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Jagasia E, Bloom I, Nelson KE, Campbell J. Early adolescent development in the face of violence: A systematic review running. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 151:106751. [PMID: 38531246 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to violence has severe and lasting effects on development. Despite the body of research examining childhood exposures to violence and victimization, developmental outcomes during early adolescence are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE To synthesize existing research on the effects of violence exposure on early adolescent development (youth 9-14 years old) and highlight areas for future research. METHOD We conducted a systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE for articles published between 2012 and 2023. Included articles focused on violence exposure related to experiencing or observing community violence, witnessing domestic violence and/or being the victim of chronic physical abuse. RESULTS Twenty-eight articles spanning four developmental domains were included: behavioral, biological, neurological, and social development. Behaviorally, violence exposure posed significant effects on both internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Biologically, violence exposure was strongly associated with advanced epigenetic age, accelerated puberty, and insomnia. Neurologically, violence exposure had significant associations with both structural and functional differences in the developing brain. Socially, violence exposure was related to poor school engagement, peer aggression, and low social support. CONCLUSION This systematic review highlights varying effects of violence exposure on early adolescent development. The gaps presented should be addressed and implemented into clinical practice via evidence-based policies and procedures to ensure successful transition to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Jagasia
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, United States of America.
| | - India Bloom
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, United States of America
| | - Katie E Nelson
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, United States of America
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2
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Gong J, Zhang T, Zhou L, Mo Y, Yu F, Liu M, Yang L, Liu J. Gender divergent effect of COMT gene rs4680 polymorphism on the association between executive dysfunction and psychotic-like experiences. Behav Brain Res 2023; 439:114215. [PMID: 36372244 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM Premorbid cognitive impairments are observed prior to the onset of schizophrenia. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) rs4680 is associated with psychosis and plays a crucial role in the development of the executive function. In addition, genetic COMT variations and gender affect its enzymatic activity. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COMT rs4680 on the relationship between executive dysfunction and psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in college students, with the additional investigation of the gender difference. METHODS A total of 463 students provided biological samples for DNA analysis and the COMT gene rs4680 polymorphism was discriminated by the improved multiplex ligase detection reaction method. They also completed the Prodromal Questionnaire and the Dysexecutive Questionnaire. RESULTS Executive dysfunction significantly predicted positive PLEs in the total, male and female population (β = 0.515, 0.508 and 0.512, p < 0.001). The results of moderated analysis revealed that COMT rs4680 recessive genetic model ('AA genotype' versus 'G carrier') moderated the relationship between executive dysfunction and psychotic-like experience in the total and females (p = 0.002 and p <0.001, respectively), but not in males. CONCLUSION These findings revealed a female-specific effect of COMT rs4680 on the relationship between executive dysfunction and PLEs in young adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Gong
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai 200335, China; Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Student Affairs, Hunan University of Technology, Zhuzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Lihua Zhou
- College of Education Science, Hengyang Normal University, Hengyang, Hunan, China
| | - Yanzi Mo
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Feifei Yu
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Luobin Yang
- Department of Applied Psychology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianbo Liu
- Department of Child Psychiatry of Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen Institute of Mental Health, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Shenzhen, China.
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Staines L, Healy C, Coughlan H, Clarke M, Kelleher I, Cotter D, Cannon M. Psychotic experiences in the general population, a review; definition, risk factors, outcomes and interventions. Psychol Med 2022; 52:1-12. [PMID: 36004805 PMCID: PMC9772919 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722002550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Psychotic experiences (PE) are common in the general population, in particular in childhood, adolescence and young adulthood. PE have been shown to be associated with an increased risk for later psychotic disorders, mental disorders, and poorer functioning. Recent findings have highlighted the relevance of PE to many fields of healthcare, including treatment response in clinical services for anxiety & depression treatment, healthcare costs and service use. Despite PE relevance to many areas of mental health, and healthcare research, there remains a gap of information between PE researchers and experts in other fields. With this review, we aim to bridge this gap by providing a broad overview of the current state of PE research, and future directions. This narrative review aims to provide an broad overview of the literature on psychotic experiences, under the following headings: (1) Definition and Measurement of PE; (2) Risk Factors for PE; (3) PE and Health; (4) PE and Psychosocial Functioning; (5) Interventions for PE, (6) Future Directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorna Staines
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Colm Healy
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Helen Coughlan
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Mary Clarke
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department Psychology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department Psychiatry Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Ian Kelleher
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Lucena Clinic Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Rathgar, Dublin 6, Ireland
| | - David Cotter
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department Psychiatry Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Mary Cannon
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Department Psychiatry Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, Ireland
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Di Benedetto MG, Scassellati C, Cattane N, Riva MA, Cattaneo A. Neurotrophic factors, childhood trauma and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of genetic, biochemical, cognitive and imaging studies to identify potential biomarkers. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:76-88. [PMID: 35378148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to traumatic experience represents one of the key environmental factors influencing the risk for several psychiatric disorders, in particular when suffered during childhood, a critical period for brain development, characterized by a high level of neuroplasticity. Abnormalities affecting neurotrophic factors might play a fundamental role in the link between childhood trauma (CT) and early life stress (ELS) and psychiatric disorders. METHODS A systematic review was conducted, considering genetic, biochemical and expression studies along with cognitive and brain structure imaging investigations, based on PubMed and Web of Science databases (available up until November 2021), to identify potential neuroplasticity related biomarkers associated both with CT/ELS and psychiatric disorders. The search was followed by data abstraction and study quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale). RESULTS 103 studies met our eligibility criteria. Among them, 65 were available for genetic, 30 for biochemical and 3 for mRNA data; 45 findings were linked to specific symptomatology/pathologies, 16 with various cognitive functions, 19 with different brain areas, 6 on methylation and 36 performed on control subjects for the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF); whereas 4 expression/biochemical studies covered Neurotrophin 4 (NT-4), Vascular Endothelium Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), and Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1). LIMITATIONS Heterogeneity of assessments (biological, psychological, of symptomatology, and CT/ELS), age range and ethnicity of samples for BDNF studies; limited studies for other neurotrophins. CONCLUSIONS Results support the key role of BDNF (in form of Met allele) as biomarker, both at genetic and biochemical level, in mediating the effect of CT/ELS in psychiatric disorders, passing through specific cognitive functions and specific brain region architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Di Benedetto
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Catia Scassellati
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nadia Cattane
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
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Mulligan CJ, Clukay CJ, Matarazzo A, Hadfield K, Nevell L, Dajani R, Panter-Brick C. Novel GxE effects and resilience: A case:control longitudinal study of psychosocial stress with war-affected youth. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0266509. [PMID: 35377919 PMCID: PMC8979449 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0266509] [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: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Responses to early life adversity differ greatly across individuals. Elucidating which factors underlie this variation can help us better understand how to improve health trajectories. Here we used a case:control study of refugee and non-refugee youth, differentially exposed to war-related trauma, to investigate the effects of genetics and psychosocial environment on response to trauma. We investigated genetic variants in two genes (serotonin transporter, 5-HTT, and catechol-O-methyltransferase, COMT) that have been implicated in response to trauma. We collected buccal samples and survey data from 417 Syrian refugee and 306 Jordanian non-refugee youth who were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to evaluate a mental health-focused intervention. Measures of lifetime trauma exposure, resilience, and six mental health and psychosocial stress outcomes were collected at three time points: baseline, ~13 weeks, and ~48 weeks. We used multilevel models to identify gene x environment (GxE) interactions and direct effects of the genetic variants in association with the six outcome measures over time. We did not identify any interactions with trauma exposure, but we did identify GxE interactions with both genes and resilience; 1) individuals with high expression (HE) variants of 5-HTTLPR and high levels of resilience had the lowest levels of perceived stress and 2) individuals homozygous for the Val variant of COMT with high levels of resilience showed stable levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms. We also identified a direct protective effect of 5-HTTLPR HE homozygotes on perceived insecurity. Our results point to novel interactions between the protective effects of genetic variants and resilience, lending support to ideas of differential susceptibility and altered stress reactivity in a cohort of war-affected adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connie J. Mulligan
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Christopher J. Clukay
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Anthony Matarazzo
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Kristin Hadfield
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Global Health, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lisa Nevell
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
- Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Rana Dajani
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Catherine Panter-Brick
- Department of Anthropology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
- Jackson Institute of Global Affairs, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, United States of America
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Childhood traumatic events and the dopaminergic theory of psychosis: A mini-review of studies investigating gene – environment interactions. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
There is great body of evidence showing a relationship between childhood adversity and psychosis onset. Genetic factors moderate the association between childhood adversity and psychosis risk potentially by influencing biological and/or psychological reaction following exposure to adversity. In this review, we discuss studies identifying the specific genetic variants known to affect dopamine levels involved in this interaction. Our review shows that the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2), AKT1 gene play a key role in mediating the relationship between childhood adversity and development of psychosis. We have also found conflicting findings on the impact of dopamine genes on the relationship between childhood adversity and development of psychosis, suggesting that other genetic and environmental factors should be taken into account. We here discuss the implications of our findings and future directions.
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Azadmarzabadi E, Haghighatfard A. Detection of six novel de novo mutations in individuals with low resilience to psychological stress. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0256285. [PMID: 34492034 PMCID: PMC8423267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0256285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic bases of psychological stress resilience have been studied previously, but mechanisms and genetic variants which are involved in stress resilience are still unclear. The present study aimed to evaluate the associations between variants in dopaminergic pathway genes with stress resilience. Subjects of the present study were divided into four groups. Group A included persons with normal reactions to major life events stressors; group B included persons with an acute stress reaction to major life events stressor; group C included persons with normal reactions to Crises/catastrophes stressors, and group D included persons with an acute stress reaction to Crises/catastrophes stressors. DNA was extracted from the subject's blood, and the entire length of 14 genes DRD1, DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, DRD5, COMT, DBH, TH, MAOA, DDC, DAT, 5-HTT, BDNF, and GDNF were sequenced by automated sequencers ABI 3700. Results showed 24 point mutations in 12 genes, including 16 SNPs and six novel mutations, which were significantly correlated to low-stress resilience. Most of the SNPs were known as risk alleles in psychiatric disorders. Several associations were found between genetic variants and psychological characteristics. Findings suggest dopaminergic as an important pathway in stress and stress resilience also indicated shared genetic bases between low-stress resilience and several psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esfandiar Azadmarzabadi
- Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arvin Haghighatfard
- Neuroimaging Genetic Laboratory, Arvin Gene Company, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biology, Tehran North Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Genetics, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail:
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8
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Kelleher
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Lucena Clinic, Rathgar, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mary Cannon
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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9
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Sideli L, Murray RM, Schimmenti A, Corso M, La Barbera D, Trotta A, Fisher HL. Childhood adversity and psychosis: a systematic review of bio-psycho-social mediators and moderators. Psychol Med 2020; 50:1761-1782. [PMID: 32624020 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720002172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The association between childhood adversity (CA) and psychosis has been extensively investigated in recent years. An increasing body of research has also focused on the mediating or moderating role of biological and psychological mechanisms, as well as other risk factors that might account for the link between CA and psychosis. We conducted a systematic search of the PsychINFO, Embase, Ovid, and Web of Science databases for original articles investigating the role of genetic vulnerabilities, environmental factors, psychological and psychopathological mechanisms in the association between CA and psychosis up to August 2019. We included studies with individuals at different stages of the psychosis continuum, from subclinical psychotic experiences to diagnosed disorders. From the 28 944 records identified, a total of 121 studies were included in this review. Only 26% of the studies identified met the criteria for methodological robustness. Overall, the current evidence suggests that CA may be associated with psychosis largely independently of genetic vulnerabilities. More consistent and robust evidence supports interaction between early and recent adversities, as well as the mediating role of attachment and mood symptoms, which is suggestive of an affective pathway between CA and psychosis across the continuum from subclinical experiences to diagnosable disorder. This review highlighted numerous methodological issues with the existing literature, including selection bias, heterogeneity of measurement instruments utilised, and lack of control for potential confounders. Future research should address these limitations to more accurately estimate mediation and moderation effects on the CA-psychosis association to inform the development of preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Sideli
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Robin M Murray
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Mariangela Corso
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Daniele La Barbera
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Antonella Trotta
- King's College London, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
- Tony Hillis Unit, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Helen L Fisher
- King's College London, Social, Genetic & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, London, UK
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10
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Stanton KJ, Denietolis B, Goodwin BJ, Dvir Y. Childhood Trauma and Psychosis: An Updated Review. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2020; 29:115-129. [PMID: 31708041 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2019.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
There is growing evidence to support the link between childhood trauma and psychosis. Childhood trauma increases the risk for psychosis and affects severity and type of psychotic symptoms, and frequency of comorbid conditions, including depression and substance use. Childhood trauma is linked to more severe functional impairment in individuals with psychosis. There is evidence to support gender differences in the influence of childhood trauma on the course of psychotic illnesses, appearing to be more profound in girls and women. Other biological markers that may explain the link between childhood trauma and psychosis include brain-derived neurotrophic factor and other inflammatory markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate J Stanton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Brian Denietolis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Brien J Goodwin
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst, 135 Hicks Way/Tobin Hall, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Yael Dvir
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 55 Lake Avenue North, Worcester, MA 01655, USA.
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11
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Evidence for interaction between genetic liability and childhood trauma in the development of psychotic symptoms. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2019; 54:1045-1054. [PMID: 31209522 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-019-01711-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Whilst childhood trauma (CT) is a known risk factor across the spectrum of psychosis expression, little is known about possible interplay with genetic liability. METHODS The TwinssCan Study collected data in general population twins, focussing on expression of psychosis at the level of subthreshold psychotic experiences. A multilevel mixed-effects linear regression analysis was performed including 745 subjects to assess the interaction between genetic liability and CT. The Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90-R) score of the co-twin was used as an indirect measure of genetic liability to psychopathology, while the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short-Form (CTQ-SF) was used to assess CT in the domains of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as physical and emotional neglect. The Community Assessment of Psychic Experience (CAPE) questionnaire was used to phenotypically characterize psychosis expression. RESULTS In the model using the CAPE total score, the interaction between CT and genetic liability was close to statistical significance (χ2 = 5.6, df = 2, p = 0.06). Analyses of CAPE subscales revealed a significant interaction between CT and genetic liability (χ2 = 8.8, df = 2, p = 0.012) for the CAPE-negative symptoms subscale, but not for the other two subscales (i.e. positive and depressive). CONCLUSION The results suggest that the impact of CT on subthreshold expression of psychosis, particularly in the negative subdomain, may be larger in the co-presence of significant genetic liability for psychopathology.
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12
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Kirli U, Binbay T, Drukker M, Elbi H, Kayahan B, Gökçelli DK, Özkınay F, Onay H, Alptekin K, van Os J. Is BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism associated with psychotic experiences and psychotic disorder outcome? Evidence from a 6 years prospective population-based cohort study. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:113-121. [PMID: 29785763 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
There is little research on genetic risk for the extended psychosis phenotype ranging from psychotic experiences (PEs) to psychotic disorders (PDs). In this general population-based prospective cohort study, the longitudinal associations between BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism and the different levels of the extended psychosis phenotype were investigated. Addresses were contacted in a multistage clustered probability sampling frame covering 11 districts and 302 neighborhoods at baseline (n = 4011). A nested case-control study (n = 366) recruited individuals with PEs and PDs as well as individuals with no psychotic symptoms. In this subgroup, blood sampling for genetic analysis and assessment of environmental exposures were carried out, followed by clinical re-appraisal at follow-up 6 years later (n = 254). The BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism was significantly associated with the extended psychosis phenotype. The pattern of the association was that the BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism impacted in a dose-response but extra-linear fashion, with stronger impact at the PD end of the extended psychosis phenotype. Associations were still significant after adjusting for sociodemographic factors and environmental exposures including life events, childhood adversity, socioeconomic status, urbanicity, and cannabis use. The BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism may index susceptibility to expression of psychosis along a spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umut Kirli
- Department of Psychiatry, Van Education and Research Hospital, Van, Turkey.,School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tolga Binbay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Marjan Drukker
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Hayriye Elbi
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Bülent Kayahan
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Ferda Özkınay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hüseyin Onay
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Genetics, Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Köksal Alptekin
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Jim van Os
- School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom.,Department of Psychiatry, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht University Medical Centre, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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13
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Jaworska-Andryszewska P, Rybakowski JK. Childhood trauma in mood disorders: Neurobiological mechanisms and implications for treatment. Pharmacol Rep 2018; 71:112-120. [PMID: 30544098 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2018.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A contemporary model for the pathogenesis of mood disorders (bipolar and depressive disorders) involves gene-environmental interaction, with genetic predisposition, epigenetic regulation, and environmental effects. Among multiple environmental factors, the experience of childhood trauma can be connected with the pathogenesis, course and the treatment of mood disorders. Patients with mood disorders have the greater frequency of childhood trauma compared with the general population, and adverse childhood experiences can exert a negative impact on their clinical course. In this article, the neurobiological mechanisms of childhood trauma are presented. The influence of negative childhood experiences on the central nervous system can result in many structural and functional changes of the brain, including such structures as hippocampus and amygdala, associated with the development of bipolar and depressive illnesses. Interaction of several genes with childhood trauma to produce pathological, clinical phenomena in adulthood has been demonstrated, the most important in this respect being the serotonin transporter gene and the FKBP5 gene playing an important role in the pathogenesis of mood disorders. Neurobiological effects can also involve epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation which can exert an effect on brain function over long-term periods. Somatic effects of childhood trauma include disturbances of stress axis and immune-inflammatory mechanisms as well as metabolic dysregulation. Negative childhood experiences may also bear implications for the treatment of mood disorders. In the article, the impact of such experiences on the treatment of mood disorders will be discussed, especially in the context of treatment -resistance to antidepressants and mood-stabilizing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janusz K Rybakowski
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland.
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Abstract
Schizophrenia and other types of psychosis incur suffering, high health care costs and loss of human potential, due to the combination of early onset and poor response to treatment. Our ability to prevent or cure psychosis depends on knowledge of causal mechanisms. Molecular genetic studies show that thousands of common and rare variants contribute to the genetic risk for psychosis. Epidemiological studies have identified many environmental factors associated with increased risk of psychosis. However, no single genetic or environmental factor is sufficient to cause psychosis on its own. The risk of developing psychosis increases with the accumulation of many genetic risk variants and exposures to multiple adverse environmental factors. Additionally, the impact of environmental exposures likely depends on genetic factors, through gene-environment interactions. Only a few specific gene-environment combinations that lead to increased risk of psychosis have been identified to date. An example of replicable gene-environment interaction is a common polymorphism in the AKT1 gene that makes its carriers sensitive to developing psychosis with regular cannabis use. A synthesis of results from twin studies, molecular genetics, and epidemiological research outlines the many genetic and environmental factors contributing to psychosis. The interplay between these factors needs to be considered to draw a complete picture of etiology. To reach a more complete explanation of psychosis that can inform preventive strategies, future research should focus on longitudinal assessments of multiple environmental exposures within large, genotyped cohorts beginning early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson Zwicker
- Department of Pathology,Dalhousie University,Halifax,NS,Canada
| | | | - Rudolf Uher
- Department of Pathology,Dalhousie University,Halifax,NS,Canada
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15
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Khan A, Powell SB. Sensorimotor gating deficits in "two-hit" models of schizophrenia risk factors. Schizophr Res 2018; 198:68-83. [PMID: 29070440 PMCID: PMC5911431 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and environmental models of neuropsychiatric disease have grown exponentially over the last 20years. One measure that is often used to evaluate the translational relevance of these models to human neuropsychiatric disease is prepulse inhibition of startle (PPI), an operational measure of sensorimotor gating. Deficient PPI characterizes several neuropsychiatric disorders but has been most extensively studied in schizophrenia. It has become a useful tool in translational neuropharmacological and molecular genetics studies because it can be measured across species using almost the same experimental parameters. Although initial studies of PPI in rodents were pharmacological because of the robust predictive validity of PPI for antipsychotic efficacy, more recently, PPI has become standard common behavioral measures used in genetic and neurodevelopmental models of schizophrenia. Here we review "two hit" models of schizophrenia and discuss the utility of PPI as a tool in phenotyping these models of relevant risk factors. In the review, we consider approaches to rodent models of genetic and neurodevelopmental risk factors and selectively review "two hit" models of gene×environment and environment×environment interactions in which PPI has been measured.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Khan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Susan B Powell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Dr., La Jolla, CA 92093, United States; Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, United States.
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16
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Misiak B, Stramecki F, Gawęda Ł, Prochwicz K, Sąsiadek MM, Moustafa AA, Frydecka D. Interactions Between Variation in Candidate Genes and Environmental Factors in the Etiology of Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: a Systematic Review. Mol Neurobiol 2018; 55:5075-5100. [PMID: 28822116 PMCID: PMC5948257 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0708-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder (BD) are complex and multidimensional disorders with high heritability rates. The contribution of genetic factors to the etiology of these disorders is increasingly being recognized as the action of multiple risk variants with small effect sizes, which might explain only a minor part of susceptibility. On the other site, numerous environmental factors have been found to play an important role in their causality. Therefore, in recent years, several studies focused on gene × environment interactions that are believed to bridge the gap between genetic underpinnings and environmental insults. In this article, we performed a systematic review of studies investigating gene × environment interactions in BD and schizophrenia spectrum phenotypes. In the majority of studies from this field, interacting effects of variation in genes encoding catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and FK506-binding protein 5 (FKBP5) have been explored. Almost consistently, these studies revealed that polymorphisms in COMT, BDNF, and FKBP5 genes might interact with early life stress and cannabis abuse or dependence, influencing various outcomes of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and BD. Other interactions still require further replication in larger clinical and non-clinical samples. In addition, future studies should address the direction of causality and potential mechanisms of the relationship between gene × environment interactions and various categories of outcomes in schizophrenia and BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Misiak
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, 1 Marcinkowski Street, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Filip Stramecki
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Gawęda
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- II Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Maria M Sąsiadek
- Department of Genetics, Wroclaw Medical University, 1 Marcinkowski Street, 50-368, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ahmed A Moustafa
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Marcs Institute of Brain and Behaviour, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367, Wroclaw, Poland
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17
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Catechol-O-Methyltransferase gene (val158met) polymorphisms and anxious symptoms in early childhood: The roles of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity and life stress. Neurosci Lett 2017; 659:86-91. [PMID: 28859863 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.08.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Individual differences in hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity to stress (measured via salivary cortisol) have been widely implicated in the etiology of internalizing problems such as depression and anxiety. Literature suggests that stress during early childhood is an important source of contextual risk although its effects may be moderated by polymorphisms of neurotransmitter genes. The COMT val158met is one such polymorphism, and literature documents its link to internalizing problems. To extend these findings, and to better understand the role of this polymorphism in developmental risk, we investigated links between the val158met polymorphism and early-age cortisol response. Additionally, we investigated whether cortisol reactivity mediated the link between COMT and emerging internalizing symptoms. The study was conducted in a community sample of 409 preschoolers. Saliva samples were collected pre-stress task (baseline) and every 10min post-stress task for one-hour to asses cortisol response. Child anxious and depressive symptoms were tabulated based on parent-reports. Markers of early childhood stress included marital discord, socio-economic status and the UCLA Life Stress Interview. Findings indicated that the val158met polymorphism is associated with childhood cortisol response (p<0.05). A gene-environment interaction between val158met and life stress also predicted child anxiety symptoms (p<0.01). Finally, cortisol response mediated the main-effect of val158met on child anxiety symptoms (pathway ps<0.05). Analyses suggest that COMT val158met moderates the influence of early life stress on preschool-age symptoms of anxiety. Additionally, cortisol reactivity acts as a mechanistic mediator of the main-effect of COMT genotype on child anxious symptoms.
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18
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Hosang GM, Fisher HL, Cohen-Woods S, McGuffin P, Farmer AE. Stressful life events and catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT) gene in bipolar disorder. Depress Anxiety 2017; 34:419-426. [PMID: 28102561 DOI: 10.1002/da.22606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 12/19/2016] [Accepted: 12/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A small body of research suggests that gene-environment interactions play an important role in the development of bipolar disorder. The aim of the present study is to contribute to this work by exploring the relationship between stressful life events and the catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT) Val158 Met polymorphism in bipolar disorder. METHODS Four hundred eighty-two bipolar cases and 205 psychiatrically healthy controls completed the List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire. Bipolar cases reported the events experienced 6 months before their worst depressive and manic episodes; controls reported those events experienced 6 months prior to their interview. The genotypic information for the COMT Val158 Met variant (rs4680) was extracted from GWAS analysis of the sample. RESULTS The impact of stressful life events was moderated by the COMT genotype for the worst depressive episode using a Val dominant model (adjusted risk difference = 0.09, 95% confidence intervals = 0.003-0.18, P = .04). For the worst manic episodes no significant interactions between COMT and stressful life events were detected. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to explore the relationship between stressful life events and the COMT Val158 Met polymorphism focusing solely on bipolar disorder. The results of this study highlight the importance of the interplay between genetic and environmental factors for bipolar depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina M Hosang
- Department of Psychology, Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK
| | - Helen L Fisher
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Peter McGuffin
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Anne E Farmer
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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19
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Misiak B, Krefft M, Bielawski T, Moustafa AA, Sąsiadek MM, Frydecka D. Toward a unified theory of childhood trauma and psychosis: A comprehensive review of epidemiological, clinical, neuropsychological and biological findings. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 75:393-406. [PMID: 28216171 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
There is a growing body of research focused on the relationship between childhood trauma and the risk of developing psychosis. Numerous studies, including many large-scale population-based studies, controlling for possible mediating variables, provide persuasive evidence of a dose-response association and are indicative of a causal relationship. Existing evidence supports the specificity model, showing differential associations between particular adversities and clinical symptoms, with cumulative adversity causing less favorable clinical and functional outcomes in psychotic patients. To date, several psychological and biological models have been proposed to search for underlying developmental trajectories leading to the onset of psychosis, influencing psychopathological manifestation and negative functional outcomes due to a history of childhood trauma. In this article, we provide a unified review on the relationship between childhood trauma and psychosis by integrating results of epidemiological, clinical, neuropsychological and biological studies. The question whether psychosis with a positive history of childhood trauma should be considered as a new psychotic phenotype, requiring specific therapeutic interventions, warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Misiak
- Department of Genetics, 1 Marcinkowski Street, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland.
| | - Maja Krefft
- Department of Psychiatry, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Tomasz Bielawski
- Department of Psychiatry, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Ahmed A Moustafa
- School of Social Sciences and Psychology, Marcs Institute of Brain and Behaviour, University of Western Sydney, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Maria M Sąsiadek
- Department of Genetics, 1 Marcinkowski Street, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, 10 Pasteur Street, 50-367 Wroclaw, Poland
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20
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de Castro-Catala M, van Nierop M, Barrantes-Vidal N, Cristóbal-Narváez P, Sheinbaum T, Kwapil TR, Peña E, Jacobs N, Derom C, Thiery E, van Os J, van Winkel R, Rosa A. Childhood trauma, BDNF Val66Met and subclinical psychotic experiences. Attempt at replication in two independent samples. J Psychiatr Res 2016; 83:121-129. [PMID: 27596955 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Childhood trauma exposure is a robust environmental risk factor for psychosis. However, not all exposed individuals develop psychotic symptoms later in life. The Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) has been suggested to moderate the psychosis-inducing effects of childhood trauma in clinical and nonclinical samples. Our study aimed to explore the interaction effect between childhood trauma and the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism on subclinical psychotic experiences (PEs). This was explored in two nonclinical independent samples: an undergraduate and technical-training school student sample (n = 808, sample 1) and a female twin sample (n = 621, sample 2). Results showed that childhood trauma was strongly associated with positive and negative PEs in nonclinical individuals. A BDNF Val66Met x childhood trauma effect on positive PEs was observed in both samples. These results were discordant in terms of risk allele: while in sample 1 Val allele carriers, especially males, were more vulnerable to the effects of childhood trauma regarding PEs, in sample 2 Met carriers presented higher PEs scores when exposed to childhood trauma, compared with Val carriers. Moreover, in sample 2, a significant interaction was also found in relation to negative PEs. Our study partially replicates previous findings and suggests that some individuals are more prone to develop PEs following childhood trauma because of a complex combination of multiple factors. Further studies including genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors may provide insights in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta de Castro-Catala
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Martine van Nierop
- KU Leuven, Department of Neuroscience, Research Group Psychiatry, Centre for Contextual Psychiatry, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain; Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States; Sant Pere Claver - Fundació Sanitària, Barcelona, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Cristóbal-Narváez
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Tamara Sheinbaum
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Thomas R Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC, United States
| | - Elionora Peña
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nele Jacobs
- KU Leuven, Department of Neuroscience, Research Group Psychiatry, Centre for Contextual Psychiatry, Leuven, Belgium; Faculty of Psychology, Open University of the Netherlands, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Catherine Derom
- Centre of Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Evert Thiery
- Department of Neurology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jim van Os
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, King's Health Partners, London, United Kingdom; Maastricht University Medical Centre, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ruud van Winkel
- KU Leuven, Department of Neuroscience, Research Group Psychiatry, Centre for Contextual Psychiatry, Leuven, Belgium; University Psychiatric Center, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium
| | - Araceli Rosa
- Secció de Zoologia i Antropologia Biològica, Departament de Biologia Evolutiva, Ecologia i Ciències Ambientals, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Spain; Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Barcelona, Spain; Centre for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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21
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Walter EE, Fernandez F, Snelling M, Barkus E. Genetic Consideration of Schizotypal Traits: A Review. Front Psychol 2016; 7:1769. [PMID: 27895608 PMCID: PMC5108787 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2016.01769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizotypal traits are of interest and importance in their own right and also have theoretical and clinical associations with schizophrenia. These traits comprise attenuated psychotic symptoms, social withdrawal, reduced cognitive capacity, and affective dysregulation. The link between schizotypal traits and psychotic disorders has long since been debated. The status of knowledge at this point is such schizotypal traits are a risk for psychotic disorders, but in and of themselves only confer liability, with other risk factors needing to be present before a transition to psychosis occurs. Investigation of schizotypal traits also has the possibility to inform clinical and research pursuits concerning those who do not make a transition to psychotic disorders. A growing body of literature has investigated the genetic underpinnings of schizotypal traits. Here, we review association, family studies and describe genetic disorders where the expression of schizotypal traits has been investigated. We conducted a thorough review of the existing literature, with multiple search engines, references, and linked articles being searched for relevance to the current review. All articles and book chapters in English were sourced and reviewed for inclusion. Family studies demonstrate that schizotypal traits are elevated with increasing genetic proximity to schizophrenia and some chromosomal regions have been associated with schizotypy. Genes associated with schizophrenia have provided the initial start point for the investigation of candidate genes for schizotypal traits; neurobiological pathways of significance have guided selection of genes of interest. Given the chromosomal regions associated with schizophrenia, some genetic disorders have also considered the expression of schizotypal traits. Genetic disorders considered all comprise a profile of cognitive deficits and over representation of psychotic disorders compared to the general population. We conclude that genetic variations associated with schizotypal traits require further investigation, perhaps with targeted phenotypes narrowed to assist in refining the clinical end point of significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma E. Walter
- School of Psychology, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Francesca Fernandez
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Mollie Snelling
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, University of WollongongWollongong, NSW, Australia
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22
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Morgan C, Gayer‐Anderson C. Childhood adversities and psychosis: evidence, challenges, implications. World Psychiatry 2016; 15:93-102. [PMID: 27265690 PMCID: PMC4911761 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a substantial body of research reporting evidence of associations between various forms of childhood adversity and psychosis, across the spectrum from experiences to disorder. This has been extended, more recently, to include studies of cumulative effects, of interactions with other factors, of specific effects, and of putative biological and psychological mechanisms. In this paper we evaluate this research and highlight the remaining methodological issues and gaps that temper, but do not dismiss, conclusions about the causal role of childhood adversity. We also consider the emerging work on cumulative, synergistic, and specific effects and on mechanisms; and discuss the broader implications of this line of research for our understanding of psychosis. We conclude that the current balance of evidence is that childhood adversities - particularly exposure to multiple adversities involving hostility and threat - do, in some people, contribute to the onset of psychotic experiences and psychotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Morgan
- Society and Mental Health Research Group, Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Charlotte Gayer‐Anderson
- Society and Mental Health Research Group, Centre for Epidemiology and Public Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College LondonLondonUK
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23
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Kasanova Z, Hernaus D, Vaessen T, van Amelsvoort T, Winz O, Heinzel A, Pruessner J, Mottaghy FM, Collip D, Myin-Germeys I. Early-Life Stress Affects Stress-Related Prefrontal Dopamine Activity in Healthy Adults, but Not in Individuals with Psychotic Disorder. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150746. [PMID: 27007554 PMCID: PMC4805207 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life stress may have a lasting impact on the developmental programming of the dopamine (DA) system implicated in psychosis. Early adversity could promote resilience by calibrating the prefrontal stress-regulatory dopaminergic neurotransmission to improve the individual's fit with the predicted stressful environment. Aberrant reactivity to such match between proximal and distal environments may, however, enhance psychosis disease risk. We explored the combined effects of childhood adversity and adult stress by exposing 12 unmedicated individuals with a diagnosis of non-affective psychotic disorder (NAPD) and 12 healthy controls (HC) to psychosocial stress during an [18F]fallypride positron emission tomography. Childhood trauma divided into early (ages 0-11 years) and late (12-18 years) was assessed retrospectively using a questionnaire. A significant group x childhood trauma interaction on the spatial extent of stress-related [18F]fallypride displacement was observed in the mPFC for early (b = -8.45, t(1,23) = -3.35, p = .004) and late childhood trauma (b = -7.86, t(1,23) = -2.48, p = .023). In healthy individuals, the spatial extent of mPFC DA activity under acute psychosocial stress was positively associated with the severity of early (b = 7.23, t(11) = 3.06, p = .016) as well as late childhood trauma (b = -7.86, t(1,23) = -2.48, p = .023). Additionally, a trend-level main effect of early childhood trauma on subjective stress response emerged within this group (b = -.7, t(11) = -2, p = .07), where higher early trauma correlated with lower subjective stress response to the task. In the NAPD group, childhood trauma was not associated with the spatial extent of the tracer displacement in mPFC (b = -1.22, t(11) = -0.67), nor was there a main effect of trauma on the subjective perception of stress within this group (b = .004, t(11) = .01, p = .99). These findings reveal a potential mechanism of neuroadaptation of prefrontal DA transmission to early life stress and suggest its role in resilience and vulnerability to psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Kasanova
- Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Dennis Hernaus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Vaessen
- Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thérèse van Amelsvoort
- Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Oliver Winz
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander Heinzel
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jens Pruessner
- Department of Psychiatry, Douglas Mental Health Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Felix M. Mottaghy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Dina Collip
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, South Limburg Mental Health Research and Teaching Network, EURON, School for Mental Health and NeuroScience MHeNS Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Inez Myin-Germeys
- Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven–University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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24
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de Castro-Catala M, Barrantes-Vidal N, Sheinbaum T, Moreno-Fortuny A, Kwapil TR, Rosa A. COMT-by-sex interaction effect on psychosis proneness. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:829237. [PMID: 25722988 PMCID: PMC4334622 DOI: 10.1155/2015/829237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 01/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Schizotypy phenotypes in the general population share etiopathogenic mechanisms and risk factors with schizophrenia, supporting the notion of psychosis as a continuum ranging from nonclinical to clinical deviance. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a candidate susceptibility gene for schizophrenia that is involved in the regulation of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex. Several recent studies have reported a sex difference in the impact of COMT genotype on psychiatric and cognitive phenotypes and personality traits. The present study investigated the association of COMT Val158Met (rs4680) with psychometric positive and negative schizotypy and psychotic experiences in a sample of 808 nonclinical young adults. The main finding was that sex moderates the association of COMT genotype with the negative dimension of both schizotypy and psychotic experiences. Male subjects carrying the Val allele tended to score higher on the negative dimension of both trait and symptom-like measures. The results from the present study are consistent with recent work suggesting an association between negative schizotypy and diminished prefrontal dopamine availability. They support the idea that a biological differentiation underlies the positive and negative schizotypy dimensions. Additionally, these findings contribute to the growing literature on sex-specific effects of COMT on the predisposition to psychiatric disorders and personality traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta de Castro-Catala
- Unitat d'Antropologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Neus Barrantes-Vidal
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain ; Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, USA ; Sant Pere Claver-Fundació Sanitària, Carrer Vila i Vilà 16, 08004 Barcelona, Spain ; Centre for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Tamara Sheinbaum
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Facultat de Psicologia, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Bellaterra, 08193 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Artal Moreno-Fortuny
- Unitat d'Antropologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ; Institute of Inflammation and Repair, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Thomas R Kwapil
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170, USA
| | - Araceli Rosa
- Unitat d'Antropologia, Departament de Biologia Animal, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028 Barcelona, Spain ; Centre for Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Severe mental illness (SMI) is a broad category that includes schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe depression. Both genetic disposition and environmental exposures play important roles in the development of SMI. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the roles of genetic and environmental factors depend on each other. Gene-environment interactions may underlie the paradox of strong environmental factors for highly heritable disorders, the low estimates of shared environmental influences in twin studies of SMI, and the heritability gap between twin and molecular heritability estimates. Sons and daughters of parents with SMI are more vulnerable to the effects of prenatal and postnatal environmental exposures, suggesting that the expression of genetic liability depends on environment. In the last decade, gene-environment interactions involving specific molecular variants in candidate genes have been identified. Replicated findings include an interaction between a polymorphism in the AKT1 gene and cannabis use in the development of psychosis and an interaction between the length polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene and childhood maltreatment in the development of persistent depressive disorder. Bipolar disorder has been underinvestigated, with only a single study showing an interaction between a functional polymorphism in the BDNF gene and stressful life events triggering bipolar depressive episodes. The first systematic search for gene-environment interactions has found that a polymorphism in CTNNA3 may sensitize the developing brain to the pathogenic effect of cytomegalovirus in utero, leading to schizophrenia in adulthood. Strategies for genome-wide investigations will likely include coordination between epidemiological and genetic research efforts, systematic assessment of multiple environmental factors in large samples, and prioritization of genetic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf Uher
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University , Halifax, NS , Canada ; Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University , Halifax, NS , Canada ; Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London , London , UK
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