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Raskin SA, DeJoie O, Edwards C, Ouchida C, Moran J, White O, Mordasiewicz M, Anika D, Njoku B. Traumatic brain injury screening and neuropsychological functioning in women who experience intimate partner violence. Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 38:354-376. [PMID: 37222525 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2023.2215489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective: The potential for traumatic brain injury (TBI) to occur as the result of intimate partner violence (IPV) has received increased interest in recent years. This study sought to investigate the possible occurrence of TBI in a group of women who survived IPV and to measure the specific profile of cognitive deficits using standardized neuropsychological measures. Method: A comprehensive questionnaire about abuse history; neuropsychological measures of attention, memory and executive functioning; and measures of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder were given to women who were IPV survivors, women who were sexual assault (SA) survivors, and a comparison group of women who did not experience IPV or SA. Results: Overall, rates of potential TBI, as measured by the HELPS brain injury screening tool, were high and consistent with previous studies. Consistent with potential TBI, lower scores were demonstrated on measures of memory and executive functioning compared to survivors of SA or those not exposed to violence. Importantly, significant differences on measures of memory and executive functioning remained, after controlling for measures of emotion. Of note, cognitive changes were highest among women who experienced non-fatal strangulation (NFS) compared to IPV survivors who did not. Conclusions: Rates of TBI may be high in women who survive IPV, especially those who survive strangulation. Better screening measures and appropriate interventions are needed as well as larger studies that look at social factors associated with IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Raskin
- Department of Psychology, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, USA
| | | | | | - Chloe Ouchida
- Neuroscience Program, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Jocelyn Moran
- Neuroscience Program, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Olivia White
- Neuroscience Program, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, USA
| | | | - Dorothy Anika
- Neuroscience Program, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, USA
| | - Blessing Njoku
- Neuroscience Program, Trinity College, Hartford, CT, USA
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2
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Marchese S, Huckins LM. Trauma Matters: Integrating Genetic and Environmental Components of PTSD. ADVANCED GENETICS (HOBOKEN, N.J.) 2023; 4:2200017. [PMID: 37766803 PMCID: PMC10520418 DOI: 10.1002/ggn2.202200017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Trauma is ubiquitous, but only a subset of those who experience trauma will develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In this review, it is argued that to determine who is at risk of developing PTSD, it is critical to examine the genetic etiology of the disorder and individual trauma profiles of those who are susceptible. First, the state of current PTSD genetic research is described, with a particular focus on studies that present evidence for trauma type specificity, or for differential genetic etiology according to gender or race. Next, approaches that leverage non-traditional phenotyping approaches are reviewed to identify PTSD-associated variants and biology, and the relative advantages and limitations inherent in these studies are reflected on. Finally, it is discussed how trauma might influence the heritability of PTSD, through type, risk factors, genetics, and associations with PTSD symptomology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelby Marchese
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric GenomicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
| | - Laura M. Huckins
- Pamela Sklar Division of Psychiatric GenomicsIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic SciencesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Department of PsychiatryIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and TreatmentIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNY10029USA
- Present address:
Department of PsychiatryYale University School of MedicineNew HavenCT06511USA
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3
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Serpeloni F, Narrog JA, Pickler B, Avanci JQ, Assis SGD, Koebach A. Treating post-traumatic stress disorder in survivors of community and domestic violence using narrative exposure therapy: a case series in two public health centers in Rio de Janeiro/Brazil. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2023; 28:1619-1630. [PMID: 37255140 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232023286.16532022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Prevalence of violence in Brazil is high, which contributes to an increasing number of trauma-related disorders, especially post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aims to present a case series of PTSD patients treated with narrative exposure therapy (NET) in two public health centers in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). Health professionals were trained in a two-week workshop to deliver NET. Exposure to violence and other potentially traumatic events, as well as PTSD were assessed by interviewers before treatment and six months later in follow-up interviews conducted by blind assessors. Multiple traumatic events, including different types of childhood and sexual abuse, intimate partner violence and community violence were reported. Five patients were exposed to community violence, and one to domestic violence, during or after NET treatment. Treatment delivery was integrated into the routine of health centers. Eight patients completed NET and presented a substantial reduction in PTSD severity at six-month follow-up. NET is a feasible and effective treatment for PTSD patients exposed to ongoing violence, and can be integrated into established public health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Serpeloni
- Departamento de Estudos sobre Violência e Saúde Jorge Careli, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Claves/Fiocruz). Av. Brasil 4.036, sala 700, Manguinhos. 21040-361 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
- ONG vivo international. Konstanz Alemanha
| | | | - Bianca Pickler
- Departamento de Estudos sobre Violência e Saúde Jorge Careli, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Claves/Fiocruz). Av. Brasil 4.036, sala 700, Manguinhos. 21040-361 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Joviana Quintes Avanci
- Departamento de Estudos sobre Violência e Saúde Jorge Careli, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Claves/Fiocruz). Av. Brasil 4.036, sala 700, Manguinhos. 21040-361 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Simone Gonçalves de Assis
- Departamento de Estudos sobre Violência e Saúde Jorge Careli, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Claves/Fiocruz). Av. Brasil 4.036, sala 700, Manguinhos. 21040-361 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurologia, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil
| | - Anke Koebach
- ONG vivo international. Konstanz Alemanha
- Departamento de Psicologia, Universidade de Konstanz. Alemanha
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4
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Arcadepani FB, Fernandes AG, Castaldelli-Maia JM, Fidalgo TM. Violent behavior, perceived safety, and assault experiences among adolescents: results from the Brazilian National Adolescent School-based Health Survey. REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE PSIQUIATRIA (SAO PAULO, BRAZIL : 1999) 2023; 45:5-10. [PMID: 35926137 PMCID: PMC9976925 DOI: 10.47626/1516-4446-2022-2623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate factors associated with violent behavior in a large nationally representative sample of Brazilian adolescents. METHODS The data were derived from the 2015 National Adolescent School-based Health Survey (Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde do Escolar [PeNSE]). The independent variables of interest included feelings of safety while on the way to and at school. The outcome was violent behavior, including bullying. Logistic regression models were developed to examine the relationship between violent behavior and each independent and control variable. RESULTS In the adjusted regression model, male sex (aOR: 1.75; 95%CI 1.65-1.86), being assaulted by a family member (aOR: 1.74; 95%CI 1.59-1.90), and being assaulted in the past year (aOR: 1.70; 95%CI 1.57-1.85) all increased the chance of violent behavior. Feeling safe on the way to school (aOR: 0.82; 95%CI 0.74-0.92) and at school (aOR: 0.82; 95%CI 0.73-0.92) reduced the chance of violent behavior. CONCLUSIONS This study extends the body of literature on violent behavior among adolescents, demonstrating a correlation between school, domestic, family, or community violence and violent behavior. Our research supports the idea that adolescents who experience violence act violently with greater frequency. This finding has significant implications for pediatricians, child psychiatrists and psychologists, other health care professionals, school professionals, and other professionals involved in adolescent health. School professionals must be prepared to identify adolescents with violent behavior due to its potential consequences for their mental and physical health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe B Arcadepani
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Arthur G Fernandes
- Department of Anthropology & Archaeology, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Thiago M Fidalgo
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Programa Jovens Lideranças Médicas, Academia Nacional de Medicina, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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5
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Dos Santos Oliveira NC, Katrinli S, de Assis SG, Smith AK, Serpeloni F. Community and domestic violence are associated with DNA methylation GrimAge acceleration and heart rate variability in adolescents. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2023; 14:2202054. [PMID: 37144662 PMCID: PMC10165931 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2023.2202054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Cumulative exposure to violence can change the regulation of epigenetic and physiological markers. Although violence has been associated with accelerated cellular aging, little is known about associations with cardiac autonomic activity.Objective: The current study aimed to investigate the relationship of exposure to community and domestic violence (CDV) with vagal activity and epigenetic aging acceleration.Methods: A total of 86 adolescents (57% female) were evaluated and interviewed at two time-points in São Gonçalo (2014-2019), a Brazilian city with high levels of violence. Exposure to CDV was assessed in both time-points. GrimAge acceleration was calculated from saliva DNA methylation using Infinium HumanMethylation450K (Illumina) collected in the first assessment. Heart rate variability (HRV) was collected during two stress tasks at the second assessment.Results: The exposure to violence witnessed or directly experienced at home and in the community increased significantly (t = 4.87, p < .01) across two-time points, and males had reported higher violence exposure (t = 2.06, p = .043). Violence at 1st assessment was significantly associated with GrimAge acceleration (B = .039, p value = .043). Violence at both assessments were associated with HRV measured during the narration of the worst trauma (traumaHRV) (B = .009, p value = .039, and B = .007, p value = .024, 1st and 2nd assessment respectively). GrimAge acceleration was significantly associated with traumaHRV (B = .043, p value = .049), and HRV measured during a 3D roller coaster video (B = .061, p value = .024).Conclusions: We found relevant evidence that experiencing violence during adolescence is associated with epigenetic aging and stress-related vagal activity. Understanding these factors during this period could contribute to the development of early interventions for health promotion.HIGHLIGHTS Higher exposure to Community and domestic violence is associated with increased GrimAge acceleration.Higher GrimAge acceleration is associated with increased stress-related vagal activity.Exposure to community and domestic violence increased significantly over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara Cristina Dos Santos Oliveira
- National Institute of Woman, Child, and Adolescence Health Fernandes Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Violence and Health Studies Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Seyma Katrinli
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Simone Gonçalves de Assis
- National Institute of Woman, Child, and Adolescence Health Fernandes Figueira, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Department of Violence and Health Studies Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Fernanda Serpeloni
- Department of Violence and Health Studies Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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6
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Wathen CN, Mantler T. Trauma- and Violence-Informed Care: Orienting Intimate Partner Violence Interventions to Equity. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2022; 9:233-244. [PMID: 36212738 PMCID: PMC9527731 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-022-00307-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Purposeof Review Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex traumatic experience that often co-occurs, or is causally linked, with other forms of structural violence and oppression. However, few IPV interventions integrate this social-ecological perspective. We examine trauma- and violence-informed care (TVIC) in the context of existing IPV interventions as an explicitly equity-oriented approach to IPV prevention and response. Recent Findings Systematic reviews of IPV interventions along the public health prevention spectrum show mixed findings, with those with a theoretically grounded, structural approach that integrates a trauma lens more likely to show benefit. Summary TVIC, embedded in survivor-centered protocols with an explicit theory of change, is emerging as an equity-promoting approach underpinning IPV intervention. Explicit attention to structural violence and the complexity of IPV, systems and sites of intervention, and survivors’ diverse and intersectional lived experiences has significant potential to transform policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Nadine Wathen
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, FIMS & Nursing Building, Room 2307, London, ON N6A 5B9 Canada
| | - Tara Mantler
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Canada
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7
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Gallo R, Stoccoro A, Cagiano R, Nicolì V, Ricciardi R, Tancredi R, Trovato R, Santorelli FM, Calderoni S, Muratori F, Migliore L, Coppedè F. Correlation among maternal risk factors, gene methylation and disease severity in females with autism spectrum disorder. Epigenomics 2022; 14:175-185. [PMID: 35081728 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To detect early-life environmental factors leading to DNA methylation changes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related genes in young ASD females and reveal epigenetic biomarkers of disease severity. Materials & methods: We investigated blood methylation levels of MECP2, OXTR, BDNF, RELN, BCL2, EN2 and HTR1A genes in 42 ASD females. Results: Maternal gestational weight gain correlated with BDNF methylation levels (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.034), and lack of folic acid supplementation at periconception resulted in higher disease severity in the ASD children (Bonferroni-corrected p = 0.048). RELN methylation levels were inversely correlated with disease severity (Bonferroni corrected p = 0.042). Conclusion: The present study revealed gene-environment interactions and potential epigenetic biomarkers of disease severity in ASD females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Gallo
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Andrea Stoccoro
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Romina Cagiano
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy
| | - Vanessa Nicolì
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Rosanna Ricciardi
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Trovato
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy
| | | | - Sara Calderoni
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy.,Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Calambrone, Pisa, 56128, Italy.,Department of Clinical & Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Lucia Migliore
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
| | - Fabio Coppedè
- Department of Translational Research & of New Surgical & Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, Via Roma 55, Pisa, 56126, Italy
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8
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Magalhaes AA, Gama CMF, Gonçalves RM, Portugal LCL, David IA, Serpeloni F, Wernersbach Pinto L, Assis SG, Avanci JQ, Volchan E, Figueira I, Vilete LMP, Luz MP, Berger W, Erthal FS, Mendlowicz MV, Mocaiber I, Pereira MG, de Oliveira L. Tonic Immobility is Associated with PTSD Symptoms in Traumatized Adolescents. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2021; 14:1359-1369. [PMID: 34512046 PMCID: PMC8420784 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s317343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Growing evidence suggests that peritraumatic tonic immobility, an involuntary defensive response that involves extreme physical immobility and the perceived inability to escape, is a significant predictor of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptomatology. However, this issue has not been specifically addressed in adolescents. Here, we investigated whether tonic immobility response experienced during the worst childhood or adolescent trauma is associated with PTSD symptom severity in a non-clinical student sample. Methods The sample was composed of students in 9th grade who were attending public and private schools. Symptoms of post-traumatic stress and tonic immobility were assessed using questionnaires. We performed bivariate and multivariate negative binomial regressions to examine whether tonic immobility was associated with PTSD symptomatology after controlling for confounders (peritraumatic dissociation, peritraumatic panic reactions, gender, age and time since trauma). Results We found an association between tonic immobility and PTSD symptom severity, even after controlling for confounders. Therefore, tonic immobility is associated with PTSD symptoms in trauma-exposed adolescents. Conclusion These findings highlight tonic immobility as a possible risk factor that could be used to provide direction for more targeted trauma interventions for individuals, particularly those at risk for developing PTSD. Therefore, it contributes to preventing and reducing the psychiatric burden in adolescence and later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andressa A Magalhaes
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Camila M F Gama
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Raquel M Gonçalves
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Liana C L Portugal
- Department of Physiological Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 20550-170, Brazil
| | - Isabel A David
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Serpeloni
- Department of Violence and Health Studies, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Liana Wernersbach Pinto
- Department of Violence and Health Studies, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Simone G Assis
- Department of Violence and Health Studies, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil.,The Neurology Postgraduate Program, Hospital Gaffrée and Guinle, Unirio, RJ, 20270-901, Brazil
| | - Joviana Q Avanci
- Department of Violence and Health Studies, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Eliane Volchan
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Ivan Figueira
- Psychiatry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22290-140, Brazil
| | - Liliane M P Vilete
- Psychiatry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22290-140, Brazil
| | - Mariana P Luz
- Psychiatry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22290-140, Brazil
| | - William Berger
- Psychiatry Institute, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22290-140, Brazil
| | - Fatima S Erthal
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Mauro V Mendlowicz
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24030-215, Brazil
| | - Izabela Mocaiber
- Institute of Humanities and Health, Federal Fluminense University, Rio das Ostras, RJ, 28890-000, Brazil
| | - Mirtes G Pereira
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Leticia de Oliveira
- Biomedical Institute, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói, RJ, 24210-130, Brazil
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9
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Saadatmand F, Gurdziel K, Jackson L, Kwabi-Addo B, Ruden DM. DNA methylation and exposure to violence among African American young adult males. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 14:100247. [PMID: 34589758 PMCID: PMC8474503 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to violence (ETV) has been linked to epigenomics mechanisms such as DNA methylation (DNAm). We used epigenetic profiling of blood collected from 32 African American young adult males who lived in Washington DC to determine if changes in DNAm at CpG sites affiliated with nervous and immune system were associated with exposure to violence. Pathway analysis of differentially methylated regions comparing high and low ETV groups revealed an enrichment of gene sets annotated to nervous system and immune ontologies. Many of these genes are known to interact with each other which suggests DNAm alters gene function in the nervous and immune system in response to ETV. Using data from a unique age group, young African American adult males, we provide evidence that lifetime ETV could impact DNA methylation in genes impacted at Central Nervous System and Immune Function sites. METHOD Methylation analysis was performed on DNA collected from the blood of participants classified with either high or low lifetime ETV. Illumina®MethylationEPIC Beadchips (~850k CpG sites) were processed on the iScan System to examine whole-genome methylation differences. Differentially methylated CpG-sites between high (n = 19) and low (n = 13) groups were identified using linear regression with violence and substance abuse as model covariates. Gene ontology analysis was used to identify enrichment categories from probes annotated to the nearest gene. RESULTS A total of 595 probes (279 hypermethylated; 316 hypomethylated) annotated to 383 genes were considered differentially methylated in association with ETV. Males with high ETV showed elevated methylation in several signaling pathways but were most impacted at Central Nervous System and Immune Function affiliated sites. Eight candidate genes were identified that play important biological roles in stress response to violence with HDAC4 (10%), NR4A3 (11%), NR4A2 (12%), DSCAML1(12%), and ELAVL3 (13%) exhibiting higher levels in the low ETV group and DLGAP1 (10%), SHANK2 (10%), and NRG1(11%) having increased methylation in the high ETV group. These findings suggest that individuals subjected to high ETV may be at risk for poor health outcomes that have not been reported previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Forough Saadatmand
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA,Corresponding author.
| | - Katherine Gurdziel
- Office of the Vice President of Research, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Latifa Jackson
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA,W. Montague Cobb Research Laboratory, College of Arts and Sciences, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bernard Kwabi-Addo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Douglas M. Ruden
- Department of Ob/Gyn, CS Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA,Institutes for Environmental Health Science, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
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10
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Avanci JQ, Serpeloni F, de Oliveira TP, de Assis SG. Posttraumatic stress disorder among adolescents in Brazil: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2021; 21:75. [PMID: 33546640 PMCID: PMC7866458 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-021-03062-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency of trauma and different types of violence exposure in urban areas and their effects on the mental health of adolescents in developing countries are poorly investigated. Most information about traumatized young people comes from war scenarios or disasters. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PTSD in trauma-exposed students in a low-resource city of the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The effects of sociodemographic and individual and family factors in the development of PTSD were also investigated. METHODS Through multi-stage cluster sampling, 862 adolescents (Mage = 15 years old, 65% female) from public and private schools in the city of São Gonçalo were selected for the study. Self-rating structured questionnaires were applied to assess sociodemographic profile, exposure to physical and psychological violence (family, school, community), sexual abuse, social support, social functional impairment, resilience, and posttraumatic stress disorder. The data were grouped in blocks regarding sociodemographic, individual, family, and community variables. For statistical analysis, chi-square, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression were performed. RESULTS The PTSD prevalence was 7.8% among adolescents. Boys were exposed to significantly higher number of events of community violence, while girls to family violence. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for PTSD were statistically significant for age (OR, 1.45, [95% CI, 1.043-2.007]), social functional impairment (OR, 4.82, [95% CI, 1.77-13.10]), severe maternal physical violence (OR, 2.79, [95% CI, 0.79-9.93]), psychological violence by significant people (OR, 3.96, [95% CI, 1.89-8.31]) and a high number of episodes of community violence (OR, 3.52, [95% CI, 1.47-8.40). CONCLUSIONS There was a high prevalence of PTSD within this population associated with exposure to violence. Not only physical, but also psychological violence contributed to PTSD. The results also raise awareness to the differences in life trajectories between boys and girls regarding violence. These differences need to be better understood in order to enable the development of effective preventative interventions. Treating and preventing mental health disorders presents a challenge for countries, especially those with a lower degree of social and economic development and high community violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joviana Quintes Avanci
- Department of Studies on Violence and Health Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Brasil 4036, 700 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Serpeloni
- Department of Studies on Violence and Health Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Brasil 4036, 700 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil
| | - Thiago Pires de Oliveira
- Department of Studies on Violence and Health Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Brasil 4036, 700 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil
- International Business Machines Corporation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Simone Gonçalves de Assis
- Department of Studies on Violence and Health Jorge Careli, National School of Public Health, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Avenida Brasil 4036, 700 Manguinhos, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-361, Brazil
- Neurology Post-Graduate Program, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro, Mariz e Barros 775, Rio de Janeiro, 20270-901, Brazil
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Rockstroh BS, McTeague LM. Psychophysiological approaches to understanding the impact of trauma exposure. Psychophysiology 2020; 57:e13497. [PMID: 31833088 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa M McTeague
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Serpeloni F, Nätt D, Assis SGD, Wieling E, Elbert T. Experiencing community and domestic violence is associated with epigenetic changes in DNA methylation of BDNF and CLPX in adolescents. Psychophysiology 2019; 57:e13382. [PMID: 31059136 PMCID: PMC7003421 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing violence changes behavior, shapes personalities, and poses a risk factor for mental disorders. This association might be mediated through epigenetic modifications that affect gene expression, such as DNA methylation. The present study investigated the impact of community and domestic violence on DNA methylation measured in saliva collected from 375 individuals including three generations: grandmothers (n = 126), mothers (n = 125), and adolescents (n = 124, 53% female). Using the Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array, in adolescents, we detected two CpG sites that showed an association of DNA methylation and lifetime exposure to community and domestic violence even after FDR correction: BDNF_cg06260077 (logFC −0.454, p = 3.71E‐07), and CLPX_cg01908660 (logFC = −0.372, p = 1.38E‐07). Differential DNA methylation of the CpG BDNF_cg06260077 associated with exposure to violence was also observed in the maternal but not the grandmaternal generation. BDNF (brain‐derived neurotrophic factor) and CLPX (caseinolytic mitochondrial matrix peptidase chaperone subunit) genes are involved in neural development. Our results thus reveal altered molecular mechanisms of developmental and intergenerational trajectories in survivors of repeated violent experiences. Violent attacks leave lasting imprints in memory. This has been shown in neural connectivity and also in gene expression. Here, we determined DNA methylation, as it controls gene expression, in grandmothers, mothers, and children exposed to high levels of community and domestic violence (N = 375). Especially in adolescents this epigenetic mark was associated with exposures to violence in at least two protein‐coding genes (BDNF, CLPX). Both genes are well known for their role in stress regulation, affecting intergenerational vulnerability or resilience to mental illness. We conclude that developmental and molecular trajectories may be modified in young survivors of repeated violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Serpeloni
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,National School of Public Health of Rio de Janeiro and National Institute of Women, Children and Adolescents' Health Fernandes Figueira, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniel Nätt
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Center for Social and Affective Neuroscience, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Simone Gonçalves de Assis
- National School of Public Health of Rio de Janeiro and National Institute of Women, Children and Adolescents' Health Fernandes Figueira, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Elizabeth Wieling
- Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota
| | - Thomas Elbert
- Clinical Psychology and Neuropsychology, Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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