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Brady RG, Leverett SD, Mueller L, Ruscitti M, Latham AR, Smyser TA, Gerstein ED, Warner BB, Barch DM, Luby JL, Rogers CE, Smyser CD. Neighborhood Crime and Externalizing Behavior in Toddlers: A Longitudinal Study With Neonatal fMRI and Parenting. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 63:733-744. [PMID: 38070869 PMCID: PMC11156792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.09.547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prenatal exposure to neighborhood crime has been associated with weaker neonatal frontolimbic connectivity; however, associations with early childhood behavior remain unclear. We hypothesized that living in a high-crime neighborhood would be related to higher externalizing symptoms at age 1 and 2 years, over and above other adversities, and that neonatal frontolimbic connectivity and observed parenting behaviors at 1 year would mediate this relationship. METHOD Participants included 399 pregnant women, recruited as part of the Early Life Adversity, Biological Embedding, and Risk for Developmental Precursors of Mental Disorders (eLABE) study. Geocoded neighborhood crime data was obtained from Applied Geographic Solution. A total of 319 healthy, non-sedated neonates underwent scanning using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) on a Prisma 3T scanner and had ≥10 minutes of high-quality data. Infant-Toddler Socioemotional Assessment Externalizing T scores were available for 274 mothers of 1-year-olds and 257 mothers of 2-year-olds. Observed parenting behaviors were available for 202 parent-infant dyads at 1 year. Multilevel and mediation models tested longitudinal associations. RESULTS Living in a neighborhood with high violent (β = 0.15, CI = 0.05-0.27, p = .004) and property (β = 0.10, CI = 0.01-0.20, p = .039) crime was related to more externalizing symptoms at 1 and 2 years, controlling for other adversities. Weaker frontolimbic connectivity was also associated with higher externalizing symptoms at 1 and 2 years. After controlling for other adversities, parenting behaviors mediated the specific association between crime and externalizing symptoms, but frontolimbic connectivity did not. CONCLUSION These findings provide evidence that early exposure to neighborhood crime and weaker neonatal frontolimbic connectivity may influence later externalizing symptoms, and suggest that parenting may be an early intervention target for families in high-crime areas. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY This longitudinal study of 399 women and their children found that toddlers who lived in a high crime area during the first 2 years of their lives displayed more externalizing symptoms. Toddlers with weaker frontolimbic brain function at birth also had higher externalizing symptoms at 1 and 2 years. Interestingly, parenting behaviors, but not neonatal brain function, mediated the relationship between neighborhood crime exposure and externalizing symptoms in toddlerhood. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our reference list. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca G Brady
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Shelby D Leverett
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Liliana Mueller
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michayla Ruscitti
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Aidan R Latham
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Tara A Smyser
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | | | - Barbara B Warner
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri; Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Joan L Luby
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Cynthia E Rogers
- Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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Ysbæk-Nielsen AT. Exploring volumetric abnormalities in subcortical L-HPA axis structures in pediatric generalized anxiety disorder. Nord J Psychiatry 2024; 78:402-410. [PMID: 38573199 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2024.2335980] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pediatric generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is debilitating and increasingly prevalent, yet its etiology remains unclear. Some believe the disorder to be propagated by chronic dysregulation of the limbic-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (L-HPA) axis, but morphometric studies of implicated subcortical areas have been largely inconclusive. Recognizing that certain subcortical subdivisions are more directly involved in L-HPA axis functioning, this study aims to detect specific abnormalities in these critical areas. METHODS Thirty-eight MRI scans of preschool children with (n = 15) and without (n = 23) GAD underwent segmentation and between-group volumetric comparisons of the basolateral amygdala (BLA), ventral hippocampal subiculum (vSC), and mediodorsal medial magnocellular (MDm) area of the thalamus. RESULTS Children with GAD displayed significantly larger vSC compared to healthy peers, F(1, 31) = 6.50, pFDR = .048. On average, children with GAD presented with larger BLA and MDm, Fs(1, 31) ≥ 4.86, psFDR ≤ .054. Exploratory analyses revealed right-hemispheric lateralization of all measures, most notably the MDm, F(1, 31) = 8.13, pFDR = .024, the size of which scaled with symptom severity, r = .83, pFDR = .033. CONCLUSION The BLA, vSC, and MDm are believed to be involved in the regulation of anxiety and stress, both individually and collectively through the excitation and inhibition of the L-HPA axis. All were found to be enlarged in children with GAD, perhaps reflecting hypertrophy related to hyperexcitability, or early neuronal overgrowth. Longitudinal studies should investigate the relationship between these early morphological differences and the long-term subcortical atrophy previously observed.
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Volitaki E, Forro T, Li K, Nevian T, Ciocchi S. Activity of ventral hippocampal parvalbumin interneurons during anxiety. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114295. [PMID: 38796850 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114295] [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: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety plays a key role in guiding behavior in response to potential threats. Anxiety is mediated by the activation of pyramidal neurons in the ventral hippocampus (vH), whose activity is controlled by GABAergic inhibitory interneurons. However, how different vH interneurons might contribute to anxiety-related processes is unclear. Here, we investigate the role of vH parvalbumin (PV)-expressing interneurons while mice transition from safe to more anxiogenic compartments of the elevated plus maze (EPM). We find that vH PV interneurons increase their activity in anxiogenic EPM compartments concomitant with dynamic changes in inhibitory interactions between PV interneurons and pyramidal neurons. By optogenetically inhibiting PV interneurons, we induce an increase in the activity of vH pyramidal neurons and persistent anxiety. Collectively, our results suggest that vH inhibitory microcircuits may act as a trigger for enduring anxiety states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanouela Volitaki
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Forro
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kaizhen Li
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Nevian
- Neuronal Plasticity Group, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Ciocchi
- Laboratory of Systems Neuroscience, Department of Physiology, University of Bern, Bühlplatz 5, 3012 Bern, Switzerland.
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Agarwal K, Lamprecht R. EphB2 activation in neural stem cells in the basolateral amygdala facilitates neurogenesis and enhances long-term memory. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:277. [PMID: 38913115 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05317-w] [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: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Many brain diseases lead to a reduction in the number of functional neurons and it would be of value to be able to increase the number of neurons in the affected brain areas. In this study, we examined whether we can promote neural stem cells to produce mature neurons and whether an increase in the mature neurons can affect cognitive performance. We detected that the EphB2 receptor is localized in immature basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons. We therefore aimed to increase the level of EphB2 activity in neural stem cells (NSCs) in the BLA and examine the effects on the production of mature neurons and cognition. Toward that end, we utilized a photoactivatable EphB2 construct (optoEphB2) to increase EphB2 forward signaling in NSCs in the BLA. We revealed that the activation of optoEphB2 in NSCs in the BLA increased the level of immature and mature neurons in the BLA. We further found that activation of optoEphB2 in BLA NSCs enhanced auditory, but not contextual, long-term fear memory formation. Impairing EphB2 forward signaling did not affect the level of immature and mature neurons in the BLA. This study provides evidence that NSCs can be promoted to produce mature neurons by activating EphB2 to enhance specific brain functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karishma Agarwal
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Raphael Lamprecht
- Sagol Department of Neurobiology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel.
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Raizel MF, de Oliveira Sergio T, Starski PA, Hopf FW. Heart rate variability: A primer for alcohol researchers. Alcohol 2024:S0741-8329(24)00085-5. [PMID: 38906390 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2024.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
Problem alcohol drinking remains a major cost and burden for society. Also, rates of problem drinking in women have dramatically increased in recent decades, and women are at risk for more alcohol problems and comorbidities. The purpose of this commentary is to discuss the potential utility of cardiac measures, including heart rate (HR) and HR variability (HRV), as markers of individual and sex differences in the drive to drink alcohol. We recently used cardiac telemetry in female and male adult rats to determine whether different cardiac markers, including HR and HRV, would differently predict alcohol and anxiety-like behavior across the sexes. Indeed, female behaviors related to HRV measures that indicate more parasympathetic (PNS) influence (the "rest and digest" system). In contrast, male behaviors are associated more with sympathetic (SNS) indicators (the activation system). Remarkably, similar sex differences in PNS versus SNS engagement under challenge are seen in human studies, suggesting strong cross-species convergence in differential autonomic regulation in females and males. Here, we describe the larger challenges that alcohol addiction presents, and how HRV measures may provide new biomarkers to help enhance development of more individualized and sex-specific treatments. We briefly explain the physiological systems underlying cardiac PNS and SNS states, and how specific HRV metrics are defined and validated, especially why particular HRV measures are considered to reflect more PNS versus SNS influence. Finally, we describe hormonal influences and sex differences in brain circuits related to cardiac autonomic regulation. Together, these findings show that HR and HRV have potential for uncovering key underlying mechanisms of sex and individual differences in autonomic drivers, which could guide more personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Frasier Raizel
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana University School of Medicine, Medical Scientist Training Program, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Thatiane de Oliveira Sergio
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Phillip A Starski
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - F Woodward Hopf
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
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Li JS, Tun SM, Ficek-Tani B, Xu W, Wang S, Horien CL, Toyonaga T, Nuli SS, Zeiss CJ, Powers AR, Zhao Y, Mormino EC, Fredericks CA. Medial amygdalar tau is associated with anxiety symptoms in preclinical Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.03.597160. [PMID: 38895308 PMCID: PMC11185761 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.03.597160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While the amygdala receives early tau deposition in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is involved in social and emotional processing, the relationship between amygdalar tau and early neuropsychiatric symptoms in AD is unknown. We sought to determine whether focal tau binding in the amygdala and abnormal amygdalar connectivity were detectable in a preclinical AD cohort and identify relationships between these and self-reported mood symptoms. METHODS We examined n=598 individuals (n=347 amyloid-positive (58% female), n=251 amyloid-negative (62% female); subset into tau PET and fMRI cohorts) from the A4 Study. In our tau PET cohort, we used amygdalar segmentations to examine representative nuclei from three functional divisions of the amygdala. We analyzed between-group differences in division-specific tau binding in the amygdala in preclinical AD. We conducted seed-based functional connectivity analyses from each division in the fMRI cohort. Finally, we conducted exploratory post-hoc correlation analyses between neuroimaging biomarkers of interest and anxiety and depression scores. RESULTS Amyloid-positive individuals demonstrated increased tau binding in medial and lateral amygdala (F(4,442)=14.61, p=0.00045; F(4,442)=5.83, p=0.024, respectively). Across amygdalar divisions, amyloid-positive individuals had relatively increased regional connectivity from amygdala to other temporal regions, insula, and orbitofrontal cortex. There was an interaction by amyloid group between tau binding in the medial and lateral amygdala and anxiety. Medial amygdala to retrosplenial connectivity negatively correlated with anxiety symptoms (rs=-0.103, p=0.015). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that preclinical tau deposition in the amygdala may result in meaningful changes in functional connectivity which may predispose patients to mood symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce S Li
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Samantha M Tun
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Wanwan Xu
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Selena Wang
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Takuya Toyonaga
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Caroline J Zeiss
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Albert R Powers
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Yize Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Elizabeth C Mormino
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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Qu M, Gao B, Jiang Y, Li Y, Pei C, Xie L, Zhang Y, Song Q, Miao Y. Atrophy patterns in hippocampus and amygdala subregions of depressed patients with Parkinson's disease. Brain Imaging Behav 2024; 18:475-484. [PMID: 38170304 PMCID: PMC11222218 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-023-00844-9] [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] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
We aimed to explore the subregional atrophy patterns of the amygdala and hippocampus in Parkinson's disease (PD) with depression and their correlation with the severity of the depressive symptom. MRI scans were obtained for 34 depressed PD patients (DPD), 22 nondepressed PD patients (NDPD), and 28 healthy controls (HC). Amygdala and hippocampal subregions were automatically segmented, and the intergroup volume difference was compared. The relationships between the volumes of the subregions and depression severity were investigated. Logistic analysis and Receiver operator characteristic curve were used to find independent predictors of DPD. Compared with the HC group, atrophy of the bilateral lateral nucleus, left accessory basal nucleus, right cortical nucleus, right central nucleus, and right medial nucleus subregions of the amygdala were visible in the DPD group, while the right lateral nucleus subregion of the amygdala was smaller in the DPD group than in the NDPD group. The DPD group showed significant atrophy in the left molecular layer, left GC-DG, left CA3, and left CA4 subregions compared with the HC group for hippocampal subregion volumes. Also, the right lateral nuclei volume and disease duration were independent predictors of DPD. To sum up, DPD patients showed atrophy in multiple amygdala subregions and left asymmetric hippocampal subregions. The decreased amygdala and hippocampal subregion volumes were correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms. The volume of right lateral nuclei and disease duration could be used as a biomarker to detect DPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingrui Qu
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 222 Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Bingbing Gao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 222 Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Yuhan Jiang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 222 Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 222 Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Chenhui Pei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | | | - Yukun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 222 Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Qingwei Song
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 222 Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Yanwei Miao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, No. 222 Zhongshan Road, Xigang District, Dalian, 116011, China.
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Goodman RJ, Quaglia JT, Berry DR. Uncertainty cues amplify late positive potential responses to aversive emotional stimuli. Soc Neurosci 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38822767 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2024.2358558] [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: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Uncertainty is unavoidable, and maladaptive responses to uncertainty may underlie the etiology and maintenance of psychopathology. A general tendency to associate uncertainty with aversive consequences, a type of covariation bias, can amplify aversive emotional experiences. To address questions about uncertainty during emotion regulation, we examined the Late Positive Potential (LPP) - an electrocortical marker of attention to and appraisal of motivationally relevant emotional stimuli - during a task designed to measure the effect of covariation bias and its emotional response consequences. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants (N = 52) were presented with a pre-stimulus cue that either conveyed information about the valence of an upcoming emotional image, or left them in ambiguity. We replicated findings that demonstrate expectancy biases in a priori and online expectancies of emotion-eliciting images, as well as in a posteriori estimates for concurrence of uncertainty cues and aversive images. Moreover, we demonstrate a novel finding that uncertainty cues amplify the LPP in response to subsequent aversive emotional stimuli. These findings advance research by conjoining existing emotion regulation research on the LPP with study of the effects of uncertainty on emotional appraisal and highlight the importance of accounting for stimulus uncertainty in emotion regulation research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Goodman
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
| | - Jordan T Quaglia
- Department of Contemplative Psychology, Naropa University, Boulder, Colorado, USA
| | - Daniel R Berry
- Department of Psychology, Radford University, Radford, Virginia, USA
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Sacchini S, Bombardi C, Arbelo M, Herráez P. The amygdaloid body of the family Delphinidae: a morphological study of its central nucleus through calbindin-D28k. Front Neuroanat 2024; 18:1382036. [PMID: 38899230 PMCID: PMC11186458 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2024.1382036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The amygdala is a noticeable bilateral structure in the medial temporal lobe and it is composed of at least 13 different nuclei and cortical areas, subdivided into the deep nuclei, the superficial nuclei, and the remaining nuclei which contain the central nucleus (CeA). CeA mediates the behavioral and physiological responses associated with fear and anxiety through pituitary-adrenal responses by modulating the liberation of the hypothalamic Corticotropin Releasing Factor/Hormone. Methods Five dolphins of three different species, belonging to the family Delphinidae (three striped dolphins, one common dolphin, and one Atlantic spotted dolphin), were used for this study. For a precise overview of the CeA's structure, thionine staining and the immunoperoxidase method using calbindin D-28k were employed. Results CeA extended mainly dorsal to the lateral nucleus and ventral to the striatum. It was medial to the internal capsule and lateral to the optic tract and the medial nucleus of the amygdala. Discussion The dolphin amygdaloid complex resembles that of primates, including the subdivision, volume, and location of the CeA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sacchini
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Marine Mammals Health WOAH col Centre, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, Las Palmas, Spain
- Department of Morphology, Campus Universitario de San Cristobal, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Cristiano Bombardi
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuel Arbelo
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Marine Mammals Health WOAH col Centre, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, Las Palmas, Spain
| | - Pedro Herráez
- Veterinary Histology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA), Atlantic Center for Cetacean Research, Marine Mammals Health WOAH col Centre, University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Veterinary School, Las Palmas, Spain
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Hur J, Tillman RM, Kim HC, Didier P, Anderson AS, Islam S, Stockbridge MD, De Los Reyes A, DeYoung KA, Smith JF, Shackman AJ. Adolescent social anxiety is associated with diminished discrimination of anticipated threat and safety in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.10.30.564701. [PMID: 38853920 PMCID: PMC11160578 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.30.564701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Social anxiety-which typically emerges in adolescence-lies on a continuum and, when extreme, can be devastating. Socially anxious individuals are prone to heightened fear, anxiety, and the avoidance of contexts associated with potential social scrutiny. Yet most neuroimaging research has focused on acute social threat. Much less attention has been devoted to understanding the neural systems recruited during the uncertain anticipation of potential encounters with social threat. Here we used a novel fMRI paradigm to probe the neural circuitry engaged during the anticipation and acute presentation of threatening faces and voices in a racially diverse sample of 66 adolescents selectively recruited to encompass a range of social anxiety and enriched for clinically significant levels of distress and impairment. Results demonstrated that adolescents with more severe social anxiety symptoms experience heightened distress when anticipating encounters with social threat, and reduced discrimination of uncertain social threat and safety in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BST), a key division of the central extended amygdala (EAc). Although the EAc-including the BST and central nucleus of the amygdala-was robustly engaged by the acute presentation of threatening faces and voices, the degree of EAc engagement was unrelated to the severity of social anxiety. Together, these observations provide a neurobiologically grounded framework for conceptualizing adolescent social anxiety and set the stage for the kinds of prospective-longitudinal and mechanistic research that will be necessary to determine causation and, ultimately, to develop improved interventions for this often-debilitating illness.
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Hansen M, Simon KR, He X, Steele N, Thomas ML, Noble KG, Merz EC. Socioeconomic factors, sleep timing and duration, and amygdala resting-state functional connectivity in children. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1373546. [PMID: 38840942 PMCID: PMC11150855 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1373546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Reduced sleep health has been consistently linked with increased negative emotion in children. While sleep characteristics have been associated with neural function in adults and adolescents, much less is known about these associations in children while considering socioeconomic context. In this study, we examined the associations among socioeconomic factors, sleep duration and timing, and resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the amygdala in children. Methods Participants were typically-developing 5- to 9-year-olds from socioeconomically diverse families (61% female; N = 94). Parents reported on children's weekday and weekend bedtimes and wake-up times, which were used to compute sleep duration and midpoint. Analyses focused on amygdala-anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) connectivity followed by amygdala-whole brain connectivity. Results Lower family income-to-needs ratio and parental education were significantly associated with later weekday and weekend sleep timing and shorter weekday sleep duration. Shorter weekday sleep duration was associated with decreased amygdala-ACC and amygdala-insula connectivity. Later weekend sleep midpoint was associated with decreased amygdala-paracingulate cortex and amygdala-postcentral gyrus connectivity. Socioeconomic factors were indirectly associated with connectivity in these circuits via sleep duration and timing. Discussion These results suggest that socioeconomic disadvantage may interfere with both sleep duration and timing, in turn possibly altering amygdala connectivity in emotion processing and regulation circuits in children. Effective strategies supporting family economic conditions may have benefits for sleep health and brain development in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Hansen
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Katrina R. Simon
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Xiaofu He
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Nick Steele
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Neuroscience, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Michael L. Thomas
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Kimberly G. Noble
- Department of Biobehavioral Sciences, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Emily C. Merz
- Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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Wehrli JM, Xia Y, Abivardi A, Kleim B, Bach DR. The impact of doxycycline on human contextual fear memory. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:1065-1077. [PMID: 38334789 PMCID: PMC11031495 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06540-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE Previous work identified an attenuating effect of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor doxycycline on fear memory consolidation. This may present a new mechanistic approach for the prevention of trauma-related disorders. However, so far, this has only been unambiguously demonstrated in a cued delay fear conditioning paradigm, in which a simple geometric cue predicted a temporally overlapping aversive outcome. This form of learning is mainly amygdala dependent. Psychological trauma often involves the encoding of contextual cues, which putatively necessitates partly different neural circuits including the hippocampus. The role of MMP signalling in the underlying neural pathways in humans is unknown. METHODS Here, we investigated the effect of doxycycline on configural fear conditioning in a double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial with 100 (50 females) healthy human participants. RESULTS Our results show that participants successfully learned and retained, after 1 week, the context-shock association in both groups. We find no group difference in fear memory retention in either of our pre-registered outcome measures, startle eye-blink responses and pupil dilation. Contrary to expectations, we identified elevated fear-potentiated startle in the doxycycline group early in the recall test, compared to the placebo group. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that doxycycline does not substantially attenuate contextual fear memory. This might limit its potential for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena M Wehrli
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yanfang Xia
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Aslan Abivardi
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, FMRIB Building, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominik R Bach
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8008, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, Russell Square House, 10-12 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5EH, UK.
- Hertz Chair for Artificial Intelligence and Neuroscience, Transdisciplinary Research Area Life & Health , University of Bonn, Am Probsthof 49, 53121, Bonn, Germany.
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13
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Klug M, Enneking V, Borgers T, Jacobs CM, Dohm K, Kraus A, Grotegerd D, Opel N, Repple J, Suslow T, Meinert S, Lemke H, Leehr EJ, Bauer J, Dannlowski U, Redlich R. Persistence of amygdala hyperactivity to subliminal negative emotion processing in the long-term course of depression. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1501-1509. [PMID: 38278993 PMCID: PMC11189807 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02429-4] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Biased emotion processing has been suggested to underlie the etiology and maintenance of depression. Neuroimaging studies have shown mood-congruent alterations in amygdala activity in patients with acute depression, even during early, automatic stages of emotion processing. However, due to a lack of prospective studies over periods longer than 8 weeks, it is unclear whether these neurofunctional abnormalities represent a persistent correlate of depression even in remission. In this prospective case-control study, we aimed to examine brain functional correlates of automatic emotion processing in the long-term course of depression. In a naturalistic design, n = 57 patients with acute major depressive disorder (MDD) and n = 37 healthy controls (HC) were assessed with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at baseline and after 2 years. Patients were divided into two subgroups according to their course of illness during the study period (n = 37 relapse, n = 20 no-relapse). During fMRI, participants underwent an affective priming task that assessed emotion processing of subliminally presented sad and happy compared to neutral face stimuli. A group × time × condition (3 × 2 × 2) ANOVA was performed for the amygdala as region-of-interest (ROI). At baseline, there was a significant group × condition interaction, resulting from amygdala hyperactivity to sad primes in patients with MDD compared to HC, whereas no difference between groups emerged for happy primes. In both patient subgroups, amygdala hyperactivity to sad primes persisted after 2 years, regardless of relapse or remission at follow-up. The results suggest that amygdala hyperactivity during automatic processing of negative stimuli persists during remission and represents a trait rather than a state marker of depression. Enduring neurofunctional abnormalities may reflect a consequence of or a vulnerability to depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Klug
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Verena Enneking
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Tiana Borgers
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Charlotte M Jacobs
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Katharina Dohm
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Anna Kraus
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Dominik Grotegerd
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nils Opel
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C), Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jonathan Repple
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Suslow
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susanne Meinert
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hannah Lemke
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Elisabeth J Leehr
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jochen Bauer
- Department of Clinical Radiology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Udo Dannlowski
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ronny Redlich
- Institute for Translational Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany.
- Center for Intervention and Research on adaptive and maladaptive brain Circuits underlying mental health (C-I-R-C), Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany.
- Department of Psychology, Martin-Luther University of Halle, Halle, Germany.
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14
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Vaidya N, Marquand AF, Nees F, Siehl S, Schumann G. The impact of psychosocial adversity on brain and behaviour: an overview of existing knowledge and directions for future research. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02556-y. [PMID: 38658773 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02556-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Environmental experiences play a critical role in shaping the structure and function of the brain. Its plasticity in response to different external stimuli has been the focus of research efforts for decades. In this review, we explore the effects of adversity on brain's structure and function and its implications for brain development, adaptation, and the emergence of mental health disorders. We are focusing on adverse events that emerge from the immediate surroundings of an individual, i.e., microenvironment. They include childhood maltreatment, peer victimisation, social isolation, affective loss, domestic conflict, and poverty. We also take into consideration exposure to environmental toxins. Converging evidence suggests that different types of adversity may share common underlying mechanisms while also exhibiting unique pathways. However, they are often studied in isolation, limiting our understanding of their combined effects and the interconnected nature of their impact. The integration of large, deep-phenotyping datasets and collaborative efforts can provide sufficient power to analyse high dimensional environmental profiles and advance the systematic mapping of neuronal mechanisms. This review provides a background for future research, highlighting the importance of understanding the cumulative impact of various adversities, through data-driven approaches and integrative multimodal analysis techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilakshi Vaidya
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Stratified Medicine (PONS), Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Andre F Marquand
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Frauke Nees
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sebastian Siehl
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gunter Schumann
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Stratified Medicine (PONS), Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Stratified Medicine (PONS), Institute for Science and Technology of Brain-Inspired Intelligence (ISTBI), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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15
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Sadeghlo N, Selvanathan J, Koshkebaghi D, Cioffi I. Aberrant occlusal sensitivity in adults with increased somatosensory amplification: a case-control study. Clin Oral Investig 2024; 28:250. [PMID: 38613726 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05628-z] [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: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Occlusal sensitivity (OS)-the ability to detect fine objects between opposing teeth-mainly relies on the activity of mechanoreceptors located in the periodontal ligament. We tested whether somatosensory amplification (SSA)-the tendency to perceive normal somatic sensations as being intense, noxious, and disturbing, which plays a critical role in hypervigilance-affects OS. MATERIALS AND METHODS We measured OS in 66 adults divided into three groups based on their SSA scores (LowSSA, Intermediate - IntSSA, HighSSA) by asking them to bite on aluminum foils (8 to 72 μm thick) and a sham foil, and report whether they felt each foil. We performed 20 trials for each thickness and sham condition (each participant was tested 120 times), and compared the frequency of correct answers (%correct) among groups after adjusting for participants' trait anxiety, depression, self-reported oral behaviors, and masseter cross-sectional area. RESULTS %correct was affected by the interaction Foil Thickness-by-SSA (p = 0.007). When tested with the 8 μm foil, the HighSSA group had a lower %correct than the IntSSA (contrast estimate [95% CI]: -14.2 [-25.8 - -2.6]; p = 0.012) and the LowSSA groups (-19.1 [-31.5 - -6.6]; p = 0.001). Similarly, with the 24 μm foil, the HighSSA group had a lower %correct compared to the IntSSA (-12.4 [-24.8-0.1]; p = 0.048) and the LowSSA groups (-10.8 [-22.5-0.8]; p = 0.073). CONCLUSION Individuals with high SSA present with an aberrant occlusal sensitivity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Our findings provide novel insights into the relationship between occlusal perception and psychological factors, which may influence an individual's ability to adapt to dental work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negin Sadeghlo
- Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Multimodal Sensorimotor and Pain Research, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X3, Canada
| | - Janannii Selvanathan
- Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Multimodal Sensorimotor and Pain Research, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X3, Canada
| | - Dursa Koshkebaghi
- Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Multimodal Sensorimotor and Pain Research, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X3, Canada
| | - Iacopo Cioffi
- Faculty of Dentistry, Centre for Multimodal Sensorimotor and Pain Research, University of Toronto, 124 Edward Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X3, Canada.
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16
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Nusslock R, Alloy LB, Brody GH, Miller GE. Annual Research Review: Neuroimmune network model of depression: a developmental perspective. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:538-567. [PMID: 38426610 PMCID: PMC11090270 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13961] [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: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a serious public health problem, and adolescence is an 'age of risk' for the onset of Major Depressive Disorder. Recently, we and others have proposed neuroimmune network models that highlight bidirectional communication between the brain and the immune system in both mental and physical health, including depression. These models draw on research indicating that the cellular actors (particularly monocytes) and signaling molecules (particularly cytokines) that orchestrate inflammation in the periphery can directly modulate the structure and function of the brain. In the brain, inflammatory activity heightens sensitivity to threats in the cortico-amygdala circuit, lowers sensitivity to rewards in the cortico-striatal circuit, and alters executive control and emotion regulation in the prefrontal cortex. When dysregulated, and particularly under conditions of chronic stress, inflammation can generate feelings of dysphoria, distress, and anhedonia. This is proposed to initiate unhealthy, self-medicating behaviors (e.g. substance use, poor diet) to manage the dysphoria, which further heighten inflammation. Over time, dysregulation in these brain circuits and the inflammatory response may compound each other to form a positive feedback loop, whereby dysregulation in one organ system exacerbates the other. We and others suggest that this neuroimmune dysregulation is a dynamic joint vulnerability for depression, particularly during adolescence. We have three goals for the present paper. First, we extend neuroimmune network models of mental and physical health to generate a developmental framework of risk for the onset of depression during adolescence. Second, we examine how a neuroimmune network perspective can help explain the high rates of comorbidity between depression and other psychiatric disorders across development, and multimorbidity between depression and stress-related medical illnesses. Finally, we consider how identifying neuroimmune pathways to depression can facilitate a 'next generation' of behavioral and biological interventions that target neuroimmune signaling to treat, and ideally prevent, depression in youth and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Nusslock
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston IL, USA
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston IL, USA
| | - Lauren B. Alloy
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. USA
| | - Gene H. Brody
- Center for Family Research, University of Georgia, Athens GA, USA
| | - Gregory E. Miller
- Department of Psychology, Northwestern University, Evanston IL, USA
- Institute for Policy Research, Northwestern University, Evanston IL, USA
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17
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Knox D, Parikh V. Basal forebrain cholinergic systems as circuits through which traumatic stress disrupts emotional memory regulation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 159:105569. [PMID: 38309497 PMCID: PMC10948307 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105569] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Contextual and spatial systems facilitate changes in emotional memory regulation brought on by traumatic stress. Cholinergic basal forebrain (chBF) neurons provide input to contextual/spatial systems and although chBF neurons are important for emotional memory, it is unknown how they contribute to the traumatic stress effects on emotional memory. Clusters of chBF neurons that project to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) modulate fear conditioned suppression and passive avoidance, while clusters of chBF neurons that project to the hippocampus (Hipp) and PFC (i.e. cholinergic medial septum and diagonal bands of Broca (chMS/DBB neurons) are critical for fear extinction. Interestingly, neither Hipp nor PFC projecting chMS/DBB neurons are critical for fear extinction. The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is a contextual/spatial memory system that receives input from chMS/DBB neurons, but whether this chMS/DBB-RSC circuit facilitates traumatic stress effects on emotional memory remain unexplored. Traumatic stress leads to neuroinflammation and the buildup of reactive oxygen species. These two molecular processes may converge to disrupt chBF circuits enhancing the impact of traumatic stress on emotional memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayan Knox
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Vinay Parikh
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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18
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Hsiao PYA, Kim MJ, Chou FCB, Chen PHA. Intersubject representational similarity analysis uncovers the impact of state anxiety on brain activation patterns in the human extrastriate cortex. Brain Imaging Behav 2024; 18:412-420. [PMID: 38324234 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-024-00854-1] [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] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
The current study used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and showed that state anxiety modulated extrastriate cortex activity in response to emotionally-charged visual images. State anxiety and neuroimaging data from 53 individuals were subjected to an intersubject representational similarity analysis (ISRSA), wherein the geometries between neural and behavioral data were compared. This analysis identified the extrastriate cortex (fusiform gyrus and area MT) to be the sole regions whose activity patterns covaried with state anxiety. Importantly, we show that this brain-behavior association is revealed when treating state anxiety data as a multidimensional response pattern, rather than a single composite score. This suggests that ISRSA using multivariate distances may be more sensitive in identifying the shared geometries between self-report questionnaires and brain imaging data. Overall, our findings demonstrate that a transient state of anxiety may influence how visual information - especially those relevant to the valence dimension - is processed in the extrastriate cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yuan A Hsiao
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - M Justin Kim
- Department of Psychology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Feng-Chun B Chou
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Hao A Chen
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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19
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Liu J, Sun SJ, Lu Y, Ping X, Zhang W, Pei L. Taste dysfunction as a predictor of depression in schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300935. [PMID: 38517844 PMCID: PMC10959346 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the relationship between taste dysfunction and depression among patients with schizophrenia, to achieve early detection of depression in clinical practice. METHODS Following PRISMA guidance, a comprehensive literature search was conducted globally, covering papers published from 1961 to June 2023. A total of 17 manuscripts were selected through meta-analysis and sensitivity analysis after examining available materials from seven databases to determine the correlation between depression and taste dysfunction. RESULTS The comparison of the 17 selected manuscripts revealed that individuals with gustatory dysfunction may be more likely to experience depressive symptoms (SMD, 0.51, 95% CI, 0.08 to 0.93, p = 0.02). Depression is associated with taste dysfunction in certain aspects, as indicated by the pleasantness ratings of sucrose solutions (SMD, -0.53, 95% confidence interval [CI] -1.11 to 0.05, p = 0.08), gustatory identification ability (SMD, 0.96, 95% CI, 0.03 to 1.89, p = 0.04), and the perception threshold of sweet taste (MD, 0.80, 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.81, p < 0.00001). CONCLUSIONS Due to variations in the methods, designs, and selection criteria employed in the included studies, it is necessary to establish a feasible framework. Future research using detailed and targeted approaches can provide clearer and more unified conclusions on the relationship between taste dysfunction and depression. Moreover, further high-quality research is needed to obtain clearer conclusions and explore the potential of taste dysfunction as an effective tool for early screening of depression. TRIAL REGISTRATION This review has been registered in the PROSPERO on April 2022 with the identifier CRD42023400172.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Shu-Jie Sun
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Ye Lu
- Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xin Ping
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Wan Zhang
- Renmin University of China, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Pei
- Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory of Turbidity, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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20
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Levitas DJ, James TW. Dynamic threat-reward neural processing under semi-naturalistic ecologically relevant scenarios. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26648. [PMID: 38445552 PMCID: PMC10915741 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies of affective neuroscience have typically employed highly controlled, static experimental paradigms to investigate the neural underpinnings of threat and reward processing in the brain. Yet our knowledge of affective processing in more naturalistic settings remains limited. Specifically, affective studies generally examine threat and reward features separately and under brief time periods, despite the fact that in nature organisms are often exposed to the simultaneous presence of threat and reward features for extended periods. To study the neural mechanisms of threat and reward processing under distinct temporal profiles, we created a modified version of the PACMAN game that included these environmental features. We also conducted two automated meta-analyses to compare the findings from our semi-naturalistic paradigm to those from more constrained experiments. Overall, our results revealed a distributed system of regions sensitive to threat imminence and a less distributed system related to reward imminence, both of which exhibited overlap yet neither of which involved the amygdala. Additionally, these systems broadly overlapped with corresponding meta-analyses, with the notable absence of the amygdala in our findings. Together, these findings suggest a shared system for salience processing that reveals a heightened sensitivity toward environmental threats compared to rewards when both are simultaneously present in an environment. The broad correspondence of our findings to meta-analyses, consisting of more tightly controlled paradigms, illustrates how semi-naturalistic studies can corroborate previous findings in the literature while also potentially uncovering novel mechanisms resulting from the nuances and contexts that manifest in such dynamic environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Levitas
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Thomas W. James
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
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21
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Asim M, Wang H, Chen X, He J. Potentiated GABAergic neuronal activities in the basolateral amygdala alleviate stress-induced depressive behaviors. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14422. [PMID: 37715582 PMCID: PMC10915993 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14422] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Major depressive disorder is a severe psychiatric disorder that afflicts ~17% of the world population. Neuroimaging investigations of depressed patients have consistently reported the dysfunction of the basolateral amygdala in the pathophysiology of depression. However, how the BLA and related circuits are implicated in the pathogenesis of depression is poorly understood. METHODS Here, we combined fiber photometry, immediate early gene expression (c-fos), optogenetics, chemogenetics, behavioral analysis, and viral tracing techniques to provide multiple lines of evidence of how the BLA neurons mediate depressive-like behavior. RESULTS We demonstrated that the aversive stimuli elevated the neuronal activity of the excitatory BLA neurons (BLACAMKII neurons). Optogenetic activation of CAMKII neurons facilitates the induction of depressive-like behavior while inhibition of these neurons alleviates the depressive-like behavior. Next, we found that the chemogenetic inhibition of GABAergic neurons in the BLA (BLAGABA ) increased the firing frequency of CAMKII neurons and mediates the depressive-like phenotypes. Finally, through fiber photometry recording and chemogenetic manipulation, we proved that the activation of BLAGABA neurons inhibits BLACAMKII neuronal activity and alleviates depressive-like behavior in the mice. CONCLUSION Thus, through evaluating BLAGABA and BLACAMKII neurons by distinct interaction, the BLA regulates depressive-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asim
- Department of NeuroscienceCity University of Hong KongKowloon TongPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCity University of Hong KongKowloon TongPeople's Republic of China
| | - Huajie Wang
- Department of NeuroscienceCity University of Hong KongKowloon TongPeople's Republic of China
- Department of Biomedical ScienceCity University of Hong KongKowloon TongPeople's Republic of China
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of NeuroscienceCity University of Hong KongKowloon TongPeople's Republic of China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research InstituteShenzhenPeople's Republic of China
| | - Jufang He
- Department of NeuroscienceCity University of Hong KongKowloon TongPeople's Republic of China
- City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research InstituteShenzhenPeople's Republic of China
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22
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Sladky R, Kargl D, Haubensak W, Lamm C. An active inference perspective for the amygdala complex. Trends Cogn Sci 2024; 28:223-236. [PMID: 38103984 DOI: 10.1016/j.tics.2023.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The amygdala is a heterogeneous network of subcortical nuclei with central importance in cognitive and clinical neuroscience. Various experimental designs in human psychology and animal model research have mapped multiple conceptual frameworks (e.g., valence/salience and decision making) to ever more refined amygdala circuitry. However, these predominantly bottom up-driven accounts often rely on interpretations tailored to a specific phenomenon, thus preventing comprehensive and integrative theories. We argue here that an active inference model of amygdala function could unify these fractionated approaches into an overarching framework for clearer empirical predictions and mechanistic interpretations. This framework embeds top-down predictive models, informed by prior knowledge and belief updating, within a dynamical system distributed across amygdala circuits in which self-regulation is implemented by continuously tracking environmental and homeostatic demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Sladky
- Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria; Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria.
| | - Dominic Kargl
- Department of Neuronal Cell Biology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wulf Haubensak
- Department of Neuronal Cell Biology, Center for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria; Research Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Campus Vienna Biocenter 1, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Lamm
- Social, Cognitive, and Affective Neuroscience Unit, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Liebiggasse 5, 1010 Vienna, Austria; Vienna Cognitive Science Hub, University of Vienna, 1010 Vienna, Austria
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23
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Sepahvand T, Carew SJ, Yuan Q. The ventral hippocampus is activated in olfactory but not auditory threat memory. Front Neural Circuits 2024; 18:1371130. [PMID: 38476709 PMCID: PMC10927826 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2024.1371130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Hippocampal networks required for associative memory formation are involved in cue- and context-dependent threat conditioning. The hippocampus is functionally heterogeneous at its dorsal and ventral poles, and recent investigations have focused on the specific roles required from each sub-region for associative conditioning. Cumulative evidence suggests that contextual and emotional information is processed by the dorsal and ventral hippocampus, respectively. However, it is not well understood how these two divisions engage in threat conditioning with cues of different sensory modalities. Here, we compare the involvement of the dorsal and ventral hippocampus in two types of threat conditioning: olfactory and auditory. Our results suggest that the dorsal hippocampus encodes contextual information and is activated upon recall of an olfactory threat memory only if contextual cues are relevant to the threat. Overnight habituation to the context eliminates dorsal hippocampal activation, implying that this area does not directly support cue-dependent threat conditioning. The ventral hippocampus is activated upon recall of olfactory, but not auditory, threat memory regardless of habituation duration. Concurrent activation of the piriform cortex is consistent with its direct connection with the ventral hippocampus. Together, our study suggests a unique role of the ventral hippocampus in olfactory threat conditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Qi Yuan
- Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NF, Canada
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24
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Moses E, Nelson N, Taubert J, Pegna AJ. Oxytocin differentially modulates the early neural responses to faces and non-social stimuli. Soc Cogn Affect Neurosci 2024; 19:nsae010. [PMID: 38372627 PMCID: PMC10876073 DOI: 10.1093/scan/nsae010] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) alters social cognition partly through effects on the processing and appraisal of faces. It is debated whether the hormone also impacts the processing of other, non-social, visual stimuli. To this end, we conducted a randomized, counter-balanced, double-blind, placebo (PL)-controlled within-subjects' electro-encephalography (EEG) study with cismale participants (to control for gender dimorphic hormonal effects; n = 37). Participants received intranasal OT (24IU) and completed a one-back task viewing emotional (fearful/ happy) and neutral faces, and threat (snakes/spiders) and non-threat (mushrooms/flowers) non-social stimuli. OT differentially impacted event-related potentials (ERP)s to faces and non-social stimuli. For faces regardless of emotion, OT evoked greater occipital N1 and anterior P1 amplitudes at ∼155 ms than after PL, and lead to sustained differences over anterior, bilateral parietal and occipital sites from 205 ms onwards. For all non-social stimuli, OT evoked greater right parietal N1 amplitudes, and later only impacted threat stimuli over right parietal and occipital sites. None of these OT-induced modulations was related to individual anxiety levels. This pattern of results indicates that OT differentially modulates the processing of faces and non-social stimuli, and that the hormone's effect on visual processing and cognition does not occur as a function of non-clinical levels of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Moses
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Nicole Nelson
- School of Psychology, University of Adelaide, Adelaide 5000, Australia
| | - Jessica Taubert
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
| | - Alan J Pegna
- School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4072, Australia
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25
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Arruda Sanchez T, Ramos LR, Araujo F, Schenberg EE, Yonamine M, Lobo I, de Araujo DB, Luna LE. Emotion regulation effects of Ayahuasca in experienced subjects during implicit aversive stimulation: An fMRI study. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 320:117430. [PMID: 37979818 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ayahuasca is a beverage used in Amazonian traditional medicine and it has been part of the human experience for millennia as well as other different psychoactive plants. Although Ayahuasca has been proposed as potentially therapeutic as an anxiolytic and antidepressant, whilst no studies have been carried out so far investigating their direct effect on brain emotional processing. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to measure the emotional acute effect of Ayahuasca on brain response to implicit aversive stimulation using a face recognition task in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS Nineteen male experienced Ayahuasca users participated in this study in two fMRI sessions before and after 50 min of the Ayahuasca ingestion. Subjects were presented with pictures of neutral (A) and aversive (B) (fearful or disgusted) faces from the Pictures of Facial Affect Series. Subjects were instructed to identify the gender of the faces (gender discrimination task) while the emotional content was implicit. Subjective mood states were also evaluated before Ayahuasca intake and after the second fMRI session, using a visual analogue mood scale (VAMS). RESULTS During the aversive stimuli, the activity in the bilateral amygdala was attenuated by Ayahuasca (qFDR<0.05). Furthermore, in an exploratory analysis of the effects after intake, Ayahuasca enhances the activation in the insular cortex bilaterally, as well as in the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (qFDR<0.05). In the psychometric VAMS scale, subjects reported attenuation of both anxiety and mental sedation (p < 0.01) during acute effects. CONCLUSIONS Together, all reported results including neuroimaging, behavioral data and psychometric self-report suggest that Ayahuasca can promote an emotion regulation mechanism in response to aversive stimuli with corresponding improved cognition including reduced anxiety and mental sedation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Arruda Sanchez
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Rego Ramos
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Felipe Araujo
- Laboratory of Neuroimaging and Psychophysiology, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | - Mauricio Yonamine
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Isabela Lobo
- Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade (NUPEM), UFRJ, Macaé, RJ, Brazil
| | - Draulio Barros de Araujo
- Brain Institute / Hospital Universitário Onofre Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Luis Eduardo Luna
- Research Centre for the study of psychointegrator plants, Visionary Art and Consciousness - Wasiwaska, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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26
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Armand S, Langley C, Johansen A, Ozenne B, Overgaard-Hansen O, Larsen K, Jensen PS, Knudsen GM, Sahakian BJ, Stenbæk DS, Fisher PM. Functional brain responses to emotional faces after three to five weeks of intake of escitalopram in healthy individuals: a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomised study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3149. [PMID: 38326352 PMCID: PMC10850508 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51448-2] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Short-term intake of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) modulates threat-related amygdala responses in healthy individuals. However, how SSRI intake over a clinically relevant time period modulates threat-related amygdala responses is less clear. In a semi-randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 64 healthy individuals (SSRI n = 32, placebo n = 32), we examined the effect of 3-5 weeks of SSRI escitalopram (20 mg daily) on brain response to angry, fearful and neutral faces using BOLD fMRI. Data was analysed using a whole-brain region-wise approach extracting standardised effects (i.e., Cohen's D). The study was conducted at the Copenhagen University Hospital. A priori, we hypothesised that SSRI would attenuate amygdala responses to angry and fearful faces but not to neutral ones. Whether SSRI modulates correlations between amygdala responses to emotional faces and negative mood states was also explored. Compared to placebo, 3-5 weeks of SSRI intake did not significantly affect the amygdala response to angry, fearful, or neutral faces (|Cohen's D|< 0.2, PFWER = 1). Whole-brain, region-wise analyses revealed significant differences in frontal (|Cohen's D|< 0.6, PFWER < .01) and occipital regions (|Cohen's D|< 0.5, PFWER < .01). SSRI did not modulate correlations between amygdala responses to emotional faces and negative mood states. Our findings indicate that a 3-5 week SSRI intake impacts cortical responses to emotional stimuli, an effect possibly involved in SSRI's therapeutic efficacy.Trial registration Clinical Trials NCT04239339.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Armand
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Annette Johansen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Brice Ozenne
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Section of Biostatistics, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Oliver Overgaard-Hansen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristian Larsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Steen Jensen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte Moos Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Dea Siggard Stenbæk
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Patrick MacDonald Fisher
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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27
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Havlik JL, Uranga SI, Lee MS, Magallanes S, Wahid S, Rhee TG. The Top 50 Articles and Authors of the New Millennium in Psychiatry: A Bibliometric Analysis. Cureus 2024; 16:e54762. [PMID: 38523957 PMCID: PMC10961096 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.54762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of psychiatry faces significant challenges in the new millennium, marked by a surge in mental health diagnoses coupled with barriers to accessing adequate care. Despite obstacles, notable advancements have been achieved throughout the field, including the release of DSM-5, the introduction of esketamine, and the development of innovative assessment tools. This study aims to comprehensively analyze recent advances in psychiatry by examining the top 50 most cited articles and authors since 2000, addressing a gap in the literature left by previous subfield-focused bibliometric studies. Utilizing the Web of Science (WOS) database, this bibliometric analysis examined all publications in psychiatric journals from January 1, 2000, to September 18, 2022. The top 50 most cited articles and authors were identified and characterized based on various metrics, including times cited, article type, and institutional affiliations. WOS extracted 699,005 articles, with authors from the United States contributing the highest number of publications. The top 50 articles spanned a variety of formats, with cross-sectional studies, new measures, literature reviews, and randomized controlled trials being the most prevalent. The American Journal of Psychiatry emerged as the leading journal, hosting eight of the top 50 articles. Among the top 50 authors, female representation was limited, comprising 24% of first authors and 22% overall. Institutional affiliations revealed a majority of top authors worked at universities affiliated with the top 40 NIH-funded departments of psychiatry, with those affiliated with Harvard University leading in authorship contributions. This study sheds light on recent advancements in psychiatry, emphasizing the underrepresentation of female authors and the prevalence of top authors affiliated with major NIH-funded programs. This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances and the top recent contributors in the field, fostering a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of psychiatry in the new millennium.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofía I Uranga
- Biological Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Megan S Lee
- Biological Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | | | - Syed Wahid
- Biological Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, USA
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28
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Menicucci D, Bastiani L, Malloggi E, Denoth F, Gemignani A, Molinaro S. Impaired Well-Being and Insomnia as Residuals of Resolved Medical Conditions: Survey in the Italian Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:129. [PMID: 38397620 PMCID: PMC10888320 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Well-being encompasses physical, mental, social, and cultural aspects. Sleep quality and pathologies are among the objective conditions jeopardising it. Chronic insomnia, inflammatory-based diseases, and mood disorders often occur in a single cluster, and inflammation can negatively impact sleep, potentially harming well-being. Some evidence from specific clinical populations suggests that also some resolved past diseases could still have an impact on present sleep quality and well-being. The aim of the present study is to investigate, in the general population, whether and to what degree well-being and insomnia are associated with resolved pathologies. METHODS A cross-sectional survey (IPSAD®) was carried out using anonymous postal questionnaires that investigated past and present general health, well-being, and insomnia. A total of 10,467 subjects answered the questionnaire. RESULTS Several classes of both current and resolved pathologies resulted in increased odds ratios for current insomnia (odds ratios = 1.90; 1.43, respectively) and impaired well-being (odds ratios = 1.75; 1.33, respectively), proportional to the number of the displayed pathologies. Notably, both current and resolved past psychiatric disorders were strongly associated with both current impaired well-being (odds ratios = 5.38; 1.70, respectively) and insomnia (odds ratios = 4.99; 2.15, respectively). CONCLUSIONS To explain these associations, we suggest that systemic inflammation conveyed by several medical conditions disrupts homeostatic processes, with final effects on sleep quality and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Menicucci
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.M.); (E.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Luca Bastiani
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Eleonora Malloggi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.M.); (E.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Francesca Denoth
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.M.); (E.M.); (A.G.)
- Clinical Psychology Branch, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Molinaro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (F.D.)
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29
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Díaz DE, Tseng WL, Michalska KJ. Pre-scan state anxiety is associated with greater right amygdala-hippocampal response to fearful versus happy faces among trait-anxious Latina girls. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:1. [PMID: 38167015 PMCID: PMC10759434 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05403-6] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unfamiliarity with academic research may contribute to higher levels of anticipatory state anxiety about affective neuroimaging tasks. Children with high trait anxiety display differences in brain response to fearful facial affect compared to non-anxious youth, but little is known about the influence of state anxiety on this association. Because reduced engagement in scientific research and greater mistrust among minoritized groups may lead to systematic differences in pre-scan state anxiety, it is crucial to understand the neural correlates of state anxiety during emotion processing so as to disambiguate sources of individual differences. METHODS The present study probed the interactive effects of pre-scan state anxiety, trait anxiety, and emotional valence (fearful vs. happy faces) on neural activation during implicit emotion processing in a community sample of 46 preadolescent Latina girls (8-13 years). RESULTS Among girls with mean and high levels of trait anxiety, pre-scan state anxiety was associated with greater right amygdala-hippocampal and left inferior parietal lobe response to fearful faces relative to happy faces. CONCLUSIONS Anticipatory state anxiety in the scanning context may cause children with moderate and high trait anxiety to be hypervigilant to threats, further compounding the effects of trait anxiety. Neuroimaging researchers should control for state anxiety so that systematic differences in brain activation resulting from MRI apprehension are not misleadingly attributed to demographic or environmental characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana E Díaz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Wan-Ling Tseng
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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30
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Botta A, Zhao M, Samogin J, Pelosin E, Bonassi G, Lagravinese G, Mantini D, Avenanti A, Avanzino L. Early modulations of neural oscillations during the processing of emotional body language. Psychophysiology 2024; 61:e14436. [PMID: 37681463 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14436] [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] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
The processing of threat-related emotional body language (EBL) has been shown to engage sensorimotor cortical areas early on and induce freezing in the observers' motor system, particularly when observing fearful EBL. To provide insights into the interplay between somatosensory and motor areas during observation of EBL, here, we used high-density electroencephalography (hd-EEG) in healthy humans while they observed EBL stimuli involving fearful and neutral expressions. To capture early sensorimotor brain response, we focused on P100 fronto-central event-related potentials (ERPs) and event-related desynchronization/synchronization (ERD/ERS) in the mu-alpha (8-13 Hz) and lower beta (13-20 Hz) bands over the primary motor (M1) and somatosensory (S1) cortices. Source-level ERP and ERD/ERS analyses were conducted using eLORETA. Results revealed higher P100 amplitudes in motor and premotor channels for 'Neutral' compared with 'Fear'. Additionally, analysis of ERD/ERS showed increased beta band desynchronization in M1 for 'Neutral', and the opposite pattern in S1. Source-level estimation showed significant differences between conditions mainly observed in the beta band over sensorimotor areas. These findings provide high-temporal resolution evidence suggesting that seeing fearful EBL induces early activation of somatosensory areas, which in turn could suppress M1 activity. These findings highlight early dynamics within the observer's sensorimotor system and hint at a sensorimotor mechanism supporting freezing during the processing of EBL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mingqi Zhao
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jessica Samogin
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Elisa Pelosin
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gaia Bonassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Lagravinese
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, and Maternal Child Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Dante Mantini
- Movement Control and Neuroplasticity Research Group, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Alessio Avenanti
- Centro studi e ricerche in Neuroscienze Cognitive, Dipartimento di Psicologia "Renzo Canestrari", Campus Cesena, Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Cesena, Italy
- Centro de Investigación en Neuropsicología y Neurociencias Cognitivas, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Laura Avanzino
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), Section of Human Physiology, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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31
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Rodrigues-Ribeiro L, Resende BL, Pinto Dias ML, Lopes MR, de Barros LLM, Moraes MA, Verano-Braga T, Souza BR. Neuroproteomics: Unveiling the Molecular Insights of Psychiatric Disorders with a Focus on Anxiety Disorder and Depression. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1443:103-128. [PMID: 38409418 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-50624-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Anxiety and depression are two of the most common mental disorders worldwide, with a lifetime prevalence of up to 30%. These disorders are complex and have a variety of overlapping factors, including genetic, environmental, and behavioral factors. Current pharmacological treatments for anxiety and depression are not perfect. Many patients do not respond to treatment, and those who do often experience side effects. Animal models are crucial for understanding the complex pathophysiology of both disorders. These models have been used to identify potential targets for new treatments, and they have also been used to study the effects of environmental factors on these disorders. Recent proteomic methods and technologies are providing new insights into the molecular mechanisms of anxiety disorder and depression. These methods have been used to identify proteins that are altered in these disorders, and they have also been used to study the effects of pharmacological treatments on protein expression. Together, behavioral and proteomic research will help elucidate the factors involved in anxiety disorder and depression. This knowledge will improve preventive strategies and lead to the development of novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Rodrigues-Ribeiro
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics (INCT-Nanobiofar), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Proteomics Group (NPF), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Bruna Lopes Resende
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Laboratory of Neurodevelopment and Evolution (NeuroDEv), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Pinto Dias
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics (INCT-Nanobiofar), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Proteomics Group (NPF), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Megan Rodrigues Lopes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics (INCT-Nanobiofar), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Proteomics Group (NPF), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Laboratory of Neurodevelopment and Evolution (NeuroDEv), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Larissa Luppi Monteiro de Barros
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics (INCT-Nanobiofar), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Proteomics Group (NPF), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Muiara Aparecida Moraes
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Laboratory of Neurodevelopment and Evolution (NeuroDEv), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thiago Verano-Braga
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, National Institute of Science and Technology in Nanobiopharmaceutics (INCT-Nanobiofar), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Proteomics Group (NPF), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
| | - Bruno Rezende Souza
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Laboratory of Neurodevelopment and Evolution (NeuroDEv), Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Wang S, Yang D. The Effect of Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Stereotype Threat on Inhibitory Control in Individuals with Different Household Incomes. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:1016. [PMID: 38131872 PMCID: PMC10740926 DOI: 10.3390/bs13121016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have discussed the impact of the socioeconomically disadvantaged stereotype threat (SDST) on inhibitory control. But the specific influences of the SDST on inhibitory control in different household income groups are not clear. We hypothesized that the SDST had different effects on inhibitory control in individuals with distinct household income, and the attribution of stimuli would influence it as well, especially the currency value of the stimuli. To investigate it, two studies were conducted, which required inhibiting their motor responses. Specifically, Study 1 explored the influence of the SDST on basic inhibitory control. Study 2 analyzed the influence of the SDST on inhibitory control when the input stimuli included currency values and monetary conception. The results revealed that the inhibitory control ability was worse in the lower income group but not during the processing of stimuli with currency value. For the effect of the SDST, it found that there was a negative effect on those with a lower household income and a positive effect on those with a higher household income. Based on the findings, the effect of the SDST on inhibitory control in human beings is not stable; instead, it varies depending on the traits of the stimuli in different tasks and of the individuals themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Wang
- School of Psychology, Hainan Normal University, Haikou 571158, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400700, China
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33
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Wendt J, Kuhn M, Hamm AO, Lonsdorf TB. Recent advances in studying brain-behavior interactions using functional imaging: The primary startle response pathway and its affective modulation in humans. Psychophysiology 2023; 60:e14364. [PMID: 37402156 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14364] [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: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
The startle response is a cross-species defensive reflex that is considered a key tool for cross-species translational emotion research. While the neural pathway mediating (affective) startle modulation has been extensively studied in rodents, human work on brain-behavior interactions has lagged in the past due to technical challenges, which have only recently been overcome through non-invasive simultaneous EMG-fMRI assessments. We illustrate key paradigms and methodological tools for startle response assessment in rodents and humans and review evidence for primary and modulatory neural circuits underlying startle responses and their affective modulation in humans. Based on this, we suggest a refined and integrative model for primary and modulatory startle response pathways in humans concluding that there is strong evidence from human work on the neurobiological pathway underlying the primary startle response while evidence for the modulatory pathway is still sparse. In addition, we provide methodological considerations to guide future work and provide an outlook on new and exciting perspectives enabled through technical and theoretical advances outlined in this work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Wendt
- Department of Biological Psychology and Affective Science, University of Potsdam, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Manuel Kuhn
- Center for Depression, Anxiety and Stress Research, McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Alfons O Hamm
- Department of Physiological and Clinical Psychology/Psychotherapy, University of Greifswald, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Tina B Lonsdorf
- Institute for Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Bielefeld, Germany
- Institute for Psychology, Biological Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
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Levitas DJ, Folco KL, James TW. Impact of aversive affect on neural mechanisms of categorization decisions. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3312. [PMID: 37969052 PMCID: PMC10726818 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3312] [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: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many theories contend that evidence accumulation is a critical component of decision-making. Cognitive accumulation models typically interpret two main parameters: a drift rate and decision threshold. The former is the rate of accumulation, based on the quality of evidence, and the latter is the amount of evidence required for a decision. Some studies have found neural signals that mimic evidence accumulators and can be described by the two parameters. However, few studies have related these neural parameters to experimental manipulations of sensory data or memory representations. Here, we investigated the influence of affective salience on neural accumulation parameters. High affective salience has been repeatedly shown to influence decision-making, yet its effect on neural evidence accumulation has been unexamined. METHODS The current study used a two-choice object categorization task of body images (feet or hands). Half the images in each category were high in affective salience because they contained highly aversive features (gore and mutilation). To study such quick categorization decisions with a relatively slow technique like functional magnetic resonance imaging, we used a gradual reveal paradigm to lengthen cognitive processing time through the gradual "unmasking" of stimuli. RESULTS Because the aversive features were task-irrelevant, high affective salience produced a distractor effect, slowing decision time. In visual accumulation regions of interest, high affective salience produced a longer time to peak activation. Unexpectedly, the later peak appeared to be the product of changes to both drift rate and decision threshold. The drift rate for high affective salience was shallower, and the decision threshold was greater. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an experimental manipulation of sensory data or memory representations that changed the neural decision threshold. CONCLUSION These findings advance our knowledge of the neural mechanisms underlying affective responses in general and the influence of high affective salience on object representations and categorization decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Levitas
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Kess L. Folco
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
| | - Thomas W. James
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesIndiana UniversityBloomingtonIndianaUSA
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Zeisler ZR, London L, Janssen WG, Fredericks JM, Elorette C, Fujimoto A, Zhan H, Russ BE, Clem RL, Hof PR, Stoll FM, Rudebeck PH. Single basolateral amygdala neurons in macaques exhibit distinct connectional motifs with frontal cortex. Neuron 2023; 111:3307-3320.e5. [PMID: 37857091 PMCID: PMC10593429 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2023.09.024] [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] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Basolateral amygdala (BLA) projects widely across the macaque frontal cortex, and amygdalo-frontal projections are critical for appropriate emotional responding and decision making. While it is appreciated that single BLA neurons branch and project to multiple areas in frontal cortex, the organization and frequency of this branching has yet to be fully characterized. Here, we determined the projection patterns of more than 3,000 macaque BLA neurons. We found that one-third of BLA neurons had two or more distinct projection targets in frontal cortex and subcortical structures. The patterns of single BLA neuron projections to multiple areas were organized into repeating motifs that targeted distinct sets of areas in medial and ventral frontal cortex, indicative of separable BLA networks. Our findings begin to reveal the rich structure of single-neuron connections in the non-human primate brain, providing a neuroanatomical basis for the role of BLA in coordinating brain-wide responses to valent stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary R Zeisler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; Lipschultz Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Liza London
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; Lipschultz Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - William G Janssen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; Microscopy and Advanced Bioimaging CoRE, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - J Megan Fredericks
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; Lipschultz Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Catherine Elorette
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; Lipschultz Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Atsushi Fujimoto
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; Lipschultz Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Huiqing Zhan
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Syosset, NY 11791, USA
| | - Brian E Russ
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; Center for Biomedical Imaging and Neuromodulation, Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY 10962, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York University at Langone, One, 8 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Roger L Clem
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Patrick R Hof
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Frederic M Stoll
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; Lipschultz Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Peter H Rudebeck
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, USA; Lipschultz Center for Cognitive Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.
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Chen C, Wang Z, Cao X, Zhu J. Exploring the association between early exposure to material hardship and psychopathology through indirect effects of fronto-limbic functional connectivity during fear learning. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:10702-10710. [PMID: 37689831 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad320] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Experiencing family material hardship has been shown to be associated with disruptions in physical and psychological development. However, the association between material hardship and functional connectivity in the fronto-limbic circuit during fear learning is unclear. A total of 161 healthy young adults aged 17-28 were recruited in our brain imaging study, using the Fear Conditioning Task to test the associations between material hardship and connectivity in fronto-limbic circuit and psychopathology. The results showed that family material hardship was linked to higher positive connectivity between the left amygdala and bilateral dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, as well as higher negative connectivity between the left hippocampus and right ventromedial prefrontal cortex. A mediation analysis showed that material hardship was associated with depression via amygdala functional connectivity (indirect effect = 0.228, P = 0.016), and also indirectly associated with aggression and anger-hostility symptoms through hippocampal connections (aggression: indirect effect = 0.057, P = 0.001; anger-hostility: indirect effect = 0.169, P = 0.048). That is, family material hardship appears to affect fronto-limbic circuits through changes in specific connectivity, and these specific changes, in turn, could lead to specific psychological symptoms. The findings have implications for designing developmentally sensitive interventions to mitigate the emergence of psychopathological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chen
- Center for Early Environment and Brain Development, School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhengxinyue Wang
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders of Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Xinyu Cao
- Center for Cognition and Brain Disorders of Affiliated Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Jianjun Zhu
- Center for Early Environment and Brain Development, School of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Ramos N, Marr MC. Traumatic Stress and Resilience Among Transgender and Gender Diverse Youth. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2023; 32:667-682. [PMID: 37739627 PMCID: PMC10914351 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2023.04.001] [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] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic stress increases the risk for mental health conditions and adversely impacts health, academic performance, and coping. Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) youth experience higher rates of abuse and maltreatment and interpersonal and community-embedded discrimination than their cisgender peers. Neurobiologic stress responses and social stress theory provide useful frameworks for understanding the effects of discrimination, stigma, and rejection. Despite facing higher rates of interpersonal trauma, TGD youth are quite resilient when able to access supports and affirming trauma-informed services. Clinicians play an important role in identifying and addressing traumatic stress impacting TGD youth and bolstering resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Ramos
- University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Jane & Terry Semel Institute for Neuroscience, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | - Mollie C Marr
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239-3098, USA
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Liu X, Gao Z, Liu W, He X, Wang N. AoA-L2 and Usage-L2 modulate the functional neuroplasticity of the subcortex. BRAIN AND LANGUAGE 2023; 245:105323. [PMID: 37757503 DOI: 10.1016/j.bandl.2023.105323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies revealed structural differences in subcortical regions between monolinguals and bilinguals; however, whether the functional neuroplasticity of the subcortex is modulated by different bilingual experiences remains unclear. Here, we examined the effect of age of second language acquisition (AoA-L2) and usage of L2 (Usage-L2) on subcorto-cortical and intra-subcortical functional connectivity (FC) in bilinguals by using resting-state fMRI data. The relations between brain measurements and bilingual experiences were revealed by using multiple regression analysis. We found that increased AoA-L2 was mainly related to decreased subcortical FC involving the anterior thalamus, basal ganglia, and hippocampus. Increased Usage-L2 at home was mainly associated with decreased subcortical FC of the amygdala, globus pallidus, hippocampus, and nucleus accumbens. The FC of these subcortical regions displayed a positive relation with Usage-L2 in social settings. These findings reveal that bilingual experiences modulate the functional neuroplasticity of the subcortex in different ways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojin Liu
- Center for Educational Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China.
| | - Zhenni Gao
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wen Liu
- Center for Educational Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Xintong He
- Center for Educational Science and Technology, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai 519087, China
| | - Naiyi Wang
- Institute of Educational Psychology and School Counseling, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China; Lab for Educational Neuroscience, Center for Educational Science and Technology, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
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Wronski ML, Geisler D, Bernardoni F, Seidel M, Bahnsen K, Doose A, Steinhäuser JL, Gronow F, Böldt LV, Plessow F, Lawson EA, King JA, Roessner V, Ehrlich S. Differential alterations of amygdala nuclei volumes in acutely ill patients with anorexia nervosa and their associations with leptin levels. Psychol Med 2023; 53:6288-6303. [PMID: 36464660 PMCID: PMC10358440 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722003609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amygdala is a subcortical limbic structure consisting of histologically and functionally distinct subregions. New automated structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segmentation tools facilitate the in vivo study of individual amygdala nuclei in clinical populations such as patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) who show symptoms indicative of limbic dysregulation. This study is the first to investigate amygdala nuclei volumes in AN, their relationships with leptin, a key indicator of AN-related neuroendocrine alterations, and further clinical measures. METHODS T1-weighted MRI scans were subsegmented and multi-stage quality controlled using FreeSurfer. Left/right hemispheric amygdala nuclei volumes were cross-sectionally compared between females with AN (n = 168, 12-29 years) and age-matched healthy females (n = 168) applying general linear models. Associations with plasma leptin, body mass index (BMI), illness duration, and psychiatric symptoms were analyzed via robust linear regression. RESULTS Globally, most amygdala nuclei volumes in both hemispheres were reduced in AN v. healthy control participants. Importantly, four specific nuclei (accessory basal, cortical, medial nuclei, corticoamygdaloid transition in the rostral-medial amygdala) showed greater volumetric reduction even relative to reductions of whole amygdala and total subcortical gray matter volumes, whereas basal, lateral, and paralaminar nuclei were less reduced. All rostral-medially clustered nuclei were positively associated with leptin in AN independent of BMI. Amygdala nuclei volumes were not associated with illness duration or psychiatric symptom severity in AN. CONCLUSIONS In AN, amygdala nuclei are altered to different degrees. Severe volume loss in rostral-medially clustered nuclei, collectively involved in olfactory/food-related reward processing, may represent a structural correlate of AN-related symptoms. Hypoleptinemia might be linked to rostral-medial amygdala alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Louis Wronski
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Geisler
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fabio Bernardoni
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Seidel
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaas Bahnsen
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Arne Doose
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jonas L. Steinhäuser
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Franziska Gronow
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luisa V. Böldt
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Plessow
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph A. King
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Fiori F, Ciricugno A, Cattaneo Z, Ferrari C. The Impact of the Perception of Primary Facial Emotions on Corticospinal Excitability. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1291. [PMID: 37759892 PMCID: PMC10527337 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13091291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The link between emotional experience and motor body responses has long been acknowledged. A well-established approach to exploring the effect of the perception of emotional stimuli on the motor system is measuring variations in the excitability of the corticospinal tract (CSE) through motor-evoked potentials (MEP) elicited via transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). Previous evidence has indicated a selective increase in MEP amplitude while participants view emotional stimuli, such as emotional facial expressions, compared to neutral cues. However, it is still not clear whether this effect depends on the specific emotional meaning conveyed by the stimulus. In the present study, we explored whether viewing faces expressing the primary emotions compared to faces with a neutral expression affects individuals' CSE, measured using TMS-elicited MEPs. Specifically, we elicited MEPs from the left motor cortex (M1) while participants passively viewed the same faces expressing either anger, fear, disgust, happiness, sadness, surprise, and no emotion (in different blocks). We found that the observation of fearful, angry, disgusted, and happy facial expressions was associated with a significant increase in the MEPs' amplitude compared to neutral facial expressions, with a comparable enhancement in the CSE occurring across these emotions. In turn, viewing sad and surprised faces did not modulate the CSE. Overall, our findings suggest that only facial expressions that signal (real or potential) danger or a rewarding stimulus, but not emotional facial expressions per se, are capable of activating action-related mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Fiori
- Research Unit of Neurophysiology and Neuroengineering of Human-Technology Interaction (NeXTlab), Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University, 00128 Roma, Italy;
| | - Andrea Ciricugno
- Social Experimental Psychology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.C.); (C.F.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Zaira Cattaneo
- Social Experimental Psychology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.C.); (C.F.)
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24129 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Chiara Ferrari
- Social Experimental Psychology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (A.C.); (C.F.)
- Department of Humanities, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
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Tolomeo S, Lau S, Ragunath BL, Setoh P, Esposito G. A voxel-based morphometry study on gray matter correlates of need for cognition and exploratory information seeking. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e3138. [PMID: 37491807 PMCID: PMC10498082 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3138] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Need for cognition (NFC) represents interindividual differences in tendencies to engage and enjoy cognitive endeavors. Exploratory information seeking (EIS) refers to individual tendencies to attain cognitive stimulation through acquiring information related to consumer products or services out of curiosity. METHODS The current study aims to provide an in-depth investigation of the relationship between NFC and EIS and extend this relation to determine neuroanatomical correlates of NFC and EIS. This study proposed two central hypotheses: (1) NFC and EIS scores are positively correlated and (2) the gray matter volume (GMV) of brain regions implicated in motivation, valuation, and reward systems are positively associated with both NFC and EIS. Self-report and structural MRI data of 91 Singaporean Chinese participants were utilized for the study. RESULTS No statistically significant correlation was revealed between NFC and EIS scores. Neuroanatomical associations of the GMV of brain regions implicated in visuospatial, attentional, and reward processing with individual constructs of interest were explored. When examining NFC and EIS scores, larger GMV in the right pallidum and left fusiform gyrus was found in participants that reported higher levels of NFC (vs. lower NFC levels), larger GMV in the left precuneus in those with greater tendencies to engage in EIS (vs. lower EIS levels), and larger GMV of the left fusiform gyrus associated with greater endorsement of both NFC and EIS. When investigating the exploratory factor analysis-generated factors of NFC and EIS, similar patterns of associations were found between self-reported levels of agreement against factors and GMV of brain regions implicated. CONCLUSIONS Correlational analysis and exploratory factor analysis indicated the absence of a relationship between NFC and EIS. Additionally, voxel-based morphometry whole-brain analysis revealed neuroanatomical correlates of the GMV of brain regions implicated in visuospatial, attentional, and reward processing with NFC and EIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serenella Tolomeo
- Institute of High Performance ComputingAgency for Science, Technology and ResearchSingaporeSingapore
| | - Shermine Lau
- Psychology Program, School of Social SciencesNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
| | - Bindiya L. Ragunath
- Psychology Program, School of Social SciencesNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
| | - Peipei Setoh
- Psychology Program, School of Social SciencesNanyang Technological UniversitySingapore
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive ScienceUniversity of TrentoRoveretoItaly
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Shepardson S, Dahlgren K, Hamann S. Neural correlates of autobiographical memory retrieval: An SDM neuroimaging meta-analysis. Cortex 2023; 166:59-79. [PMID: 37315358 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.05.006] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Autobiographical memory (AM) is a type of episodic memory that involves the recollection and re-experiencing of personal life events. AM retrieval is a complex process requiring the coordination of multiple memory processes across the brain. Important questions remain regarding the degree to which specific brain regions are consistently recruited during AM retrieval and the influence of methodological factors such as type of AM retrieval task and control task. Neuroimaging meta-analyses can summarize the brain regions associated with AM retrieval, addressing these questions by revealing consistent findings across multiple studies. We used a coordinate-based neuroimaging meta-analysis method, seed-based d mapping (SDM), to assess the largest set of neuroimaging studies of AM retrieval to date. An important advantage of SDM over other methods is that it factors in the effect sizes of the activation coordinates from studies, yielding a more representative summary of activations. Studies were selected if they elicited AM retrieval in the scanner, contrasted AM retrieval with a matched control task, and used univariate whole-brain analyses, yielding a set of 50 papers with 963 participants and 891 foci. The findings confirmed the recruitment of many previously identified core AM retrieval regions including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus and parahippocampal cortex, retrosplenial cortex and posterior cingulate, and angular gyrus, and revealed additional regions, including bilateral inferior parietal lobule and greater activation extent through the PFC, including lateral PFC activation. Results were robust across different types of AM retrieval tasks (previously rehearsed cues vs. novel cues), and robust across different control tasks (visual/attention vs. semantic retrieval). To maximize the utility of the meta-analysis, all results image files are available online. In summary, the current meta-analysis provides an updated and more representative characterization of the neural correlates of autobiographical memory retrieval and how these neural correlates are affected by important experimental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephan Hamann
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Abend R. Understanding anxiety symptoms as aberrant defensive responding along the threat imminence continuum. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105305. [PMID: 37414377 PMCID: PMC10528507 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105305] [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: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Threat-anticipatory defensive responses have evolved to promote survival in a dynamic world. While inherently adaptive, aberrant expression of defensive responses to potential threat could manifest as pathological anxiety, which is prevalent, impairing, and associated with adverse outcomes. Extensive translational neuroscience research indicates that normative defensive responses are organized by threat imminence, such that distinct response patterns are observed in each phase of threat encounter and orchestrated by partially conserved neural circuitry. Anxiety symptoms, such as excessive and pervasive worry, physiological arousal, and avoidance behavior, may reflect aberrant expression of otherwise normative defensive responses, and therefore follow the same imminence-based organization. Here, empirical evidence linking aberrant expression of specific, imminence-dependent defensive responding to distinct anxiety symptoms is reviewed, and plausible contributing neural circuitry is highlighted. Drawing from translational and clinical research, the proposed framework informs our understanding of pathological anxiety by grounding anxiety symptoms in conserved psychobiological mechanisms. Potential implications for research and treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rany Abend
- School of Psychology, Reichman University, P.O. Box 167, Herzliya 4610101, Israel; Section on Development and Affective Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Wilson JB, Epstein M, Lopez B, Brown AK, Lutfy K, Friedman TC. The role of Neurochemicals, Stress Hormones and Immune System in the Positive Feedback Loops between Diabetes, Obesity and Depression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1224612. [PMID: 37664841 PMCID: PMC10470111 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1224612] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and depression are significant public health and socioeconomic issues. They commonly co-occur, with T2DM occurring in 11.3% of the US population, while depression has a prevalence of about 9%, with higher rates among youths. Approximately 31% of patients with T2DM suffer from depressive symptoms, with 11.4% having major depressive disorders, which is twice as high as the prevalence of depression in patients without T2DM. Additionally, over 80% of people with T2DM are overweight or obese. This review describes how T2DM and depression can enhance one another, using the same molecular pathways, by synergistically altering the brain's structure and function and reducing the reward obtained from eating. In this article, we reviewed the evidence that eating, especially high-caloric foods, stimulates the limbic system, initiating Reward Deficiency Syndrome. Analogous to other addictive behaviors, neurochemical changes in those with depression and/or T2DM are thought to cause individuals to increase their food intake to obtain the same reward leading to binge eating, weight gain and obesity. Treating the symptoms of T2DM, such as lowering HbA1c, without addressing the underlying pathways has little chance of eliminating the disease. Targeting the immune system, stress circuit, melatonin, and other alterations may be more effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian B. Wilson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ma’ayan Epstein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Psychiatric Emergency Room, Olive View – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Medical Center, Sylmar, CA, United States
| | - Briana Lopez
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Friends Research Institute, Cerritos, CA, United States
| | - Amira K. Brown
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Kabirullah Lutfy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- College of Pharmacy, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Theodore C. Friedman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Friends Research Institute, Cerritos, CA, United States
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Meng C, Li T, Wang J. Temporal course of attention bias toward emotional faces in individuals with autistic traits: an eye-movement study. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1218595. [PMID: 37575304 PMCID: PMC10416432 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1218595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Similar attention patterns have been found in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autistic traits (ATs). The Intense World Theory and previous studies suggest that individuals with ASD may demonstrate a vigilance-avoidance attention pattern toward emotional faces. However, the attention patterns in individuals with ATs remain unclear. Therefore, this study employs eye-tracking technology to examine the characteristics and temporal course of attention bias toward emotional faces in individuals with ATs. Methods The Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ) was used to evaluate the level of ATs among 2,502 college students. A total of 50 participants were selected from the 2,502 college students: 25 high-AQ group participants were randomly selected from the 10% of individuals with the highest AQ scores. Similarly, 25 low-AQ group participants were randomly selected from the 10% of participants with the lowest AQ scores. All selected participants completed an eye-tracking study while performing a dot-probe task with emotional faces (positive-neutral, negative-neutral, and negative-positive). By analyzing data from different time periods, the attention bias and time course of individuals with ATs toward emotional faces were investigated. Results The results show that compared to the low-AQ group, the high-AQ group detected negative faces faster in the early stages of emotional face processing. As the presentation time of emotional faces increased (at the 2-3 s mark), the fixation scores for negative-neutral faces of the high-AQ group were less than 0.5, which was significantly lower than those of the low-AQ group. Meanwhile, the high-AQ group showed brief attentional avoidance toward positive emotion at 3-4 s in the positive-neutral trials, indicating that the high-AQ group exhibited attention avoidance to both negative and positive faces during the middle and later stages of emotional processing. Conclusion This study suggests that individuals with ATs display a vigilance-avoidance pattern toward emotional faces. It contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of attention in persons with ATs and further supports the Intense World Theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Meng
- Department of Public Curriculum, Zigong Vocational and Technical College, Sichuan, China
- Key Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Taolin Li
- Key Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
- Mental Health Guidance Center, Qianjiang Senior High School, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Health Rehabilitation, Zigong Vocational and Technical College, Sichuan, China
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Fraile E, Gagnepain P, Eustache F, Groussard M, Platel H. Musical experience prior to traumatic exposure as a resilience factor: a conceptual analysis. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1220489. [PMID: 37599747 PMCID: PMC10436084 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1220489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Resilience mechanisms can be dynamically triggered throughout the lifecourse by resilience factors in order to prevent individuals from developing stress-related pathologies such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some interventional studies have suggested that listening to music and musical practice after experiencing a traumatic event decrease the intensity of PTSD, but surprisingly, no study to our knowledge has explored musical experience as a potential resilience factor before the potential occurrence of a traumatic event. In the present conceptual analysis, we sought to summarize what is known about the concept of resilience and how musical experience could trigger two key mechanisms altered in PTSD: emotion regulation and cognitive control. Our hypothesis is that the stimulation of these two mechanisms by musical experience during the pre-traumatic period could help protect against the symptoms of emotional dysregulation and intrusions present in PTSD. We then developed a new framework to guide future research aimed at isolating and investigating the protective role of musical experience regarding the development of PTSD in response to trauma. The clinical application of this type of research could be to develop pre-trauma training that promotes emotional regulation and cognitive control, aimed at populations at risk of developing PTSD such as healthcare workers, police officers, and military staffs.
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Villard C, Dary Z, Léonard J, Medina Villalon S, Carron R, Makhalova J, Lagarde S, Lopez C, Bartolomei F. The origin of pleasant sensations: Insight from direct electrical brain stimulation. Cortex 2023; 164:1-10. [PMID: 37146544 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2023.03.007] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Research into the neuroanatomical basis of emotions has resulted in a plethora of studies over the last twenty years. However, studies about positive emotions and pleasant sensations remain rare and their anatomical-functional bases are less understood than that of negative emotions. Pleasant sensations can be evoked by electrical brain stimulations (EBS) during stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG) performed for pre-surgical exploration in patients with drug-resistant epilepsy. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 10 106 EBS performed in 329 patients implanted with SEEG in our epileptology department. We found that 13 EBS in 9 different patients evoked pleasant sensations (.60% of all responses). By contrast we collected 111 emotional responses of negative valence (i.e., 5.13% of all responses). EBS evoking pleasant sensations were applied at 50 Hz with an average intensity of 1.4 ± .55 mA (range .5-2 mA). Pleasant sensations were reported by nine patients of which three patients presented responses to several EBS. We found a male predominance among the patients reporting pleasant sensations and a prominent role of the right cerebral hemisphere. Results show the preponderant role of the dorsal anterior insula and amygdala in the occurrence of pleasant sensations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Villard
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology Department, Marseille, France.
| | - Zoé Dary
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, LNC, FR3C, Marseille, France.
| | - Jacques Léonard
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, LNC, FR3C, Marseille, France.
| | - Samuel Medina Villalon
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology Department, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, Inserm, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France.
| | - Romain Carron
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Functional Neurosurgery Department, Marseille, France.
| | - Julia Makhalova
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology Department, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, Inserm, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France.
| | - Stanislas Lagarde
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology Department, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, Inserm, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France.
| | | | - Fabrice Bartolomei
- APHM, Timone Hospital, Epileptology Department, Marseille, France; Aix Marseille University, Inserm, INS, Inst Neurosci Syst, Marseille, France.
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Xia Y, Wehrli J, Gerster S, Kroes M, Houtekamer M, Bach DR. Measuring human context fear conditioning and retention after consolidation. Learn Mem 2023; 30:139-150. [PMID: 37553180 PMCID: PMC10519410 DOI: 10.1101/lm.053781.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Fear conditioning is a laboratory paradigm commonly used to investigate aversive learning and memory. In context fear conditioning, a configuration of elemental cues (conditioned stimulus [CTX]) predicts an aversive event (unconditioned stimulus [US]). To quantify context fear acquisition in humans, previous work has used startle eyeblink responses (SEBRs), skin conductance responses (SCRs), and verbal reports, but different quantification methods have rarely been compared. Moreover, preclinical intervention studies mandate recall tests several days after acquisition, and it is unclear how to induce and measure context fear memory retention over such a time interval. First, we used a semi-immersive virtual reality paradigm. In two experiments (N = 23 and N = 28), we found successful declarative learning and memory retention over 7 d but no evidence of other conditioned responses. Next, we used a configural fear conditioning paradigm with five static room images as CTXs in two experiments (N = 29 and N = 24). Besides successful declarative learning and memory retention after 7 d, SCR and pupil dilation in response to CTX onset differentiated CTX+/CTX- during acquisition training, and SEBR and pupil dilation differentiated CTX+/CTX- during the recall test, with medium to large effect sizes for the most sensitive indices (SEBR: Hedge's g = 0.56 and g = 0.69; pupil dilation: Hedge's g = 0.99 and g = 0.88). Our results demonstrate that with a configural learning paradigm, context fear memory retention can be demonstrated over 7 d, and we provide robust and replicable measurement methods to this end.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfang Xia
- Computational Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jelena Wehrli
- Computational Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Samuel Gerster
- Computational Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marijn Kroes
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Maxime Houtekamer
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen 6525 GA, the Netherlands
| | - Dominik R Bach
- Computational Psychiatry Research, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, Max Planck UCL Centre for Computational Psychiatry and Ageing Research, University College London, London WC1 3BG, United Kingdom
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Rojas-Thomas F, Artigas C, Wainstein G, Morales JP, Arriagada M, Soto D, Dagnino-Subiabre A, Silva J, Lopez V. Impact of acute psychosocial stress on attentional control in humans. A study of evoked potentials and pupillary response. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 25:100551. [PMID: 37362419 PMCID: PMC10285563 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial stress has increased considerably in our modern lifestyle, affecting global mental health. Deficits in attentional control are cardinal features of stress disorders and pathological anxiety. Studies suggest that changes in the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine system could underlie the effects of stress on top-down attentional control. However, the impact of psychosocial stress on attentional processes and its underlying neural mechanisms are poorly understood. This study aims to investigate the effect of psychosocial stress on attentional processing and brain signatures. Evoked potentials and pupillary activity related to the oddball auditory paradigm were recorded before and after applying the Montreal Imaging Stress Task (MIST). Electrocardiogram (ECG), salivary cortisol, and subjective anxiety/stress levels were measured at different experimental periods. The control group experienced the same physical and cognitive effort but without the psychosocial stress component. The results showed that stressed subjects exhibited decreased P3a and P3b amplitude, pupil phasic response, and correct responses. On the other hand, they displayed an increase in Mismatch Negativity (MMN). N1 amplitude after MIST only decreased in the control group. We found that differences in P3b amplitude between the first and second oddball were significantly correlated with pupillary dilation and salivary cortisol levels. Our results suggest that under social-evaluative threat, basal activity of the coeruleus-norepinephrine system increases, enhancing alertness and decreasing voluntary attentional resources for the cognitive task. These findings contribute to understanding the neurobiological basis of attentional changes in pathologies associated with chronic psychosocial stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- F. Rojas-Thomas
- Laboratorio de Psicología Experimental y Neurociencias, Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Neurociencia, Centro Interdisciplinario en Neurociencia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience (CSCN), School of Psychology, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - C. Artigas
- Departamento de Biología, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - G. Wainstein
- Departamento de Psiquiatría, Escuela de Medicina y Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan-Pablo Morales
- Programa de Doctorado en Neurociencia, Centro Interdisciplinario en Neurociencia, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience (CSCN), School of Psychology, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago de Chile, Chile
- Facultad de Educación Psicología y Familia, Universidad Finis Terrae, Santiago, Chile
| | - M. Arriagada
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Bernardo O'Higgins University, Santiago, Chile
| | - D. Soto
- Center for Social and Cognitive Neuroscience (CSCN), School of Psychology, Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - A. Dagnino-Subiabre
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología del Estrés, Instituto de Fisiología, CENFI, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - J. Silva
- Instituto de Bienestar Socioemocional (IBEM), Facultad de Psicología, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - V. Lopez
- Laboratorio de Psicología Experimental y Neurociencias, Escuela de Psicología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Elmer S, Schmitt R, Giroud N, Meyer M. The neuroanatomical hallmarks of chronic tinnitus in comorbidity with pure-tone hearing loss. Brain Struct Funct 2023; 228:1511-1534. [PMID: 37349539 PMCID: PMC10335971 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-023-02669-0] [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: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Tinnitus is one of the main hearing impairments often associated with pure-tone hearing loss, and typically manifested in the perception of phantom sounds. Nevertheless, tinnitus has traditionally been studied in isolation without necessarily considering auditory ghosting and hearing loss as part of the same syndrome. Hence, in the present neuroanatomical study, we attempted to pave the way toward a better understanding of the tinnitus syndrome, and compared two groups of almost perfectly matched individuals with (TIHL) and without (NTHL) pure-tone tinnitus, but both characterized by pure-tone hearing loss. The two groups were homogenized in terms of sample size, age, gender, handedness, education, and hearing loss. Furthermore, since the assessment of pure-tone hearing thresholds alone is not sufficient to describe the full spectrum of hearing abilities, the two groups were also harmonized for supra-threshold hearing estimates which were collected using temporal compression, frequency selectivity und speech-in-noise tasks. Regions-of-interest (ROI) analyses based on key brain structures identified in previous neuroimaging studies showed that the TIHL group exhibited increased cortical volume (CV) and surface area (CSA) of the right supramarginal gyrus and posterior planum temporale (PT) as well as CSA of the left middle-anterior part of the superior temporal sulcus (STS). The TIHL group also demonstrated larger volumes of the left amygdala and of the left head and body of the hippocampus. Notably, vertex-wise multiple linear regression analyses additionally brought to light that CSA of a specific cluster, which was located in the left middle-anterior part of the STS and overlapped with the one found to be significant in the between-group analyses, was positively associated with tinnitus distress level. Furthermore, distress also positively correlated with CSA of gray matter vertices in the right dorsal prefrontal cortex and the right posterior STS, whereas tinnitus duration was positively associated with CSA and CV of the right angular gyrus (AG) and posterior part of the STS. These results provide new insights into the critical gray matter architecture of the tinnitus syndrome matrix responsible for the emergence, maintenance and distress of auditory phantom sensations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Elmer
- Department of Computational Linguistics, Computational Neuroscience of Speech & Hearing, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Competence Center Language & Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Raffael Schmitt
- Department of Computational Linguistics, Computational Neuroscience of Speech & Hearing, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Giroud
- Department of Computational Linguistics, Computational Neuroscience of Speech & Hearing, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Neuroscience Zurich, University and ETH of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Competence Center Language & Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Meyer
- Department of Comparative Language Science, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Neuroscience Zurich, University and ETH of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Language Evolution (ISLE), University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Cognitive Psychology Unit, Alpen-Adria University, Klagenfurt, Austria
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