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Aljabali AAA, Alkaraki AK, Gammoh O, Tambuwala MM, Mishra V, Mishra Y, Hassan SS, El-Tanani M. Deciphering Depression: Epigenetic Mechanisms and Treatment Strategies. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:638. [PMID: 39194576 DOI: 10.3390/biology13080638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Depression, a significant mental health disorder, is under intense research scrutiny to uncover its molecular foundations. Epigenetics, which focuses on controlling gene expression without altering DNA sequences, offers promising avenues for innovative treatment. This review explores the pivotal role of epigenetics in depression, emphasizing two key aspects: (I) identifying epigenetic targets for new antidepressants and (II) using personalized medicine based on distinct epigenetic profiles, highlighting potential epigenetic focal points such as DNA methylation, histone structure alterations, and non-coding RNA molecules such as miRNAs. Variations in DNA methylation in individuals with depression provide opportunities to target genes that are associated with neuroplasticity and synaptic activity. Aberrant histone acetylation may indicate that antidepressant strategies involve enzyme modifications. Modulating miRNA levels can reshape depression-linked gene expression. The second section discusses personalized medicine based on epigenetic profiles. Analyzing these patterns could identify biomarkers associated with treatment response and susceptibility to depression, facilitating tailored treatments and proactive mental health care. Addressing ethical concerns regarding epigenetic information, such as privacy and stigmatization, is crucial in understanding the biological basis of depression. Therefore, researchers must consider these issues when examining the role of epigenetics in mental health disorders. The importance of epigenetics in depression is a critical aspect of modern medical research. These findings hold great potential for novel antidepressant medications and personalized treatments, which would significantly improve patient outcomes, and transform psychiatry. As research progresses, it is expected to uncover more complex aspects of epigenetic processes associated with depression, enhance our comprehension, and increase the effectiveness of therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A A Aljabali
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutics & Pharmaceutical Technology, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Almuthanna K Alkaraki
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Yarmouk University, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Omar Gammoh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, P.O. Box 566, Irbid 21163, Jordan
| | - Murtaza M Tambuwala
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vijay Mishra
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Yachana Mishra
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara 144411, Punjab, India
| | - Sk Sarif Hassan
- Department of Mathematics, Pingla Thana Mahavidyalaya, Maligram, Paschim Medinipur 721140, West Bengal, India
| | - Mohamed El-Tanani
- College of Pharmacy, Ras Al Khaimah Medical and Health Sciences University, Ras Al Khaimah P.O. Box 11172, United Arab Emirates
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Bernad BC, Tomescu MC, Anghel T, Lungeanu D, Enătescu V, Bernad ES, Nicoraș V, Arnautu DA, Hogea L. Epigenetic and Coping Mechanisms of Stress in Affective Disorders: A Scoping Review. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:709. [PMID: 38792892 PMCID: PMC11122772 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
This review aims to explore the intricate relationship among epigenetic mechanisms, stress, and affective disorders, focusing on how early life experiences and coping mechanisms contribute to susceptibility to mood disorders. Epigenetic factors play a crucial role in regulating gene expression without altering the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sequence, and recent research has revealed associations between epigenetic changes and maladaptive responses to stress or psychiatric disorders. A scoping review of 33 studies employing the PRISMA-S (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-Statement) guidelines investigates the role of stress-induced epigenetic mechanisms and coping strategies in affective disorder occurrence, development, and progression. The analysis encompasses various stress factors, including childhood trauma, work-related stress, and dietary deficiencies, alongside epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation and altered gene expression. Findings indicate that specific stress-related genes frequently exhibit epigenetic changes associated with affective disorders. Moreover, the review examines coping mechanisms in patients with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder, revealing mixed associations between coping strategies and symptom severity. While active coping is correlated with better outcomes, emotion-focused coping may exacerbate depressive or manic episodes. Overall, this review underscores the complex interplay among genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, coping mechanisms, and affective disorders. Understanding these interactions is essential for developing targeted interventions and personalized treatment strategies for individuals with mood disorders. However, further research is needed to elucidate specific genomic loci involved in affective disorders and the clinical implications of coping strategies in therapeutic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda-Cristiana Bernad
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Center for Neuropsychology and Behavioral Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (T.A.); (L.H.)
- Multidisciplinary Heart Research Center, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (M.-C.T.); (D.-A.A.)
| | - Mirela-Cleopatra Tomescu
- Multidisciplinary Heart Research Center, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (M.-C.T.); (D.-A.A.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, ”Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Timisoara Municipal Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300040 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Teodora Anghel
- Center for Neuropsychology and Behavioral Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (T.A.); (L.H.)
- Department of Neuroscience, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Diana Lungeanu
- Center for Modeling Biological Systems and Data Analysis, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Department of Functional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Virgil Enătescu
- Department of Neuroscience, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
- Clinic of Psychiatry, “Pius Brinzeu” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Elena Silvia Bernad
- Center for Neuropsychology and Behavioral Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (T.A.); (L.H.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Ist Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Pius Brinzeu” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timișoara, Romania;
- Center for Laparoscopy, Laparoscopic Surgery and In Vitro Fertilization, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Vlad Nicoraș
- Ist Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Pius Brinzeu” County Clinical Emergency Hospital, 300723 Timișoara, Romania;
| | - Diana-Aurora Arnautu
- Multidisciplinary Heart Research Center, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (M.-C.T.); (D.-A.A.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, ”Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timișoara, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases Timișoara, 300310 Timișoara, Romania
| | - Lavinia Hogea
- Center for Neuropsychology and Behavioral Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania; (T.A.); (L.H.)
- Department of Neuroscience, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy from Timișoara, 300041 Timișoara, Romania;
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Prabhu KS, Sadida HQ, Kuttikrishnan S, Junejo K, Bhat AA, Uddin S. Beyond genetics: Exploring the role of epigenetic alterations in breast cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 254:155174. [PMID: 38306863 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge. Its rising incidence is attributed to factors such as delayed diagnosis, the complexity of its subtypes, and increasing drug resistance, all contributing to less-than-ideal patient outcomes. Central to the progression of breast cancer are epigenetic aberrations, which significantly contribute to drug resistance and the emergence of cancer stem cell traits. These include alterations in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and the expression of non-coding RNAs. Understanding these epigenetic changes is crucial for developing advanced breast cancer management strategies despite their complexity. Investigating these epigenetic modifications offers the potential for novel diagnostic markers, more accurate prognostic indicators, and the identification of reliable predictors of treatment response. This could lead to the development of new targeted therapies. However, this requires sustained, focused research efforts to navigate the challenges of understanding breast cancer carcinogenesis and its epigenetic underpinnings. A deeper understanding of epigenetic mechanisms in breast cancer can revolutionize personalized medicine. This could lead to significant improvements in patient care, including early detection, precise disease stratification, and more effective treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirti S Prabhu
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Hana Q Sadida
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Research Program, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Shilpa Kuttikrishnan
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar
| | - Kulsoom Junejo
- General Surgery Department, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Research Program, Department of Population Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha 26999, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha 3050, Qatar; Laboratory of Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar.
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Laird E, Herring MP, Carson BP, Woods CB, Walsh C, Kenny RA, Rasmussen CL. Physical activity for depression among the chronically Ill: Results from older diabetics in the Irish longitudinal study on ageing. Psychiatry Res 2023; 326:115274. [PMID: 37270867 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Among chronically-ill older adults, the benefits of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) are established. Comorbid depressive symptoms and Major Depression are prevalent among the chronically-ill, but how different doses of MVPA may protect against depression remains understudied. Thus, using 10 years of data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, we quantified longitudinal associations between MVPA doses and depressive symptoms and Major Depression among chronically-ill older adults living with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Continuous MVPA (MET.min.week-1), three dose and five dose MVPA categories were examined. Depressive symptoms and Major Depression were measured using the center for Epidemiological Studies Depression and the Composite International Diagnostic Interview for Major Depressive Episode. Negative binomial regression and logistic models, adjusted for covariates, quantified associations across time. Among the 2,262 participants, those adhering to the WHO guidelines of 600-<1,200 MET.min.week-1 had 28% lower odds of Major Depression compared to those not achieving the guidelines (OR: 0.72; 95%CI: 0.53-0.98). For depressive symptoms, a higher MVPA dose was required with a 13% (IRR: 0.87; 95%CI: 0.82-0.93) lower rate of symptoms among those exceeding recommendations (1200-<2,400 MET.min.week-1). Interventions should focus on enhancing achievability of and compliance with these MVPA doses among the chronically-ill, including T2DM, to protect against depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eamon Laird
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, Health Research Institute, and Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Matthew P Herring
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, Health Research Institute, and Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland; The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian P Carson
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, Health Research Institute, and Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Catherine B Woods
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, Health Research Institute, and Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Cathal Walsh
- Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, Health Research Institute, and Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, University of Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rose Anne Kenny
- The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing, Trinity College Dublin, Ireland
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Lee JS, Xierali IM, Jaini PA, Jetpuri Z, Papa F. Medical Student Perception of Lifestyle Medicine and Willingness to Engage in Lifestyle Counseling: A Pilot Study of Allopathic and Osteopathic Medical Students. Am J Lifestyle Med 2023; 17:280-289. [PMID: 36896036 PMCID: PMC9989491 DOI: 10.1177/15598276211004449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction. This study assessed medical students' perception of lifestyle medicine and readiness to engage in lifestyle counseling. Methods. All medical students in one allopathic and one osteopathic medical school received a survey involving items designed to measure their awareness and interest in lifestyle medicine, perception of physicians serving as lifestyle role models for patients, and intent to practice lifestyle counseling. Results. Two hundred and eight-nine subjects (145 allopathic and 144 osteopathic students) responded to the survey. A total of 24.1% of responding allopathic students had heard about lifestyle medicine compared with 53.9% of responding osteopathic students (P < .01). A total of 90.5% of allopathic students rated their current knowledge of lifestyle medicine as inadequate or poor compared with 78.7% of osteopathic students (P < .01). Ninety-two percent of all respondents wanted to learn more about lifestyle medicine, while 95.2% believed they would provide more effective counseling if they were trained sufficiently to serve as a healthy lifestyle role model for their patients. Conclusions. Both cohorts favored learning more about lifestyle medicine and believed physicians should provide lifestyle counseling to patients with chronic diseases. Given these findings, and the demonstrated benefits of lifestyle medicine-based health care, the authors suggest that training in lifestyle medicine be increased in undergraduate medical education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Sunghyun Lee
- The Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University Medical School, Loma Linda, California
| | - Imam M. Xierali
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Paresh Atu Jaini
- Department of Psychiatry, John Peter Smith Hospital, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Zaiba Jetpuri
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Frank Papa
- Department of Medical Education, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
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