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Carmona-Alcocer V, Brown LS, Anchan A, Rohr KE, Evans JA. Developmental patterning of peptide transcription in the central circadian clock in both sexes. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1177458. [PMID: 37274219 PMCID: PMC10235759 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1177458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neuropeptide signaling modulates the function of central clock neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) during development and adulthood. Arginine vasopressin (AVP) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are expressed early in SCN development, but the precise timing of transcriptional onset has been difficult to establish due to age-related changes in the rhythmic expression of each peptide. Methods To provide insight into spatial patterning of peptide transcription during SCN development, we used a transgenic approach to define the onset of Avp and Vip transcription. Avp-Cre or Vip-Cre males were crossed to Ai9+/+ females, producing offspring in which the fluorescent protein tdTomato (tdT) is expressed at the onset of Avp or Vip transcription. Spatial patterning of Avp-tdT and Vip-tdT expression was examined at critical developmental time points spanning mid-embryonic age to adulthood in both sexes. Results We find that Avp-tdT and Vip-tdT expression is initiated at different developmental time points in spatial subclusters of SCN neurons, with developmental patterning that differs by sex. Conclusions These data suggest that SCN neurons can be distinguished into further subtypes based on the developmental patterning of neuropeptide expression, which may contribute to regional and/or sex differences in cellular function in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Carmona-Alcocer
- Department of Biomedical Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Lindsey S. Brown
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, MA, United States
| | - Aiesha Anchan
- Department of Biomedical Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Kayla E. Rohr
- Department of Biomedical Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Jennifer A. Evans
- Department of Biomedical Science, Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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2
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Csajbók Z, Kagstrom A, Cermakova P. Season of birth has no effect on symptoms of depression and anxiety in older adults. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6823. [PMID: 35474329 PMCID: PMC9042812 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10892-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
There remains a lack of conclusive evidence as to the merit of season of birth as a predictor of mental illness across contexts. We studied 72,370 individuals (55% women; mean age 66) from the Survey on Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. Depressive symptoms were assessed with EURO-D scale and symptoms of anxiety with modified Beck Anxiety Inventory. Multilevel modeling was used to assess the association of season of birth as well as month of birth with symptoms of depression and anxiety, by sex and region. Adjusting for sex and age, month of birth explained only 0.01% to 0.07% of anxiety and depressive symptoms with non-significant improvement in the overall models; using season of birth instead of month of birth added 0.00% to 0.04% of explained variance. When stratified by sex and European region, age explained 0.23% to 5.19% of anxiety and depressive symptoms; the addition of month of birth or season of birth improved the models by negligible amount. Season of birth and month of birth are not reliable predictors of anxiety and depression across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Csajbók
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague, V Úvalu 84, 15006, Prague 5, Czechia
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czechia
| | - Anna Kagstrom
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague, V Úvalu 84, 15006, Prague 5, Czechia
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia
| | - Pavla Cermakova
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University Prague, V Úvalu 84, 15006, Prague 5, Czechia.
- National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czechia.
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3
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Wucher V, Sodaei R, Amador R, Irimia M, Guigó R. Day-night and seasonal variation of human gene expression across tissues. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2022:2021.02.28.433266. [PMID: 33688644 PMCID: PMC7941615 DOI: 10.1101/2021.02.28.433266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Circadian and circannual cycles trigger physiological changes whose reflection on human transcriptomes remains largely uncharted. We used the time and season of death of 932 individuals from GTEx to jointly investigate transcriptomic changes associated with those cycles across multiple tissues. Overall, most variation across tissues during day-night and among seasons was unique to each cycle. Although all tissues remodeled their transcriptomes, brain and gonadal tissues exhibited the highest seasonality, whereas those in the thoracic cavity showed stronger day-night regulation. Core clock genes displayed marked day-night differences across multiple tissues, which were largely conserved in baboon and mouse, but adapted to their nocturnal or diurnal habits. Seasonal variation of expression affected multiple pathways and it was enriched among genes associated with the immune response, consistent with the seasonality of viral infections. Furthermore, they unveiled cytoarchitectural changes in brain regions. Altogether, our results provide the first combined atlas of how transcriptomes from human tissues adapt to major cycling environmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Wucher
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- NeuroMyogene Institute, SynatAc Team, INSERM U1217/UMR CNRS 5310, Lyon, France
- French Reference Center on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Reza Sodaei
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raziel Amador
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Irimia
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
- ICREA, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roderic Guigó
- Centre for Genomic Regulation, Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
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4
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Kucera M, Wolfova K, Cermakova P. Association Between Season of Birth and Cognitive Aging in Older Adults: Pan-European Population-Based Study on 70,000 Individuals. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 82:1703-1713. [PMID: 34219722 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several early-life factors have been associated with higher risk of developing dementia. It is unclear whether season of birth (SOB) can affect cognitive aging in older adults or not. OBJECTIVE We aimed to study the association of SOB with the level of cognitive performance as well as with the rate of cognitive decline. METHODS We studied 70,203 individuals who participated in the Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe. Cognition was measured with tests on verbal fluency and immediate and delayed recall. We assessed the association of SOB with the level of cognitive performance using multiple linear regression and with the rate of cognitive decline using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS When compared to individuals born in winter and adjusted for sociodemographic and health-related characteristics, being born in summer was associated with a higher level of delayed recall (B 0.05; 95%CI 0.01 to 0.09) and verbal fluency (B 0.15; 95%CI 0.00 to 0.29) and being born in fall with a higher level of immediate recall (B 0.04; 95%CI 0.01 to 0.08) and verbal fluency (B 0.15; 95%CI 0.01 to 0.29). Individuals born in summer had a higher yearly decline in delayed recall (B -0.005; 95%CI -0.009 to 0.000), while the scores in delayed recall in participants born in spring showed an inverse trend (B 0.005; 95%CI 0.000 to 0.010). CONCLUSION Individuals born in winter seem to carry a life-long disadvantage in a lower level of cognitive performance; however, being born in winter does not seem to affect the rate of cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matej Kucera
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katrin Wolfova
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavla Cermakova
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic.,Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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5
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Lee H, Lee HK, Lee K. Is personality linked to season of birth? PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253815. [PMID: 34170954 PMCID: PMC8232405 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The environment is a very significant factor in early childhood development. Season of birth (SOB) is a proxy viable for the environment to which the babies are exposed, thus also significant in early development. This study investigates the association between SOB and personality. A total 2,962 college students were included as study participants. The participants were classified into four seasonal groups based on their birth month and underwent a personality assessment using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and multinomial logistic regression analysis. The male participants born in autumn scored high on the Disorderliness (NS4) subscale (β = 0.055, P = 0.042) and the male participants born in summer and winter scored high on the Extravagance (NS3) subscale (summer: β = 0.072, P = 0.01, winter: β = 0.078, P = 0.003). The difference observed indicates a relationship between the SOB and temperament, especially NS. Our findings suggest that environmental factors may affect temperament in early development, although further research is likely needed to clarify the causality between them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoseon Lee
- Seodaemoonbom Psychiatric Clinic, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Kyung Lee
- Department of Nursing, College of Nursing and Health, Kongju National University, Gongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Kounseok Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Hanyang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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6
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Mooldijk SS, Licher S, Vinke EJ, Vernooij MW, Ikram MK, Ikram MA. Season of birth and the risk of dementia in the population-based Rotterdam Study. Eur J Epidemiol 2021; 36:497-506. [PMID: 34002295 PMCID: PMC8159812 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-021-00755-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Early-life environmental factors have been suggested in the pathophysiology of dementia. Season of birth has previously been used as a proxy for these external exposures. We investigated the link between season of birth and the risk of dementia and further explored underlying pathways by studying structural brain changes on MRI. From the Dutch, population-based Rotterdam Study, 12,964 participants born between 1887 and 1960 were followed between 1990 and 2018 for dementia. Cox regression was conducted to assess the association between season of birth and dementia. In addition, we distinguished between mild and cold winters. The association of season of birth with structural brain markers on MRI was examined in 5237 participants. The risk of dementia in participants born in winter and fall was higher than of those born in summer (hazard ratio (HR) 1.15 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01–1.31] for winter and HR 1.17 [95% CI 1.01–1.33] for fall), especially for Alzheimer’s disease (HR 1.23 [1.06–1.43] for winter and HR 1.15 [95% CI 0.99–1.35] for fall). The risk was particularly increased for participants born in a cold winter. Except for slightly lower hippocampus in fall born participants (β − 0.03; 95% CI − 0.06 to 0.00), we did not find associations with brain imaging markers. In conclusion, winter and fall births were associated with a higher incidence of dementia, especially of AD. We did not find evidence for structural brain changes as an underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne S Mooldijk
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvan Licher
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth J Vinke
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Meike W Vernooij
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mohammad Kamran Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neurology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mohammad Arfan Ikram
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, PO Box 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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7
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Santos RC, Silva ACPE, José Dos Santos M, Barbosa MR, Coimbra DG, Gitaí DLG, de Andrade TG. Environmental temperature as a mediator on the association between photoperiod at birth and chronotype. Chronobiol Int 2020; 37:1662-1668. [PMID: 32573265 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2020.1773843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The association between chronotypes and season of birth (SOB) remains an inconclusive issue due, in some extension, to the lack of investigations of mediation mechanisms. We evaluated the association of photoperiod at birth (PAB) with chronotypes and sleep duration in Brazil (n = 810), and the mediating effect of meteorological factors, sex, age and rs4753426 polymorphism in the melatonin receptor MTNR1B. Longer PAB was associated with a delayed mid-sleep phase with a suppressive effect of maximum environmental temperature. No significant interactions were identified for the other variables. These findings suggest that photoperiod and environmental temperature modulate chronotype development at early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Costa Santos
- Circadian Medicine Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Alagoas , Maceió, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Daniel Gomes Coimbra
- Circadian Medicine Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Alagoas , Maceió, Brazil
| | - Daniel Leite Góes Gitaí
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences and Health, Feferal University of Alagoas , Maceió, Brazil
| | - Tiago Gomes de Andrade
- Circadian Medicine Center, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Alagoas , Maceió, Brazil
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8
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Henriksson HE, White RA, Iliadis SI, Fransson E, Papadopoulos FC, Sundström-Poromaa I, Skalkidou A. Spring peaks and autumn troughs identified in peripheral inflammatory markers during the peripartum period. Sci Rep 2019; 9:15328. [PMID: 31653981 PMCID: PMC6814733 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51527-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal variations have recently been described in biomarkers, cell types, and gene expression associated with the immune system, but so far no studies have been conducted among women in the peripartum period. It is of note that pregnancy complications and outcomes, as well as autoimmune diseases, have also been reported to exhibit seasonal fluctuations. We report here a clear-cut seasonal pattern of 23 inflammatory markers, analysed using proximity-extension assay technology, in pregnant women. The inflammatory markers generally peaked in the spring and had a trough in the autumn. During the postpartum period we found seasonality in one inflammatory marker, namely monocyte chemotactic protein 4 (MCP-4). Our findings suggest that seasonal variations in peripheral inflammatory markers are only observed during pregnancy. The results of this study could be valuable to professionals working within the field of immunology-related areas, and provide insight for the understanding of obstetric complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna E Henriksson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | | | - Stavros I Iliadis
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Fransson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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9
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Miratashi Yazdi SA, Abbasi M, Miratashi Yazdi SM. Epilepsy and vitamin D: a comprehensive review of current knowledge. Rev Neurosci 2018; 28:185-201. [PMID: 27988507 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2016-0044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D has been considered as neurosteroid, and its pivotal role in neuroprotection, brain development, and immunomodulation has been noticed in studies; however, our knowledge regarding its role in neurological disorders is still developing. The potential role of vitamin D in the pathophysiology and treatment of epilepsy, as one the most prevalent neurological disorders, has received less attention in recent years. In this article, we review the possible relationship between vitamin D and epilepsy from different aspects, including the action mechanism of vitamin D in the central nervous system and ecological and epidemiological findings. We also present the outcome of studies that evaluated the level of vitamin D and the impact of administrating vitamin D in epileptic patients or animal subjects. We also review the current evidence on interactions between vitamin D and antiepileptic drugs.
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10
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Shalev H, Solt I, Chodick G. Month of birth and risk of autism spectrum disorder: a retrospective cohort of male children born in Israel. BMJ Open 2017; 7:e014606. [PMID: 29150463 PMCID: PMC5702026 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2016-014606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased incidence and prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) over the last two decades have prompted considerable efforts to investigate its aetiological factors. We examined an association between month of birth and ASD incidence. METHODS In a retrospective cohort of male children born from January 1999 to December 2008 in a large health organisation in Israel (Maccabi Healthcare Services), ASD was followed from birth through December 2015. RESULTS Of 108 548 boys, 975 cases of ASD were identified. The highest rates (10.3 and 10.2 per 1000 male live births) were recorded for children born in May and August, respectively, and the lowest rates for February (7.6 per 1000 male live births). Among lower socioeconomic status households, boys born in August were more likely (OR=1.71; 95% CI 1.06 to 2.74) of being diagnosed with ASD than children born in January. Significantly higher rates were not observed for other months. CONCLUSIONS In line with several previous studies, we found a modestly higher likelihood of autism occurrence among male children of lower socioeconomic levels born in August.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ido Solt
- Faculty of Medicine,Technion, Haifa, Israel
- Rambam Health Care campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Gabriel Chodick
- Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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11
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Quesada JA, Nolasco A. Relationship between patients' month of birth and the prevalence of chronic diseases. Med Clin (Barc) 2017; 148:489-494. [PMID: 27993405 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2016.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Patients' month of birth can reflect exposure to certain factors during pregnancy and the first few months of life, which could influence the onset of chronic diseases during adulthood. The aim of this study is to evaluate the association between a patient's month of birth and the presence of chronic diseases in the Spanish population, by analysing the National Health Survey for the year 2006. PATIENTS AND METHODS We measured the association between 27 common chronic diseases and the month of birth, estimating the odds ratios and confidence intervals at 95%, using multivariate logistical models and adjusting the results for month of birth and potentially confounding variables. RESULTS The sample population was made up of a total of 29,478 individuals, representing approximately 44.7 million Spanish residents on 1 January 2007. Significant associations were found between the month of birth and several chronic diseases. There is a gender-differentiated risk pattern of developing chronic diseases according to the month of birth, with more significant associations and of greater magnitude being detected among men compared to women. CONCLUSIONS The associations detected might reflect early exposure to environmental factors in the uterus and during the first few months of life. More specific studies are required to gain a more in-depth understanding of these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Antonio Quesada
- Departamento de Enfermería Comunitaria, Medicina Preventiva, Salud Pública e Historia de la Ciencia, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, España.
| | - Andreu Nolasco
- Departamento de Enfermería Comunitaria, Medicina Preventiva, Salud Pública e Historia de la Ciencia, Universidad de Alicante, Alicante, España
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12
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Kadhel P, Costet N, Toto T, Janky E, Multigner L. The annual carnival in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) is associated with an increase in the number of conceptions and subsequent births nine months later: 2000 - 2011. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0173102. [PMID: 28253323 PMCID: PMC5333860 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The seasonal patterns of conceptions and births differ between geographic areas. Several potential determinants of this variation have been identified, including biological, environmental and behavioral elements, but festive events are rarely mentioned. We investigated the possible association between the carnival and seasonal fertility variations in the French West Indies. We ran a retrospective registry-based study. The data were extracted from the registry of all births on Guadeloupe between 2000 and 2011 (n = 74,412), and from the Maternity Birth Register of the University Hospital, for all pregnancies of at least 14 completed weeks of gestation (observable conceptions) with an outcome recorded between 2007 and 2010 (n = 8,425). We compared data during and outside the carnival period for each year, including 2009, when there was no carnival due to a 44-day general strike. In all years other than 2009, the weekly number of births was higher for pregnancies initiated during the carnival period than for pregnancies initiated at other times, and the weekly number of observable conceptions was higher during the carnival period than at other times. Our findings support the hypothesis that carnivals in the French West Indies are associated with an increase in the number of conceptions and subsequent births.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Kadhel
- Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Pointe-à-Pitre/Abymes, Pôle Parent-Enfant, Service de Gynécologie et Obstétrique, Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, France
- Université des Antilles, Campus de Fouillole, Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, France
- Institut national de la santé et de la Recherche médicale (Inserm) U1085 – IRSET, Rennes, France
- * E-mail:
| | - Nathalie Costet
- Institut national de la santé et de la Recherche médicale (Inserm) U1085 – IRSET, Rennes, France
- Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - Teddy Toto
- Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Pointe-à-Pitre/Abymes, Pôle Parent-Enfant, Service de Gynécologie et Obstétrique, Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Eustase Janky
- Centre Hospitalier et Universitaire de Pointe-à-Pitre/Abymes, Pôle Parent-Enfant, Service de Gynécologie et Obstétrique, Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe, France
| | - Luc Multigner
- Institut national de la santé et de la Recherche médicale (Inserm) U1085 – IRSET, Rennes, France
- Université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
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13
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Seregi B, Kapitány B, Maróti-Agóts Á, Rihmer Z, Gonda X, Döme P. Weak associations between the daily number of suicide cases and amount of daily sunlight. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017; 73:41-48. [PMID: 27776950 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Several environmental factors with periodic changes in intensity during the calendar year have been put forward to explain the increase in suicide frequency during spring and summer. In the current study we investigated the effect of averaged daily sunshine duration of periods with different lengths and 'lags' (i.e. the number of days between the last day of the period for which the averaged sunshine duration was calculated and the day of suicide) on suicide risk. We obtained data on daily numbers of suicide cases and daily sunshine duration in Hungary from 1979 to 2013. In order to remove the seasonal components from the two time series (i.e. numbers of suicide and sunshine hours) we used the differencing method. Pearson correlations (n=22,950) were calculated to reveal associations between sunshine duration and suicide risk. The final sample consisted of 122,116 suicide cases. Regarding the entire investigated period, after differencing, sunshine duration and number of suicides on the same days showed a distinctly weak, but highly significant positive correlation in the total sample (r=0.067; p=1.17*10-13). Positive significant correlations (p˂0.0001) between suicide risk on the index day and averaged sunshine duration in the previous days (up to 11days) were also found in the total sample. Our results from a large sample strongly support the hypothesis that sunshine has a prompt, but very weak increasing effect on the risk of suicide (especially violent cases among males). The main limitation is that possible confounding factors were not controlled for.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadett Seregi
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary Science, István u. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Balázs Kapitány
- Demographic Research Institute of the Hungarian Central Statistical Office, Buday László u. 1-3, 1204 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ákos Maróti-Agóts
- Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Veterinary Science, István u. 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Rihmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Faculty of Medicine, Kútvölgyi út 4, 1125 Budapest, Hungary; National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Laboratory for Suicide Research and Prevention, Lehel u. 59, 1135 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Xénia Gonda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Faculty of Medicine, Kútvölgyi út 4, 1125 Budapest, Hungary; National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Laboratory for Suicide Research and Prevention, Lehel u. 59, 1135 Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology, Neurochemistry Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Nagyvárad tér 4, 1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Döme
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Semmelweis University, Faculty of Medicine, Kútvölgyi út 4, 1125 Budapest, Hungary; National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Laboratory for Suicide Research and Prevention, Lehel u. 59, 1135 Budapest, Hungary.
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Nakken O, Lindstrøm JC, Tysnes OB, Holmøy T. Mortality trends of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in Norway 1951–2014: an age–period–cohort study. J Neurol 2016; 263:2378-2385. [DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8273-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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15
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Liu B, Chen H, Fang F, Tillander A, Wirdefeldt K. Early-Life Factors and Risk of Parkinson's Disease: A Register-Based Cohort Study. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152841. [PMID: 27082111 PMCID: PMC4833308 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) may take decades to develop and early life exposures such as infection may be important. However, few epidemiological studies have evaluated early life risk factors in relation to PD risk. We therefore examined such associations in a prospective analysis of 3 545 612 individuals born in Sweden between 1932 and 1970 without PD on January 1, 2002. Incident PD cases were identified using the Swedish Patient Register during 2002–2010. Information on sibship size, number of older and younger siblings, multiple births, parental age, birth month and season was obtained from the Swedish Multi-Generation Register. Monthly data on national burden of influenza-like illness during 1932–1970 were obtained from the Swedish Public Health Agency. Hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. During the follow-up, 8779 incident PD cases were identified. As expected, older age, male sex, parental occupation as farmers, and family history of PD were associated with higher PD risk. Overall, early life factors, including flu burden in the year of birth, were not associated with PD risk, although we did find a lower PD risk among participants with older siblings than those without (HR = 0.93, 95%CI: 0.89, 0.98). Our study therefore provided little support for important etiological contributions of early life factors to the PD risk late in life. The finding of a lower PD risk among individuals with older siblings will need confirmation and further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojing Liu
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
| | - Honglei Chen
- Epidemiology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annika Tillander
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karin Wirdefeldt
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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High Prevalence of Vitamin D Deficiency in Infertile Women Referring for Assisted Reproduction. Nutrients 2015; 7:9972-84. [PMID: 26633484 PMCID: PMC4690068 DOI: 10.3390/nu7125516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 11/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive analysis of the vitamin D status of infertile women is the first step in understanding hypovitaminosis impact on reproductive potential. We sought to determine vitamin D profiles of women attending an infertility center and to investigate non-dietary determinants of vitamin D status in this population. In this cross-sectional analysis, a cohort of 1072 women (mean age ± standard deviation 36.3 ± 4.4 years) attending an academic infertility center was used to examine serum 25-hydroxy-vitamin D (25(OH)D) levels in relation to demographic characteristics, seasons and general health risk factors. Both unadjusted and adjusted levels of serum 25(OH)D were examined. Median 25(OH)D concentration was below 30 ng/mL for 89% of the entire year. Over the whole year, 6.5% of patients had 25(OH)D levels ≤10 ng/mL, 40.1% ≤20 ng/mL, and 77.4% ≤30 ng/mL. Global solar radiation was weakly correlated with 25(OH)D levels. At multivariable analysis, 25(OH)D levels were inversely associated with BMI; conversely, 25(OH)D levels were positively associated with height and endometriosis history. Serum 25(OH)D levels are highly deficient in women seeking medical help for couple’s infertility. Levels are significantly associated with body composition, seasonal modifications and causes of infertility. Importantly, this deficiency status may last during pregnancy with more severe consequences.
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17
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Season of birth and multiple sclerosis in Tunisia. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2015; 4:491-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2015.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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18
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Season of birth and Parkinson’s disease: possible relationship? Neurol Sci 2015; 36:1457-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s10072-015-2183-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Millet P, Landel V, Virard I, Morello M, Féron F. Rôles bénéfiques de la vitamine D sur la neurodégénérescence et les troubles mentaux. CAHIERS DE NUTRITION ET DE DIETETIQUE 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cnd.2014.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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20
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Cheng C, Lin CH, Chou PH, Tsai CJ, Lan TH, Nestadt G. Season of birth in obsessive-compulsive disorder. Depress Anxiety 2014; 31:972-8. [PMID: 24123704 DOI: 10.1002/da.22200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2013] [Revised: 08/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effects of season of birth (SOB) have been documented in numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. To date, few studies have evaluated this issue in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The aim of this study was to investigate the birth seasonality in OCD. METHODS This study was based on Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Data for the birth-year period 1956-1991 were extracted for analysis (273,837 males and 292,207 females). The International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM), code 300.3 was used as the diagnosis of OCD. Birth seasonality was compared between the OCD patients (519 males and 528 females) and the general population. RESULTS The birth distributions across the 12 months were significantly different between the OCD patients and the general population (P-value for the Walter & Elwood's test = .04). A significant decrease of births from March to July and an excess from August to November in OCD patients as compared to the general population was noted (the relative risk of these months vs. the rest months of the year: 0.85 (95% CI 0.74-0.96) and 1.19 (95% CI 1.05-1.36). Effects of SOB in OCD were present in males (P-value for the Walter & Elwood's test = .03) but not in females. CONCLUSION The findings support an effect of SOB in people with OCD, especially for men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chin Cheng
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
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21
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Maternal immune activation and abnormal brain development across CNS disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2014; 10:643-60. [PMID: 25311587 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2014.187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 604] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies have shown a clear association between maternal infection and schizophrenia or autism in the progeny. Animal models have revealed maternal immune activation (mIA) to be a profound risk factor for neurochemical and behavioural abnormalities in the offspring. Microglial priming has been proposed as a major consequence of mIA, and represents a critical link in a causal chain that leads to the wide spectrum of neuronal dysfunctions and behavioural phenotypes observed in the juvenile, adult or aged offspring. Such diversity of phenotypic outcomes in the mIA model are mirrored by recent clinical evidence suggesting that infectious exposure during pregnancy is also associated with epilepsy and, to a lesser extent, cerebral palsy in children. Preclinical research also suggests that mIA might precipitate the development of Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Here, we summarize and critically review the emerging evidence that mIA is a shared environmental risk factor across CNS disorders that varies as a function of interactions between genetic and additional environmental factors. We also review ongoing clinical trials targeting immune pathways affected by mIA that may play a part in disease manifestation. In addition, future directions and outstanding questions are discussed, including potential symptomatic, disease-modifying and preventive treatment strategies.
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Millet P, Landel V, Virard I, Morello M, Féron F. [Role of vitamin D in the physiopathology of neurodegenerative diseases]. Biol Aujourdhui 2014; 208:77-88. [PMID: 24948021 DOI: 10.1051/jbio/20140007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The involvement of vitamin D in brain function has been discovered in the past 25 years by epidemiological and fundamental studies. Research on neurodegenerative diseases and their animal or cellular models unveiled converging lines of evidence indicating that hypovitaminosis D is not just an effect of the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, but truly an aggravating co-factor, sometimes very closely related to their physiopathology. Vitamin D is a steroid hormone capable of regulating the expression of hundreds of genes through both genetic and epigenetic mechanisms. This reflects the highly pleiotropic nature of its action in its conventional bone and phosphocalcic metabolism targets. Its role in the central nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases makes no exception to this rule. Here we focus on the identified role and mechanisms of vitamin D in multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. The important prevalence of hypovitaminosis D under our latitudes in general and in at-risk groups in particular, its easy evaluation and correction, and the results of early clinical studies, suggest that vitamin D supplementation could usefully complement our therapeutic armory to fight these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Millet
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, NICN UMR7259, 13916 Marseille, France
| | - Véréna Landel
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, NICN UMR7259, 13916 Marseille, France
| | - Isabelle Virard
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, NICN UMR7259, 13916 Marseille, France
| | - Maria Morello
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, NICN UMR7259, 13916 Marseille, France - Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, Facoltà di Medicina, Biochimica Clinica, Divisione di Nutrizione Umana, Scienza della Nutrizione, Viale Oxford 1, 00133 Rome, Italie
| | - François Féron
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, NICN UMR7259, 13916 Marseille, France
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DeLuca GC, Kimball SM, Kolasinski J, Ramagopalan SV, Ebers GC. Review: the role of vitamin D in nervous system health and disease. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2014; 39:458-84. [PMID: 23336971 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Vitamin D and its metabolites have pleomorphic roles in both nervous system health and disease. Animal models have been paramount in contributing to our knowledge and understanding of the consequences of vitamin D deficiency on brain development and its implications for adult psychiatric and neurological diseases. The conflation of in vitro, ex vivo, and animal model data provide compelling evidence that vitamin D has a crucial role in proliferation, differentiation, neurotrophism, neuroprotection, neurotransmission, and neuroplasticity. Vitamin D exerts its biological function not only by influencing cellular processes directly, but also by influencing gene expression through vitamin D response elements. This review highlights the epidemiological, neuropathological, experimental and molecular genetic evidence implicating vitamin D as a candidate in influencing susceptibility to a number of psychiatric and neurological diseases. The strength of evidence varies for schizophrenia, autism, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, and is especially strong for multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G C DeLuca
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences (Clinical Neurology), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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24
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Grant WB, Cannell JJ. Autism prevalence in the United States with respect to solar UV-B doses: An ecological study. DERMATO-ENDOCRINOLOGY 2014; 5:159-64. [PMID: 24494049 PMCID: PMC3897584 DOI: 10.4161/derm.22942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2012] [Revised: 11/05/2012] [Accepted: 11/17/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Evidence is mounting that vitamin D deficiency is intimately involved in autism. We report on autism prevalence by US state for those aged 6–17 y in 2010 with respect to indices of solar UV-B (UVB) doses. We calculated autism prevalence rates for white, black and Asian Americans by using total prevalence and relative populations of minors for each ethnic group by state. Analyses omit AK and HI (considered extreme cases), WY (no data), along with AZ and ND for black Americans (low numbers) and DC, ME, MT, ND and SD for Asian Americans (low numbers). For white Americans, the regression coefficient for solar UVB doses and autism prevalence ranged from -0.52 in January to -0.57 in October. For black Americans, the regression coefficient for latitude was 0.61, whereas those for solar UVB ranged from -0.55 to -0.61. For Asian Americans, the values for solar UVB ranged from -0.28 to -0.38. The inverse correlation between solar UVB and autism prevalence is similar to that for many types of cancer in the US. The journal literature indicates that adverse effects on fetal brain development during pregnancy due to vitamin D deficiency can explain these findings. However, we cannot rule out a role of vitamin D deficiency in early life. These results add to the evidence that vitamin D deficiency may be an important risk factor for autism and suggest that pregnant women and autistic individuals raise their serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations above 30 ng/ml.
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Affiliation(s)
- William B Grant
- Sunlight, Nutrition, and Health Research Center; San Francisco, CA USA
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Við Streym S, Rejnmark L, Mosekilde L, Vestergaard P. No effect of season of birth on risk of type 1 diabetes, cancer, schizophrenia and ischemic heart disease, while some variations may be seen for pneumonia and multiple sclerosis. DERMATO-ENDOCRINOLOGY 2013; 5:309-16. [PMID: 24194971 PMCID: PMC3772919 DOI: 10.4161/derm.22779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Background: The risk of type 1 diabetes (T1DM), infections, cancer, schizophrenia and multiple sclerosis (MS) has been associated with environmental factors including vitamin D status.
Materials and Methods: Data were obtained from all children born in Denmark in 1940 (n = 72,839), 1977 (n = 89,570), and 1996 (n = 74,015). Information on contacts to hospitals (1977–2009) was obtained from the National Hospital Discharge Register. The main exposure variable was season of birth as a proxy variable for vitamin D status (summer: April–September and winter: October–March).
Results: No associations between season of birth and risk of MS were seen in the 1940 cohort or the 1996 cohort. In the 1977 cohort, there was a borderline statistically significant decreased risk of MS in those born during wintertime compared with those born during summertime (HR = 0.70, 95% CI: 0.47–1.04, p = 0.07). There were no significant differences within the groups regarding season and risk of T1DM at any age, T1DM before 10 y, infection, any type of cancer, schizophrenia and myocardial infarction. In the 1977 cohort the risk of pneumonia was significantly lower among those born in the summer compared with the winter at any age (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.85–0.97, p < 0.01) and at age < 10 y (HR 0.90, 95% CI 0.84–0.97, p < 0.01).
Conclusion: MS and pneumonia in young subjects may be related to season of birth and thus maternal vitamin D exposure. Low sunlight exposure in the winter time leading to low vitamin D levels during pregnancy may be a potential explanation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Við Streym
- Department of Medicine and Endocrinology; MEA; THG; Aarhus University Hospital; Denmark
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Torkildsen O, Grytten N, Aarseth J, Myhr KM, Kampman MT. Month of birth as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis: an update. Acta Neurol Scand 2013:58-62. [PMID: 23278658 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have indicated month of birth as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis (MS) susceptibility and disease progression. METHODS We performed a systematic search on PubMed and Medline up to May 2012 using the search string 'multiple sclerosis' and 'month of birth' or 'season of birth'. In addition, congress abstracts and the reference lists of the publications identified were examined for further citations of relevance. RESULTS A total of fifteen published studies and two congress abstracts were found on the effect of month or season of birth on MS risk (sixteen in the northern and one in the southern hemisphere). Most studies in the northern hemisphere detected an excess of MS births in spring and a decrease in autumn. In the southern hemisphere, a reverse pattern was detected, with an excess in November and a decrease in April. Only three studies did not report any month of birth effect, all in low-risk areas for MS. Five studies have analysed a possible effect on disease course by month of birth. Of these, two studies reported an association between month of birth and age at onset of relapsing-remitting MS, with a younger disease onset for those born in the winter months. No consistent findings have been detected on the association between month of birth and disease progression. DISCUSSION The month of birth effect is consistently found to influence the risk of MS, and the effect seems to be most prominent in high-risk areas of the disease, especially in areas with low sunlight exposure. There seems to be little or no month of birth effects in areas with high sunlight exposure. These findings indicate a possible role for vitamin D concentrations during pregnancy or early life of the newborn. A possible effect of vitamin D supplementation needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Torkildsen
- Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis Competence Centre, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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27
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Becker J, Callegaro D, Lana-Peixoto MA, Ferreira MLB, Melo A, Diniz da Gama P, Souza DG, Teixeira CA, Kaimen-Maciel DR, Gonçalves MV, Matta AP, Abraham R, Furtado LET, Lino A, Hauck L, Barreira AA, Gomes I. Season of birth as a risk factor for multiple sclerosis in Brazil. J Neurol Sci 2013; 329:6-10. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2013.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2012] [Revised: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Vlajinac H, Dzoljic E, Maksimovic J, Marinkovic J, Sipetic S, Kostic V. Infections as a risk factor for Parkinson's disease: a case-control study. Int J Neurosci 2013; 123:329-32. [PMID: 23270425 DOI: 10.3109/00207454.2012.760560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The etiology of Parkinson's disease (PD) is unknown. The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that some infectious diseases are related to the occurrence of PD. METHODS The case-control study, conducted in Belgrade during the period 2001-2005, comprised 110 subjects diagnosed for the first time as PD cases, and 220 controls chosen among patients with degenerative joint disease and some diseases of the digestive tract. RESULTS According to logistic regression analysis, PD was significantly related to mumps [odds ratio adjusted on occupation and family history of PD (aOR) = 7.86, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.77-16.36], scarlet fever (aOR = 12.18, 95% CI = 1.97-75.19), influenza (aOR = 8.01, 95% CI = 4.61-13.92), whooping cough (aOR = 19.90, 95% CI = 2.07-190.66) and herpes simplex infections (aOR = 11.52, 95% CI = 2.25-58.89). Tuberculosis, measles and chicken pox were not associated with PD. Other infectious diseases we asked for were not reported (12 diseases), or were too rare (four diseases) to be analysed. CONCLUSION The results obtained are in line with the suggestion that some infectious diseases may play a role in the development of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hristina Vlajinac
- Institute of Epidemiology, Facultyof Medicine, Belgrade University, Belgrade, Serbia.
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29
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Grytten N, Torkildsen Ø, Aarseth JH, Benjaminsen E, Celius EG, Dahl OP, Holmøy T, Løken-Amsrud K, Midgard R, Myhr KM, Risberg G, Vatne A, Kampman MT. Month of birth as a latitude-dependent risk factor for multiple sclerosis in Norway. Mult Scler 2012; 19:1028-34. [PMID: 23257620 DOI: 10.1177/1352458512471094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to determine if the risk of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is associated with month of birth in Norway and to explore a possible latitudinal gradient. METHODS All patients with MS born between 1930 and 1979 registered in the Norwegian MS Registry or ascertained in Norwegian prevalence studies were included (n = 6649). The latitude gradient was divided in Southern, Middle and Northern Norway, according to the estimated regional yearly mean vitamin D effective UV dose. RESULTS Risk of MS was 11% higher for those born in April (p = 0.045), and 5% higher for those born in May (p = 0.229), 5% lower for those born in November (p = 0.302) and 12% lower for those born in February (p = 0.053) compared with the corresponding population, unaffected mothers and siblings. In Southern Norway the odds ratio of MS births in April and May was 1.05 (0.98-1.24), in Middle Norway 1.11 (0.97-1.27) and in Northern Norway 1.28 (1.0-1.63) compared with the other months. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms previous reports of increased MS births in spring and decreased MS births in the winter months. This could support the role of decreased sunlight exposure during pregnancy and vitamin D deficiency in prenatal life in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Grytten
- Norwegian Multiple Sclerosis Competence Centre, Department of Neurology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
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Gonda X, Fountoulakis KN, Csukly G, Dome P, Sarchiapone M, Laszik A, Bedi K, Juhasz G, Siamouli M, Rudisch T, Molnar E, Pap D, Bagdy G, Rihmer Z. Star-crossed? The association of the 5-HTTLPR s allele with season of birth in a healthy female population, and possible consequences for temperament, depression and suicide. J Affect Disord 2012; 143:75-83. [PMID: 22840619 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2012.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Revised: 05/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birth season has well-known effects on neuropsychiatric disorders, and may also influence genotype distribution by possibly influencing chance of conception via parental idiosyncratic conception patterns or survival of foetuses or infants. The 5-HTTLPR is associated with phenomena including affective temperaments or suicide which are also associated with birth season. Our aim was to investigate the association of 5-HTTLPR genotype and birth season in a healthy female population. METHODS Birth date and 5-HTTLPR genotype was determined for 327 psychiatrically healthy women. The association between presence of s allele and time of birth was analysed using generalized linear models. RESULTS A significant association between s allele frequency and time of birth was detected. S allele carrier frequency was marginally significantly higher in July borns and significantly lower in autumn borns. LIMITATIONS We investigated an adult sample so genotype frequency data do not reflect birth frequencies. Our sample consisted exclusively of females. CONCLUSIONS There is no clear explanation for the observed association, although idiosyncratic parental conception patterns, the association of 5-HTTLPR with sudden infant/intrauterine death, or other s allele-mediated behaviours may play a role. Our results are strikingly parallel with earlier data reporting a higher risk of completed suicide in July borns, and higher scores of July borns and lower scores of autumn borns on certain affective temperament scales, both of which are also associated with the s allele of 5-HTTLPR. Thus our results may add to the growing body of evidence regarding the etiological background of affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xenia Gonda
- Department of Clinical and Theoretical Mental Health, Kutvolgyi Clinical Center, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Kaasinen V, Jokinen P, Joutsa J, Eskola O, Rinne JO. Seasonality of striatal dopamine synthesis capacity in Parkinson's disease. Neurosci Lett 2012; 530:80-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.09.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/22/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Pamphlett R, Fang F. Season and weather patterns at time of birth in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 13:459-64. [DOI: 10.3109/17482968.2012.700938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Fernandes de Abreu DA, Landel V, Féron F. Seasonal, gestational and postnatal influences on multiple sclerosis: The beneficial role of a vitamin D supplementation during early life. J Neurol Sci 2011; 311:64-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2011.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2011] [Revised: 08/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/29/2011] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Walton JC, Weil ZM, Nelson RJ. Influence of photoperiod on hormones, behavior, and immune function. Front Neuroendocrinol 2011; 32:303-19. [PMID: 21156187 PMCID: PMC3139743 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2010.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2010] [Revised: 11/30/2010] [Accepted: 12/03/2010] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Photoperiodism is the ability of plants and animals to measure environmental day length to ascertain time of year. Central to the evolution of photoperiodism in animals is the adaptive distribution of energetically challenging activities across the year to optimize reproductive fitness while balancing the energetic tradeoffs necessary for seasonally-appropriate survival strategies. The ability to accurately predict future events requires endogenous mechanisms to permit physiological anticipation of annual conditions. Day length provides a virtually noise free environmental signal to monitor and accurately predict time of the year. In mammals, melatonin provides the hormonal signal transducing day length. Duration of pineal melatonin is inversely related to day length and its secretion drives enduring changes in many physiological systems, including the HPA, HPG, and brain-gut axes, the autonomic nervous system, and the immune system. Thus, melatonin is the fulcrum mediating redistribution of energetic investment among physiological processes to maximize fitness and survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- James C Walton
- Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
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Rihmer Z, Erdos P, Ormos M, Fountoulakis KN, Vazquez G, Pompili M, Gonda X. Association between affective temperaments and season of birth in a general student population. J Affect Disord 2011; 132:64-70. [PMID: 21334071 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2011.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Revised: 01/25/2011] [Accepted: 01/25/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies indicate a significant association between birth season and personality and neuropsychiatric disorders. The aim of our present study was to investigate the association between affective temperaments and season of birth in a nonclinical sample. METHODS 366 university students completed the standardized Hungarian version of the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-Auto-questionnaire (TEMPS-A). Ordinary Least Squares regression was applied to explain the relationship between TEMPS-A subscale and birth season of the respondents. RESULTS We found a significant association between temperament scores and birth season in the case of the Hyperthymic, Cyclothymic, Irritable and Depressive temperaments, while no significant results emerged for the Anxious temperament. LIMITATIONS The relatively small sample size, especially in the case of seasonal and monthly subsamples limits generalization of our results. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the evidence that there is a strong association between season of birth and personality, extending the results to affective temperaments as well. Furthermore, our results are in line with clinical observations concerning the seasonal variation of onset and hospitalization due to affective episodes. This is especially important, since affective temperaments are conceived as the subaffective and subclinical manifestations of major and minor affective disorders indicating a risk for the development of these disorders and also exerting a possible pathoplastic effect, thus our results also have clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoltan Rihmer
- Department of Clinical and Theoretical Mental Health, Kutvolgyi Clinical Center, Semmelweis University; Kutvolgyi ut 4., 1125 Budapest, Hungary.
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Baxendale S. Light therapy as a treatment for epilepsy. Med Hypotheses 2011; 76:661-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2011.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Accepted: 01/13/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Nagamine S, Sonohata M, Kitajima M, Kawano S, Ogawa K, Mawatari M, Hotokebuchi T. Seasonal trends in the incidence of hip osteoarthritis in Japanese patients. Open Orthop J 2011; 5:134-7. [PMID: 21584203 PMCID: PMC3093749 DOI: 10.2174/1874325001105010134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2011] [Revised: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 03/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: There is an association between winter birth and developmental dysplasia of the hip, formerly termed congenital dislocation of the hip. The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the month and season of birth and hip osteoarthritis in Japanese patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty or transpositional osteotomy of the acetabulum. Methods: One thousand eight hundred and 52 female patients that presented for the surgical treatment of hip osteoarthritis between 1999 and 2005 were included in this study. Female out-patients who were seen at the initial visit during same period were used as controls to correct the bias of the month of birth. Results: There was a significant deviation of the observed number of births from the expected values calculated on a monthly basis (p<0.001). A comparison by seasons (periods of 3 months) revealed more births than expected in winter (p<0.001). The risk of hip osteoarthritis was significantly associated with the month of birth. Namely, it was highest for births in January (p<0.001). Conclusions: These data clearly revealed that the prevalence of hip osteoarthritis was significantly higher in those patients born in winter. The seasonal trend in hip osteoarthritis might be due to the winter prevalence of congenital dislocation of the hip in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satomi Nagamine
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga, Japan
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Vaiserman A. Early-life origin of adult disease: Evidence from natural experiments. Exp Gerontol 2011; 46:189-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2010.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2010] [Revised: 08/19/2010] [Accepted: 08/27/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Roussos P, Giakoumaki SG, Bitsios P. Cognitive and emotional processing associated with the Season of Birth and dopamine D4 receptor gene. Neuropsychologia 2010; 48:3926-33. [PMID: 20875435 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2010.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2010] [Revised: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/17/2010] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The 7-repeats variant of the dopamine D4 receptor (7R) VNTR polymorphism has been associated with higher novelty seeking (NS) and disadvantageous decision making in the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT). Season of Birth (SOB) is a significant determinant of NS. SOB and L-DRD4 genetic polymorphism may independently and interactively influence similar behaviors through their common effects on the dopaminergic system. Two hundred and twenty-seven healthy males grouped in summer-born/4-repeats (4R) (n=75), winter-born/4R (n=90), summer-born/7R (n=31) and winter-born/7R (n=31) groups, completed multimodal assessment for personality, planning for problem solving and decision making. Winter-born/7R subjects had significantly worse IGT performance throughout the task compared to 4R individuals, while summer-born 7R subjects had intermediate, although not significantly different performance. Moreover, winter-born/7R subjects had increased behavioral approach to reward without parallel reduction in sensitivity to fear or to social approval cues. The DRD4-by-SOB groups did not differ in planning for problem solving. These results suggest that a DRD4-by-SOB interaction is associated with increased behavioral approach to reward and risk taking but efficient problem solving. In addition, these results further support the hypothesis that SOB modifies the behavioral expression of dopaminergic genetic polymorphism. SOB should be included in future studies of risky behaviors and behavioral genetic studies of the dopamine system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panos Roussos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) by month of birth in Sweden. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cases (n = 9361) were obtained from the Swedish MS Registry. All births in Sweden 1900-2007 served as controls (n = 12,116,853). The risk of MS was analyzed for each month of birth separately compared with birth during the other 11 months. RESULTS More (11%) cases with MS than expected were born in June. Fewer (8% and 10%) cases with MS than expected were born in December and January (non-significant after correction for multiple analyses). More (5%) cases with MS than expected were born in February-July as compared with August-January. CONCLUSIONS This study supports previous results suggesting an association between the risk of MS and the season of birth. Decreased exposure to sun in the winter leading to low vitamin D levels during pregnancy is a possible explanation that needs further research.
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Staples J, Ponsonby AL, Lim L. Low maternal exposure to ultraviolet radiation in pregnancy, month of birth, and risk of multiple sclerosis in offspring: longitudinal analysis. BMJ 2010; 340:c1640. [PMID: 21030361 PMCID: PMC2862149 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.c1640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the distribution of month of birth in people with multiple sclerosis in Australia. To use the large regional and seasonal variation in ambient ultraviolet radiation in Australia to explore the association between exposure to ultraviolet radiation during pregnancy and subsequent risk of multiple sclerosis in offspring. DESIGN Data were gathered on birth month and year (1920-1950), sex, and state of birth for all patients surveyed in 1981 in Queensland, Western Australia, New South Wales (including Australian Capital Territory), South Australia, and Hobart (Tasmania). Population denominators were derived from the 1981 census and supplementary birth registration data. A variable for exposure to ambient ultraviolet radiation "at birth" was generated from monthly averages of daily total ambient ultraviolet radiation for each region. Negative binomial regression models were used to investigate exposure to ambient ultraviolet radiation at birth and at various intervals before birth. SETTING Patient data from multiple sclerosis prevalence surveys carried out in 1981; 1981 Australian census (giving the total number of people born in Australia and still alive and living in Australia in 1981 by year of birth 1920-50); supplementary Australian birth registration data covering the same birth years by month and state. PARTICIPANTS 1524 patients with multiple sclerosis born in Australia 1920-50 from total population of 2 468 779. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Cumulative incidence rate of multiple sclerosis. RESULTS There was a pattern of risk of multiple sclerosis with month of birth (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 1.10 to 1.58, P<0.01, for those born in November-December compared with those born in May-June). This pattern mirrored that previously reported in the northern hemisphere. Region of birth was related to risk. After adjustment for region of birth and other factors, there was an inverse association between ambient ultraviolet radiation in the first trimester and risk of multiple sclerosis (with ≥25 erythemal (skin reddening) dose units as reference (that is, adjusted incidence rate ratio=1.00), the rates were 1.54 (1.10 to 2.16) for 20-<25 units; 1.58 (1.12 to 2.22) for 15-<20 units; 1.65 (1.17 to 2.33) for 10-<15 units; 1.65 (1.18 to 2.29) for 5-<10 units; and 1.67 (1.18 to 2.37) for <5 units). After adjustment for this exposure during early pregnancy, there was no residual association between month of birth and multiple sclerosis. CONCLUSION Region of birth and low maternal exposure to ultraviolet radiation in the first trimester are independently associated with subsequent risk of multiple sclerosis in offspring in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Staples
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To estimate the risk of multiple sclerosis (MS) by month of birth in Sweden. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cases (n = 9361) were obtained from the Swedish MS Registry. All births in Sweden 1900-2007 served as controls (n = 12,116,853). The risk of MS was analyzed for each month of birth separately compared with birth during the other 11 months. RESULTS More (11%) cases with MS than expected were born in June. Fewer (8% and 10%) cases with MS than expected were born in December and January (non-significant after correction for multiple analyses). More (5%) cases with MS than expected were born in February-July as compared with August-January. CONCLUSIONS This study supports previous results suggesting an association between the risk of MS and the season of birth. Decreased exposure to sun in the winter leading to low vitamin D levels during pregnancy is a possible explanation that needs further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Salzer
- Department of Neurology, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden.
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Vitamin D, a neuro-immunomodulator: implications for neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2009; 34 Suppl 1:S265-77. [PMID: 19545951 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2009] [Revised: 05/20/2009] [Accepted: 05/20/2009] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
It has been known for more than 20 years that vitamin D exerts marked effects on immune and neural cells. These non-classical actions of vitamin D have recently gained a renewed attention since it has been shown that diminished levels of vitamin D induce immune-mediated symptoms in animal models of autoimmune diseases and is a risk factor for various brain diseases. For example, it has been demonstrated that vitamin D (i) modulates the production of several neurotrophins, (ii) up-regulates Interleukin-4 and (iii) inhibits the differentiation and survival of dendritic cells, resulting in impaired allo-reactive T cell activation. Not surprisingly, vitamin D has been found to be a strong candidate risk-modifying factor for Multiple Sclerosis (MS), the most prevalent neurological and inflammatory disease in the young adult population. Vitamin D is a seco-steroid hormone, produced photochemically in the animal epidermis. The action of ultraviolet light (UVB) on 7-dehydrocholesterol results in the production of pre-vitamin D which, after thermo-conversion and two separate hydroxylations, gives rise to the active 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D. Vitamin D acts through two types of receptors: (i) the vitamin D receptor (VDR), a member of the steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily of transcription factors, and (ii) the MARRS (membrane associated, rapid response steroid binding) receptor, also known as Erp57/Grp58. In this article, we review some of the mechanisms that may underlie the role of vitamin D in various brain diseases. We then assess how vitamin D imbalance may lay the foundation for a range of adult disorders, including brain pathologies (Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression) and immune-mediated disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, type I diabetes mellitus, systemic lupus erythematosus or inflammatory bowel diseases). Multidisciplinary scientific collaborations are now required to fully appreciate the complex role of vitamin D in mammal metabolism.
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Chotai J, Joukamaa M, Taanila A, Lichtermann D, Miettunen J. Novelty seeking among adult women is lower for the winter borns compared to the summer borns: replication in a large Finnish birth cohort. Compr Psychiatry 2009; 50:562-6. [PMID: 19840595 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2008.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2008] [Revised: 11/06/2008] [Accepted: 11/16/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Earlier general population studies have shown that novelty seeking (NS) of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) of personality is lower for persons born in winter compared to those born in summer, particularly for women. Here, we investigate if this result can be replicated in another population. METHOD The Northern Finland 1966 Birth Cohort, comprising 4968 subjects (2725 women, 2243 men), was investigated with regard to the temperament dimensions of the TCI and the season of birth. RESULTS Novelty seeking and reward dependence (RD) showed significant variations according to the month of birth. We found that women born during winter have significantly lower levels of NS compared to women born during summer, with a minimum for the birth month November and maximum for May. These results are similar to those found in a previous Swedish study. Furthermore, our study showed that men born during spring had significantly lower mean scores of RD compared to men born during autumn, with a minimum for birth month March. This was in contrast to the Swedish study, where the minimum of RD was obtained for the birth month December. CONCLUSION Women born in winter have lower NS as adults compared to women born in summer. Because NS is modulated by dopamine, this study gives further support to the studies in the literature that show that dopamine turnover for those born in winter is higher than for those born in summer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayanti Chotai
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Umeå, 901 85 Umeå, Sweden.
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Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a heterogeneous disorder characterized by inattention, impulsivity, and/or hyperactivity in children and adults. Putative environmental risk factors for ADHD include toxin and prenatal smoke exposure, low socioeconomic status, and parental marital instability and discord. Genetic associations with ADHD have been found in the dopaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic neurotransmitter systems, but findings are inconsistent across studies. Herein, we review studies of gene-environment interactions for ADHD to better understand how genetic and environmental risk factors may contribute to the disorder in a nonindependent fashion, which may account in part for the inconsistent findings on genetic associations. Although evidence of interactions between prenatal substance exposure and the dopamine genes DAT1 and DRD4 was found, findings across studies have been mixed. We discuss these findings and the future directions and limitations of current gene-environment research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Ficks
- Emory University, 317 Psychology Building, 532 Kilgo Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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Fernandes de Abreu DA, Babron MC, Babron MCI, Rebeix I, Rebeix C, Fontenille C, Fontenille J, Yaouanq J, Yaouanq D, Brassat D, Brassat B, Fontaine B, Fontaine F, Clerget-Darpoux F, Jehan F, Feron F. Season of birth and not vitamin D receptor promoter polymorphisms is a risk factor for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2009; 15:1146-52. [PMID: 19965563 DOI: 10.1177/1352458509106780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to multiple sclerosis, the most common neurodegenerative disorder with onset in young adults. The objective of the current study is, based on the hypothesis that environmentally predisposed individuals are at risk for multiple sclerosis, to investigate whether they also carry genetic variants within the vitamin D machinery. Using medical files and DNA samples from 583 trios (a patient and both parents) of the French Multiple Sclerosis Genetics Group as well as data from the French Statistics Bureau, we aimed to assess whether: (1) a seasonality of birth was observed in French multiple sclerosis patients; (2) three single nucleotide polymorphisms within the promoter region of the vitamin D receptor were associated with multiple sclerosis susceptibility; and (3) the combination of a high risk month of birth and vitamin D receptor polymorphisms were correlated to multiple sclerosis incidence. We observed a significantly reduced number of individuals born in November who were later diagnosed as multiple sclerosis patients. However, we found no association between the three studied vitamin D receptor polymorphisms and multiple sclerosis. In conclusion, our data suggest that high levels of vitamin D during the third trimester of pregnancy could be a protective factor for multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Fernandes de Abreu
- Neurobiologie des Interactions Cellulaires et Neurophysiopathologie (NICN), CNRS UMR 6184, IFR Jean Roche, Faculté de Médecine Nord, Marseille, France
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Koch HJ, Klinkhammer-Schalke M, Hofstädter F, Bogdahn U, Hau P. Seasonal Patterns of Birth in Patients with Glioblastoma. Chronobiol Int 2009; 23:1047-52. [PMID: 17050217 DOI: 10.1080/07420520600921088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal distribution of birth rates was only recently described in patients with high-grade gliomas. We analyzed 501 cases from the database of a Regional Cancer Center in Bavaria to assess annual periodicity in the birth dates of glioma patients. Prior to analysis, the number of births per month was normalized [number of births x 100,000/total number of births in Germany] to obtain birth rates per month. The approximation of the time series data by a one-year cosine model found that the glioblastoma birth rate exhibits a statistically significant annual variation, with the peak rate in January. Vitamin intake, infections, and other as-yet-unknown factors and exposures during pre- and perinatal early life may contribute to the seasonality of birth rate in patients with brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J Koch
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstrasse 84, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Staykov D, Radespiel‐Tröger M, Meyer M, Petsch S, Schwab S, Handschu R. Birth Month and Risk of Glioma in Adults: A Registry‐Based Study in Bavaria. Chronobiol Int 2009; 26:282-92. [DOI: 10.1080/07420520902761778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Koch HJ, Steinbrecher A. Letter to the Editor: Seasonal Pattern of Births in Patients with Optic Neuritis. Chronobiol Int 2009; 22:945-8. [PMID: 16298779 DOI: 10.1080/07420520500263136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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