1
|
Bortolato M, Braccagni G, Pederson CA, Floris G, Fite PJ. "Weeding out" violence? Translational perspectives on the neuropsychobiological links between cannabis and aggression. AGGRESSION AND VIOLENT BEHAVIOR 2024; 78:101948. [PMID: 38828012 PMCID: PMC11141739 DOI: 10.1016/j.avb.2024.101948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent shifts in societal attitudes towards cannabis have led to a dramatic increase in consumption rates in many Western countries, particularly among young people. This trend has shed light on a significant link between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and pathological reactive aggression, a condition involving disproportionate aggressive and violent reactions to minor provocations. The discourse on the connection between cannabis use and aggression is frequently enmeshed in political and legal discussions, leading to a polarized understanding of the causative relationship between cannabis use and aggression. However, integrative analyses from both human and animal research indicate a complex, bidirectional interplay between cannabis misuse and pathological aggression. On the one hand, emerging research reveals a shared genetic and environmental predisposition for both cannabis use and aggression, suggesting a common underlying biological mechanism. On the other hand, there is evidence that cannabis consumption can lead to violent behaviors while also being used as a self-medication strategy to mitigate the negative emotions associated with pathological reactive aggression. This suggests that the coexistence of pathological aggression and CUD may result from overlapping vulnerabilities, potentially creating a self-perpetuating cycle where each condition exacerbates the other, escalating into externalizing and violent behaviors. This article aims to synthesize existing research on the intricate connections between these issues and propose a theoretical model to explain the neurobiological mechanisms underpinning this complex relationship.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| | - Giulia Braccagni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Casey A. Pederson
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Gabriele Floris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Center for Substance Abuse Research, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neural Sciences, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paula J. Fite
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
- Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Elam KK, Bountress KE, Ha T, Shaw DS, Wilson MN, Aliev F, Dick DM, Lemery-Chalfant K. Developmental genetic effects on externalizing behavior and alcohol use: Examination across two longitudinal samples. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:82-91. [PMID: 35983793 PMCID: PMC9938843 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422000980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Externalizing behavior in early adolescence is associated with alcohol use in adolescence and early adulthood and these behaviors often emerge as part of a developmental sequence. This pattern can be the result of heterotypic continuity, in which different behaviors emerge over time based on an underlying shared etiology. In particular, there is largely a shared genetic etiology underlying externalizing and substance use behaviors. We examined whether polygenic risk for alcohol use disorder predicted (1) externalizing behavior in early adolescence and alcohol use in adolescence in the Early Steps Multisite sample and (2) externalizing behavior in adolescence and alcohol use in early adulthood in the Project Alliance 1 (PAL1) sample. We examined associations separately for African Americans and European Americans. When examining European Americans in the Early Steps sample, greater polygenic risk was associated with externalizing behavior in early adolescence. In European Americans in PAL1, we found greater polygenic risk was associated with alcohol use in early adulthood. Effects were largely absent in African Americans in both samples. Results imply that genetic predisposition for alcohol use disorder may increase risk for externalizing and alcohol use as these behaviors emerge developmentally.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kit K. Elam
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, 1025 E. 7 St., Suite 116, Bloomington, IN 47405
| | - Kaitlin E. Bountress
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Thao Ha
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University
| | | | | | - Fazil Aliev
- Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
| | - Danielle M. Dick
- Department of Psychiatry, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Li G, Chen Y, Chaudhary S, Tang X, Li CSR. Loss and Frontal Striatal Reactivities Characterize Alcohol Use Severity and Rule-Breaking Behavior in Young Adult Drinkers. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2022; 7:1007-1016. [PMID: 35709958 PMCID: PMC10249655 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol misuse is associated with externalizing behaviors, including rule breaking. Studies have implicated altered reward processing in externalizing behaviors and alcohol misuse. Here, we investigated whether reward or punishment reactivity more significantly influenced alcohol use severity and rule-breaking behavior in young adult drinkers. METHODS We curated data from the Human Connectome Project and identified 181 binge (132 men) and 288 nonbinge (97 men) drinkers performing a gambling task during brain imaging. Alcohol use severity was quantified by the first principal component of principal-component analysis of all drinking measures. We analyzed the imaging data using published routines and evaluated the results at a corrected threshold. We examined the interrelationship between imaging and clinical metrics with mediation and path analyses. RESULTS Compared with nonbingers, bingers showed more severe rule-breaking behavior and responded significantly faster during post-loss than during post-win trials. Compared with nonbingers, bingers demonstrated greater inferior/middle frontal gyrus and cerebellum activations in loss-predominating blocks but no differences in regional responses to win-predominating blocks, relative to an interblock baseline. The right caudate body showed loss reactivity that was positively correlated with the rule-breaking score. No regional responses to wins were significantly correlated with the rule-breaking score. Mediation and path analyses demonstrated significant models with inferior/middle frontal gyrus and caudate reactivity to loss interrelating rule breaking and alcohol use severity. CONCLUSIONS Punishment rather than reward reactivity was associated with alcohol use severity and rule breaking in young adults. The findings highlight the roles of negative emotions in psychological models of externalizing behaviors and alcohol misuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangfei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Environment and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China; Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Shefali Chaudhary
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Xiaoying Tang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Beijing Institute of Technology, Beijing, China.
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Schlomer GL, Cleveland HH, Feinberg ME, Murray JL, Vandenbergh DJ. Longitudinal Links between Adolescent and Peer Conduct Problems and Moderation by a Sensitivity Genetic Index. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2021; 31:189-203. [PMID: 33128845 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The most extensively studied influence on adolescent conduct problem behaviors is peers, and the literature points to genetics as one source of individual differences in peer influence. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that an environmental sensitivity genetic index comprised of DRD4, 5-HTTLPR, and GABRA2 variation would moderate the association between peer and adolescent conduct problems. Latent growth modeling was applied to PROSPER project longitudinal data from adolescents and their peers. Results showed the hypothesis was supported; adolescents with more copies of putative sensitivity alleles were more strongly influenced by their peers. The interaction form was consistent with differential susceptibility in follow-up analyses. Strengths and weaknesses of genetic aggregates for sensitivity research are discussed.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang K, Duan Y, Duan W, Yu Y, Zheng N, Hu J, He J, Chen H, Liang M. Bibliometric Insights in Genetic Factors of Substance-Related Disorders: Intellectual Developments, Turning Points, and Emerging Trends. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:620489. [PMID: 34135780 PMCID: PMC8200466 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.620489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Substance-related disorders are a group of medical conditions that affect a person's brain and behavior and lead to an inability to control the use of legal or illegal drug(s) or medication. Substance-related disorder is a serious public health and society problem worldwide. Genetic factors have been proven to have an important role. Researchers have carried out a lot of work in this field, and a large number of research results have been published in academic journals around the world. However, there are few overviews of research progress, presentation, and development trends in this field. In this study, a total of 636 articles related to genetic factors of substance-related disorders were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database from 1997 to 2018, and the scientific literatures were analyzed by bibliometrics. The study found that the United States (US) has maintained a leading position in the field of research, with many core institutions and plenty of high-quality research results. Alcohol use disorder is still the most concerning issue in this field. Over the past 20 years, new techniques such as genome-wide association study (GWAS) based on high-throughput sequencing technology have replaced family studies, twin studies, and retrospective studies in this field. We believe that it is urgent to study the genetic factors of substance-related disorders, which can greatly deepen the understanding of the pathogenesis of substance-related disorders and may provide potential targets for precise treatment of such diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kang Wang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yijie Duan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weicheng Duan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuxin Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jin Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jia He
- Department of Public Health, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, China
| | - Haihong Chen
- School of Health Policy and Management, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Man Liang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Childhood adversity, externalizing behavior, and substance use in adolescence: Mediating effects of anterior cingulate cortex activation during inhibitory errors. Dev Psychopathol 2020; 31:1439-1450. [PMID: 30585564 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579418001025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Childhood adversity can negatively impact development across various domains, including physical and mental health. Adverse childhood experiences have been linked to aggression and substance use; however, developmental pathways to explain these associations are not well characterized. Understanding early precursors to later problem behavior and substance use can inform preventive interventions. The aim of the current study was to examine neurobiological pathways through which childhood adversity may lead to early adolescent problem behavior and substance use in late adolescence by testing two prospective models. Our first model found that early adolescent externalizing behavior mediates the association between childhood adversity and alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use in late adolescence. Our second model found that activation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) during an inhibitory control task mediates the association between childhood adversity and early adolescent externalizing behavior, with lower ACC activation associated with higher levels of adversity and more externalizing behavior. Together these findings indicate that the path to substance use in late adolescence from childhood adversity may operate through lower functioning in the ACC related to inhibitory control and externalizing behavior. Early life stressors should be considered an integral component in the etiology and prevention of early and problematic substance use.
Collapse
|
7
|
Time-varying Effects of GABRG1 and Maladaptive Peer Behavior on Externalizing Behavior from Childhood to Adulthood: Testing Gene × Environment × Development Effects. J Youth Adolesc 2019; 49:1351-1364. [PMID: 31786770 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-019-01171-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Engagement in externalizing behavior is problematic. Deviant peer affiliation increases risk for externalizing behavior. Yet, peer effects vary across individuals and may differ across genes. This study determines gene × environment × development interactions as they apply to externalizing behavior from childhood to adulthood. A sample (n = 687; 68% male, 90% White) of youth from the Michigan Longitudinal Study was assessed from ages 10 to 25. Interactions between γ-amino butyric acid type A receptor γ1 subunit (GABRG1; rs7683876, rs13120165) and maladaptive peer behavior on externalizing behavior were examined using time-varying effect modeling. The findings indicate a sequential risk gradient in the influence of maladaptive peer behavior on externalizing behavior depending on the number of G alleles during childhood through adulthood. Individuals with the GG genotype are most vulnerable to maladaptive peer influences, which results in greater externalizing behavior during late childhood through early adulthood.
Collapse
|
8
|
Trucco EM, Madan B, Villar M. The Impact of Genes on Adolescent Substance Use: A Developmental Perspective. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2019; 6:522-531. [PMID: 31929960 DOI: 10.1007/s40429-019-00273-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This review discusses the importance of understanding the impact of genetic factors on adolescent substance use within a developmental framework. Methods for identifying genetic factors, relevant endophenotypes and intermediate phenotypes, and gene-environment interplay effects will be reviewed. Findings Prior work supports the role of polygenic variation on adolescent substance use. Mechanisms through which genes impact adolescent phenotypes consist of differences in neural structure and function, early temperamental differences, and problem behavior. Gene-environment interactions are characterized by increased vulnerability to both maladaptive and adaptive contexts. Summary Developmental considerations in genetic investigations highlight the critical role that polygenic variation has on adolescent substance use. Yet, determining what to do with this information, especially in terms of personalized medicine, poses ethical and logistic challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa M Trucco
- Florida International University, Psychology Department, Center for Children and Families, 11200 SW 8 Street, AHC-1, Miami, FL 33199
| | - Brigitte Madan
- Florida International University, Center for Children and Families, 11200 SW 8 Street, AHC-4, Miami, FL 33199
| | - Michelle Villar
- Florida International University, Center for Children and Families, 11200 SW 8 Street, AHC-1, Miami, FL 33199
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Russell MA, Schlomer GL, Cleveland HH, Feinberg ME, Greenberg MT, Spoth RL, Redmond C, Vandenbergh DJ. PROSPER Intervention Effects on Adolescents' Alcohol Misuse Vary by GABRA2 Genotype and Age. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2019; 19:27-37. [PMID: 28185103 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-017-0751-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Preventive intervention effects on adolescent alcohol misuse may differ based on genotypes in gene-by-intervention (G x I) interactions, and these G x I interactions may vary as a function of age. The current study uses a novel statistical method, time-varying effect modeling (TVEM), to test an age-varying interaction between a single nucleotide polymorphism in the GABRA2 gene (rs279845) and a preventive intervention in predicting alcohol misuse in a longitudinal study of adolescents (ages 11-20). The preventive intervention was PROSPER, a community-based system for delivery of family and school programs selected from a menu of evidence-based interventions. TVEM results revealed a significant age-varying GABRA2 x intervention interaction from ages 12 to 18, with the peak effect size seen around age 13 (IRR = 0.50). The intervention significantly reduced alcohol misuse for adolescents with the GABRA2 TT genotype from ages 12.5 to 17 but did not reduce alcohol use for adolescents with the GABRA2 A allele at any age. Differences in intervention effects by GABRA2 genotype were most pronounced from ages 13 to 16-a period when drinking is associated with increased risk for alcohol use disorder. Our findings provide additional evidence that intervention effects on adolescent alcohol misuse may differ by genotype, and provide novel evidence that the interaction between GABRA2 and intervention effects on alcohol use may vary with age. Implications for interventions targeting adolescent alcohol misuse are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Russell
- The Pennsylvania State University, 404 Health and Human Development Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
| | | | | | - Mark E Feinberg
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Mark T Greenberg
- The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schlomer GL, Cleveland HH, Deutsch AR, Vandenbergh DJ, Feinberg ME, Greenberg MT, Spoth RL, Redmond C. Developmental Change in Adolescent Delinquency: Modeling Time-Varying Effects of a Preventative Intervention and GABRA2 Halpotype Linked to Alcohol Use. J Youth Adolesc 2019; 48:71-85. [PMID: 30244312 PMCID: PMC10507654 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-018-0929-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Better integrating human developmental factors in genomic research is part of a set of next steps for testing gene-by-environment interaction hypotheses. This study adds to this work by extending prior research using time-varying effect modeling (TVEM) to evaluate the longitudinal associations between the PROSPER preventive intervention delivery system, a GABRA2 haplotype linked to alcohol use, and their interaction on adolescent delinquency. Logistic and Poisson analyses on eight waves of data spanning ages 11 to 19 (60% female, 90% Caucasian) showed the intervention reduced delinquency from ages 13 to 16. Moreover, interaction analysis revealed that the effect of the multicomponent intervention was significantly greater for T-allele carriers of the GABRA2 SNP rs279845, but only during the 13 to 16 age period. The results are discussed in terms of adolescent delinquency normativeness, implications for preventive intervention research, and the utility of incorporating development in GxE research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel L Schlomer
- Division of Educational Psychology and Methodology, University at Albany, State University of New York, Albany, NY, USA.
| | - H Harrington Cleveland
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | | | - David J Vandenbergh
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Huck Institute for the Neurosciences, Molecular Cellular & Integrative Biosciences Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Mark E Feinberg
- Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Mark T Greenberg
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Prevention Research Center, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Richard L Spoth
- Partnerships in Prevention Science Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Cleve Redmond
- Partnerships in Prevention Science Institute, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ang RP, Huan VS, Li X, Chan WT. Functions of Aggression and Delinquency: The Moderating Role of Parent Criminality and Friends' Gang Membership. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2018; 33:3531-3550. [PMID: 26940351 DOI: 10.1177/0886260516636066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study examined the relationships between two functions of aggression (i.e., reactive and proactive) and delinquency, including the moderating effects of parent criminality and friends' gang membership, in a sample of 1,027 Singaporean adolescents from Grade 7 to Grade 9, with age ranging from 12 to 19 years ( M = 14.10, SD = 1.15). Findings suggested that both reactive aggression and proactive aggression significantly and positively predicted delinquency (after controlling for proactive aggression and reactive aggression, respectively), with proactive aggression being a stronger predictor. Friends' gang membership was found to moderate the relationship between reactive aggression and delinquency, and proactive aggression and delinquency, with stronger moderator effects for the latter. Those who were aggressive proactively and who had friends in a gang appear to be impacted most negatively with respect to delinquency. Parent criminality did not moderate these relationships. These findings highlight the need to effectively address the issues of child and adolescent aggression. Also, developing positive peer relations early is crucial for delinquency prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P Ang
- 1 National Institue of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Vivien S Huan
- 1 National Institue of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Xiang Li
- 1 National Institue of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Wei Teng Chan
- 1 National Institue of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Trucco EM, Cope LM, Burmeister M, Zucker RA, Heitzeg MM. Pathways to Youth Behavior: The Role of Genetic, Neural, and Behavioral Markers. JOURNAL OF RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RESEARCH ON ADOLESCENCE 2018; 28:26-39. [PMID: 29460350 PMCID: PMC5823277 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Neural and temperamental mechanisms through which a genetic risk marker in the γ-amino butyric acid α2 receptor subunit (GABRA2) impacts adolescent functioning were investigated. Participants (N = 80; 29 female) completed an emotional word task during functional magnetic resonance imaging. Behavioral control, negative emotionality, and resiliency temperament constructs were assessed. Externalizing and internalizing problems were the outcomes. Those with the GABRA2 minor allele had reduced activation to positive words in the angular gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, and cerebellum, and to negative words in frontal, parietal, and occipital cortices. Reduced activation in the angular gyrus predicted greater negative emotionality and, in turn, elevated externalizing problems. Reduced activation in the inferior parietal cortex predicted greater resiliency and, in turn, low externalizing problems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa M. Trucco
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, USA
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, USA
- Addiction Center, University of Michigan, USA
| | - Lora M. Cope
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, USA
- Addiction Center, University of Michigan, USA
| | - Margit Burmeister
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, USA
- Molecular & Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine & Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, USA
| | - Robert A. Zucker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, USA
- Addiction Center, University of Michigan, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, USA
| | - Mary M. Heitzeg
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, USA
- Addiction Center, University of Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Trucco EM, Villafuerte S, Hussong A, Burmeister M, Zucker RA. Biological underpinnings of an internalizing pathway to alcohol, cigarette, and marijuana use. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 127:79-91. [PMID: 29172598 PMCID: PMC5785427 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
There is a limited understanding as to how specific genes impact addiction risk. Applying a developmental framework and research domain criteria (RDoC) to identify etiological pathways from genetic markers to addiction may have utility. Prior research has largely focused on externalizing pathways to substance use. Although internalizing mechanisms have received less attention, there is strong support that addiction is a longer term consequence of using substances to cope with internalizing as well as externalizing problems. This study tests whether temperament and depression mediate the association between specific genetic variants and substance use. The sample consisted of 426 adolescents from the Michigan Longitudinal Study (70.9% boys, 84.0% White). Four specific genetic variants were examined: SLC6A4 (5HTTLPR), BDNF (rs6265), NPY (rs3037354), and CRHBP (rs7728378). Childhood resiliency and behavioral control were examined as potential mediators, in addition to early adolescent depression, using a multiple-mediator path model. Resiliency and depression were supported as mediators in the association between genetic risk and later substance use. Important differences emerged across substances of abuse. Indirect effects via depression were not significant with the inclusion of aggression. Early difficulties with emotional coping may represent nonspecific neurobiological underpinnings for an internalizing pathway to addiction. (PsycINFO Database Record
Collapse
|
14
|
Elam KK, Chassin L, Lemery-Chalfant K, Pandika D, Wang FL, Bountress K, Dick D, Agrawal A. Affiliation with substance-using peers: Examining gene-environment correlations among parent monitoring, polygenic risk, and children's impulsivity. Dev Psychobiol 2017; 59:561-573. [PMID: 28561888 PMCID: PMC6035731 DOI: 10.1002/dev.21529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Parental monitoring can buffer the effect of deviant peers on adolescents' substance use by reducing affiliation with substance-using peers. However, children's genetic predispositions may evoke poorer monitoring, contributing to negative child outcomes. We examined evocative genotype-environment correlations underlying children's genetic predisposition for behavioral undercontrol and parental monitoring in early adolescence via children's impulsivity in middle childhood, and the influence of parental monitoring on affiliation with substance-using peers a year and a half later (n = 359). Genetic predisposition for behavioral undercontrol was captured using a polygenic risk score, and a portion of passive rGE was controlled by including parents' polygenic risk scores. Children's polygenic risk predicted poorer parental monitoring via greater children's impulsivity, indicating evocative rGE, controlling for a portion of passive rGE. Poorer parental monitoring predicted greater children's affiliation with substance-using peers a year and a half later. Results are discussed with respect to gene-environment correlations within developmental cascades.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kit K. Elam
- T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Laurie Chassin
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | | | - Danielle Pandika
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
| | - Frances L. Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Kaitlin Bountress
- National Crime Victims Research & Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Danielle Dick
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Arpana Agrawal
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, Missouri
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Jester JM, Buu A, Zucker RA. Longitudinal phenotypes for alcoholism: Heterogeneity of course, early identifiers, and life course correlates. Dev Psychopathol 2016; 28:1531-1546. [PMID: 26652050 PMCID: PMC5091665 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579415001157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholism is a heterogeneous disorder; however, characterization of life-course variations in symptomatology is almost nonexistent, and developmentally early predictors of variations are very poorly characterized. In this study, the course of alcoholic symptomatology over 32 years is differentiated, and predictors and covariates of trajectory class membership are identified. A community sample of alcoholic and neighborhood matched control families, 332 men and 336 women, was recruited based on alcoholism in the men. Symptoms were assessed retrospectively at baseline (mean age = 32) back to age 15 and prospectively from baseline every 3 years for 15 years. Trajectory classes were established using growth mixture modeling. Men and women had very similarly shaped trajectory classes: developmentally limited (men: 29%, women: 42%), developmentally cumulative (men: 26%, women: 38%), young adult onset (men: 31%, women: 21%), and early onset severe (men: 13%). Three factors at age 15 predicted class membership: family history of alcoholism, age 15 symptoms, and level of childhood antisocial behavior. Numerous measures of drinking and other psychopathology were also associated with class membership. The findings suggest that clinical assessments can be crafted where the profile of current and historical information can predict not only severity of prognosis but also future moderation of symptoms and/or remission over intervals as long as decades.
Collapse
|
16
|
Stephens DN, King SL, Lambert JJ, Belelli D, Duka T. GABAAreceptor subtype involvement in addictive behaviour. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 16:149-184. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - S. L. King
- School of Psychology; University of Sussex; Brighton UK
| | - J. J. Lambert
- Division of Neuroscience; University of Dundee; Dundee UK
| | - D. Belelli
- Division of Neuroscience; University of Dundee; Dundee UK
| | - T. Duka
- School of Psychology; University of Sussex; Brighton UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Beyond risk: Prospective effects of GABA Receptor Subunit Alpha-2 (GABRA2) × Positive Peer Involvement on adolescent behavior. Dev Psychopathol 2016; 29:711-724. [PMID: 27581089 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579416000419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Research on Gene × Environment interactions typically focuses on maladaptive contexts and outcomes. However, the same genetic factors may also impact susceptibility to positive social contexts, leading to adaptive behavior. This paper examines whether the GABA receptor subunit alpha-2 (GABRA2) single nucleotide polymorphism rs279858 moderates the influence of positive peer affiliation on externalizing behavior and various forms of competence. Regions of significance were calculated to determine whether the form of the interaction supported differential susceptibility (increased sensitivity to both low and high positive peer affiliation) or vantage sensitivity (increased sensitivity to high positive peer affiliation). It was hypothesized that those carrying the homozygous minor allele (GG) would be more susceptible to peer effects. A sample (n = 300) of primarily male (69.7%) and White (93.0%) adolescents from the Michigan Longitudinal Study was assessed from ages 12 to 17. There was evidence for prospective Gene × Environment interactions in three of the four models. At low levels of positive peer involvement, those with the GG genotype were rated as having fewer adaptive outcomes, while at high levels they were rated as having greater adaptive outcomes. This supports differential susceptibility. Conceptualizing GABRA2 variants as purely risk factors may be inaccurate. Genetic differences in susceptibility to adaptive environmental exposures warrants further investigation.
Collapse
|
18
|
Trucco EM, Hicks BM, Villafuerte S, Nigg JT, Burmeister M, Zucker RA. Temperament and externalizing behavior as mediators of genetic risk on adolescent substance use. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY 2016; 125:565-75. [PMID: 26845260 DOI: 10.1037/abn0000143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Understanding how specific genes contribute to risk for addiction remains challenging. This study tests whether childhood temperament and externalizing behavior in early adolescence account for a portion of the association between specific genetic variants and substance use problems in late adolescence. The sample consisted of 487 adolescents from the Michigan Longitudinal Study, a high-risk sample (70.2% male, 81.7% European American ancestry). Polymorphisms across serotonergic (SLC6A4, 5-HTTLPR), dopaminergic (DRD4, u-VNTR), noradrenergic (SLC6A2, rs36021), and GABAergic (GABRA2, rs279858; GABRA6, rs3811995) genes were examined given prior support for associations with temperament, externalizing behavior, and substance use problems. The temperament traits behavioral control and resiliency were assessed using interviewer ratings (ages 9-11), and externalizing behavior (ages 12-14) was assessed using teacher ratings. Self-reported substance use outcomes (ages 15-17) included maximum alcoholic beverages consumed in 24 hours, and frequency of past year cigarette and marijuana use. Behavioral control, resiliency, and externalizing behavior accounted for the associations between polymorphisms in noradrenergic and GABAergic genes and substance use in late adolescence. Individual differences in emotional coping and behavioral regulation represent nonspecific neurobiological underpinnings for an externalizing pathway to addiction. (PsycINFO Database Record
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joel T Nigg
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health and Science University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang FL, Chassin L, Geiser C, Lemery-Chalfant K. Mechanisms in the relation between GABRA2 and adolescent externalizing problems. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2016; 25:67-80. [PMID: 25804982 PMCID: PMC4583314 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-015-0703-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Conduct problems, alcohol problems and hyperactive-inattentive symptoms co-occur at a high rate and are heritable in adolescence. The γ-aminobutyric acid A receptor, α2 gene (GABRA2) is associated with a broad spectrum of externalizing problems and disinhibitory-related traits. The current study tested whether two important forms of disinhibition in adolescence, impulsivity and sensation seeking, mediated the effects of GABRA2 on hyperactive-inattentive symptoms, conduct problems, and alcohol problems. Participants were assessed at two waves (11-17 and 12-18 years old; N = 292). Analyses used the GABRA2 SNP, rs279858, which tags the two complementary (yin-yang) GABRA2 haplotypes. Multiple informants reported on adolescents' impulsivity and sensation seeking and adolescents self-reported their hyperactive-inattentive symptoms, conduct problems and lifetime alcohol problems. Impulsivity mediated the effect of GABRA2 on alcohol problems, hyperactive-inattentive symptoms, and conduct problems, whereas sensation seeking mediated the effect of GABRA2 on alcohol problems (AA/AG genotypes conferred risk). GABRA2 directly predicted adolescent alcohol problems, but the GG genotype conferred risk. Results suggest that there may be multiple pathways of risk from GABRA2 to adolescent externalizing problems, and suggest important avenues for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frances L Wang
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave, P.O. Box 871104, Tempe, AZ, 85287-1104, USA.
| | - Laurie Chassin
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave, P.O. Box 871104, Tempe, AZ, 85287-1104, USA
| | - Christian Geiser
- Department of Psychology, Utah State University, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322-2810, USA
| | - Kathryn Lemery-Chalfant
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, 950 S. McAllister Ave, P.O. Box 871104, Tempe, AZ, 85287-1104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Alcohol use and alcohol use disorders are substantially heritable. Variants in genes coding for alcohol metabolic enzymes have long been known to influence consumption. More recent studies in family-based samples have implicated GABRA2, nicotinic receptor genes such as CHRNB3, and a number of other specific single genes as associated with alcohol use disorders. The growing use of genetic analyses, in particular studies using polygenic risk scores; neurobiologic pathways; and methods for quantifying gene × gene and gene × environment interactions have also contributed to an evolving understanding of the genetic architecture of alcohol use disorders. Additionally, the study of behavioral traits associated with alcohol dependence such as impulsivity and sensation seeking, and the influences of demographic factors (i.e., sex and ethnicity) have significantly enhanced the genetics of alcoholism literature. This article provides a brief overview of the current topically relevant findings in the field to date and includes areas of research still requiring attention.
Collapse
|
21
|
Bauer LO. Who gains? Genetic and neurophysiological correlates of BMI gain upon college entry in women. Appetite 2014; 82:160-5. [PMID: 25049133 PMCID: PMC4171201 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2014.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The present investigation examined P3 event-related electroencephalographic potentials and a short and selected list of addiction-related candidate gene single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within 84 female students, aged 18-20 yrs. The students were assigned to groups defined by the presence versus absence of a positive body mass index (BMI) change from the pre-college physical exam to the current day. Analyses revealed significantly greater P3 latencies and reduced P3 amplitudes during a response inhibition task among students who exhibited a BMI gain. BMI gain was also significantly associated with a ANKK1 SNP previously implicated in substance dependence risk. In logistic regression analyses, P3 latencies at the frontal electrode and this ANKK1 genotype correctly classified 71.1% of the students into the BMI groups. The present findings suggest that heritable indicators of impaired response inhibition can differentiate students who may be on a path toward an overweight or obese body mass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lance O Bauer
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT 06030-2103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|