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Yan W, Shang Z, Wu L, Lv H, Jia Y, Zhan J, Wang J, Ouyang H, Liu W, Chen W. The impact of isolation on comorbidity of PTSD symptoms and depression: evidence from PTRP-5-6 in China. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:21. [PMID: 38166952 PMCID: PMC10762958 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17450-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Omicron pandemic struck Shanghai, China, resulting in impairments of both physical and psychological health on those patients who were confirmed and transferred to the Fangcang shelters. The way of isolation led to high risk of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depressive symptoms among the patients in Fangcang shelters. We aim to estimate the prevalence and comorbidity of PTSS and depressive symptoms in patients from China's Fangcang shelters during the epidemic. METHODS Demographic information questionnaire, the posttraumatic stress disorder checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used in the study. The data were collected online via mobile phones during 10th April to 20th April, 2022, as part of our Psychological Trauma Recover Project-5-6 (PTRP-5-6), a longitudinal study focusing on individuals who have experienced trauma. RESULTS A total of 336 subjects were included in the analysis. The results revealed (1) the prevalence of depressive symptoms, and PTSS were 30.1% (cut-off = 10) and 6% (cut-off = 33); (2) Multiple logistic regression showed that female (OR = 3.04, p < 0.05), suffering from dyspnea (OR = 5.83, p < 0.05) or gastrointestinal symptoms (OR = 6.38, p < 0.05) were risk factors for PTSS; higher education level (OR = 3.27, p < 0.05) and suffering from dizziness or headache (OR = 2.46, p < 0.05) were risk factors for depressive symptoms; (3)Respectively, 85% of the patients who reported PTSS also experienced depressive symptoms, 16.8% of the patients who reported depressive symptoms presented PTSS. CONCLUSION In the context of COVID-19, the comorbidity rate of PTSS and depressive symptoms among patients in Fangcang shelters increased with the severity of depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Yan
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
- The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Zhilei Shang
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
- The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Lili Wu
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
- The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hongli Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210000, P. R. China
| | - Yanpu Jia
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
- The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jingye Zhan
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
- The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China
- The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hui Ouyang
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Weizhi Liu
- Lab for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, China.
- The Emotion & Cognition Lab, Faculty of Psychology and Mental Health, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.
| | - Wenfang Chen
- Department of Urology, Jinling Hospital, Clinical School of Medical College, Nanjing University, 305 East Zhongshan Road, Nanjing, 210000, P. R. China.
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Mozhui K, O’Callaghan JP, Ashbrook DG, Prins P, Zhao W, Lu L, Jones BC. Epigenetic analysis in a murine genetic model of Gulf War illness. FRONTIERS IN TOXICOLOGY 2023; 5:1162749. [PMID: 37389175 PMCID: PMC10300436 DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2023.1162749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the nearly 1 million military personnel who participated in the 1990-1991 Gulf War, between 25% and 35% became ill with what now is referred to as Gulf War Illness (GWI) by the Department of Defense. Symptoms varied from gastrointestinal distress to lethargy, memory loss, inability to concentrate, depression, respiratory, and reproductive problems. The symptoms have persisted for 30 years in those afflicted but the basis of the illness remains largely unknown. Nerve agents and other chemical exposures in the war zone have been implicated but the long-term effects of these acute exposures have left few if any identifiable signatures. The major aim of this study is to elucidate the possible genomic basis for the persistence of symptoms, especially of the neurological and behavioral effects. To address this, we performed a whole genome epigenetic analysis of the proposed cause of GWI, viz., exposure to organophosphate neurotoxicants combined with high circulating glucocorticoids in two inbred mouse strains, C57BL/6J and DBA/2J. The animals received corticosterone in their drinking water for 7 days followed by injection of diisopropylfluorophosphate, a nerve agent surrogate. Six weeks after DFP injection, the animals were euthanized and medial prefrontal cortex harvested for genome-wide DNA methylation analysis using high-throughput sequencing. We observed 67 differentially methylated genes, notably among them, Ttll7, Akr1c14, Slc44a4, and Rusc2, all related to different symptoms of GWI. Our results support proof of principle of genetic differences in the chronic effects of GWI-related exposures and may reveal why the disease has persisted in many of the now aging Gulf War veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khyobeni Mozhui
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - James P. O’Callaghan
- Molecular Neurotoxicology Laboratory, Toxicology, and Molecular Biology Branch, Health Effects Laboratory Division, U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NIOSH, Morgantown, WV, United States
| | - David G. Ashbrook
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Pjotr Prins
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Wenyuan Zhao
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Byron C. Jones
- Department of Genetics, Genomics and Informatics, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Addiction Science, and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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Zhang J, Xie S, Xiao R, Yang D, Zhan Z, Li Y. Identification of mitophagy-related biomarkers and immune infiltration in major depressive disorder. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:216. [PMID: 37098514 PMCID: PMC10131417 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09304-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a life-threatening and debilitating mental health condition. Mitophagy, a form of selective autophagy that eliminates dysfunctional mitochondria, is associated with depression. However, studies on the relationship between mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) and MDD are scarce. This study aimed to identify potential mitophagy-related biomarkers for MDD and characterize the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS The gene expression profiles of 144 MDD samples and 72 normal controls were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and the MRGs were extracted from the GeneCards database. Consensus clustering was used to determine MDD clusters. Immune cell infiltration was evaluated using CIBERSORT. Functional enrichment analyses were performed to determine the biological significance of mitophagy-related differentially expressed genes (MR-DEGs). Weighted gene co-expression network analysis, along with a network of protein-protein interactions (PPI), was used to identify key modules and hub genes. Based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis, a diagnostic model was constructed and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves and validated with training data and external validation data. We reclassified MDD into two molecular subtypes according to biomarkers and evaluated their expression levels. RESULTS In total, 315 MDD-related MR-DEGs were identified. Functional enrichment analyses revealed that MR-DEGs were mainly enriched in mitophagy-related biological processes and multiple neurodegenerative disease pathways. Two distinct clusters with diverse immune infiltration characteristics were identified in the 144 MDD samples. MATR3, ACTL6A, FUS, BIRC2, and RIPK1 have been identified as potential biomarkers of MDD. All biomarkers showed varying degrees of correlation with immune cells. In addition, two molecular subtypes with distinct mitophagy gene signatures were identified. CONCLUSIONS We identified a novel five-MRG gene signature that has excellent diagnostic performance and identified an association between MRGs and the immune microenvironment in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Shujun Xie
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510378, China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Eighth People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei, 238000, China
| | - Dongrong Yang
- Department of Psychological Sleep, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Zhi Zhan
- Department of Psychological Sleep, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Psychological Sleep, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
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Erlandsson SI, Hornborg C, Sorbring E, Dauman N. Is ADHD a way of conceptualizing long-term emotional stress and social disadvantage? Front Public Health 2022; 10:966900. [PMID: 36424967 PMCID: PMC9680974 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.966900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalent, neuropsychiatric, deficit perspective on children and youth diagnosed with ADHD prohibits a multidimensional approach where socio-economic status, family stress and relationships within the families are relevant factors to examine. Assessments of ADHD through the use of rating scales and short-term interventions may lead not only to overdiagnosis but also to a reductionistic approach in the psychiatric field. This literature review aims to address research outside the prevailing discourse on ADHD as an organic brain dysfunction and broaden the perspectives on children's behavioral difficulties. Methods The articles included in this applied, mixed-method, systematic review includes 26 peer-reviewed articles, both English and French, with a search focus on ADHD in children and youth related to Attachment styles and relationships. Results In the studies reported, researchers approached correlations between ADHD and attachment in different ways, and in most cases, there was a caution to address causality. The role of parents was found to be both buffering and aggravating for the appearance of ADHD. In the French case studies, the diagnosis was conceptualized as a relational phenomenon where the child's behavior was inseparable from family member's suffering. Discussion This review article illustrates how children's difficulties in terms of ADHD symptoms can be addressed through a paradigm where emotional and cognitive dysregulation is understood through psychosocial factors rather than as a neurological condition. In our view, to avoid an overly reductionistic and medicalized approach to children's behavioral difficulties, it is time to reiterate the value of the biopsychosocial perspective. Conclusion Professionals and researchers need to acknowledge that becoming diagnosed with ADHD has a strong connection to economic disadvantage, social status, and familial care. The academic discourse of addressing brain dysfunctions might serve the unintended purpose of masking emotional stress and social disadvantage that manifests across generations. A biopsychosocial approach to ADHD including family, emotional history, and socio-economic issues could imply a lesser focus on medical treatment as a first choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soly I. Erlandsson
- Department of Social and Behavioral Studies, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
| | - Christoffer Hornborg
- Department of Sociology and Work Science, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Campus Västervik, Västervik, Sweden
| | - Emma Sorbring
- Department of Social and Behavioral Studies, University West, Trollhättan, Sweden
- Campus Västervik, Västervik, Sweden
| | - Nicolas Dauman
- Department of Psychology, Université de Poitiers, Univ Rennes, Univ Angers, Univ Brest, RPPSY, Poitiers, France
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Bielawski T, Drapała J, Krowicki P, Stańczykiewicz B, Frydecka D. Trauma Disrupts Reinforcement Learning in Rats-A Novel Animal Model of Chronic Stress Exposure. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:903100. [PMID: 35663358 PMCID: PMC9157238 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.903100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Trauma, as well as chronic stress that characterizes a modern fast-paced lifestyle, contributes to numerous psychopathologies and psychological problems. Psychiatric patients with traumas, as well as healthy individuals who experienced traumas in the past, are often characterized by diminished cognitive abilities. In our protocol, we used an animal model to explore the influence of chronic trauma on cognitive abilities and behavior in the group of 20 rats (Rattus norvegicus). The experimental group was introduced to chronic (12 consecutive days) exposure to predator odor (bobcat urine). We measured the reinforcement learning of each individual before and after the exposition via the Probabilistic Selection Task (PST) and we used Social Interaction Test (SIT) to assess the behavioral changes of each individual before and after the trauma. In the experimental group, there was a significant decrease in reinforcement learning after exposure to a single trauma (Wilcoxon Test, p = 0.034) as well as after 11 days of chronic trauma (Wilcoxon-test, p = 0.01) in comparison to pre-trauma performance. The control group, which was not exposed to predator odor but underwent the same testing protocol, did not present significant deterioration in reinforcement learning. In cross-group comparisons, there was no difference between the experimental and control group in PST before odor protocol (U Mann-Whitney two-sided, p = 0.909). After exposure to chronic trauma, the experimental group deteriorated in PST performance compared to control (U Mann-Whitney Two-sided, p = 0.0005). In SIT, the experimental group spent less time in an Interaction Zone with an unfamiliar rat after trauma protocol (Wilcoxon two-sided test, p = 0.019). Major strengths of our models are: (1) protocol allows investigating reinforcement learning before and after exposition to chronic trauma, with the same group of rats, (2) translational scope, as the PST is displayed on touchscreen, similarly to human studies, (3) protocol delivers chronic trauma that impairs reward learning, but behaviorally does not induce full-blown anhedonia, thus rats performed voluntarily throughout all the procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Bielawski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Jarosław Drapała
- Department of Computer Science and Systems Engineering, Faculty of Information and Communication Technology, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Paweł Krowicki
- Department of Laser Technologies, Automation and Production Management, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Dorota Frydecka
- Department of Psychiatry, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
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Williams MT, Khanna Roy A, MacIntyre MP, Faber S. The Traumatizing Impact of Racism in Canadians of Colour. CURRENT TRAUMA REPORTS 2022; 8:17-34. [PMID: 35345606 PMCID: PMC8943361 DOI: 10.1007/s40719-022-00225-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review While research has identified racial trauma in other contexts, it is often overlooked amongst Canadian society. Racial trauma occurs as a result of an event of racism or cumulative events over time whereby an individual experiences stress and consequent mental health sequelae. Given that the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and/or Person of Colour) population in Canada is increasing, it is imperative to identify racial discrimination and the subsequent stress and trauma associated with being racialized in Canada, which subjects BIPOC Canadians to various forms of racism, including microaggressions. Recent Findings This paper reviews the published literature on racism and racial discrimination that identifies or infers racial trauma as the source of the mental health implications for various groups (e.g., Indigenous people, Black Canadians, Asian Canadians, immigrants, and refugees). In addition, intersectionality of racialized persons is prominent to their psychological well-being as their psychosocial and socioeconomic position are complex. Therefore, this paper both provides insight into the Canadian experience as a person of colour and signifies the need for further research on racial trauma in a Canadian context. Summary Despite Canada’s emphasis on multiculturalism, racialized individuals are at risk for racial trauma due to prejudice and discrimination. The politicization of multiculturalism has permitted Canada to deny claims of racism, yet the historical basis of established institutions results in irrefutable systemic and systematic barriers for Canadian people of colour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monnica T Williams
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada.,Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | | | - Marie-Paule MacIntyre
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada
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Radell ML, Hamza EA, Moustafa AA. Depression in post-traumatic stress disorder. Rev Neurosci 2021; 31:703-722. [PMID: 32866132 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) symptoms commonly occur after trauma-exposure, both alone and in combination with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This article reviews recent research on comorbidity between these disorders, including its implications for symptom severity and response to treatment. Despite considerable symptom overlap, the two disorders represent distinct constructs and depend, at least in part, on separate biological mechanisms. Both, however, are also clearly related to stress psychopathology. We recommend that more research focus specifically on the study of individual differences in symptom expression in order to identify distinct subgroups of individuals and develop targeted treatments. However, a barrier to this line of inquiry is the trend of excluding particular patients from clinical trials of new interventions based on symptom severity or comorbidity. Another obstacle is the overreliance on self-report measures in human research. We argue that developing computer-based behavioral measures in order to supplement self-report can help address this challenge. Furthermore, we propose that these measures can help tie findings from human and non-human animal research. A number of paradigms have been used to model MDD-and PTSD-like behavior in animals. These models remain valuable for understanding the biological basis of these disorders in humans and for identifying potential interventions, but they have been underused for the study of comorbidity. Although the interpretation of animal behavior remains a concern, we propose that this can also be overcome through the development of close human analogs to animal paradigms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milen L Radell
- Department of Psychology, Niagara University, Lewiston, NY, USA
| | - Eid Abo Hamza
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Education, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Moustafa
- School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Marcs Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, The Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Cannizzaro E, Ramaci T, Cirrincione L, Plescia F. Work-Related Stress, Physio-Pathological Mechanisms, and the Influence of Environmental Genetic Factors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4031. [PMID: 31640269 PMCID: PMC6843930 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16204031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Work-related stress is a growing health problem in modern society. The stress response is characterized by numerous neurochemicals, neuroendocrine and immune modifications that involve various neurological systems and circuits, and regulation of the gene expression of the different receptors. In this regard, a lot of research has focused the attention on the role played by the environment in influencing gene expression, which in turn can control the stress response. In particular, genetic factors can moderate the sensitivities of specific types of neural cells or circuits mediating the imprinting of the environment on different biological systems. In this current review, we wish to analyze systematic reviews and recent experimental research on the physio-pathological mechanisms that underline stress-related responses. In particular, we analyze the relationship between genetic and epigenetic factors in the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cannizzaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Tiziana Ramaci
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, Kore University of Enna, 94100 Enna, Italy.
| | - Luigi Cirrincione
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
| | - Fulvio Plescia
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences Maternal and Infantile Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialities "Giuseppe D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, via del Vespro 133, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
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Misiak B, Ricceri L, Sąsiadek MM. Transposable Elements and Their Epigenetic Regulation in Mental Disorders: Current Evidence in the Field. Front Genet 2019; 10:580. [PMID: 31293617 PMCID: PMC6603224 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transposable elements (TEs) are highly repetitive DNA sequences in the human genome that are the relics of previous retrotransposition events. Although the majority of TEs are transcriptionally inactive due to acquired mutations or epigenetic processes, around 8% of TEs exert transcriptional activity. It has been found that TEs contribute to somatic mosaicism that accounts for functional specification of various brain cells. Indeed, autonomous retrotransposition of long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1) sequences has been reported in the neural rat progenitor cells from the hippocampus, the human fetal brain and the human embryonic stem cells. Moreover, expression of TEs has been found to regulate immune-inflammatory responses, conditioning immunity against exogenous infections. Therefore, aberrant epigenetic regulation and expression of TEs emerged as a potential mechanism underlying the development of various mental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression, and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Consequently, some studies revealed that expression of some sequences of human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) appears only in a certain group of patients with mental disorders (especially those with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and ASD) but not in healthy controls. In addition, it has been found that expression of HERVs might be related to subclinical inflammation observed in mental disorders. In this article, we provide an overview of detrimental effects of transposition on the brain development and immune mechanisms with relevance to mental disorders. We show that transposition is not the only mechanism, explaining the way TEs might shape the phenotype of mental disorders. Other mechanisms include the regulation of gene expression and the impact on genomic stability. Next, we review current evidence from studies investigating expression and epigenetic regulation of specific TEs in various mental disorders. Most consistently, these studies indicate altered expression of HERVs and methylation of LINE-1 sequences in patients with ASD, schizophrenia, and mood disorders. However, the contribution of TEs to the etiology of AD is poorly documented. Future studies should further investigate the mechanisms linking epigenetic processes, specific TEs and the phenotype of mental disorders to disentangle causal associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Błażej Misiak
- Department of Genetics, Wrocław Medical University, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Laura Ricceri
- Centre for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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