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Baghaei A, Zoshk MY, Hosseini M, Fasihi H, Nassireslami E, Shayesteh S, Laripour R, Amoli AE, Heidari R, Chamanara M. Prominent genetic variants and epigenetic changes in post-traumatic stress disorder among combat veterans. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:325. [PMID: 38393604 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09276-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most widespread and disabling psychiatric disorders among combat veterans. Substantial interindividual variability in susceptibility to PTSD suggests the presence of different risk factors for this disorder. Twin and family studies confirm genetic factors as important risk factors for PTSD. In addition to genetic factors, epigenetic factors, especially DNA methylation, can be considered as a potential mechanism in changing the risk of PTSD. So far, many genetic and epigenetic association studies have been conducted in relation to PTSD. In genetic studies, many single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified as PTSD risk factors. Meanwhile, the variations in catecholamines-related genes, serotonin transporter and receptors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, inflammatory factors, and apolipoprotein E are the most prominent candidates. CpG methylation in the upstream regions of many genes is also considered a PTSD risk factor. Accurate identification of genetic and epigenetic changes associated with PTSD can lead to the presentation of suitable biomarkers for susceptible individuals to this disorder. This study aimed to delineate prominent genetic variations and epigenetic changes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans who have experienced combat, focusing on genetic and epigenetic association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmadali Baghaei
- Trauma Research center, AJA university of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Hosseini
- The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Fasihi
- Biomaterial and Medicinal Chemistry Research Center, AJA University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Nassireslami
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sevda Shayesteh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Reza Laripour
- Social and Preventive Medicine Department, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aynaz Eslami Amoli
- Trauma Research center, AJA university of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Center (AJA-CERTC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Chamanara
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Student research committee, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Hu XZ, Ursano RJ, Benedek D, Li X, Zhang L. Association of 5-HTTLPR With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in US Service Members. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2024; 8:24705470241245497. [PMID: 38682050 PMCID: PMC11055429 DOI: 10.1177/24705470241245497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Objective Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that manifests after exposure to a stressful traumatic event, such as combat experience. Accumulated evidence indicates an important genetic influence in the development of PTSD. The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) gene has been identified as a candidate for PTSD and a polymorphism of the serotonin transporter-linked promoter region (5-HTTLPR) is associated with the disorder in the general population. However, whether it is associated with PTSD in active military service members has not been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between 5-HTTLPR and PTSD in service members. Methods Leucocyte genomic DNA was extracted from service members, including those with PTSD (n = 134) or without PTSD (n = 639). The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was detected by means of 2 stages of TaqMan fluorescent PCR assay. PTSD symptoms and symptom severity were assessed using the PTSD Checklist (PCL), a 17-item, DSM-based, self-report questionnaire with well-established validity and reliability. PTSD was determined based on endorsement of DSM-IV criteria and a PCL total score ≥ 44. Results Significant differences in biallele distribution were observed between PTSD and controls (χ2 = 7.497, P = .024). The frequency of SS, SL, and LL genotypes in the PTSD group was 0.17, 0.56, and 0.27 respectively, compared to the frequencies of 0.27, 0.43, and 0.29 in non-PTSD controls. Carriers of the L allele had higher scores for reexperiencing and arousal symptoms on the PCL, compared to SS homozygote carriers (P < .05). The triallele genotypes showed no significant differences in distribution between the PTSD and control groups (P > .05) and no relationship with PTSD symptom severity. The interaction of triallelic genotypes of 5-HTTLPR and traumatic life events was associated with re-experiencing, avoidance, and arousal (P < .05 for all). Multiple regression analysis revealed significant correlations between both biallelic and triallelic genotypes of 5-HTTLPR, the interaction of the number of stressful lifetime events, and 5-HTTLPR genotypes with PCL total score (P < .001). Conclusion Our findings suggested that 5-HTT might play a minor role in PTSD, and the interaction between 5-HTTLPR and the environment had effects on PCL score, complementing and emphasizing 5-HTT for PTSD, especially in the military population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian-Zhang Hu
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, USUHS, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
| | - Robert J. Ursano
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, USUHS, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - David Benedek
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, USUHS, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, USUHS, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Henry M Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
| | | | - Lei Zhang
- Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Department of Psychiatry, USUHS, Bethesda, MD, USA
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3
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Wu M, Lin L, Wu Y, Zheng Y, Chen H. Correlation between 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism and cognitive function of traumatic stress in Chinese Han children. Transl Pediatr 2022; 11:1251-1260. [PMID: 35958016 PMCID: PMC9360820 DOI: 10.21037/tp-22-289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma-related psychological disorder with serious social and familial impacts. The involvement of 5-hydroxytryptamine transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) in numerous mental disorders has been documented. This study explored the correlation between 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism and cognitive function in Chinese Han children with PTSD. METHODS A total of 60 PTSD children treated from December 2019 to December 2021 were selected as study participants, with another 60 healthy children selected as controls. We assessed the cognitive function of participants using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Additionally, the PTSD level was estimated by the Children's Revised Impact of Event Scale (CRIES). The 5-HTTLPR gene polymorphism was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The genotype and allele frequency were evaluated via case-control association analysis. RESULTS Children in the PTSD group showed low MMSE scores and high CRIES scores. In terms of genotype, cases of LL, LS, and SS in PTSD children were 4 (6.67%), 20 (33.3%), and 36 (60.00%), and 18 (30.00%), 28 (46.67%), and 14 (23.33%) cases in healthy controls. In terms of allele gene frequency, incidences of L and S were 23.33% and 76.67% in PTSD children, respectively, and were 53.33% and 46.67% in healthy controls, respectively. Moreover, the CRIES and MMSE scores of LS and SS genotypes were evidently different from those of LL genotype in PTSD children. CONCLUSIONS Polymorphism of the 5-HTTLPR gene is correlated with cognitive dysfunction in Chinese Han children with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth People's Hospital of Haikou, Haikou, China
| | - Lufei Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth People's Hospital of Haikou, Haikou, China
| | - Yuebiao Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth People's Hospital of Haikou, Haikou, China
| | - Yu Zheng
- Department of Pediatrics, The Fourth People's Hospital of Haikou, Haikou, China
| | - Haidan Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanya Central Hospital (Hainan Third People's Hospital), Sanya, China
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4
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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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5
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Lin H, Guo J, Guo M, Jiang X. Study on the Relationship between 5-HttLPR Gene and BDNF Gene Polymorphism and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Li and Han Nationality of Hainan Province. Health (London) 2022. [DOI: 10.4236/health.2022.141012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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6
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Li G, Wang L, Cao C, Fang R, Hall BJ, Elhai JD, Liberzon I. Post-traumatic stress symptoms of children and adolescents exposed to the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake: A longitudinal study of 5-HTTLPR genotype main effects and gene-environment interactions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 56:22-29. [PMID: 31441508 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Experiencing disasters causes severe mental disorders, among which post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common. We conducted a longitudinal study to examine the effect of 5-hydroxyl tryptamine transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) genotype on child and adolescent PTSD symptom course after the 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake. We genotyped 963 participants who personally experienced the earthquake. PTSD symptoms were measured by University of California, Los Angeles PTSD reaction index at 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 years after the earthquake, respectively. Latent growth model was utilised to examine the main effect and gene-environment interaction effect of 5-HTTLPR on PTSD's symptom course. 5-HTTLPR genotype predicted initial PTSD symptom severity (β = 0.108, p = .019) and rates of symptom recovery (β = -0.120, p = .031) between 2.5 and 5.5 years. Compared with L' allele carriers, those with S'S' genotype showed higher initial symptom severity but also faster recovery rate. 5-HTTLPR genotype only predicted symptom severity at 2.5 years after the earthquake, after controlling for sex, age, ethnicity and trauma severity (β = 0.108, p = .019). This is the first evidence of the effect of 5-HTTLPR genotype on child and adolescent PTSD symptoms longitudinally, offering a novel perspective on the effect of 5-HTTLPR on PTSD symptom development following trauma exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gen Li
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chengqi Cao
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Affective and Social Cognitive Science, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ruojiao Fang
- Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Brian J Hall
- Global and Community Mental Health Research Group, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.,Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jon D Elhai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Israel Liberzon
- Department of Psychiatry, Texas A&M College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
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7
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Blum K, Gondré-Lewis MC, Modestino EJ, Lott L, Baron D, Siwicki D, McLaughlin T, Howeedy A, Krengel MH, Oscar-Berman M, Thanos PK, Elman I, Hauser M, Fried L, Bowirrat A, Badgaiyan RD. Understanding the Scientific Basis of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Precision Behavioral Management Overrides Stigmatization. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:7836-7850. [PMID: 31124077 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1600-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe polygenic disorder triggered by environmental factors. Many polymorphic genes, particularly the genetic determinants of hypodopaminergia (low dopamine function), associate with a predisposition to PTSD as well as substance use disorder. Support from the National Institutes of Health for neuroimaging research and molecular, genetic applied technologies has improved understanding of brain reward circuitry functions that have inspired the development of new innovative approaches to their early diagnosis and treatment of some PTSD symptomatology and addiction. This review presents psychosocial and genetic evidence that vulnerability or resilience to PTSD can theoretically be impacted by dopamine regulation. From a neuroscience perspective, dopamine is widely accepted as a major neurotransmitter. Questions about how to modulate dopamine clinically in order to treat and prevent PTSD and other types of reward deficiency disorders remain. Identification of genetic variations associated with the relevant genotype-phenotype relationships can be characterized using the Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS®) and psychosocial tools. Development of an advanced genetic panel is under study and will be based on a new array of genes linked to PTSD. However, for now, the recommendation is that enlistees for military duty be given the opportunity to voluntarily pre-test for risk of PTSD with GARS, before exposure to environmental triggers or upon return from deployment as part of PTSD management. Dopamine homeostasis may be achieved via customization of neuronutrient supplementation "Precision Behavioral Management" (PBM™) based on GARS test values and other pro-dopamine regulation interventions like exercise, mindfulness, biosensor tracking, and meditation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA. .,Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary. .,Department of Psychiatry, Boonshoft School of Medicine, Wright University, Dayton, OH, USA. .,Department of Precision Behavioral Management, Geneus Health, San Antonio, TX, USA. .,Division of Neurogenetic Research & Addiction Therapy, The Florida House Experience, Deerfield Beach, FL, USA. .,Division of Addiction Services, Dominion Diagnostics, North Kingston, RI, USA. .,Division of Neuroscience & Addiction Research, Pathway Healthcare, LLC., Burmingham, AL, USA.
| | - M C Gondré-Lewis
- Department of Anatomy, Developmental Neuropsychopharmacology Laboratory, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - E J Modestino
- Department of Psychology, Curry College, Milton, MA, USA
| | - L Lott
- Department of Precision Behavioral Management, Geneus Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - D Baron
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Western University Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA
| | - D Siwicki
- Department of Precision Behavioral Management, Geneus Health, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Division of Addiction Services, Dominion Diagnostics, North Kingston, RI, USA
| | - T McLaughlin
- Center for Psychiatric Medicine, Lawrence, MA, USA
| | - A Howeedy
- Division of Neurogenetic Research & Addiction Therapy, The Florida House Experience, Deerfield Beach, FL, USA
| | - M H Krengel
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine and VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M Oscar-Berman
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine and VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
| | - P K Thanos
- Behavioral Neuropharmacology & Neuroimaging Laboratory on Addiction, Research Institute on Addictions, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - I Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Cooper University School of Medicine, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - M Hauser
- Division of Addiction Services, Dominion Diagnostics, North Kingston, RI, USA
| | - L Fried
- Department of Precision Behavioral Management, Geneus Health, San Antonio, TX, USA.,Transformations Treatment Center, Delray Beach, FL, USA
| | - A Bowirrat
- Division of Anatomy, Biochemistry and Genetics Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - R D Badgaiyan
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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8
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Zhao H, Chen YF. Post-traumatic stress disorder: Relationship to traumatic brain injury and approach to forensic psychiatry evaluation. JOURNAL OF FORENSIC SCIENCE AND MEDICINE 2019. [DOI: 10.4103/jfsm.jfsm_46_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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9
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Nedic Erjavec G, Svob Strac D, Tudor L, Konjevod M, Sagud M, Pivac N. Genetic Markers in Psychiatry. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1192:53-93. [PMID: 31705490 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9721-0_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders such as addiction (substance use and addictive disorders), depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are severe, complex, multifactorial mental disorders that carry a high social impact, enormous public health costs, and various comorbidities as well as premature morbidity. Their neurobiological foundation is still not clear. Therefore, it is difficult to uncover new set of genes and possible genetic markers of these disorders since the understanding of the molecular imbalance leading to these disorders is not complete. The integrative approach is needed which will combine genomics and epigenomics; evaluate epigenetic influence on genes and their influence on neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, and hormones; examine gene × gene and gene × environment interplay; and identify abnormalities contributing to development of these disorders. Therefore, novel genetic approaches based on systems biology focused on improvement of the identification of the biological underpinnings might offer genetic markers of addiction, depression, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and PTSD. These markers might be used for early prediction, detection of the risk to develop these disorders, novel subtypes of the diseases and tailored, personalized approach to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Nedic Erjavec
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dubravka Svob Strac
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Tudor
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marcela Konjevod
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Sagud
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Salata 2, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Kispaticeva 12, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nela Pivac
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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10
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Kimbrel NA, Garrett ME, Dennis MF, Hauser MA, Ashley-Koch AE, Beckham JC. A genome-wide association study of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation in U.S. military veterans. Psychiatry Res 2018; 269:64-69. [PMID: 30145303 PMCID: PMC6207450 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.07.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 06/21/2018] [Accepted: 07/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Death by suicide and suicidal behavior are major concerns among U.S. military veterans; however, no genome-wide association studies (GWAS) studies of suicidal behavior have been conducted among U.S. military veterans to date, despite the elevated rate of suicidal behavior observed within this population. Accordingly, the primary objective of the present research was to conduct the first GWAS of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation in a large and well-characterized sample of U.S. military veterans. The gene most significantly associated (p = 9.28 × 10-7) with suicide attempts was the Potassium Calcium-Activated Channel Subfamily M Regulatory Beta Subunit 2 (KCNMB2) gene, which plays a key role in neuronal excitability. In addition, replication analyses provided additional support for the potential role of the ABI Family Member 3 Binding Protein (ABI3BP) gene in the pathogenesis of suicidal behavior, as numerous nominal associations were found between this gene and both suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. Additional work aimed at replicating and extending these findings is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A. Kimbrel
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA,Correspondence concerning this article should be sent to: Dr. Nathan A. Kimbrel, VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, 3022 Croasdaile Drive, Durham, NC, 27705,
| | | | - Michelle F. Dennis
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Michael A. Hauser
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Medicine, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Allison E. Ashley-Koch
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Medicine, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jean C. Beckham
- Durham Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA,VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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11
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Esposito G, Azhari A, Borelli JL. Gene × Environment Interaction in Developmental Disorders: Where Do We Stand and What's Next? Front Psychol 2018; 9:2036. [PMID: 30416467 PMCID: PMC6212589 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2018.02036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the field of psychiatry has witnessed the proliferation of studies on Gene × Environment (G×E) interactions, still limited is the knowledge we possess of G×E interactions regarding developmental disorders. In this perspective paper, we discuss why G×E interaction studies are needed to broaden our knowledge of developmental disorders. We also discuss the different roles of hazardous versus self-generated environmental factors and how these types of factors may differentially engage with an individual's genetic background in predicting a resulting phenotype. Then, we present examplar studies that highlight the role of G×E in predicting atypical developmental trajectories as well as provide insight regarding treatment outcomes. Supported by these examples, we explore the need to move beyond merely examining statistical interactions between genes and the environment, and the motivation to investigate specific genetic susceptibility and environmental contexts that drive developmental disorders. We propose that further parsing of genetic and environmental components is required to fully understand the unique contribution of each factor to the etiology of developmental disorders. Finally, with a greater appreciation of the complexities of G×E interaction, this discussion will converge upon the potential implications for clinical and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Esposito
- Psychology Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Atiqah Azhari
- Psychology Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jessica L. Borelli
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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12
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Liu L, Wang L, Cao C, Cao X, Zhu Y, Liu P, Luo S, Zhang J. Serotonin transporter 5-HTTLPR genotype is associated with intrusion and avoidance symptoms of DSM-5 posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Chinese earthquake survivors. ANXIETY STRESS AND COPING 2017; 31:318-327. [PMID: 29280387 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2017.1420174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Prior studies have found that the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) interacts with trauma exposure to increase general risk for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). However, there is little knowledge about the effects of the interaction on distinct symptom clusters of PTSD. This study aimed to investigate the relation between the interaction of 5-HTTLPR and earthquake-related exposures and a contemporary phenotypic model of DSM-5 PTSD symptoms in a traumatised adult sample from China. DESIGN A cross-sectional design with gene-environment interaction (G × E) approach was adopted. METHODS Participants were 1131 survivors who experienced 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. PTSD symptoms were assessed with the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). The 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was genotyped with capillary electrophoresis (CE) in ABI 3730xl genetic Analyzer. RESULTS Although there was no significant interaction between 5-HTTLPR and traumatic exposure on total PTSD symptoms, respondents with the LL genotype of 5-HTTLPR who were highly exposed to the earthquake experienced lower intrusion and avoidance symptoms than those with the S-allele carriers. CONCLUSIONS The findings suggest that the 5-HTTLPR may have an important impact on the development of PTSD and add to the extant knowledge on understanding and treating of posttraumatic psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luobing Liu
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wang
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Chengqi Cao
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Xing Cao
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Zhu
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China.,b University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
| | - Ping Liu
- c People's Hospital of Deyang City , Deyang , People's Republic of China
| | - Shu Luo
- c People's Hospital of Deyang City , Deyang , People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Zhang
- a Laboratory for Traumatic Stress Studies, CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology , Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing , People's Republic of China
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13
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An overview of posttraumatic stress disorder genetic studies by analyzing and integrating genetic data into genetic database PTSDgene. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 83:647-656. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Revised: 07/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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14
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Brancu M, Wagner HR, Morey RA, Beckham JC, Calhoun PS, Tupler LA, Marx CE, Taber KH, Hurley RA, Rowland J, McDonald SD, Hoerle JM, Moore SD, Kudler HS, Weiner RD, Fairbank JA. The Post-Deployment Mental Health (PDMH) study and repository: A multi-site study of US Afghanistan and Iraq era veterans. Int J Methods Psychiatr Res 2017; 26:e1570. [PMID: 28656593 PMCID: PMC6492939 DOI: 10.1002/mpr.1570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The United States (US) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) Post-Deployment Mental Health (PDMH) multi-site study examines post-deployment mental health in US military Afghanistan/Iraq-era veterans. The study includes the comprehensive behavioral health characterization of over 3600 study participants and the genetic, metabolomic, neurocognitive, and neuroimaging data for many of the participants. The study design also incorporates an infrastructure for a data repository to re-contact participants for follow-up studies. The overwhelming majority (94%) of participants consented to be re-contacted for future studies, and our recently completed feasibility study indicates that 73-83% of these participants could be reached successfully for enrollment into longitudinal follow-up investigations. Longitudinal concurrent cohort follow-up studies will be conducted (5-10+ years post-baseline) to examine predictors of illness chronicity, resilience, recovery, functional outcome, and other variables, and will include neuroimaging, genetic/epigenetic, serum biomarker, and neurocognitive studies, among others. To date, the PDMH study has generated more than 35 publications from the baseline data and the repository has been leveraged in over 20 publications from follow-up studies drawing from this cohort. Limitations that may affect data collection for a longitudinal follow-up study are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mira Brancu
- Durham VA Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - H. Ryan Wagner
- Durham VA Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Rajendra A. Morey
- Durham VA Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jean C. Beckham
- Durham VA Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Patrick S. Calhoun
- Durham VA Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Larry A. Tupler
- Durham VA Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Christine E. Marx
- Durham VA Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Katherine H. Taber
- W.G. Hefner VA Medical CenterSalisburyNorth CarolinaUSA
- Division of Biomedical SciencesEdward Via College of Osteopathic MedicineBlacksburgVirginiaUSA
- Department of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
| | - Robin A. Hurley
- W.G. Hefner VA Medical CenterSalisburyNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesBaylor College of MedicineHoustonTexasUSA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral MedicineWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of RadiologyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Jared Rowland
- W.G. Hefner VA Medical CenterSalisburyNorth CarolinaUSA
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral MedicineWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Neurobiology and AnatomyWake Forest School of MedicineWinston‐SalemNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Scott D. McDonald
- Hunter Holmes McGuire VA Medical CenterRichmondVirginiaUSA
- Departments of Psychology and Physical Medicine and RehabilitationVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVirginiaUSA
| | | | - Scott D. Moore
- Durham VA Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Harold S. Kudler
- Mental Health ServicesUS Department of Veterans AffairsWashingtonDistrict of ColumbiaUSA
| | - Richard D. Weiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - John A. Fairbank
- Durham VA Medical CenterDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesDuke University School of MedicineDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
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15
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Koch SB, van Zuiden M, Nawijn L, Frijling JL, Veltman DJ, Olff M. Decreased uncinate fasciculus tract integrity in male and female patients with PTSD: a diffusion tensor imaging study. J Psychiatry Neurosci 2017; 42:331-342. [PMID: 28452713 PMCID: PMC5573575 DOI: 10.1503/jpn.160129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disabling psychiatric disorder that has been associated with lower white matter integrity of tracts connecting the prefrontal cortex with limbic regions. However, previous diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings have been inconsistent, showing high variability in the exact location and direction of effects. METHODS We performed probabilistic tractography of the bilateral uncinate fasciculus, cingulum and superior longitudinal fasciculus (both temporal and parietal projections) in male and female police officers with and without PTSD. RESULTS We included 38 (21 men) police officers with and 39 (20 men) without PTSD in our analyses. Compared with trauma-exposed controls, patients with PTSD showed significantly higher mean diffusivity of the right uncinate fasciculus, the major white matter tract connecting the amygdala to the prefrontal cortex (p = 0.012). No other significant between-group or group × sex differences were observed. Mean diffusivity of the right uncinate fasciculus was positively associated with anxiety symptoms (r = 0.410, p = 0.013) in patients with PTSD as well as with amygdala activity (r = 0.247, p = 0.038) and ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) activity (r = 0.283, p = 0.016) in all participants in response to happy and neutral faces. LIMITATIONS Our specific sample of trauma-exposed police officers limits the generalizability of our findings to other PTSD patient groups (e.g., civilian trauma). CONCLUSION Patients with PTSD showed diminished structural connectivity between the amygdala and vmPFC, which was correlated with higher anxiety symptoms and increased functional activity of these brain regions. Our findings provide additional evidence for the prevailing neurocircuitry model of PTSD, postulating that ineffective communication between the amygdala and vmPFC underlies decreased top-down control over fear responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia B.J. Koch
- Correspondence to: S. Koch, Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 5, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands;
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16
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Vogelgesang S, Niebert S, Renner U, Möbius W, Hülsmann S, Manzke T, Niebert M. Analysis of the Serotonergic System in a Mouse Model of Rett Syndrome Reveals Unusual Upregulation of Serotonin Receptor 5b. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:61. [PMID: 28337123 PMCID: PMC5340760 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the transcription factor methyl-CpG-binding-protein 2 (MeCP2) cause a delayed-onset neurodevelopmental disorder known as Rett syndrome (RTT). Although alteration in serotonin levels have been reported in RTT patients, the molecular mechanisms underlying these defects are not well understood. Therefore, we chose to investigate the serotonergic system in hippocampus and brainstem of male Mecp2-/y knock-out mice in the B6.129P2(C)-Mecp2(tm1.1Bird) mouse model of RTT. The serotonergic system in mouse is comprised of 16 genes, whose mRNA expression profile was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. Mecp2-/y mice are an established animal model for RTT displaying most of the cognitive and physical impairments of human patients and the selected areas receive significant modulation through serotonin. Using anatomically and functional characterized areas, we found region-specific differential expression between wild type and Mecp2-/y mice at post-natal day 40. In brainstem, we found five genes to be dysregulated, while in hippocampus, two genes were dysregulated. The one gene dysregulated in both brain regions was dopamine decarboxylase, but of special interest is the serotonin receptor 5b (5-ht5b), which showed 75-fold dysregulation in brainstem of Mecp2-/y mice. This dysregulation was not due to upregulation, but due to failure of down-regulation in Mecp2-/y mice during development. Detailed analysis of 5-ht5b revealed a receptor that localizes to endosomes and interacts with Gαi proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Vogelgesang
- DFG Research Center and Excellence Cluster Microscopy at the Nanometer Range and Molecular Physiology of the Brain Göttingen, Germany
| | - Sabine Niebert
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ute Renner
- DFG Research Center and Excellence Cluster Microscopy at the Nanometer Range and Molecular Physiology of the Brain Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wiebke Möbius
- DFG Research Center and Excellence Cluster Microscopy at the Nanometer Range and Molecular Physiology of the BrainGöttingen, Germany; Department of Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Experimental MedicineGöttingen, Germany
| | - Swen Hülsmann
- DFG Research Center and Excellence Cluster Microscopy at the Nanometer Range and Molecular Physiology of the BrainGöttingen, Germany; Clinic for Anesthesiology, University Medical CenterGöttingen, Germany
| | - Till Manzke
- DFG Research Center and Excellence Cluster Microscopy at the Nanometer Range and Molecular Physiology of the Brain Göttingen, Germany
| | - Marcus Niebert
- DFG Research Center and Excellence Cluster Microscopy at the Nanometer Range and Molecular Physiology of the BrainGöttingen, Germany; Institute of Neuro- and Sensory Physiology, University Medical CenterGöttingen, Germany
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17
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Banerjee SB, Morrison FG, Ressler KJ. Genetic approaches for the study of PTSD: Advances and challenges. Neurosci Lett 2017; 649:139-146. [PMID: 28242325 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2016] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a highly debilitating stress and anxiety-related disorder that occurs in response to specific trauma or abuse. Genetic risk factors may account for up to 30-40% of the heritability of PTSD. Understanding the gene pathways that are associated with PTSD, and how those genes interact with the fear and stress circuitry to mediate risk and resilience for PTSD will enable the development of targeted therapies to prevent the occurrence of or decrease the severity of this complex multi-gene disorder. This review will summarize recent research on genetic approaches to understanding PTSD risk and resilience in human populations, including candidate genes and their epigenetic modifications, genome-wide association studies and neural imaging genetics approaches. Despite challenges faced within this field of study such as inconsistent results and replications, genetic approaches still offer exciting opportunities for the identification and development of novel therapeutic targets and therapies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunayana B Banerjee
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
| | - Filomene G Morrison
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Behavioral Neuroscience and Psychiatric Disorders, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA; McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA.
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18
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Halldorsdottir T, Binder EB. Gene × Environment Interactions: From Molecular Mechanisms to Behavior. Annu Rev Psychol 2017; 68:215-241. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-psych-010416-044053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thorhildur Halldorsdottir
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany;
| | - Elisabeth B. Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich 80804, Germany;
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia 30322
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19
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Bountress KE, Bacanu SA, Tomko RL, Korte KJ, Hicks T, Sheerin C, Lind MJ, Marraccini M, Nugent N, Amstadter AB. The Effects of a BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism on Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Meta-Analysis. Neuropsychobiology 2017; 76:136-142. [PMID: 29874672 PMCID: PMC6057796 DOI: 10.1159/000489407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Given evidence that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is moderately heritable, a number of studies utilizing candidate gene approaches have attempted to examine the potential contributions of theoretically relevant genetic variation. Some of these studies have found sup port for a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) variant, Val66Met, in the risk of developing PTSD, while others have failed to find this link. METHODS This study sought to reconcile these conflicting findings using a meta-analysis framework. Analyses were also used to determine whether there is significant heterogeneity in the link between this variant and PTSD. We conducted a systematic review of the literature on BDNF and PTSD from the PsycINFO and PubMed databases. A total of 11 studies were included in the analysis. RESULTS Findings indicate a marginally significant effect of the BDNF Val66Met variant on PTSD (p < 0.1). However, of the 11 studies included, only 2 suggested an effect with a non-zero confidence interval, one of which showed a z score of 3.31. We did not find any evidence for heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS Findings from this meta-analytic investigation of the published literature provide little support for the Val66Met variant of BDNF as a predictor of PTSD. Future well-powered agnostic genome-wide association studies with more refined phenotyping are needed to clarify genetic influences on PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin E. Bountress
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Silviu-Alin Bacanu
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Rachel L. Tomko
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Addiction Sciences Division, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Kristina J. Korte
- Department of Psychiatry, Division of Global Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital
| | - Terrell Hicks
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Christina Sheerin
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Mackenzie J. Lind
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | | | - Nicole Nugent
- Departments of Pediatrics and Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
| | - Ananda B. Amstadter
- Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University
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20
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Hauser MA, Garrett ME, Liu Y, Dennis MF, Kimbrel NA, Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research Education And Clinical Center Workgroup, Beckham JC, Ashley-Koch AE. Further evidence for a role of the ADRB2 gene in risk for posttraumatic stress disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2017; 84:59-61. [PMID: 27701011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to attempt to replicate the recently reported finding associating rs2400707 of the Adrenoceptor Beta 2, Surface (ADRB2) gene and childhood trauma on PTSD symptoms. Participants included a predominantly veteran cohort of non-Hispanic blacks (NHB; n = 949) and a pre-dominantly veteran cohort of non-Hispanic whites (NHW; n = 759). No main effects were observed for rs2400707 on PTSD diagnosis. Among the NHB participants, we observed an interaction between rs2400707 and history of childhood trauma, whereby with each additional A allele, the odds of having PTSD increased by 1.31, but only among those who had experienced childhood trauma (p = 0.038). The interaction with rs2400707 and childhood trauma was not observed among the NHW study participants (p = 0.892). Taken together, the findings from the present research provide further evidence that the adrenergic system may be an important modulator of PTSD risk; however, additional work is still needed to clarify the exact nature of the relationship between PTSD and rs2400707 of the ADRB2 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Hauser
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, United States.
| | - Melanie E Garrett
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Duke Center for Human Disease Modeling, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Michelle F Dennis
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; The VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Nathan A Kimbrel
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; The VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Jean C Beckham
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; The VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Allison E Ashley-Koch
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States; Duke Center for Human Disease Modeling, Durham, NC, United States
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21
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Simons JS, Simons RM, O'Brien C, Stoltenberg SF, Keith JA, Hudson JA. PTSD, alcohol dependence, and conduct problems: Distinct pathways via lability and disinhibition. Addict Behav 2017; 64:185-193. [PMID: 27619010 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.08.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the role of affect lability and disinhibition in mediating associations between PTSD symptoms and two forms of alcohol-related problems, dependence syndrome symptoms (e.g., impaired control over consumption) and conduct problems (e.g., assault, risk behaviors). Genotype at the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) was hypothesized to moderate associations between traumatic stress and PTSD symptoms. In addition, the study tested whether childhood traumatic stress moderated associations between combat trauma and PTSD symptoms. Participants were 270 OIF/OEF/OND veterans. The hypothesized model was largely supported. Participants with the low expression alleles of 5-HTTLPR (S or LG) exhibited stronger associations between childhood (but not combat) traumatic stress and PTSD symptoms. Affect lability mediated the associations between PTSD symptoms and alcohol dependence symptoms. Behavioral disinhibition mediated associations between PTSD symptoms and conduct related problems. Conditional indirect effects indicated stronger associations between childhood traumatic stress and lability, behavioral disinhibition, alcohol consumption, AUD symptoms, and associated conduct problems via PTSD symptoms among those with the low expression 5-HTTLPR alleles. However, interactions between combat trauma and either childhood trauma or genotype were not significant. The results support the hypothesis that affect lability and behavioral disinhibition are potential intermediate traits with distinct associations with AUD and associated externalizing problems.
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22
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No association between the serotonin transporter linked polymorphic region polymorphism and severity of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in combat veterans with or without comorbid depression. Psychiatry Res 2016; 244:376-81. [PMID: 27525827 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Since both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are associated with disturbances in the serotoninergic system, the aim of the study was to determine the association between severity of PTSD symptoms, serotonin transporter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR) and platelet serotonin (5-HT) concentration, in male combat veterans with PTSD (n = 325), who were subdivided according to presence of comorbid depression. The methodological approach included the psychiatric diagnostic interviews and rating scales (SCID for DSM-IV, HDRS, CAPS), polymerase chain reaction for 5-HTTLPR genotyping and spectrophotofluorometric method for measuring the platelet 5-HT concentration. PTSD veterans without depression had more severe PTSD symptoms, and less severe depressive symptoms, than PTSD veterans with depression. 5-HTTLPR genotype frequencies did not differ between veterans with mild, moderate and severe PTSD symptoms, and between depressed and non-depressed PTSD veterans. No significant association was found between the severity of PTSD symptoms and 5-HTTLPR genotype. Platelet 5-HT concentration was similar in PTSD veterans, with or without comorbid depression, and between two groups subdivided according to the severity of PTSD symptoms or 5-HTTLPR genotype. The study confirmed, on ethnically homogenous groups of veterans with matched combat experience, a lack of association between the PTSD symptoms severity and 5-HTTLPR or platelet 5-HT concentration.
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23
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A Case-Control Study and Meta-Analysis Reveal BDNF Val66Met Is a Possible Risk Factor for PTSD. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:6979435. [PMID: 27413557 PMCID: PMC4928001 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6979435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition that develops in some people after exposure to a traumatic event. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is highly expressed in the mammalian brain and is thought to be involved in learning and memory processes. A nonsynonymous polymorphism in the BDNF gene, rs6265 (Val66Met), has been hypothesised to be associated with PTSD. Association studies examining the Val66Met polymorphism and PTSD have been inconclusive, likely due to the variability in type of trauma exposure analysed. Vietnam veterans (n = 257) screened for PTSD and controlled for trauma exposure were genotyped for BDNF Val66Met. The association was not significant so we incorporated our data into a meta-analysis to obtain greater statistical power. A comprehensive search of more than 1237 articles revealed eight additional studies suitable for meta-analysis (n = 3625). A random-effects meta-analysis observed a potential protective factor of the Val/Val genotype. After removing two studies with violation of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, findings for the Val/Val genotype reached significance. Subgroup analyses confirmed a trend for this finding. Limitations of some studies that inform this meta-analysis include poorly screened controls and a lack of examination of population stratification. Effectively designed studies should inform this line of research in the future.
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24
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Kimbrel NA, Garrett ME, Dennis MF, Liu Y, Patanam I, Ashley-Koc AE, Hauser MA, Beckham JC. Effect of genetic variation in the nicotinic receptor genes on risk for posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Res 2015; 229:326-31. [PMID: 26184988 PMCID: PMC4697753 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study examined the association between genetic variation in the nicotinic receptor gene family (CHRNA2, CHRNA3, CHRNA4, CHRNA5, CHRNA6, CHRNA7, CHRNA9, CHRNA10, CHRNB2, CHRNB3, CHRNB4) and the occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Clinical interviews were used to diagnose PTSD in 925 non-Hispanic Black (NHB) and 743 non-Hispanic White (NHW) participants. Trauma history and smoking status were assessed with self-report. No significant main effects or single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) * smoking interactions were observed among NHB participants; however, among NHW participants, a novel association between rs12898919 in the cholinergic receptor nicotinic alpha-5 (CHRNA5) gene and PTSD was observed. No other significant main effects or SNP * smoking interactions were identified among NHW participants. While preliminary, these findings provide continued support for the hypothesis that the CHRNA5 gene is associated with increased risk for PTSD. Limitations of the present study include cross-sectional design, relatively small sample sizes for genetic research, use of self-report to assess smoking status, and use of different methods to diagnose PTSD. Additional research in other samples of trauma-exposed participants is needed to identify the specific functional variant(s) responsible for the association observed between CHRNA5 and PTSD risk in the present study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan A. Kimbrel
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA, VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA,Correspondence concerning this article should be sent to: Dr. Nathan A. Kimbrel, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 508 Fulton Street, Durham, NC, 27705. Phone: (919) 286-0411, ext. 6759.
| | - Melanie E. Garrett
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michelle F. Dennis
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA, VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Yutao Liu
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Ilyas Patanam
- Program in Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Allison E. Ashley-Koc
- Center for Human Disease Modeling, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA, Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michael A. Hauser
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA, Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Jean C. Beckham
- Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA, VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, USA, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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