HPA-axis genes as potential risk variants for neurocognitive decline in trauma-exposed, HIV-positive females

The Effect of CRHBP rs10062367 Polymorphism and Parenting Styles on Internalizing Problems in Preschoolers: The Moderating Effect of Sensory Processing Sensitivity

The present study aimed to examine how CRHBP rs10062367 polymorphism interacted with parenting styles and sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) to impact on preschoolers' internalizing problems. A total of 446 preschoolers (Mage = 4.55, SD = 1.07) participated in the study and their saliva were extracted to genotype the CRHBP rs10062367 polymorphism, and their parents were invited to complete a battery of questionnaires to assess parenting styles, preschoolers' SPS, and internalizing problems. Results indicated that high SPS preschoolers with A allele exhibited fewer internalizing problems under the condition of positive parenting while they exhibited more internalizing problems under the condition of negative parenting. The findings provide support for the Differential Susceptibility Model/Biological Sensitivity to Context Theory that A allele of rs10062367 and high SPS might be the "susceptibility markers" of children to environments.

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-related genes and cognition in major mood disorders and schizophrenia: a systematic review

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and cognitive deficits are two well-characterized endophenotypes present in different serious mental illnesses (SMIs), including major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Our aim was to study the influence of genetic and epigenetic variations in HPA axis-related genes on cognitive performance in clinical samples, including patients with major mood disorders and schizophrenia. A systematic search was performed using PubMed (Medline), PsycINFO and Scopus databases. The systematic review identified 12 studies dealing with HPA-related genes and cognition in samples including patients with SMIs, focusing on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variants, while no studies analysing epigenetic variations were found. The results suggest different and specific effects on the cognitive performance of SNP variants in the HPA axis-related genes studied, as well as interactions with traumatic experiences. There was high heterogeneity in the studied samples, genes analysed, and cognitive tasks evaluated. The relationship between HPA-related genes and cognition in SMIs is still largely unknown, and further studies including larger samples and epigenetic variations are needed.

Sex Differences in Neurocognitive Function in Adults with HIV: Patterns, Predictors, and Mechanisms

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Sex differences in cognitive function are well documented yet few studies had adequate numbers of women and men living with HIV (WLWH; MLWH) to identify sex differences in neurocognitive impairment (NCI) and the factors contributing to NCI. Here, we review evidence that WLWH may be at greater risk for NCI.

RECENT FINDINGS

We conducted a systematic review of recent studies of NCI in WLWH versus MLWH. A power analysis showed that few HIV studies have sufficient power to address male/female differences in NCI but studies with adequate power find evidence of greater NCI in WLWH, particularly in the domains of memory, speed of information processing, and motor function. Sex is an important determinant of NCI in HIV, and may relate to male/female differences in cognitive reserve, comorbidities (mental health and substance use disorders), and biological factors (e.g., inflammation, hormonal, genetic).

Childhood trauma interacts with ApoE to influence neurocognitive function in women living with HIV

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) describes a spectrum of behavioural, motor and cognitive disturbances that can occur secondary to HIV infection. Less severe forms of the disorder persist despite advances in antiretroviral medication efficacy and availability. Childhood trauma (CT) may predispose individuals to developing HAND. As genetic variation in human apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been implicated in cognitive decline and may mediate the development of long-term health outcomes following CT, we investigated the influence of ApoE and CT on cognitive function in the context of HIV. One hundred twenty-eight HIV-positive Xhosa women completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) as well as the HIV Neurobehavioural Research Center neurocognitive test battery. rs7412 and rs429358 were genotyped using KASP assays, and this data was used to determine the ApoE isoform. Baseline differences in demographic and clinical variables according to CT exposure were calculated. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the contributions of CT and ApoE variants, as well as their interaction, to cognitive function. Eighty-eight participants reported experiencing CT. The rs7412 C allele protected against the harmful effect of CT on motor scores using an additive model. The interaction of ApoE ε4 and CT was associated with worse attention/working memory scores. ApoE ε4, alone and in combination with CT, is associated with poorer cognitive function. Further research into this gene-environment interaction may assist in identifying at-risk individuals for targeted interventions.