective interventions should be chosen based on the ageing mechanisms being addressed and the expected effect of the geroprotector on the primary outcome. Biomarkers of ageing, such as DNA methylation age, can be used to select populations for geroprotective interventions and as a surrogate outcome. Here, the use of DNA methylation clocks for selecting target populations for geroprotective intervention is explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Sandalova
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, @AgeSingapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Andrea B Maier
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Centre for Healthy Longevity, @AgeSingapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, @AgeAmsterdam, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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11
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Li Piani L, Somigliana E, Micci LG, Spinelli G, Barbara G. Going Beyond Childhood and Gender-Based Violence: Epigenetic Modifications and Inheritance. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2024; 5:473-484. [PMID: 39035135 PMCID: PMC11257107 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2024.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Being exposed to childhood or gender-based violence is associated with subsequent adverse events in individual lives. Not only can it cause psychological distress but violence survivors suffer from a range of long-term adverse health outcomes, including higher morbidity, higher mortality, and higher risk of chronic diseases. Epigenetics may be involved in the determinisms of these long-term detrimental effects. A large body of evidence supports this biological mechanism to explain violence-related health impairment in the long term. However, studies specifically focusing on violence are scant and nonunivocal. Epigenetic modifications of genes involved in stress response and in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis regulation are the most commonly and consistently reported. Promising evidence also emerged for the use of epigenetic clocks. Finally, although very limited, there is evidence supporting the notion that long-term health impairment may be transmitted from one generation to the other. Overall, despite promising, available evidence is yet incomplete. The overlap with pure psychological mechanisms of health impairment exposes the findings to confounders and hampers strong conclusions. Based on a literature search on PubMed/Embase, our narrative review aims to illustrate the evidence concerning the potential bond between epigenetics and violence, including also possible impacts on later generations. The goal is to encourage further research to help the development of a more holistic approach for such a vulnerable and often neglected population. Further research is warranted to precisely disentangle the role of epigenetics in mediating the long-term health impairment associated with childhood or gender-based violence. Advances in this area may open new avenues of treatment. Epigenetic modifications may indeed be reversible and could be an attractive therapeutic target to minimize the long-term consequences of childhood or gender-based violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Li Piani
- Dept of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Edgardo Somigliana
- Dept of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- SVSeD - Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Laila Giorgia Micci
- SVSeD - Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Spinelli
- Infertility Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- SVSeD - Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Giussy Barbara
- Dept of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
- SVSeD - Service for Sexual and Domestic Violence, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
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12
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Castagnola MJ, Medina-Paz F, Zapico SC. Uncovering Forensic Evidence: A Path to Age Estimation through DNA Methylation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4917. [PMID: 38732129 PMCID: PMC11084977 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Age estimation is a critical aspect of reconstructing a biological profile in forensic sciences. Diverse biochemical processes have been studied in their correlation with age, and the results have driven DNA methylation to the forefront as a promising biomarker. DNA methylation, an epigenetic modification, has been extensively studied in recent years for developing age estimation models in criminalistics and forensic anthropology. Epigenetic clocks, which analyze DNA sites undergoing hypermethylation or hypomethylation as individuals age, have paved the way for improved prediction models. A wide range of biomarkers and methods for DNA methylation analysis have been proposed, achieving different accuracies across samples and cell types. This review extensively explores literature from the past 5 years, showing scientific efforts toward the ultimate goal: applying age prediction models to assist in human identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Josefina Castagnola
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Tiernan Hall 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.C.); (F.M.-P.)
| | - Francisco Medina-Paz
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Tiernan Hall 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.C.); (F.M.-P.)
| | - Sara C. Zapico
- Department of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Tiernan Hall 365, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (M.J.C.); (F.M.-P.)
- Department of Anthropology and Laboratories of Analytical Biology, National Museum of Natural History, MRC 112, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560, USA
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13
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Wiltshire CN, Kouri N, Wanna CP, Minton ST, France JM, Reda MH, Davie W, Basarkod S, Winters S, Hinrichs R, Stenson AF, Jovanovic T. Resting heart rate associations with violence exposure and posttraumatic stress symptoms: sex differences in children. Biol Sex Differ 2024; 15:28. [PMID: 38549155 PMCID: PMC10976797 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-024-00606-2] [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: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Traumatic events experienced in childhood can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular disorders in adulthood. Black Americans are disproportionately affected, as they are at increased risk for experiencing childhood trauma and cardiovascular diseases in adulthood. One of the hypothesized mechanisms of this association is through long-lasting dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, a hallmark physiological biomarker of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is twice as prevalent in women compared to men. METHODS Ninety-one, majority Black American children, aged 9 were recruited to be a part of our longitudinal study of child development at research centers in Atlanta, GA and Detroit, MI. Resting HR was measured through a electrocardiogram (ECG) recording using the Biopac MP150. Self-report measures of violence exposure and PTSD symptoms were administered by research staff. RESULTS Children with more violence exposure reported increased PTSS as well as lower resting HR. Regression analysis showed evidence of sex modifying this relationship, (B = -0.64, p < 0.05), such that the association between resting HR and PTSS was stronger in girls than in boys. In our exploratory analysis with standard clinical cutoffs of resting HR, the normative HR group was found to significantly moderate the relationship between violence exposure and PTSS in boys, (B = -2.14, p < 0.01), but not girls (B = -0.94, p = 0.27). CONCLUSION In our sample of primarily Black urban children, we found that violence exposure was associated with slower, more adult-like HR, that girls showed greater PTSS associated with slower HR while boys did not, and that girls with lower than normative HR showed significantly higher PTSS compared to girls with normative HR. Our sample's demonstration of psychological consequences in addition to the physiological implications could provide new information about a psychobiological sequelae of violence exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charis N Wiltshire
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Service Dr, Detroit, MI, 48201, US.
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, 69 Jesse Hill Jr Dr. SE, 30303, Atlanta, GA, US.
| | - Nicole Kouri
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Service Dr, Detroit, MI, 48201, US
| | - Cassandra P Wanna
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Service Dr, Detroit, MI, 48201, US
| | - Sean T Minton
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, 69 Jesse Hill Jr Dr. SE, 30303, Atlanta, GA, US
| | - John M France
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Service Dr, Detroit, MI, 48201, US
| | - Mariam H Reda
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Service Dr, Detroit, MI, 48201, US
| | - William Davie
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Service Dr, Detroit, MI, 48201, US
| | - Sattvik Basarkod
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Service Dr, Detroit, MI, 48201, US
| | - Sterling Winters
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Service Dr, Detroit, MI, 48201, US
| | - Rebecca Hinrichs
- Department of Psychiatry, Emory University School of Medicine, 69 Jesse Hill Jr Dr. SE, 30303, Atlanta, GA, US
| | - Anais F Stenson
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Service Dr, Detroit, MI, 48201, US
| | - Tanja Jovanovic
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, 3901 Chrysler Service Dr, Detroit, MI, 48201, US
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Ding W, Xu Y, Kondracki AJ, Sun Y. Childhood adversity and accelerated reproductive events: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2024; 230:315-329.e31. [PMID: 37820985 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2023.10.005] [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: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accelerated female reproductive events represent the early onset of reproductive events involving puberty, menarche, pregnancy loss, first sexual intercourse, first birth, parity, and menopause. This study aimed to explore the association between childhood adversity and accelerated female reproductive events. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase were systematically searched from September 22, 2022 to September 23, 2022. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA Observational cohort, cross-sectional, and case-control studies in human populations were included if they reported the time of reproductive events for female individuals with experience of childhood adversity and were published in English. METHODS Two reviewers independently screened studies, obtained data, and assessed study quality, and conflicts were resolved by a third reviewer. Dichotomous outcomes were evaluated using meta-analysis, and pooled odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were generated using random-effects models. Moderation analysis and meta-regression were used to investigate heterogeneity. RESULTS In total, 21 cohort studies, 9 cross-sectional studies, and 3 case-control studies were identified. Overall, female individuals with childhood adversity were nearly 2 times more likely to report accelerated reproductive events than those with no adversity exposure (odds ratio, 1.91; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-2.76; I2=99.6%; P<.001). Moderation analysis indicated that effect sizes for the types of childhood adversity ranged from an odds ratio of 1.61 (95% confidence interval, 1.23-2.09) for low socioeconomic status to 2.13 (95% confidence interval, 1.14-3.99) for dysfunctional family dynamics. Among the 7 groups based on different reproductive events, including early onset of puberty, early menarche, early sexual initiation, teenage childbirth, preterm birth, pregnancy loss, and early menopause, early sexual initiation had a nonsignificant correlation with childhood adversity (odds ratio, 2.70; 95% confidence interval, 0.88-8.30; I2=99.9%; P<.001). Considerable heterogeneity (I2>75%) between estimates was observed for over half of the outcomes. Age, study type, and method of data collection could explain 35.9% of the variance. CONCLUSION The literature tentatively corroborates that female individuals who reported adverse events in childhood are more likely to experience accelerated reproductive events. This association is especially strong for exposure to abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics. However, the heterogeneity among studies was high, requiring caution in interpreting the findings and highlighting the need for further evaluation of the types and timing of childhood events that influence accelerated female reproductive events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqin Ding
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuxiang Xu
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Anthony J Kondracki
- Department of Community Medicine, Mercer University School of Medicine, Macon, GA
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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15
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Kim C, Harrall KK, Glueck DH, Hockett C, Dabelea D. Epigenetic age acceleration is associated with speed of pubertal growth but not age of pubertal onset. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2981. [PMID: 38316849 PMCID: PMC10844280 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53508-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Using data from a longitudinal cohort of children, we examined whether epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) was associated with pubertal growth and whether these associations were mediated by adiposity. We examined associations between EAA at approximately 10 years of age with pubertal growth metrics, including age at peak height velocity (PHV), PHV, and sex steroid levels and whether these associations were mediated by measures of adiposity including body mass index (BMI) and MRI-assessed visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). Children (n = 135) with accelerated EAA had higher PHV (β 0.018, p = 0.0008) although the effect size was small. The association between EAA and age at PHV was not significant (β - 0.0022, p = 0.067). Although EAA was associated with higher BMI (β 0.16, p = 0.0041), VAT (β 0.50, p = 0.037), and SAT (β 3.47, p = 0.0076), BMI and VAT did not mediate associations between EAA and PHV, while SAT explained 8.4% of the association. Boys with higher EAA had lower total testosterone (β - 12.03, p = 0.0014), but associations between EAA and other sex steroids were not significant, and EAA was not associated with sex steroid levels in girls. We conclude that EAA did not have strong associations with either age at onset of puberty or pubertal growth speed, although associations with growth speed were statistically significant. Studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm this pattern of associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Kim
- Departments of Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Epidemiology, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Road, Building 16, Room 405E, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
| | - Kylie K Harrall
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Deborah H Glueck
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christine Hockett
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
- Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of South Dakota School of Medicine, Sioux Falls, SD, USA
| | - Dana Dabelea
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD) Center, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
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16
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Laubach ZM, Bozack A, Aris IM, Slopen N, Tiemeier H, Hivert MF, Cardenas A, Perng W. Maternal prenatal social experiences and offspring epigenetic age acceleration from birth to mid-childhood. Ann Epidemiol 2024; 90:28-34. [PMID: 37839726 PMCID: PMC10842218 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Investigate associations of maternal social experiences with offspring epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) from birth through mid-childhood among 205 mother-offspring dyads of minoritized racial and ethnic groups. METHODS We used linear regression to examine associations of maternal experiences of racial bias or discrimination (0 = none, 1-2 = intermediate, or 3+ = high), social support (tertile 1 = low, 2 = intermediate, 3 = high), and socioeconomic status index (tertile 1 = low, 2 = intermediate, 3 = high) during the prenatal period with offspring EAA according to Horvath's Pan-Tissue, Horvath's Skin and Blood, and Intrinsic EAA clocks at birth, 3 years, and 7 years. RESULTS In comparison to children of women who did not experience any racial bias or discrimination, those whose mothers reported highest levels of racial bias or discrimination had lower Pan-Tissue clock EAA in early (-0.50 years; 90% CI: -0.91, -0.09) and mid-childhood (-0.75 years; -1.41, -0.08). We observed similar associations for the Skin and Blood clock and Intrinsic EAA. Maternal experiences of discrimination were not associated with Pan-Tissue EAA at birth. Neither maternal social support nor socioeconomic status predicted offspring EAA. CONCLUSIONS Children whose mothers experienced higher racial bias or discrimination exhibited slower EAA. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings and establish associations of early-life EAA with long-term health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary M Laubach
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (EBIO), University of Colorado Boulder
| | - Anne Bozack
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Izzuddin M Aris
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse (CORAL), Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Natalie Slopen
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Henning Tiemeier
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Marie-France Hivert
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse (CORAL), Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Diabetes Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Andres Cardenas
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Wei Perng
- Lifecourse Epidemiology of Adiposity and Diabetes (LEAD Center), Department of Epidemiology, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora, CO.
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Short AK, Weber R, Kamei N, Thai CW, Arora H, Mortazavi A, Stern HS, Glynn L, Baram TZ. Within-subject changes in methylome profile identify individual signatures of early-life adversity, with a potential to predict neuropsychiatric outcome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.16.571594. [PMID: 38187766 PMCID: PMC10769190 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.16.571594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Adverse early-life experiences (ELA), including poverty, trauma and neglect, affect a majority of the world's children. Whereas the impact of ELA on cognitive and emotional health throughout the lifespan is well-established, it is not clear how distinct types of ELA influence child development, and there are no tools to predict for an individual child their vulnerability or resilience to the consequences of ELAs. Epigenetic markers including DNA-methylation profiles of peripheral cells may encode ELA and provide a predictive outcome marker. However, the rapid dynamic changes in DNA methylation in childhood and the inter-individual variance of the human genome pose barriers to identifying profiles predicting outcomes of ELA exposure. Here, we examined the relation of several dimensions of ELA to changes of DNA methylation, using a longitudinal within-subject design and a high threshold for methylation changes in the hope of mitigating the above challenges. Methods We analyzed DNA methylation in buccal swab samples collected twice for each of 110 infants: neonatally and at 12 months. We identified CpGs differentially methylated across time, calculated methylation changes for each child, and determined whether several indicators of ELA associated with changes of DNA methylation for individual infants. We then correlated select dimensions of ELA with methylation changes as well as with measures of executive function at age 5 years. We examined for sex differences, and derived a sex-dependent 'impact score' based on sites that most contributed to the methylation changes. Findings Setting a high threshold for methylation changes, we discovered that changes in methylation between two samples of an individual child reflected age-related trends towards augmented methylation, and also correlated with executive function years later. Among the tested factors and ELA dimensions, including income to needs ratios, maternal sensitivity, body mass index and sex, unpredictability of parental and household signals was the strongest predictor of executive function. In girls, an interaction was observed between a measure of high early-life unpredictability and methylation changes, in presaging executive function. Interpretation These findings establish longitudinal, within-subject changes in methylation profiles as a signature of some types of ELA in an individual child. Notably, such changes are detectable beyond the age-associated DNA methylation dynamics. Future studies are required to determine if the methylation profile changes identified here provide a predictive marker of vulnerabilities to poorer cognitive and emotional outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annabel K. Short
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697
- Brain Tumour Research Program, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia, 6009 (current)
- Division of Paediatrics/Centre for Child Health Research, Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia, 6009 (current)
| | - Ryan Weber
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Noriko Kamei
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Christina Wilcox Thai
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Hina Arora
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Hal S. Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697
| | - Laura Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, 92866
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697
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18
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Quinn EB, Hsiao CJ, Maisha FM, Mulligan CJ. Prenatal maternal stress is associated with site-specific and age acceleration changes in maternal and newborn DNA methylation. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2222473. [PMID: 37300821 PMCID: PMC10259347 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2222473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal maternal stress has a negative impact on child health but the mechanisms through which maternal stress affects child health are unclear. Epigenetic variation, such as DNA methylation, is a likely mechanistic candidate as DNA methylation is sensitive to environmental insults and can regulate long-term changes in gene expression. We recruited 155 mother-newborn dyads in the Democratic Republic of Congo to investigate the effects of maternal stress on DNA methylation in mothers and newborns. We used four measures of maternal stress to capture a range of stressful experiences: general trauma, sexual trauma, war trauma, and chronic stress. We identified differentially methylated positions (DMPs) associated with general trauma, sexual trauma, and war trauma in both mothers and newborns. No DMPs were associated with chronic stress. Sexual trauma was positively associated with epigenetic age acceleration across several epigenetic clocks in mothers. General trauma and war trauma were positively associated with newborn epigenetic age acceleration using the extrinsic epigenetic age clock. We tested the top DMPs for enrichment of DNase I hypersensitive sites (DHS) and found no enrichment in mothers. In newborns, top DMPs associated with war trauma were enriched for DHS in embryonic and foetal cell types. Finally, one of the top DMPs associated with war trauma in newborns also predicted birthweight, completing the cycle from maternal stress to DNA methylation to newborn health outcome. Our results indicate that maternal stress is associated with site-specific changes in DNAm and epigenetic age acceleration in both mothers and newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward B. Quinn
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chu J. Hsiao
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Felicien M. Maisha
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Democratic Republic of Congo, HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, USA
- Democratic Republic of Congo, Maisha Institute, Goma, USA
| | - Connie J. Mulligan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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19
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Katrinli S, Smith AK, Drury SS, Covault J, Ford JD, Singh V, Reese B, Johnson A, Scranton V, Fall P, Briggs-Gowan M, Grasso DJ. Cumulative stress, PTSD, and emotion dysregulation during pregnancy and epigenetic age acceleration in Hispanic mothers and their newborn infants. Epigenetics 2023; 18:2231722. [PMID: 37433036 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2023.2231722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy can exacerbate or prompt the onset of stress-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is associated with heightened stress responsivity and emotional dysregulation, as well as increased risk of chronic disorders and mortality. Further, maternal PTSD is associated with gestational epigenetic age acceleration in newborns, implicating the prenatal period as a developmental time period for the transmission of effects across generations. Here, we evaluated the associations between PTSD symptoms, maternal epigenetic age acceleration, and infant gestational epigenetic age acceleration in 89 maternal-neonatal dyads. Trauma-related experiences and PTSD symptoms in mothers were assessed during the third trimester of pregnancy. The MethylationEPIC array was used to generate DNA methylation data from maternal and neonatal saliva samples collected within 24 h of infant birth. Maternal epigenetic age acceleration was calculated using Horvath's multi-tissue clock, PhenoAge and GrimAge. Gestational epigenetic age was estimated using the Haftorn clock. Maternal cumulative past-year stress (GrimAge: p = 3.23e-04, PhenoAge: p = 9.92e-03), PTSD symptoms (GrimAge: p = 0.019), and difficulties in emotion regulation (GrimAge: p = 0.028) were associated with accelerated epigenetic age in mothers. Maternal PTSD symptoms were associated with lower gestational epigenetic age acceleration in neonates (p = 0.032). Overall, our results suggest that maternal cumulative past-year stress exposure and trauma-related symptoms may increase the risk for age-related problems in mothers and developmental problems in their newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyma Katrinli
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stacy S Drury
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Covault
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Julian D Ford
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Vijender Singh
- Computational Biology Core, University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Bo Reese
- Center for Genome Innovation, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Amy Johnson
- Obstetrics & Gynecology, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Victoria Scranton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Pamela Fall
- Clinical Research Center Core Laboratory, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Margaret Briggs-Gowan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Damion J Grasso
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
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20
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Schmitz LL, Duffie E, Zhao W, Ratliff SM, Ding J, Liu Y, Merkin SS, Smith JA, Seeman T. Associations of Early-Life Adversity With Later-Life Epigenetic Aging Profiles in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Am J Epidemiol 2023; 192:1991-2005. [PMID: 37579321 PMCID: PMC10988110 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwad172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic biomarkers of accelerated aging have been widely used to predict disease risk and may enhance our understanding of biological mechanisms between early-life adversity and disparities in aging. With respect to childhood adversity, most studies have used parental education or childhood disadvantage and/or have not examined the role played by socioemotional or physical abuse and trauma in epigenetic profiles at older ages. This study leveraged data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) on experiences of threat and deprivation in participants' early lives (i.e., before the age of 18 years) to examine whether exposure to specific dimensions of early-life adversity is associated with epigenetic profiles at older ages that are indicative of accelerated biological aging. The sample included 842 MESA respondents with DNA methylation data collected between 2010 and 2012 who answered questions on early-life adversities in a 2018-2019 telephone follow-up. We found that experiences of deprivation, but not threat, were associated with later-life GrimAge epigenetic aging signatures that were developed to predict mortality risk. Results indicated that smoking behavior partially mediates this association, which suggests that lifestyle behaviors may act as downstream mechanisms between parental deprivation in early life and accelerated epigenetic aging in later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren L Schmitz
- Correspondence to Dr. Lauren L. Schmitz, Robert M. La Follette School of Public Affairs, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 1225 Observatory Drive, Madison, WI 53706 (e-mail: )
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21
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Musci RJ, Raghunathan RS, Johnson SB, Klein L, Ladd-Acosta C, Ansah R, Hassoun R, Voegtline KM. Using Epigenetic Clocks to Characterize Biological Aging in Studies of Children and Childhood Exposures: a Systematic Review. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2023; 24:1398-1423. [PMID: 37477807 PMCID: PMC10964791 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01576-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Biological age, measured via epigenetic clocks, offers a unique and useful tool for prevention scientists to explore the short- and long-term implications of age deviations for health, development, and behavior. The use of epigenetic clocks in pediatric research is rapidly increasing, and there is a need to review the landscape of this work to understand the utility of these clocks for prevention scientists. We summarize the current state of the literature on the use of specific epigenetic clocks in childhood. Using systematic review methods, we identified studies published through February 2023 that used one of three epigenetic clocks as a measure of biological aging. These epigenetic clocks could either be used as a predictor of health outcomes or as a health outcome of interest. The database search identified 982 records, 908 of which were included in a title and abstract review. After full-text screening, 68 studies were eligible for inclusion. While findings were somewhat mixed, a majority of included studies found significant associations between the epigenetic clock used and the health outcome of interest or between an exposure and the epigenetic clock used. From these results, we propose the use of epigenetic clocks as a tool to understand how exposures impact biologic aging pathways and development in early life, as well as to monitor the effectiveness of preventive interventions that aim to reduce exposure and associated adverse health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashelle J Musci
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | | | - Sara B Johnson
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Lauren Klein
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Rosemary Ansah
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ronda Hassoun
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Kristin M Voegtline
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, USA
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
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22
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McDermott CL, Lee J, Park AT, Tooley UA, Boroshok AL, Hilton K, Linn KA, Mupparapu M, Mackey AP. Developmental Correlates of Accelerated Molar Eruption in Early Childhood. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:847-854. [PMID: 37881542 PMCID: PMC10593886 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.02.006] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Adversity has been linked to accelerated maturation. Molar eruption is a simple and scalable way to identify early maturation, but its developmental correlates remain unexplored. Thus, we examined whether accelerated maturation as indexed by molar eruption is associated with children's mental health or cognitive skills. Methods Molar eruption was evaluated from T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in 117 children (63 female; ages 4-7 years). Parents reported on child mental health with the Child Behavior Checklist. Children completed standardized assessments of fluid reasoning, working memory, processing speed, crystallized knowledge, and math performance. Relationships between molar eruption and developmental outcomes were examined using linear models, with age, gender, and stress risk as covariates. Results Earlier molar eruption was positively associated with children's externalizing symptoms (false discovery rate-corrected p [pFDR] = .027) but not internalizing symptoms, and the relationship with externalizing symptoms did not hold when controlling for stress risk. Earlier molar eruption was negatively associated with fluid reasoning (pFDR < .001), working memory (pFDR = .033), and crystallized knowledge (pFDR = .001). The association between molar eruption and both reasoning and crystallized knowledge held when controlling for stress risk. Molar eruption also partially mediated associations between stress risk and both reasoning (proportion mediated = 0.273, p = .004) and crystallized knowledge (proportion mediated = 0.126, p = .016). Conclusions Accelerated maturation, as reflected in early molar eruption, may have consequences for cognitive development, perhaps because it constrains brain plasticity. Knowing the pace of a child's maturation may provide insight into the impact of a child's stress history on their cognitive development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassidy L. McDermott
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Janet Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Anne T. Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ursula A. Tooley
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Austin L. Boroshok
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Katherine Hilton
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kristin A. Linn
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Muralidhar Mupparapu
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allyson P. Mackey
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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23
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Mastrotheodoros S, Boks MP, Rousseau C, Meeus W, Branje S. Negative parenting, epigenetic age, and psychological problems: prospective associations from adolescence to young adulthood. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 64:1446-1461. [PMID: 37203368 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13821] [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] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic clocks are based on DNA methylation levels of several genomic loci and have been developed as indices of biological aging. Studies examining the effects of stressful environmental exposures have shown that stress is associated with differences between epigenetic age and chronological age (i.e., Epigenetic Age acceleration, EA). This pre-registered longitudinal study examined the long-term effects of negative parenting and psychological problems throughout adolescence (ages 13-17 years) on EA in late adolescence (age 17 years) and EA changes from late adolescence to young adulthood (age 25 years). Further, it examined how (change in) EA is related to changes in psychological problems from adolescence to young adulthood. METHODS We used data from a sample of 434 participants followed from age 13 to age 25, with saliva collected at ages 17 and 25. We estimated EA using four commonly used epigenetic clocks and analyzed the data using Structural Equation Modeling. RESULTS While negative parenting was not related to EA nor change in EA, (change in) EA was related to developmental indices such as externalizing problems and self-concept clarity. CONCLUSIONS Declining psychological well-being during young adulthood was preceded by EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanos Mastrotheodoros
- Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, University of Crete, Rethymno, Greece
| | - Marco P Boks
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Céline Rousseau
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center University Medical Center Utrecht, University Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Meeus
- Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Susan Branje
- Department of Youth and Family, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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24
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Zhang ZZ, Moeckel C, Mustafa M, Pham H, Olson AE, Mehta D, Dorn LD, Engeland CG, Shenk CE. The association of epigenetic age acceleration and depressive and anxiety symptom severity among children recently exposed to substantiated maltreatment. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 165:7-13. [PMID: 37441927 PMCID: PMC10529086 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment is a major risk factor for both depressive and anxiety disorders. However, many children exposed to maltreatment never meet diagnostic threshold for either disorder while experiencing only transitory symptoms post-exposure. Recent research suggests DNA methylation adds predictive value in explaining variation in the onset and course of multiple psychiatric disorders following exposure to child maltreatment. Epigenetic age acceleration (EAA), the biological aging of cells not attributable to chronological aging, is a stress-sensitive biomarker capturing genome-wide variation in DNA methylation with the potential to identify children who have been maltreated at greatest risk for depressive and anxiety disorders. The current study examined two EAA clocks appropriate for the pediatric population, the Horvath and Pediatric Buccal Epigenetic (PedBE) clocks, and their associations with depressive and anxiety symptom severity following child maltreatment. Children (N = 71) 8-15 years of age, all of whom were exposed to substantiated child maltreatment in the 12 months prior to study entry, were enrolled. Risk modeling adjusting for several confounders revealed that EAA estimated via the Horvath clock was significantly associated with more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms. The PedBE clock was not associated with either depressive or anxiety symptom severity. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that EAA via the Horvath clock robustly predicted depressive and anxiety symptom severity across multiple modeling scenarios. Our findings advance existing research suggesting EAA, as estimated with the Horvath clock, may be a promising biomarker for identifying children at greatest risk for more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms following maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Z Zhang
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Camille Moeckel
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Manal Mustafa
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Hung Pham
- The Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Anneke E Olson
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Divya Mehta
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Lorah D Dorn
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Christopher G Engeland
- Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA; Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| | - Chad E Shenk
- The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA; Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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25
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Danoff JS, Ramos EN, Hinton TD, Perkeybile AM, Graves AJ, Quinn GC, Lightbody-Cimer AR, Gordevičius J, Milčiūtė M, Brooke RT, Carter CS, Bales KL, Erisir A, Connelly JJ. Father's care uniquely influences male neurodevelopment. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2308798120. [PMID: 37487074 PMCID: PMC10400995 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2308798120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Mammalian infants depend on parental care for survival, with numerous consequences for their behavioral development. We investigated the epigenetic and neurodevelopmental mechanisms mediating the impact of early biparental care on development of alloparenting behavior, or caring for offspring that are not one's own. We find that receiving high parental care early in life leads to slower epigenetic aging of both sexes and widespread male-specific differential expression of genes related to synaptic transmission and autism in the nucleus accumbens. Examination of parental care composition indicates that high-care fathers promote a male-specific increase in excitatory synapses and increases in pup retrieval behavior as juveniles. Interestingly, females raised by high-care fathers have the opposite behavioral response and display fewer pup retrievals. These results support the concept that neurodevelopmental trajectories are programmed by different features of early-life parental care and reveal that male neurodevelopmental processes are uniquely sensitive to care by fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua S. Danoff
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
| | - Erin N. Ramos
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
| | - Taylor D. Hinton
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
| | - Allison M. Perkeybile
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
| | - Andrew J. Graves
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
| | - Graham C. Quinn
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
| | | | | | - Milda Milčiūtė
- Epigenetic Clock Development Foundation, Torrance, CA90502
| | | | - C. Sue Carter
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
| | - Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, CA95616
| | - Alev Erisir
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
| | - Jessica J. Connelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
- Program in Fundamental Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA22904
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26
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Galkin F, Kovalchuk O, Koldasbayeva D, Zhavoronkov A, Bischof E. Stress, diet, exercise: Common environmental factors and their impact on epigenetic age. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 88:101956. [PMID: 37211319 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.101956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic aging clocks have gained significant attention as a tool for predicting age-related health conditions in clinical and research settings. They have enabled geroscientists to study the underlying mechanisms of aging and assess the effectiveness of anti-aging therapies, including diet, exercise and environmental exposures. This review explores the effects of modifiable lifestyle factors' on the global DNA methylation landscape, as seen by aging clocks. We also discuss the underlying mechanisms through which these factors contribute to biological aging and provide comments on what these findings mean for people willing to build an evidence-based pro-longevity lifestyle.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Olga Kovalchuk
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge, Canada
| | | | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Deep Longevity, Hong Kong; Insilico Medicine, Hong Kong; Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA
| | - Evelyne Bischof
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China; Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China; Division of Cardiology, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Via S. Pansini, 580131, Naples, Italy
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27
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Quinn EB, Hsiao CJ, Maisha FM, Mulligan CJ. Low birthweight is associated with epigenetic age acceleration in the first 3 years of life. Evol Med Public Health 2023; 11:251-261. [PMID: 37485054 PMCID: PMC10360162 DOI: 10.1093/emph/eoad019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives The Developmental Origins of Health and Disease hypothesis posits that early life adversity is associated with poor adult health outcomes. Epidemiological evidence has supported this framework by linking low birthweight with adult health and mortality, but the mechanisms remain unclear. Accelerated epigenetic aging may be a pathway to connect early life experiences with adult health outcomes, based on associations of accelerated epigenetic aging with increased morbidity and mortality. Methodology Sixty-seven mother-infant dyads were recruited in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Birthweight data were collected at birth, and blood samples were collected at birth and follow-up visits up to age 3. DNA methylation data were generated with the Illumina MethylationEPIC array and used to estimate epigenetic age. A multilevel model was used to test for associations between birthweight and epigenetic age acceleration. Results Chronological age was highly correlated with epigenetic age from birth to age 3 (r = 0.95, p < 2.2 × 10-16). Variation in epigenetic age acceleration increased over time. Birthweight, dichotomized around 2500 g, predicted epigenetic age acceleration over the first 3 years of life (b = -0.39, p = 0.005). Conclusions and implications Our longitudinal analysis provides the first evidence for accelerated epigenetic aging that emerges between birth and age 3 and associates with low birthweight. These results suggest that early life experiences, such as low birthweight, may shape the trajectory of epigenetic aging in early childhood. Furthermore, accelerated epigenetic aging may be a pathway that links low birthweight and poor adult health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward B Quinn
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Chu J Hsiao
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
| | - Felicien M Maisha
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- HEAL Africa Hospital, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Maisha Institute, Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Connie J Mulligan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, USA
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28
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Morrison RE, Eckardt W, Stoinski TS, Rosenbaum S. Cumulative early-life adversity does not predict reduced adult longevity in wild gorillas. Curr Biol 2023; 33:2307-2314.e4. [PMID: 37192615 PMCID: PMC10264970 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2023.04.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Extensive research across fields has repeatedly confirmed that early-life adversity (ELA) is a major selective force for many taxa, in part via its ties to adult health and longevity.1,2,3 Negative effects of ELA on adult outcomes have been documented in a wide range of species, from fish to birds to humans.4 We used 55 years of long-term data collected on 253 wild mountain gorillas to examine the effects of six putative sources of ELA on survival, both individually and cumulatively. Although cumulative ELA was associated with high mortality in early life, we found no evidence that it had detrimental consequences for survival later in life. Experiencing three or more forms of ELA was associated with greater longevity, with a 70% reduction in the risk of death across adulthood, driven specifically by greater longevity in males. Although this higher survival in later life is likely a consequence of sex-specific viability selection5 during early life due to the immediate mortality consequences of adverse experiences, patterns in our data also suggest that gorillas have significant resilience to ELA. Our findings demonstrate that the detrimental consequences of ELA on later life survival are not universal, and indeed largely absent in one of humans' closest living relatives. This raises important questions about the biological roots of sensitivity to early experiences and the protective mechanisms that contribute to resiliency in gorillas, which could be critical for understanding how best to encourage similar resiliency to early-life shocks in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin E Morrison
- Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund, PO Box 105, Musanze, Rwanda; Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, Department of Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QG, UK.
| | | | | | - Stacy Rosenbaum
- Department of Anthropology, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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29
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Milicic L, Porter T, Vacher M, Laws SM. Utility of DNA Methylation as a Biomarker in Aging and Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis Rep 2023; 7:475-503. [PMID: 37313495 PMCID: PMC10259073 DOI: 10.3233/adr-220109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation have been implicated in a number of diseases including cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases. While it is recognized that DNA methylation is tissue-specific, a limitation for many studies is the ability to sample the tissue of interest, which is why there is a need for a proxy tissue such as blood, that is reflective of the methylation state of the target tissue. In the last decade, DNA methylation has been utilized in the design of epigenetic clocks, which aim to predict an individual's biological age based on an algorithmically defined set of CpGs. A number of studies have found associations between disease and/or disease risk with increased biological age, adding weight to the theory of increased biological age being linked with disease processes. Hence, this review takes a closer look at the utility of DNA methylation as a biomarker in aging and disease, with a particular focus on Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidija Milicic
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Collaborative Genomics and Translation Group, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Tenielle Porter
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Collaborative Genomics and Translation Group, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Michael Vacher
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- CSIRO Health and Biosecurity, Australian e-Health Research Centre, Floreat, Western Australia
| | - Simon M. Laws
- Centre for Precision Health, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Collaborative Genomics and Translation Group, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, Australia
- Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia
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Allen JP, Danoff JS, Costello MA, Loeb EL, Davis AA, Hunt GL, Gregory SG, Giamberardino SN, Connelly JJ. Adolescent peer struggles predict accelerated epigenetic aging in midlife. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:912-925. [PMID: 35379374 PMCID: PMC9532470 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
This study examined struggles to establish autonomy and relatedness with peers in adolescence and early adulthood as predictors of advanced epigenetic aging assessed at age 30. Participants (N = 154; 67 male and 87 female) were observed repeatedly, along with close friends and romantic partners, from ages 13 through 29. Observed difficulty establishing close friendships characterized by mutual autonomy and relatedness from ages 13 to 18, an interview-assessed attachment state of mind lacking autonomy and valuing of attachment at 24, and self-reported difficulties in social integration across adolescence and adulthood were all linked to greater epigenetic age at 30, after accounting for chronological age, gender, race, and income. Analyses assessing the unique and combined effects of these factors, along with lifetime history of cigarette smoking, indicated that each of these factors, except for adult social integration, contributed uniquely to explaining epigenetic age acceleration. Results are interpreted as evidence that the adolescent preoccupation with peer relationships may be highly functional given the relevance of such relationships to long-term physical outcomes.
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Sumner JA, Gao X, Gambazza S, Dye CK, Colich NL, Baccarelli AA, Uddin M, McLaughlin KA. Stressful life events and accelerated biological aging over time in youths. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 151:106058. [PMID: 36827906 PMCID: PMC10364461 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106058] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing adversity in childhood and adolescence, including stressful life events (SLEs), may accelerate the pace of development, leading to adverse mental and physical health. However, most research on adverse early experiences and biological aging (BA) in youths relies on cross-sectional designs. In 171 youths followed for approximately 2 years, we examined if SLEs over follow-up predicted rate of change in two BA metrics: epigenetic age and Tanner stage. We also investigated if rate of change in BA was associated with changes in depressive symptoms over time. Youths aged 8-16 years at baseline self-reported Tanner stage and depressive symptoms at baseline and follow-up and provided saliva samples for DNA at both assessments. Horvath epigenetic age estimates were derived from DNA methylation data measured with the Illumina EPIC array. At follow-up, contextual threat interviews were administered to youths and caregivers to assess youths' experiences of past-year SLEs. Interviews were objectively coded by an independent rating team to generate a SLE impact score, reflecting the severity of all SLEs occurring over the prior year. Rate of change in BA metrics was operationalized as change in epigenetic age or Tanner stage as a function of time between assessments. Higher objective SLE impact scores over follow-up were related to a greater rate of change in epigenetic age (β = 0.21, p = .043). Additionally, among youths with lower-but not higher-Tanner stage at baseline, there was a positive association of SLE impact scores with rate of change in Tanner stage (Baseline Tanner Stage × SLE Impact Score interaction: β = - 0.21, p = .011). A greater rate of change in epigenetic age was also associated with higher depressive symptom levels at follow-up, adjusting for baseline symptoms (β = 0.15, p = .043). Associations with epigenetic age were similar, although slightly attenuated, when adjusting for epithelial (buccal) cell proportions. Whereas much research in youths has focused on severe experiences of early adversity, we demonstrate that more commonly experienced SLEs during adolescence may also contribute to accelerated BA. Further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences of changes in BA metrics for health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Sumner
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, Psychology Building 1285, Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Xu Gao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University, Xueyuan Rd. 38, Haidian District, Beijing, China; Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Simone Gambazza
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, via Celoria 22, 20133 Milan, Italy; Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Healthcare Professions Department, via Francesco Sforza, 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Christian K Dye
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Natalie L Colich
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, William James Hall, 1270, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, 722 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, University of South Florida, College of Public Health, 12901 Bruce B. Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Katie A McLaughlin
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, William James Hall, 1270, 33 Kirkland Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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Yusupov N, Dieckmann L, Erhart M, Sauer S, Rex-Haffner M, Kopf-Beck J, Brückl TM, Czamara D, Binder EB. Transdiagnostic evaluation of epigenetic age acceleration and burden of psychiatric disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023:10.1038/s41386-023-01579-3. [PMID: 37069357 PMCID: PMC10354057 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01579-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Different psychiatric disorders as well as exposure to adverse life events have individually been associated with multiple age-related diseases and mortality. Age acceleration in different epigenetic clocks can serve as biomarker for such risk and could help to disentangle the interplay of psychiatric comorbidity and early adversity on age-related diseases and mortality. We evaluated five epigenetic clocks (Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge and DunedinPoAm) in a transdiagnostic psychiatric sample using epigenome-wide DNA methylation data from peripheral blood of 429 subjects from two studies at the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry. Burden of psychiatric disease, represented by a weighted score, was significantly associated with biological age acceleration as measured by GrimAge and DunedinPoAm (R2-adj. 0.22 and 0.33 for GrimAge and DunedinPoAm, respectively), but not the other investigated clocks. The relation of burden of psychiatric disease appeared independent of differences in socioeconomic status and medication. Our findings indicate that increased burden of psychiatric disease may associate with accelerated biological aging. This highlights the importance of medical management of patients with multiple psychiatric comorbidities and the potential usefulness of specific epigenetic clocks for early detection of risk and targeted intervention to reduce mortality in psychiatric patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natan Yusupov
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, 80804, Germany.
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany.
| | - Linda Dieckmann
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, 80804, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
| | - Mira Erhart
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, 80804, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
| | - Susann Sauer
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, 80804, Germany
| | - Monika Rex-Haffner
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, 80804, Germany
| | - Johannes Kopf-Beck
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, 80804, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja M Brückl
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, 80804, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, 80804, Germany
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, 80804, Germany
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Silveira PP, Meaney MJ. Examining the biological mechanisms of human mental disorders resulting from gene-environment interdependence using novel functional genomic approaches. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 178:106008. [PMID: 36690304 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We explore how functional genomics approaches that integrate datasets from human and non-human model systems can improve our understanding of the effect of gene-environment interplay on the risk for mental disorders. We start by briefly defining the G-E paradigm and its challenges and then discuss the different levels of regulation of gene expression and the corresponding data existing in humans (genome wide genotyping, transcriptomics, DNA methylation, chromatin modifications, chromosome conformational changes, non-coding RNAs, proteomics and metabolomics), discussing novel approaches to the application of these data in the study of the origins of mental health. Finally, we discuss the multilevel integration of diverse types of data. Advance in the use of functional genomics in the context of a G-E perspective improves the detection of vulnerabilities, informing the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrícia Pelufo Silveira
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Translational Neuroscience Program, Singapore Institute for Clinical Sciences, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore; Brain - Body Initiative, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (ASTAR), Singapore.
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Dos Santos Oliveira NC, Katrinli S, de Assis SG, Smith AK, Serpeloni F. Community and domestic violence are associated with DNA methylation GrimAge acceleration and heart rate variability in adolescents. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2202054. [PMID: 37144662 PMCID: PMC10165931 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2202054] [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: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cumulative exposure to violence can change the regulation of epigenetic and physiological markers. Although violence has been associated with accelerated cellular aging, little is known about associations with cardiac autonomic activity.Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship of exposure to community and domestic violence (CDV) with vagal activity and epigenetic aging acceleration.Methods: A total of 86 adolescents (57% female) were evaluated and interviewed at two time-points in São Gonçalo (2014-2019), a Brazilian city with high levels of violence. Exposure to CDV was assessed in both time-points. GrimAge acceleration was calculated from saliva DNA methylation using Infinium HumanMethylation450K (Illumina) collected in the first assessment. Heart rate variability (HRV) was collected during two stress tasks at the second assessment.Results: The exposure to violence witnessed or directly experienced at home and in the community increased significantly (t = 4.87, p < .01) across two-time points, and males had reported higher violence exposure (t = 2.06, p = .043). Violence at 1st assessment was significantly associated with GrimAge acceleration (B = .039, p value = .043). Violence at both assessments were associated with HRV measured during the narration of the worst trauma (traumaHRV) (B = .009, p value = .039, and B = .007, p value = .024, 1st and 2nd assessment respectively). GrimAge acceleration was significantly associated with traumaHRV (B = .043, p value = .049), and HRV measured during a 3D roller coaster video (B = .061, p value = .024).Conclusions: We found relevant evidence that experiencing violence during adolescence is associated with epigenetic aging and stress-related vagal activity. Understanding these factors during this period could contribute to the development of early interventions for health promotion.HIGHLIGHTS Higher exposure to Community and domestic violence is associated with increased GrimAge acceleration.Higher GrimAge acceleration is associated with increased stress-related vagal activity.Exposure to community and domestic violence increased significantly over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Cristina Dos Santos Oliveira
- National Institute of Woman, Child, and Adolescence Health Fernandes Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Violence and Health Studies Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Seyma Katrinli
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Simone Gonçalves de Assis
- National Institute of Woman, Child, and Adolescence Health Fernandes Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Violence and Health Studies Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Fernanda Serpeloni
- Department of Violence and Health Studies Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Dos Santos Oliveira NC, Serpeloni F, Gonçalves de Assis S. The interplay between DNA methylation and cardiac autonomic system functioning: a systematic review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2023; 33:54-70. [PMID: 34753378 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2021.2000590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic marks, particularly DNA methylation (DNAm), are emerging as an important biological marker of susceptibility to cardiac autonomic dysfunction. This review summarizes recent discoveries about the association between DNAm and cardiac autonomic activity. A systematic literature search was performed through the Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Pubmed, PsycINFO, and Pilots databases. Twenty-two studies met inclusion criteria, of which 18 were human studies including a total of 2,686 participants. DNAm differences in multiple genes, such as NR3C1, TLR2, GPR133, EPO, PHGDH, OXTR, and SLC7A11, linked environmental stressors to physiological responses. For instance, exposure to psychosocial stressors increased NR3C1 methylation, which was associated with both decreased blood pressure and increased parasympathetic activity. Additionally, GPR133 played a potential role in cardiac autonomic dysfunction in an occupational setting, affecting the heart rate's deceleration capacity in welders. This review's findings suggest that DNAm is involved in cardiac autonomic regulation under different stress-mediated responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Cristina Dos Santos Oliveira
- National Institute of Woman, Child, and Adolescence Health Fernandes Figueira, PPGSCM/IFF/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Violence and Health Studies Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Serpeloni
- Department of Violence and Health Studies Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Simone Gonçalves de Assis
- National Institute of Woman, Child, and Adolescence Health Fernandes Figueira, PPGSCM/IFF/FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Violence and Health Studies Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Neurology Post-Gradate Program, Federal University of State of Rio de Janeiro, Unirio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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36
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Childhood Trauma and Epigenetics: State of the Science and Future. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:661-672. [PMID: 36242743 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00381-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is a great deal of interest regarding the biological embedding of childhood trauma and social exposures through epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation (DNAm), but a comprehensive understanding has been hindered by issues of limited reproducibility between studies. This review presents a summary of the literature on childhood trauma and DNAm, highlights issues in the field, and proposes some potential solutions. RECENT FINDINGS Investigations of the associations between DNAm and childhood trauma are commonly performed using candidate gene approaches, specifically involving genes related to neurological and stress pathways. Childhood trauma is defined in a wide range of ways in several societal contexts. However, although variations in DNAm are frequently found in stress-related genes, unsupervised epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have shown limited reproducibility both between studies and in relating these changes to exposures. The reproducibility of childhood trauma DNAm studies, and the field of social epigenetics in general, may be improved by increasing sample sizes, standardizing variables, making use of effect size thresholds, collecting longitudinal and intervention samples, appropriately accounting for known confounding factors, and applying causal analysis wherever possible, such as "two-step epigenetic Mendelian randomization."
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Clark J, Bulka CM, Martin CL, Roell K, Santos HP, O’Shea TM, Smeester L, Fry R, Dhingra R. Placental epigenetic gestational aging in relation to maternal sociodemographic factors and smoking among infants born extremely preterm: a descriptive study. Epigenetics 2022; 17:2389-2403. [PMID: 36134874 PMCID: PMC9665142 DOI: 10.1080/15592294.2022.2125717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Social determinants of health (SDoH) are defined as the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. The distribution of these conditions is influenced by underlying structural factors and may be linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes through epigenetic modifications of gestational tissues. A promising modification is epigenetic gestational age (eGA), which captures 'biological' age at birth. Measuring eGA in placenta, an organ critical for foetal development, may provide information about how SDoH 'get under the skin' during pregnancy to influence birth outcomes and ethnic/racial disparities. We examined relationships of placental eGA with sociodemographic factors, smoking, and two key clinical outcomes: Apgar scores and NICU length of stay. Using the Robust Placental Clock, we estimated eGA for placental samples from the Extremely Low Gestational Age Newborns cohort (N = 408). Regression modelling revealed smoking during pregnancy was associated with placental eGA acceleration (i.e., eGA higher than chronologic gestational age). This association differed by maternal race: among infants born to mothers racialized as Black, we observed greater eGA acceleration (+0.89 week, 95% CI: 0.38, 1.40) as compared to those racialized as white (+0.27 week, 95% CI: -0.06, 0.59). Placental eGA acceleration was also correlated with shorter NICU lengths of stay, but only among infants born to mothers racialized as Black (-0.08 d/week-eGA, 95% CI: -0.12, -0.05). Together, these observed associations suggest that interpretations of epigenetic gestational aging may be tissue-specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeliyah Clark
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Catherine M. Bulka
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chantel L. Martin
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kyle Roell
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Hudson P. Santos
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Biobehavioral Lab, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - T. Michael O’Shea
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Lisa Smeester
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rebecca Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Curriculum in Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Radhika Dhingra
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Institute for Environmental Health Solutions, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Bolhuis E, Belsky J, Frankenhuis WE, Shalev I, Hastings WJ, Tollenaar MS, O’Donnell KJ, McGill MG, Pokhvisneva I, Lin DT, MacIsaac JL, Kobor MS, de Weerth C, Beijers R. Attachment insecurity and the biological embedding of reproductive strategies: Investigating the role of cellular aging. Biol Psychol 2022; 175:108446. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2022.108446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Gomaa N, Konwar C, Gladish N, Au-Young SH, Guo T, Sheng M, Merrill SM, Kelly E, Chau V, Branson HM, Ly LG, Duerden EG, Grunau RE, Kobor MS, Miller SP. Association of Pediatric Buccal Epigenetic Age Acceleration With Adverse Neonatal Brain Growth and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Among Children Born Very Preterm With a Neonatal Infection. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2239796. [PMID: 36322087 PMCID: PMC9631102 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.39796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Very preterm neonates (24-32 weeks' gestation) remain at a higher risk of morbidity and neurodevelopmental adversity throughout their lifespan. Because the extent of prematurity alone does not fully explain the risk of adverse neonatal brain growth or neurodevelopmental outcomes, there is a need for neonatal biomarkers to help estimate these risks in this population. OBJECTIVES To characterize the pediatric buccal epigenetic (PedBE) clock-a recently developed tool to measure biological aging-among very preterm neonates and to assess its association with the extent of prematurity, neonatal comorbidities, neonatal brain growth, and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months of age. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective cohort study was conducted in 2 neonatal intensive care units of 2 hospitals in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A total of 35 very preterm neonates (24-32 weeks' gestation) were recruited in 2017 and 2018, and neuroimaging was performed and buccal swab samples were acquired at 2 time points: the first in early life (median postmenstrual age, 32.9 weeks [IQR, 32.0-35.0 weeks]) and the second at term-equivalent age (TEA) at a median postmenstrual age of 43.0 weeks (IQR, 41.0-46.0 weeks). Follow-ups for neurodevelopmental assessments were completed in 2019 and 2020. All neonates in this cohort had at least 1 infection because they were originally enrolled to assess the association of neonatal infection with neurodevelopment. Neonates with congenital malformations, genetic syndromes, or congenital TORCH (toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes and other agents) infection were excluded. EXPOSURES The extent of prematurity was measured by gestational age at birth and PedBE age difference. PedBE age was computed using DNA methylation obtained from 94 age-informative CpG (cytosine-phosphate-guanosine) sites. PedBE age difference (weeks) was calculated by subtracting PedBE age at each time point from the corresponding postmenstrual age. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Total cerebral volumes and cerebral growth during the neonatal intensive care unit period were obtained from magnetic resonance imaging scans at 2 time points: approximately the first 2 weeks of life and at TEA. Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, were used to assess neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months. RESULTS Among 35 very preterm neonates (21 boys [60.0%]; median gestational age, 27.0 weeks [IQR, 25.9-29.9 weeks]; 23 [65.7%] born extremely preterm [<28 weeks' gestation]), extremely preterm neonates had an accelerated PedBE age compared with neonates born at a later gestational age (β = 9.0; 95% CI, 2.7-15.3; P = .01). An accelerated PedBE age was also associated with smaller cerebral volumes (β = -5356.8; 95% CI, -6899.3 to -2961.7; P = .01) and slower cerebral growth (β = -2651.5; 95% CI, -5301.2 to -1164.1; P = .04); these associations remained significant after adjusting for clinical neonatal factors. These findings were significant at TEA but not earlier in life. Similarly, an accelerated PedBE age at TEA was associated with lower cognitive (β = -0.4; 95% CI, -0.8 to -0.03; P = .04) and language (β = -0.6; 95% CI, -1.1 to -0.06; P = .02) scores at 18 months. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This cohort study of very preterm neonates suggests that biological aging may be associated with impaired brain growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The associations between epigenetic aging and adverse neonatal brain health warrant further attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Gomaa
- Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chaini Konwar
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nicole Gladish
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stephanie H. Au-Young
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ting Guo
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Min Sheng
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah M. Merrill
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Edmond Kelly
- Division of Neonatology, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vann Chau
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helen M. Branson
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Linh G. Ly
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Neonatology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emma G. Duerden
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ruth E. Grunau
- Division of Neonatology, BC Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Steven P. Miller
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Program, SickKids Research Institute, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Copeland WE, Shanahan L, McGinnis EW, Aberg KA, van den Oord EJ. Early adversities accelerate epigenetic aging into adulthood: a 10-year, within-subject analysis. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:1308-1315. [PMID: 35137412 PMCID: PMC9842095 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify whether early adversities are associated with advanced methylation age or if they actually accelerate methylation aging. This study test whether different dimensions of childhood adversity accelerate biological aging from childhood to adulthood, and, if so, via which mechanisms. METHODS 381 participants provided one blood sample in childhood (average age 15.0; SD = 2.3) and another in young adulthood (average age 23.1; SD = 2.8). Participants and their parents provided a median of 6 childhood assessments (total = 1,950 childhood observations), reporting exposures to different types of adversity dimensions (i.e. threat, material deprivation, loss, unpredictability). The blood samples were assayed to estimate DNA methylation age in both childhood and adulthood and also change in methylation age across this period. RESULTS Cross-sectional associations between the childhood adversity dimensions and childhood measures of methylation age were non-significant. In contrast, multiple adversity dimensions were associated with accelerated within-person change in methylation age from adolescence to young adulthood. These associations attenuated in model testing all dimensions at the same time. Accelerated aging increased with increasing number of childhood adversities: Individuals with highest number of adversities experienced 2+ additional years of methylation aging compared to those with no exposure to childhood adversities. The association between total childhood adversity exposure and accelerated aging was partially explained by childhood depressive symptoms, but not anxiety or behavioral symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Early adversities accelerate epigenetic aging long after they occur, in proportion to the total number of such experiences, and in a manner consistent with a shared effect that crosses multiple early dimensions of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lilly Shanahan
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development & Department of Psychology, University of Zurich
| | | | - Karolina A. Aberg
- Center for Biomarker Research and Precision Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University
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Niccodemi G, Menta G, Turner J, D'Ambrosio C. Pace of aging, family environment and cognitive skills in children and adolescents. SSM Popul Health 2022; 20:101280. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmph.2022.101280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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Dimensions of childhood adversity differentially affect biological aging in major depression. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:431. [PMID: 36195591 PMCID: PMC9532396 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02198-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences have been consistently linked with physical and mental health disorders in adulthood that may be mediated, in part, via the effects of such exposures on biological aging. Using recently developed "epigenetic clocks", which provide an estimate of biological age, several studies have demonstrated a link between the cumulative exposure to childhood adversities and accelerated epigenetic aging. However, not all childhood adversities are equivalent and less is known about how distinct dimensions of childhood adversity relate to epigenetic aging metrics. Using two measures of childhood adversity exposure, we assess how the dimensions of Maltreatment and Household Dysfunction relate to epigenetic aging using two "second-generation" clocks, GrimAge and PhenoAge, in a cohort of unmedicated somatically healthy adults with moderate to severe major depression (n = 82). Our results demonstrate that the dimension of Maltreatment is associated with epigenetic age acceleration (EAA) using the PhenoAge but not the GrimAge clock. This association was observed using both the Childhood Trauma questionnaire (CTQ; β = 0.272, p = 0.013) and the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) questionnaire (β = 0.307, p = 0.005) and remained significant when adjusting for exposure to the dimension of Household Dysfunction (β = 0.322, p = 0.009). In contrast, the dimension of Household Dysfunction is associated with epigenetic age deceleration (β = -0.194, p = 0.083) which achieved significance after adjusting for exposure to the dimension of Maltreatment (β = -0.304, p = 0.022). This study is the first to investigate these effects among individuals with Major Depressive Disorder and suggests that these dimensions of adversity may be associated with disease via distinct biological mechanisms.
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Psychological factors substantially contribute to biological aging: evidence from the aging rate in Chinese older adults. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:7206-7222. [PMID: 36170009 PMCID: PMC9550255 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204264] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
We have developed a deep learning aging clock using blood test data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study, which has a mean absolute error of 5.68 years. We used the aging clock to demonstrate the connection between the physical and psychological aspects of aging. The clock detects accelerated aging in people with heart, liver, and lung conditions. We demonstrate that psychological factors, such as feeling unhappy or being lonely, add up to 1.65 years to one’s biological age, and the aggregate effect exceeds the effects of biological sex, living area, marital status, and smoking status. We conclude that the psychological component should not be ignored in aging studies due to its significant impact on biological age.
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44
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Epigenetic aging and perceived psychological stress in old age. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:410. [PMID: 36163242 PMCID: PMC9513097 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02181-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse effects of psychological stress on physical and mental health, especially in older age, are well documented. How perceived stress relates to the epigenetic clock measure, DNA methylation age acceleration (DNAmAA), is less well understood and existing studies reported inconsistent results. DNAmAA was estimated from five epigenetic clocks (7-CpG, Horvath's, Hannum's, PhenoAge and GrimAge DNAmAA). Cohen's Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was used as marker of psychological stress. We analyzed data from 1,100 Berlin Aging Study II (BASE-II) participants assessed as part of the GendAge study (mean age = 75.6 years, SD = 3.8 years, 52.1% women). In a first step, we replicated well-established associations of perceived stress with morbidity, frailty, and symptoms of depression in the BASE-II cohort studied here. In a second step, we did not find any statistically significant association of perceived stress with any of the five epigenetic clocks in multiple linear regression analyses that adjusted for covariates. Although the body of literature suggests an association between higher DNAmAA and stress or trauma during early childhood, the current study found no evidence for an association of perception of stress with DNAmAA in older people. We discuss possible reasons for the lack of associations and highlight directions for future research.
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Kapur G, Stenson AF, Chiodo LM, Delaney-Black V, Hannigan JH, Janisse J, Ratner HH. Childhood Violence Exposure Predicts High Blood Pressure in Black American Young Adults. J Pediatr 2022; 248:21-29.e1. [PMID: 35660017 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2022.05.039] [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] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To test the impact of childhood adversity, including community violence exposure, on hypertension risk in Black American young adults to understand what risk factors (eg, prenatal factors, later exposures) and ages of adversity exposure increased hypertension risk. STUDY DESIGN The study included 396 Black American participants with data from prenatal, birth, and age 7-, 14-, and 19-year visits. At age 19 years, individuals with blood pressure (BP) measures >120 mmHg systolic and/or >80 mmHg diastolic were classified as having high blood pressure (HBP), and those with BP <120/80 mmHg were classified as normal. Associations between prenatal and birth risk factors; childhood adversity at age 7, 14, and 19 years; age 19 body mass index (BMI); and both systolic and diastolic BP at age 19 were tested using logistic regression models. RESULTS Age 19 BMI was positively associated with systolic and diastolic HBP status at age 19. Controlling for all covariates, community violence exposure at age 7 and 19 years was associated with 2.2-fold (95% CI, 1.242-3.859) and 2.0-fold (95% CI, 1.052-3.664) greater odds of systolic HBP, respectively, at age 19 years. Prenatal risk, birth risk, and other dimensions of childhood adversity were not associated with HBP in this cohort. CONCLUSION Childhood community violence exposure is a significant risk factor for HBP in young adults. As Black American children typically experience more community violence exposure than other American children, our results suggest that racial disparities in childhood community violence exposure may contribute to racial disparities in adult hypertension burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Kapur
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Department of Pediatrics, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI
| | - Anaïs F Stenson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
| | - Lisa M Chiodo
- College of Nursing, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Amherst, MA
| | | | - John H Hannigan
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth & Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Merrill-Palmer Skillman Institute for Child & Family Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - James Janisse
- Department of Family Medicine & Public Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Hilary H Ratner
- Merrill-Palmer Skillman Institute for Child & Family Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI; Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
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Lima CNC, Suchting R, Scaini G, Cuellar VA, Favero-Campbell AD, Walss-Bass C, Soares JC, Quevedo J, Fries GR. Epigenetic GrimAge acceleration and cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 62:10-21. [PMID: 35810614 PMCID: PMC9427697 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2022.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) has been previously associated with clinical signs of premature aging, including accelerated epigenetic aging in blood and brain, and a steeper age-related decline in cognitive function. However, the clinical drivers and cognitive correlates of epigenetic aging in BD are still unknown. We aimed to investigate the relationship between multiple measures of epigenetic aging acceleration with clinical, functioning, and cognitive outcomes in patients with BD and controls. Blood genome-wide DNA methylation levels were measured in BD patients (n = 153) and matched healthy controls (n = 50) with the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip (Illumina). Epigenetic age estimates were calculated using an online tool, including the recently developed lifespan predictor GrimAge, and analyzed with generalized linear models controlling for demographic variables and blood cell proportions. BD was significantly associated with greater GrimAge acceleration (AgeAccelGrim, β=0.197, p = 0.009), and significant group-dependent interactions were found between AgeAccelGrim and blood cell proportions (CD4+ T-lymphocytes, monocytes, granulocytes, and B-cells). Within patients, higher AgeAccelGrim was associated with worse cognitive function in multiple domains (short-term affective memory (β=-0.078, p = 0.030), short-term non-affective memory (β=-0.088, p = 0.018), inhibition (β=0.064, p = 0.046), and problem solving (β=-0.067, p = 0.034)), age of first diagnosis with any mood disorder (β=-0.076, p = 0.039) or BD (β=-0.102, p = 0.016), as well as with current non-smoking status (β=-0.392, p < 0.001). Overall, our findings support the contribution of epigenetic factors to the aging-related cognitive decline and premature mortality reported in BD patients, with an important driving effect of smoking in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila N C Lima
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Robert Suchting
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX
| | - Giselli Scaini
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX
| | - Valeria A Cuellar
- Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Alexandra Del Favero-Campbell
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Consuelo Walss-Bass
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX
| | - Jair C Soares
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX; Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Joao Quevedo
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX; Center of Excellence on Mood Disorders, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX; Translational Psychiatry Laboratory, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, University of Southern Santa Catarina (UNESC), Criciúma, SC, Brazil
| | - Gabriel R Fries
- Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX; Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX; Center for Precision Health, School of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX.
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Shenk CE, O'Donnell KJ, Pokhvisneva I, Kobor MS, Meaney MJ, Bensman HE, Allen EK, Olson AE. Epigenetic Age Acceleration and Risk for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder following Exposure to Substantiated Child Maltreatment. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2022; 51:651-661. [PMID: 33471576 PMCID: PMC8289945 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2020.1864738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Child maltreatment is among the strongest predictors of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, less than 40% of children who have been maltreated are ever diagnosed with PTSD, suggesting that exposure to child maltreatment alone is insufficient to explain this risk. This study examined whether epigenetic age acceleration, a stress-sensitive biomarker derived from DNA methylation, explains variation in PTSD diagnostic status subsequent to child maltreatment. METHOD Children and adolescents (N = 70; 65.7% female), 8-15 years of age (M = 12.00, SD = 2.37) and exposed to substantiated child maltreatment within the 12 months prior to study entry, were enrolled. Participants provided epithelial cheek cells via buccal swab for genotyping and quantification of epigenetic age acceleration within a case-control design. PTSD diagnostic status was determined using the Child PTSD Symptoms Scale according to the DSM-IV-TR algorithm. RESULTS Epigenetic age acceleration predicted current PTSD status, revealing an effect size magnitude in the moderate range, OR = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.22- 4.51, after adjusting for sample demographics, polygenic risk for PTSD, and lifetime exposure to other childhood adversities. Supplemental analyses demonstrated that epigenetic age acceleration was related to a greater severity of PTSD arousal symptoms (r =.29, p =.015). There were no differential effects for child maltreatment subtype on epigenetic age acceleration or PTSD status. CONCLUSIONS The biological embedding of child maltreatment may explain variation in PTSD diagnostic status and serve as a novel approach for informing selective prevention or precision-based therapeutics for those at risk for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chad E Shenk
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
| | - Kieran J O'Donnell
- The Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University
- Child and Brain Developmental Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
| | - Irina Pokhvisneva
- The Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University
| | - Michael S Kobor
- Child and Brain Developmental Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics, Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia
| | - Michael J Meaney
- The Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University
- Child and Brain Developmental Program, Canadian Institute for Advanced Research
- Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore Institute of Clinical Sciences
| | - Heather E Bensman
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
| | - Elizabeth K Allen
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | - Anneke E Olson
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
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Galkin F, Kochetov K, Keller M, Zhavoronkov A, Etcoff N. Optimizing future well-being with artificial intelligence: self-organizing maps (SOMs) for the identification of islands of emotional stability. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:4935-4958. [PMID: 35723468 PMCID: PMC9271294 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204061] [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: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
In this article, we present a deep learning model of human psychology that can predict one’s current age and future well-being. We used the model to demonstrate that one’s baseline well-being is not the determining factor of future well-being, as posited by hedonic treadmill theory. Further, we have created a 2D map of human psychotypes and identified the regions that are most vulnerable to depression. This map may be used to provide personalized recommendations for maximizing one’s future well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alex Zhavoronkov
- Deep Longevity Limited, Hong Kong.,Insilico Medicine, Hong Kong.,Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA 94945, USA
| | - Nancy Etcoff
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Barton AW, Yu T, Gong Q, Miller GE, Chen E, Brody GH. Childhood poverty, immune cell aging, and African Americans' insulin resistance: A prospective study. Child Dev 2022; 93:1616-1624. [PMID: 35596670 PMCID: PMC9427675 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigated developmental pathways that can contribute to chronic disease among rural African Americans. With a sample of 342 African American youth (59% female) from the southeastern United States followed for nearly two decades (2001–2019), we examined the prospective association between family poverty during adolescence (ages 11–18) and insulin resistance (IR) in young adulthood (ages 25–29) as well as underlying biological and psychosocial mechanisms. Results indicated family poverty during adolescence forecast higher levels of IR in young adulthood, with accelerated immune cell aging at age 20 partially mediating this association. Serial mediational models confirmed the hypothesized pathway linking family poverty, perceived life chances, cellular aging, and IR. Findings provide empirical support for theorized developmental precursors of chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allen W Barton
- Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Tianyi Yu
- Center for Family Research, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Qiujie Gong
- Human Development and Family Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, Illinois, USA
| | - Gregory E Miller
- Institute for Policy Research & Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Edith Chen
- Institute for Policy Research & Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Gene H Brody
- Center for Family Research, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
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50
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Etzel L, Hastings WJ, Hall MA, Heim CM, Meaney MJ, Noll JG, O'Donnell KJ, Pokhvisneva I, Rose EJ, Schreier HMC, Shenk CE, Shalev I. Obesity and accelerated epigenetic aging in a high-risk cohort of children. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8328. [PMID: 35585103 PMCID: PMC9117197 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11562-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
New insights into mechanisms linking obesity to poor health outcomes suggest a role for cellular aging pathways, casting obesity as a disease of accelerated biological aging. Although obesity has been linked to accelerated epigenetic aging in middle-aged adults, the impact during childhood remains unclear. We tested the association between body mass index (BMI) and accelerated epigenetic aging in a cohort of high-risk children. Participants were children (N = 273, aged 8 to 14 years, 82% investigated for maltreatment) recruited to the Child Health Study, an ongoing prospective study of youth investigated for maltreatment and a comparison youth. BMI was measured as a continuous variable. Accelerated epigenetic aging of blood leukocytes was defined as the age-adjusted residuals of several established epigenetic aging clocks (Horvath, Hannum, GrimAge, PhenoAge) along with a newer algorithm, the DunedinPoAm, developed to quantify the pace-of-aging. Hypotheses were tested with generalized linear models. Higher age-and sex- adjusted z-scored BMI was significantly correlated with household income, blood cell counts, and three of the accelerated epigenetic aging measures: GrimAge (r = 0.31, P < .0001), PhenoAge (r = 0.24, P < .0001), and DunedinPoAm (r = 0.38, P < .0001). In fully adjusted models, GrimAge (β = 0.07; P = .0009) and DunedinPoAm (β = 0.0017; P < .0001) remained significantly associated with higher age- and sex-adjusted z-scored BMI. Maltreatment-status was not associated with accelerated epigenetic aging. In a high-risk cohort of children, higher BMI predicted epigenetic aging as assessed by two epigenetic aging clocks. These results suggest the association between obesity and accelerated epigenetic aging begins in early life, with implications for future morbidity and mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Etzel
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Waylon J Hastings
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Molly A Hall
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Christine M Heim
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Institute of Medical Psychology, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael J Meaney
- Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jennie G Noll
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Kieran J O'Donnell
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Obstetrics Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Irina Pokhvisneva
- Ludmer Centre for Neuroinformatics and Mental Health, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Emma J Rose
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Edna Bennett Pierce Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Hannah M C Schreier
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Chad E Shenk
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Idan Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Biobehavioral Health Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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