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Petakh P, Duve K, Oksenych V, Behzadi P, Kamyshnyi O. Molecular mechanisms and therapeutic possibilities of short-chain fatty acids in posttraumatic stress disorder patients: a mini-review. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1394953. [PMID: 38887367 PMCID: PMC11182003 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1394953] [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: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
This mini-review explores the role of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Highlighting the microbiota-gut-brain axis, this study investigated the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiome and mental health. SCFAs, byproducts of gut microbial fermentation, have been examined for their potential impact on PTSD, with a focus on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. This review discusses changes in SCFA levels and bacterial profiles in individuals with PTSD, emphasizing the need for further research. Promising outcomes from clinical trials using probiotics and fermented formulations suggest potential avenues for PTSD management. Future directions involve establishing comprehensive human cohorts, integrating multiomics data, and employing advanced computational methods, with the goal of deepening our understanding of the role of SCFAs in PTSD and exploring microbiota-targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlo Petakh
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Uzhhorod National University, Uzhhorod, Ukraine
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Khrystyna Duve
- Department of Neurology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Valentyn Oksenych
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Payam Behzadi
- Department of Microbiology, Shahr-e-Qods Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Oleksandr Kamyshnyi
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
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2
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Zalta AK, Vanderboll K, Dent AL, Contreras IM, Malek N, Lascano XN, Zellner KL, Grandhi J, Araujo PJ, Straka K, Liang CZ, Czarny JE, Martinez J, Burgess HJ. Sleep timing, chronotype, and posttraumatic stress disorder: An individual participant data meta-analysis. Psychiatry Res 2023; 321:115061. [PMID: 36706561 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disturbance is a major component of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The role of circadian disruption is largely overlooked, though many PTSD studies collect proxy markers of circadian timing. This individual participant data (IPD) meta-analysis examined the correlation between sleep timing / chronotype and PTSD severity among individuals diagnosed with PTSD, the standardized mean difference in sleep timing / chronotype for individuals with and without PTSD, and moderators of these relationships. A systematic search was conducted; authors provided IPD for 27 studies and aggregate data for 16 studies (3,011 participants with PTSD; 2,703 participants without PTSD). Two-step meta-analyses were conducted using a random-effects multivariate approach with robust variance estimation. Bedtime and wake time were not significantly associated with PTSD symptoms or diagnosis. Less total sleep time / time in bed was weakly associated with greater PTSD symptoms. Moderator analyses revealed that effect sizes were stronger in certain populations and when using wrist actigraphy to measure sleep timing; however, gap maps revealed few studies in moderator categories with the strongest effects. Only two studies measured chronotype, prohibiting strong conclusions. Our findings indicate that the relationship between sleep timing and PTSD is weak; however, key gaps in the literature warrant further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson K Zalta
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States.
| | | | - Amy L Dent
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - Isaias M Contreras
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - Nadia Malek
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States; Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for PTSD, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Menlo Park, CA, United States
| | - Xrystyan N Lascano
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - Kelly L Zellner
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - Jyotsna Grandhi
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States; Department of Counseling and Psychological Services, Georgia State University, United States
| | - Precious J Araujo
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - Kelci Straka
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States; School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, United States
| | - Cathy Z Liang
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - Jordyn E Czarny
- Kresge Hearing Research Institute and Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, United States; Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, United States
| | - Jazmin Martinez
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, United States
| | - Helen J Burgess
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, United States
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3
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Isaac F, Toukhsati SR, DiBenedetto M, Kennedy GA. Cognitive behavioral therapy-based treatments for insomnia and nightmares in adults with trauma symptoms: a systematic review. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-11. [PMID: 35891889 PMCID: PMC9303051 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03512-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fadia Isaac
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Office 211, Building HP, Mt Helen Campus, PO Box 663, Ballarat, Victoria 3353 Australia
| | - Samia R. Toukhsati
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Office 211, Building HP, Mt Helen Campus, PO Box 663, Ballarat, Victoria 3353 Australia
| | | | - Gerard A. Kennedy
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, Federation University, Office 211, Building HP, Mt Helen Campus, PO Box 663, Ballarat, Victoria 3353 Australia
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria Australia
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Victoria, Australia
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4
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Rosi-Andersen A, Meister L, Graham B, Brown S, Bryant R, Ehlers A, Kleim B. Circadian influence on intrusive re-experiencing in trauma survivors' daily lives. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2022; 13:1899617. [PMID: 35295874 PMCID: PMC8920362 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2021.1899617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The core clinical feature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is recurrent re-experiencing in form of intrusive memories. While a great number of biological processes are regulated by sleep and internal biological clocks, the effect of 24-hour biological cycles, named circadian rhythm, has not been investigated in the context of intrusive memories. OBJECTIVE Here we examined effects of time of day on frequency and characteristics of intrusive re-experiencing. METHODS Fifty trauma survivors reported intrusive memories for 7 consecutive days using ecological momentary assessment in their daily life. We investigated (i) time-of-day dependent effects on frequency and distribution of intrusive re-experiencing in the overall sample as well as in PTSD versus non-PTSD and (ii) time-of-day dependent effects on the memory characteristics intrusiveness, vividness, nowness and fear. RESULTS Intrusive memories showed a curvilinear pattern that peaked at 2pm. Intrusive memories in the PTSD group showed a constant level of intrusive re-experiencing in the afternoon and evening, whereas a descending slope was present in the non-PTSD group. In PTSD, intrusive memories might thus be experienced in a more time-scattered fashion throughout the day, indicating chronodisruption. Intrusion characteristics did not follow this pattern. CONCLUSION Although preliminary and based on a small sample size, these findings contribute to a better understanding of the everyday occurrence and characteristics of intrusive memories, and point to the added value of examining time-dependent effects, which can directly inform prevention and intervention science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Rosi-Andersen
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Chronobiology and Sleep Research Group, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Meister
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Belinda Graham
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Steven Brown
- Chronobiology and Sleep Research Group, Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Richard Bryant
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anke Ehlers
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Birgit Kleim
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Social zeitgebers and circadian dysrhythmia are associated with severity of symptoms of PTSD and depression in trauma-affected refugees. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2021; 271:1319-1329. [PMID: 33956223 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-021-01266-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The relation of aspects of rest-activity patterns, i.e., social zeitgebers, physical activity and circadian rhythm, to the severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms has not previously been studied. Doing so could provide valuable insight into possible targets for treatment. Our study explored these links in a population of 219 trauma-affected refugees diagnosed with PTSD who were seeking treatment. Data regarding social zeitgebers, such as affiliation with the labor market and contact with social network, and symptoms of PTSD and depression were collected from them. Furthermore, their levels of physical activity and circadian rest-activity parameters were calculated from actigraphy data. Bivariate correlation analyses and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to examine various aspects of rest-activity regarding relation to severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms. Several social zeitgebers were associated with severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms. The level of physical activity was unrelated to symptom severity, whereas a rest-activity pattern, with early onset of the most active 10 h, was associated with severity of PTSD, and a circadian rhythm with a large difference between periods of rest and activity was associated with severity of depression. Social zeitgebers, levels of physical activity and circadian rhythm parameters were all associated with each other. Social zeitgebers and circadian rhythm parameters were significantly related to the severity of PTSD and depressive symptoms-a relationship indicating that interventions targeting regularity of daily routines have a potential role in treating PTSD and depression in trauma-affected refugees.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT02761161, April 27, 2016.
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Oxidative Dysregulation in Early Life Stress and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Comprehensive Review. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11060723. [PMID: 34072322 PMCID: PMC8228973 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic stress may chronically affect master homeostatic systems at the crossroads of peripheral and central susceptibility pathways and lead to the biological embedment of trauma-related allostatic trajectories through neurobiological alterations even decades later. Lately, there has been an exponential knowledge growth concerning the effect of traumatic stress on oxidative components and redox-state homeostasis. This extensive review encompasses a detailed description of the oxidative cascade components along with their physiological and pathophysiological functions and a systematic presentation of both preclinical and clinical, genetic and epigenetic human findings on trauma-related oxidative stress (OXS), followed by a substantial synthesis of the involved oxidative cascades into specific and functional, trauma-related pathways. The bulk of the evidence suggests an imbalance of pro-/anti-oxidative mechanisms under conditions of traumatic stress, respectively leading to a systemic oxidative dysregulation accompanied by toxic oxidation byproducts. Yet, there is substantial heterogeneity in findings probably relative to confounding, trauma-related parameters, as well as to the equivocal directionality of not only the involved oxidative mechanisms but other homeostatic ones. Accordingly, we also discuss the trauma-related OXS findings within the broader spectrum of systemic interactions with other major influencing systems, such as inflammation, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and the circadian system. We intend to demonstrate the inherent complexity of all the systems involved, but also put forth associated caveats in the implementation and interpretation of OXS findings in trauma-related research and promote their comprehension within a broader context.
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Abstract
The human circadian system creates and maintains cellular and systemic rhythmicity essential for the temporal organization of physiological processes promoting homeostasis and environmental adaptation. Sleep disruption and loss of circadian rhythmicity fundamentally affects master homeostasic regulating systems at the crossroads of peripheral and central susceptibility pathways, similar to acute or chronic stress and, thus, may play a central role in the development of stress-related disorders. Direct and indirect human and animal PTSD research accordingly suggests circadian-system-linked sleep, neuroendocrine, immune, metabolic and autonomic dysregulation, linking circadian misalignment to PTSD pathophysiology. Additionally, there is evidence that sleep and circadian disruption may represent a vital pre-existing risk factor in the prediction of PTSD development, while sleep-related symptoms are among the most prominent in trauma-associated disorders. These facts may represent a need for a shift towards a more chronobiological understanding of traumatic sequel and could support better prevention, evaluation and treatment of sleep and circadian disruption as first steps in PTSD management. In this special issue, we highlight and review recent advances from human sleep and chronobiological research that enhances our understanding of the development and maintenance of trauma-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Miranda Olff
- Department of PsychiatryAmsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
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Agorastos A, Olff M. Traumatic stress and the circadian system: neurobiology, timing and treatment of posttraumatic chronodisruption. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1833644. [PMID: 33408808 PMCID: PMC7747941 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1833644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Humans have an evolutionary need for a well-preserved internal 'clock', adjusted to the 24-hour rotation period of our planet. This intrinsic circadian timing system enables the temporal organization of numerous physiologic processes, from gene expression to behaviour. The human circadian system is tightly and bidirectionally interconnected to the human stress system, as both systems regulate each other's activity along the anticipated diurnal challenges. The understanding of the temporal relationship between stressors and stress responses is critical in the molecular pathophysiology of stress-and trauma-related diseases, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Objectives/Methods: In this narrative review, we present the functional components of the stress and circadian system and their multilevel interactions and discuss how traumatic stress can affect the harmonious interplay between the two systems. Results: Circadian dysregulation after trauma exposure (posttraumatic chronodisruption) may represent a core feature of trauma-related disorders mediating enduring neurobiological correlates of traumatic stress through a loss of the temporal order at different organizational levels. Posttraumatic chronodisruption may, thus, affect fundamental properties of neuroendocrine, immune and autonomic systems, leading to a breakdown of biobehavioral adaptive mechanisms with increased stress sensitivity and vulnerability. Given that many traumatic events occur in the late evening or night hours, we also describe how the time of day of trauma exposure can differentially affect the stress system and, finally, discuss potential chronotherapeutic interventions. Conclusion: Understanding the stress-related mechanisms susceptible to chronodisruption and their role in PTSD could deliver new insights into stress pathophysiology, provide better psychochronobiological treatment alternatives and enhance preventive strategies in stress-exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- II. Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam Neuroscience, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,ARQ Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, The Netherlands
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9
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McCall CA, Turkheimer E, Tsang S, Avery A, Duncan GE, Watson NF. Sleep duration and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms: a twin study. Sleep 2020; 42:5549607. [PMID: 31408518 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Long and short sleep duration are associated with greater risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); however, it is unknown how genetic and environmental influences affect this relationship. Thus, we investigated the association between sleep duration and PTSD symptoms using twin models. METHODS Data were obtained from 1865 monozygotic and 758 dizygotic twin pairs enrolled in the community-based Washington State Twin Registry. PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Impact of Events Scale (IES). A classical twin model decomposed the variances of sleep duration and IES score into additive genetic, shared environmental, and unique environmental components. We used correlated factor models to examine the moderation of variance components of sleep duration and IES. RESULTS Shorter and longer sleep duration were associated with higher IES scores with a quadratic association (p < 0.001). The heritability of sleep duration was 36%, and IES 31%. Variance in sleep duration attributable to shared (b1C1 = 2.91, 95% CI = 1.40 to 4.43; p < 0.001) and unique (b1E1 = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.27; p < 0.001) environment was moderated by IES score. Similarly, but to a lesser extent, variance in IES attributable to additive genetics (b1A2 = -0.23, 95% CI = -0.45 to 0.00; p = 0.048) was moderated by sleep duration. CONCLUSIONS Greater PTSD symptom severity was associated with short and long sleep duration. Increasing PTSD symptoms increased variability in sleep duration primarily via shared environmental factors, whereas decreasing sleep duration increased variability in PTSD symptoms primarily via additive genetic factors. This suggests childhood experiences affect variability of sleep duration and genetic factors affect the variability of PTSD symptoms in trauma-exposed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine A McCall
- Department of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine and University of Washington Sleep Medicine Center, Seattle
| | - Eric Turkheimer
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
| | - Siny Tsang
- Washington State Twin Registry, Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane
| | - Ally Avery
- Washington State Twin Registry, Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane
| | - Glen E Duncan
- Washington State Twin Registry, Department of Nutrition and Exercise Physiology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University, Spokane
| | - Nathaniel F Watson
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington School of Medicine and University of Washington Sleep Medicine Center, Seattle
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10
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Breen MS, Thomas KGF, Baldwin DS, Lipinska G. Modelling PTSD diagnosis using sleep, memory, and adrenergic metabolites: An exploratory machine-learning study. Hum Psychopharmacol 2019; 34:e2691. [PMID: 30793802 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Features of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) typically include sleep disturbances, impaired declarative memory, and hyperarousal. This study evaluated whether these combined features may accurately delineate pathophysiological changes associated with PTSD. METHOD We recruited a cohort of PTSD-diagnosed individuals (N = 20), trauma survivors without PTSD (TE; N = 20), and healthy controls (HC; N = 20). Analyses of between-group differences and support vector machine (SVM)-learning were applied to participant features. RESULTS Analyses of between-group differences replicated previous findings, indicating that PTSD-diagnosed individuals self-reported poorer sleep quality, objectively demonstrated less sleep depth, and evidenced declarative memory deficits in comparison to HC. Integrative SVM-learning distinguished HC from trauma participants with 80% accuracy using a combination of five features, including subjective and objective sleep, neutral declarative memory, and metabolite variables. PTSD and TE participants could be distinguished with 70% accuracy using a combination of subjective and objective sleep variables but not by metabolite or declarative memory variables. CONCLUSION From among a broad range of sleep, cognitive, and biochemical variables, sleep characteristics were the primary features that could differentiate those with PTSD from those without. Our exploratory SVM-learning analysis establishes a framework for future sleep- and memory-based PTSD investigations that could drive improvements in diagnostic accuracy and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S Breen
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kevin G F Thomas
- Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - David S Baldwin
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.,Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gosia Lipinska
- Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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Agorastos A, Hauger RL, Barkauskas DA, Lerman IR, Moeller-Bertram T, Snijders C, Haji U, Patel PM, Geracioti TD, Chrousos GP, Baker DG. Relations of combat stress and posttraumatic stress disorder to 24-h plasma and cerebrospinal fluid interleukin-6 levels and circadian rhythmicity. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 100:237-245. [PMID: 30390522 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute and chronic stress can lead to a dysregulation of the immune response. Growing evidence suggests peripheral immune dysregulation and low-grade systemic inflammation in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), with numerous reports of elevated plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. However, only a few studies have assessed IL-6 levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Most of those have used single time-point measurements, and thus cannot take circadian level variability and CSF-plasma IL-6 correlations into account. METHODS This study used time-matched, sequential 24-h plasma and CSF measurements to investigate the effects of combat stress and PTSD on physiologic levels and biorhythmicity of IL-6 in 35 male study volunteers, divided in 3 groups: (PTSD = 12, combat controls, CC = 12, and non-deployed healthy controls, HC = 11). RESULTS Our findings show no differences in diurnal mean concentrations of plasma and CSF IL-6 across the three comparison groups. However, a significantly blunted circadian rhythm of plasma IL-6 across 24 h was observed in all combat-zone deployed participants, with or without PTSD, in comparison to HC. CSF IL-6 rhythmicity was unaffected by combat deployment or PTSD. CONCLUSIONS Although no significant group differences in mean IL-6 concentration in either CSF or plasma over a 24-h timeframe was observed, we provide first evidence for a disrupted peripheral IL-6 circadian rhythm as a sequel of combat deployment, with this disruption occurring in both PTSD and CC groups. The plasma IL-6 circadian blunting remains to be replicated and its cause elucidated in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Richard L Hauger
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), CA, USA
| | - Donald A Barkauskas
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Imanuel R Lerman
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Tobias Moeller-Bertram
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Clara Snijders
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Uzair Haji
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Piyush M Patel
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Thomas D Geracioti
- University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - George P Chrousos
- First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Dewleen G Baker
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego (UCSD), CA, USA.
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12
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Agorastos A, Pervanidou P, Chrousos GP, Baker DG. Developmental Trajectories of Early Life Stress and Trauma: A Narrative Review on Neurobiological Aspects Beyond Stress System Dysregulation. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:118. [PMID: 30914979 PMCID: PMC6421311 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life stressors display a high universal prevalence and constitute a major public health problem. Prolonged psychoneurobiological alterations as sequelae of early life stress (ELS) could represent a developmental risk factor and mediate risk for disease, leading to higher physical and mental morbidity rates in later life. ELS could exert a programming effect on sensitive neuronal brain networks related to the stress response during critical periods of development and thus lead to enduring hyper- or hypo-activation of the stress system and altered glucocorticoid signaling. In addition, alterations in emotional and autonomic reactivity, circadian rhythm disruption, functional and structural changes in the brain, as well as immune and metabolic dysregulation have been lately identified as important risk factors for a chronically impaired homeostatic balance after ELS. Furthermore, human genetic background and epigenetic modifications through stress-related gene expression could interact with these alterations and explain inter-individual variation in vulnerability or resilience to stress. This narrative review presents relevant evidence from mainly human research on the ten most acknowledged neurobiological allostatic pathways exerting enduring adverse effects of ELS even decades later (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, autonomic nervous system, immune system and inflammation, oxidative stress, cardiovascular system, gut microbiome, sleep and circadian system, genetics, epigenetics, structural, and functional brain correlates). Although most findings back a causal relation between ELS and psychobiological maladjustment in later life, the precise developmental trajectories and their temporal coincidence has not been elucidated as yet. Future studies should prospectively investigate putative mediators and their temporal sequence, while considering the potentially delayed time-frame for their phenotypical expression. Better screening strategies for ELS are needed for a better individual prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- II. Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dewleen G Baker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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Agorastos A, Nicolaides NC, Bozikas VP, Chrousos GP, Pervanidou P. Multilevel Interactions of Stress and Circadian System: Implications for Traumatic Stress. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:1003. [PMID: 32047446 PMCID: PMC6997541 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.01003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The dramatic fluctuations in energy demands by the rhythmic succession of night and day on our planet has prompted a geophysical evolutionary need for biological temporal organization across phylogeny. The intrinsic circadian timing system (CS) represents a highly conserved and sophisticated internal "clock," adjusted to the 24-h rotation period of the earth, enabling a nyctohemeral coordination of numerous physiologic processes, from gene expression to behavior. The human CS is tightly and bidirectionally interconnected to the stress system (SS). Both systems are fundamental for survival and regulate each other's activity in order to prepare the organism for the anticipated cyclic challenges. Thereby, the understanding of the temporal relationship between stressors and stress responses is critical for the comprehension of the molecular basis of physiology and pathogenesis of disease. A critical loss of the harmonious timed order at different organizational levels may affect the fundamental properties of neuroendocrine, immune, and autonomic systems, leading to a breakdown of biobehavioral adaptative mechanisms with increased stress sensitivity and vulnerability. In this review, following an overview of the functional components of the SS and CS, we present their multilevel interactions and discuss how traumatic stress can alter the interplay between the two systems. Circadian dysregulation after traumatic stress exposure may represent a core feature of trauma-related disorders mediating enduring neurobiological correlates of trauma through maladaptive stress regulation. Understanding the mechanisms susceptible to circadian dysregulation and their role in stress-related disorders could provide new insights into disease mechanisms, advancing psychochronobiological treatment possibilities and preventive strategies in stress-exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.,VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nicolas C Nicolaides
- First Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasilios P Bozikas
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- First Department of Pediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece.,Unit of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Unit of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Paul MA, Love RJ, Jetly R, Richardson JD, Lanius RA, Miller JC, MacDonald M, Rhind SG. Blunted Nocturnal Salivary Melatonin Secretion Profiles in Military-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:882. [PMID: 31866882 PMCID: PMC6910089 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Sleep disturbances are a hallmark of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet few studies have evaluated the role of dysregulated endogenous melatonin secretion in this condition. Methods: This study compared the sleep quality and nocturnal salivary melatonin profiles of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel diagnosed with PTSD, using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS score ≥50), with two healthy CAF control groups; comprising, a "light control" (LC) group with standardized evening light exposure and "normal control" (NC) group without light restriction. Participants were monitored for 1-week using wrist actigraphy to assess sleep quality, and 24-h salivary melatonin levels were measured (every 2h) by immunoassay on the penultimate day in a dim-light (< 5 lux) laboratory environment. Results: A repeated measures design showed that mean nocturnal melatonin concentrations for LC were higher than both NC (p = .03) and PTSD (p = .003) with no difference between PTSD and NC. Relative to PTSD, NC had significantly higher melatonin levels over a 4-h period (01 to 05 h), whereas the LC group had higher melatonin levels over an 8-h period (23 to 07 h). Actigraphic sleep quality parameters were not different between healthy controls and PTSD patients, likely due to the use of prescription sleep medications in the PTSD group. Conclusions: These results indicate that PTSD is associated with blunted nocturnal melatonin secretion, which is consistent with previous findings showing lower melatonin after exposure to trauma and suggestive of severe chronodisruption. Future studies targeting the melatonergic system for therapeutic intervention may be beneficial for treatment-resistant PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel A Paul
- Defence Research & Development Canada, Toronto Research Centre, Operational Health and Performance Section, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ryan J Love
- Defence Research & Development Canada, Toronto Research Centre, Operational Health and Performance Section, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Directorate of Mental Health, Canadian Forces Health Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - J Donald Richardson
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Operational Stress Injury Clinic, Parkwood Institute, London, ON, Canada.,MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Ruth A Lanius
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - James C Miller
- Department of Life Sciences, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, United States
| | - Michael MacDonald
- Directorate of Mental Health, Canadian Forces Health Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Shawn G Rhind
- Defence Research & Development Canada, Toronto Research Centre, Operational Health and Performance Section, Toronto, ON, Canada
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15
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Agorastos A, Pervanidou P, Chrousos GP, Kolaitis G. Early life stress and trauma: developmental neuroendocrine aspects of prolonged stress system dysregulation. Hormones (Athens) 2018; 17:507-520. [PMID: 30280316 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-018-0065-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Experience of early life stress (ELS) and trauma is highly prevalent in the general population and has a high public health impact, as it can trigger a health-related risk cascade and lead to impaired homeostatic balance and elevated cacostatic load even decades later. The prolonged neuropsychobiological impact of ELS can, thus, be conceptualized as a common developmental risk factor for disease associated with increased physical and mental morbidity in later life. ELS during critical periods of brain development with elevated neuroplasticity could exert a programming effect on particular neuronal networks related to the stress response and lead to enduring neuroendocrine alterations, i.e., hyper- or hypoactivation of the stress system, associated with adult hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and glucocorticoid signaling dysregulation. This paper reviews the pathophysiology of the human stress response and provides evidence from human research on the most acknowledged stress axis-related neuroendocrine pathways exerting the enduring adverse effects of ELS and mediating the cumulative long-term risk of disease vulnerability in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
- Thessaloniki General Hospital "G. Papanicolaou", Psychiatric Hospital of Thessaloniki, Lagkada Str. 196, Stavroupoli, 56430, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George P Chrousos
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Kolaitis
- Department of Child Psychiatry, School of Medicine, "Aghia Sophia" Children's Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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16
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Iyer A, Palaniappan P. Biological dysrhythm in remitted bipolar I disorder. Asian J Psychiatr 2017; 30:218-224. [PMID: 28559123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent treatment guidelines support treatment of biological rhythm abnormalities as a part of treatment of bipolar disorder, but still, literature examining various domains (Sleep, Activity, Social, and Eating) of biological rhythm and its clinical predictors are less. OBJECTIVES The main aim of our study is to compare various domains of biological rhythm among remitted bipolar I subjects and healthy controls. We also explored for any association between clinical variables and biological rhythm among bipolar subjects. METHODS 40 subjects with Bipolar I disorder and 40 healthy controls who met inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited for the study. Diagnoses were ascertained by a qualified psychiatrist using MINI 5.0. Sociodemographic details, biological rhythm (BRIAN-Biological Rhythm Interview of assessment in Neuropsychiatry) and Sleep functioning (PSQI- Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) were assessed in all subjects. RESULTS Mean age of the Bipolar subjects and controls were 41.25±11.84years and 38.25±11.25 years respectively. Bipolar subjects experienced more biological rhythm disturbance when compared to healthy controls (total BRIAN score being 34.25±9.36 vs 28.2±6.53) (p=0.002). Subsyndromal depressive symptoms (HDRS) had significant positive correlation with BRIAN global scores(r=0.368, p=0.02). Linear regression analysis showed that number of episodes which required hospitalization (β=0.601, t=3.106, P=0.004), PSQI (β=0.394, t=2.609, p=0.014), HDRS (β=0.376, t=2.34, t=0.036) explained 31% of variance in BRIAN scores in remitted bipolar subjects. CONCLUSION Biological rhythm disturbances seem to persist even after clinical remission of bipolar illness. More studies to look into the impact of subsyndromal depressive symptoms on biological rhythm are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Iyer
- PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (PSG IMS & R), Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Pradeep Palaniappan
- PSG Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (PSG IMS & R), Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. http://mailto:
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Abstract
Experience of early life stress (ELS) (childhood trauma, maltreatment, neglect, separation, physical and sexual abuse, parental loss and other severe anxiety/stress symptoms) is highly prevalent in the general population and constitutes a major public health problem (Gilbert et al., 2009). The objective of this paper is to review evidence on epidemiological risk factors, pathophysiological trajectories and neurobiological pathways exerting the enduring adverse effects of ELS and leading to compromised overall health in adulthood. Prolonged neuropsychobiological alterations as sequelae of early trauma could mediate the risk of disease in adulthood, and lead to cumulative disadvantages and increased physical and mental morbidity in later life. In particular, a higher risk of psychiatric disorders (e.g. depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other anxiety disorders) and their unfavourable outcomes (e.g. treatment resistance, suicide) has been associated with a history of ELS in several retrospective but also prospective studies, while the moderating interaction of ELS and pre-existing genetic vulnerability in these disorders has been extensively discussed in recent literature. Nevertheless, the chronic physical health consequences of childhood adversities may be as substantial as mental health consequences. Prior research suggests an association of ELS with cardiovascular, pulmonary and metabolic diseases, chronic inflammatory and pain syndromes, frequency of medical consultations and number of medical diagnoses. In addition, risk behaviour patterns such as substance use, and especially tobacco and alcohol consumption, are considered significantly increased in individuals with experience of ELS. Consequently, many studies have reported a negative impact of ELS on adult general mental and physical health-related quality of life, while recognizing the additive effect of the number or different types of childhood adversities is important for understanding their cumulative effect on later life adjustment (Agorastos, Pittman et al., 2014). The distinct impact of ELS may lie in enhanced plasticity mechanisms during this period that lead to persistent functional and epigenetic alterations and to higher allostatic load over time. Experience of ELS has been shown to lead to an increased neuroendocrine stress response and vulnerability to stress, hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis dysregulation, long-lasting alterations in emotional and psychophysiological reactivity, impaired adaptive functioning, malfunction of fear response circuits and structural changes in the central nervous system. ELS can also lead to epigenetic modifications in response to environmental influences through stress-related gene expression and, thus, play a central role in the long-term biological trajectories leading to stress-related disease, and may explain interindividual variation. In addition, ELS represents an independent risk factor for neuroendocrine–immunological abnormalities with the development, to some level, of a proinflammatory phenotype in adulthood. Finally, recent literature has focused on the potentially fundamental role of sleep and circadian rhythms in the development of ELS-related disorders. Central and peripheral circadian disruption after severe stress in childhood could engrave pathophysiological trajectories of ELS through impaired homeostatic balance, with overall neuroendocrine, immune, metabolic and autonomic dysregulation (Agorastos, Kellner et al., 2014). Taken together, persistent structural, functional and epigenetic changes in neural circuits after ELS could foster chronic chronodisruption and thus mediate the risk of disease and resilience in adults, following a distinct dose–response relationship. The long-term effects of ELS may be conceptualized as a common developmental risk factor triggering a health-related risk cascade with high public health impact. Future studies should focus on prospective investigation of potential predictors and mediators, their temporal sequence and combined effects at epidemiological, biological and epigenetic levels, while taking into account the potentially delayed time-frame for the expression of their effects. Screening strategies for ELS need to be improved, as they would help to identify an individual’s risk level for disease development and predict the response to treatment, towards a better understanding of the relationship between gene and environmental exposures that impacts resilience.
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Dayan J, Rauchs G, Guillery-Girard B. Rhythms dysregulation: A new perspective for understanding PTSD? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 110:453-460. [PMID: 28161453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphysparis.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex syndrome that may occur after exposure to one or more traumatic events. It associates physiological, emotional, and cognitive changes Brain and hormonal modifications contribute to some impairments in learning, memory, and emotion regulation. Some of these biological dysfunctions may be analyzed in terms of rhythms dysregulation that would be expressed through endocrine rhythmicity, sleep organization, and temporal synchrony in brain activity. In the first part of this article, we report studies on endocrine rhythmicity revealing that some rhythms abnormalities are frequently observed, although not constantly, for both cortisol and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity. The most typical changes are a flattening of the diurnal secretion of cortisol and the hyperactivation of the SNS. These results may explain why cognitive functioning, in particular consolidation of emotional memories, attention, learning, vigilance and arousal, is altered in patients with PTSD. The second part of this article focuses on sleep disturbances, one of the core features of PTSD. Abnormal REM sleep reported in various studies may have a pathophysiological role in PTSD and may exacerbate some symptoms such as emotional regulation and memory. In addition, sleep disorders, such as paradoxical insomnia, increase the risk of developing PTSD. We also discuss the potential impact of sleep disturbances on cognition. Finally, temporal synchrony of brain activity and functional connectivity, explored using electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging, are addressed. Several studies reported abnormalities in alpha, beta and gamma frequency bands that may affect both attentional and memory processes. Other studies confirmed abnormalities in connectivity and recent fMRI data suggest that this could limit top-down control and may be associated with flashback intrusive memories. These data illustrate that a better knowledge of the different patterns of biological rhythms contributes to explain the heterogeneity of PTSD and shed new light on the association with some frequent medical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Dayan
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, 14000 Caen, France; CHGR Rennes-I, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Rennes, France.
| | - Géraldine Rauchs
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, 14000 Caen, France
| | - Bérengère Guillery-Girard
- Normandie Univ, UNICAEN, PSL Research University, EPHE, INSERM, U1077, CHU de Caen, Neuropsychologie et Imagerie de la Mémoire Humaine, 14000 Caen, France
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19
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Agorastos A, Linthorst ACE. Potential pleiotropic beneficial effects of adjuvant melatonergic treatment in posttraumatic stress disorder. J Pineal Res 2016; 61:3-26. [PMID: 27061919 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Loss of circadian rhythmicity fundamentally affects the neuroendocrine, immune, and autonomic system, similar to chronic stress and may play a central role in the development of stress-related disorders. Recent articles have focused on the role of sleep and circadian disruption in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that chronodisruption plays a causal role in PTSD development. Direct and indirect human and animal PTSD research suggests circadian system-linked neuroendocrine, immune, metabolic and autonomic dysregulation, linking circadian misalignment to PTSD pathophysiology. Recent experimental findings also support a specific role of the fundamental synchronizing pineal hormone melatonin in mechanisms of sleep, cognition and memory, metabolism, pain, neuroimmunomodulation, stress endocrinology and physiology, circadian gene expression, oxidative stress and epigenetics, all processes affected in PTSD. In the current paper, we review available literature underpinning a potentially beneficiary role of an add-on melatonergic treatment in PTSD pathophysiology and PTSD-related symptoms. The literature is presented as a narrative review, providing an overview on the most important and clinically relevant publications. We conclude that adjuvant melatonergic treatment could provide a potentially promising treatment strategy in the management of PTSD and especially PTSD-related syndromes and comorbidities. Rigorous preclinical and clinical studies are needed to validate this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agorastos Agorastos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Astrid C E Linthorst
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Neurobiology of Stress and Behaviour Research Group, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Marco EM, Velarde E, Llorente R, Laviola G. Disrupted Circadian Rhythm as a Common Player in Developmental Models of Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2016; 29:155-181. [PMID: 26728169 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2015_419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The environment in which individuals develop and mature is critical for their physiological and psychological outcome; in particular, the intrauterine environment has reached far more clinical relevance given its potential influence on shaping brain function and thus mental health. Gestational stress and/or maternal infection during pregnancy has been related with an increased incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and schizophrenia. In this framework, the use of animal models has allowed a formal and deep investigation of causal determinants. Despite disruption of circadian clocks often represents a hallmark of several neuropsychiatric disorders, the relationship between disruption of brain development and the circadian system has been scarcely investigated. Nowadays, there is an increasing amount of studies suggesting a link between circadian system malfunction, early-life insults and the appearance of neuropsychiatric diseases at adulthood. Here, we briefly review evidence from clinical literature and animal models suggesting that the exposure to prenatal insults, i.e. severe gestational stress or maternal immune activation, changes the foetal hormonal milieu increasing the circulating levels of both glucocorticoids and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These two biological events have been reported to affect genes expression in experimental models and critically interfere with brain development triggering and/or exacerbating behavioural anomalies in the offspring. Herein, we highlight the importance to unravel the individual components of the body circadian system that might also be altered by prenatal insults and that may be causally associated with the disruption of neural and endocrine developmental programming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva M Marco
- Department Physiology (Animal Physiology II), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM), 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Elena Velarde
- Department Basic Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Europea (UE), Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Llorente
- Department Basic Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Europea (UE), Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Giovanni Laviola
- Section of Behavioral Neuroscience, Department Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in 5-10% of the population and is twice as common in women as in men. Although trauma exposure is the precipitating event for PTSD to develop, biological and psychosocial risk factors are increasingly viewed as predictors of symptom onset, severity and chronicity. PTSD affects multiple biological systems, such as brain circuitry and neurochemistry, and cellular, immune, endocrine and metabolic function. Treatment approaches involve a combination of medications and psychotherapy, with psychotherapy overall showing greatest efficacy. Studies of PTSD pathophysiology initially focused on the psychophysiology and neurobiology of stress responses, and the acquisition and the extinction of fear memories. However, increasing emphasis is being placed on identifying factors that explain individual differences in responses to trauma and promotion of resilience, such as genetic and social factors, brain developmental processes, cumulative biological and psychological effects of early childhood and other stressful lifetime events. The field of PTSD is currently challenged by fluctuations in diagnostic criteria, which have implications for epidemiological, biological, genetic and treatment studies. However, the advent of new biological methodologies offers the possibility of large-scale approaches to heterogeneous and genetically complex brain disorders, and provides optimism that individualized approaches to diagnosis and treatment will be discovered.
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