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Surachman A, Hamlat E, Zannas AS, Horvath S, Laraia B, Epel E. Grandparents' educational attainment is associated with grandchildren's epigenetic-based age acceleration in the National Growth and Health Study. Soc Sci Med 2024; 355:117142. [PMID: 39106784 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117142] [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: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
We examined three generations (grandparents, mothers, and grandchildren) to assess the association between grandparents' educational attainment and their grandchildren's epigenetic-based age acceleration and whether the association was mediated by parental educational attainment and mothers' life course health-related factors. Mothers were recruited to the NHLBI Growth and Health Study at 9-10 years and followed for 10 years (1987-1998). Mothers were then re-contacted three decades later (ages 37-42) to participate in the National Growth and Health Study (NGHS), and health information from their youngest child (i.e., grandchildren; N = 241, ages 2-17) was collected, including their saliva samples to calculate epigenetic age. Five epigenetic-based age acceleration measures were included in this analysis, including four epigenetic clock age accelerations (Horvath, Hannum, GrimAge, and PhenoAge) and DunedinPACE. Grandparents reported their highest education during the initial enrollment interviews. Parental educational attainment and mothers' life course health-related factors (childhood BMI trajectories, adult cardiovascular health behavioral risk score, and adult c-reactive protein) are included as mediators. Grandparents' education was significantly associated with Horvath age acceleration (b = -0.32, SE = 0.14, p = 0.021). Grandchildren with college-degree grandparents showed significantly slower Horvath age accelerations than those without college degrees. This association was partially mediated by parental education and mothers' health-related factors, especially adult cardiovascular health behavioral risk score and CRP, but not mothers' childhood BMI trajectory. This ability to conserve the speed of biological aging may have considerable consequences in shaping health trajectories across the lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agus Surachman
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, USA; College of Nursing and Health Profession, Drexel University, USA.
| | - Elissa Hamlat
- Center for Health and Community, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Anthony S Zannas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA; Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, USA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, USA; The Altos Institutes of Science, San Diego, USA
| | - Barbara Laraia
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, USA
| | - Elissa Epel
- Center for Health and Community, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
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Eichenauer H, Fischer S, Gardini E, Onsongo S, Ehlert U. Effects of improved on-farm crop storage on DNA methylation of mothers and their infants: evidence from a randomized controlled trial in Kenya. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:90. [PMID: 38978139 PMCID: PMC11232227 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01693-z] [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: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress during pregnancy can lead to adverse maternal and infant health outcomes through epigenetic changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Among farmers in low-income countries, one important stressor is food insecurity, which can be reduced using hermetic storage bags. This study aimed to determine, for the first time, whether a hermetic storage bag intervention during pregnancy positively affects maternal and infant DNA methylation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis-related genes FKBP5 and NR3C1. We further analyzed whether anthropometrics, stress, and mental health were associated with DNA methylation. METHODS This study was part of a larger matched-pair randomized controlled trial focusing on the impact of improved on-farm storage on food security, poverty, and net income of smallholder farming households. A total of N = 149 mothers were recruited by telephone and invited to attend a study appointment at health facilities in Kakamega County, Western Kenya, with their infants in April or May 2021. During the appointment, anthropometric measurements were taken, questionnaires on stress and mental health were administered, and saliva samples were collected. Logistic and multiple linear regression were used to examine the effect of the intervention and related measures on DNA methylation. RESULTS Mothers in the intervention group showed higher mean NR3C1 methylation levels than those in the control group, corrected for multiple testing. Maternal postpartum body mass index was positively associated with infant NR3C1 CpG3 DNA methylation. The more stressful life events a mother had experienced in the previous 12 months (including during pregnancy), the lower her FKBP5 CpG3 methylation levels. CONCLUSIONS Food insecurity and stressful life events during pregnancy seem to exert significant effects on maternal DNA methylation. While these stressors did not appear to impact infant DNA methylation in the present study, maternal postpartum body mass index was significantly related to infant methylation. These findings suggest that while infants may be protected from excessive maternal glucocorticoids by placental barrier activity, maternal metabolic status is still reflected in their epigenetic make-up. Trial registration This study was part of a larger matched-pair randomized controlled trial on the impact of improved on-farm crop storage on welfare, nutrition, and human health. Registration can be found in the American Economic Association (AEA) RCT Registry, RCT ID: AEARCTR-0005845.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heike Eichenauer
- Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14/Box 26, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Susanne Fischer
- Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14/Box 26, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elena Gardini
- Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14/Box 26, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Ulrike Ehlert
- Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Binzmuehlestrasse 14/Box 26, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland.
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3
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Bonumwezi JL, Grapin SL, Uddin M, Coyle S, Habintwali D, Lowe SR. Intergenerational trauma transmission through family psychosocial factors in adult children of Rwandan survivors of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Soc Sci Med 2024; 348:116837. [PMID: 38579628 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116837] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Thirty years after the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, children of survivors are being increasingly documented to be at higher risk compared to their peers for adverse mental health outcomes. However, no studies in Rwanda have empirically explored family psychosocial factors underlying this intergenerational transmission of trauma. We investigated family psychosocial factors that could underlie this transmission in 251 adult Rwandan children of survivors (mean age = 23.31, SD = 2.40; 50.2% female) who completed a cross-sectional online survey. For participants with survivor mothers (n = 187), we found that both offspring-reported maternal trauma exposure and maternal PTSD were indirectly associated with children's PTSD via maternal trauma communication (specifically, nonverbal and guilt-inducing communication), and that maternal PTSD was indirectly associated with children's PTSD, anxiety, and depression symptoms through family communication styles. For participants with survivor fathers (n = 170), we found that paternal PTSD symptoms were indirectly associated with children's anxiety and depression symptoms via paternal parenting styles (specifically, abusive and indifferent parenting). Although replication is needed in longitudinal research with parent-child dyads, these results reaffirm the importance of looking at mass trauma in a family context and suggest that intergenerational trauma interventions should focus on addressing family communication, trauma communication, and parenting.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sally L Grapin
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Samantha Coyle
- Department of Psychology, Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ, USA
| | | | - Sarah R Lowe
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Yale University, CT, USA
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Lin A, Mertens AN, Rahman MZ, Tan ST, Il'yasova D, Spasojevic I, Ali S, Stewart CP, Fernald LCH, Kim L, Yan L, Meyer A, Karim MR, Shahriar S, Shuman G, Arnold BF, Hubbard AE, Famida SL, Akther S, Hossen MS, Mutsuddi P, Shoab AK, Shalev I, Rahman M, Unicomb L, Heaney CD, Kariger P, Colford JM, Luby SP, Granger DA. A cluster-randomized trial of water, sanitation, handwashing and nutritional interventions on stress and epigenetic programming. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3572. [PMID: 38670986 PMCID: PMC11053067 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47896-z] [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: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A regulated stress response is essential for healthy child growth and development trajectories. We conducted a cluster-randomized trial in rural Bangladesh (funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01590095) to assess the effects of an integrated nutritional, water, sanitation, and handwashing intervention on child health. We previously reported on the primary outcomes of the trial, linear growth and caregiver-reported diarrhea. Here, we assessed additional prespecified outcomes: physiological stress response, oxidative stress, and DNA methylation (N = 759, ages 1-2 years). Eight neighboring pregnant women were grouped into a study cluster. Eight geographically adjacent clusters were block-randomized into the control or the combined nutrition, water, sanitation, and handwashing (N + WSH) intervention group (receiving nutritional counseling and lipid-based nutrient supplements, chlorinated drinking water, upgraded sanitation, and handwashing with soap). Participants and data collectors were not masked, but analyses were masked. There were 358 children (68 clusters) in the control group and 401 children (63 clusters) in the intervention group. We measured four F2-isoprostanes isomers (iPF(2α)-III; 2,3-dinor-iPF(2α)-III; iPF(2α)-VI; 8,12-iso-iPF(2α)-VI), salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol, and methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) exon 1F promoter including the NGFI-A binding site. Compared with control, the N + WSH group had lower concentrations of F2-isoprostanes isomers (differences ranging from -0.16 to -0.19 log ng/mg of creatinine, P < 0.01), elevated post-stressor cortisol (0.24 log µg/dl; P < 0.01), higher cortisol residualized gain scores (0.06 µg/dl; P = 0.023), and decreased methylation of the NGFI-A binding site (-0.04; P = 0.037). The N + WSH intervention enhanced adaptive responses of the physiological stress system in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrie Lin
- Department of Microbiology and Environmental Toxicology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
| | - Andrew N Mertens
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Md Ziaur Rahman
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sophia T Tan
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Dora Il'yasova
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ivan Spasojevic
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- PK/PD Core Laboratory, Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Shahjahan Ali
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christine P Stewart
- Institute for Global Nutrition, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Lia C H Fernald
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Kim
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Md Rabiul Karim
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sunny Shahriar
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Gabrielle Shuman
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin F Arnold
- Francis I. Proctor Foundation, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Alan E Hubbard
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Syeda L Famida
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Salma Akther
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Saheen Hossen
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Palash Mutsuddi
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abul K Shoab
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Idan Shalev
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Mahbubur Rahman
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Leanne Unicomb
- Infectious Diseases Division, International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Christopher D Heaney
- Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Patricia Kariger
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - John M Colford
- School of Public Health, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Stephen P Luby
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Geographic Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Douglas A Granger
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Salivary Bioscience Research, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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5
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Gaind N. After the genocide: what scientists are learning from Rwanda. Nature 2024; 628:250-254. [PMID: 38580859 DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-00997-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
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Békés V, Starrs CJ. Assessing transgenerational trauma transmission: development and psychometric properties of the Historical Intergenerational Trauma Transmission Questionnaire (HITT-Q). Eur J Psychotraumatol 2024; 15:2329510. [PMID: 38530844 DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2024.2329510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACTObjective/Background: Despite increasing attention on transgenerational trauma, currently no comprehensive model and measure exists to be applied on various populations. This study represents the first step in the validation of such a model and a related scale. The Historical Intergenerational Trauma Questionnaire (HITT-Q) assesses family and offspring self-reported vulnerability and resilience, as well as offspring historical moral injury and current levels of insidious trauma.Method: We developed the HITT-Q based on the cross-population model (HITT model; [Starrs, C. & Békés, V. (2024). Historical and transgenerational trauma: A conceptual framework. Traumatology. In Press]) which incorporates key findings in existing population specific studies. For initial validation of the model and its measurement, Holocaust survivors' offspring (N = 1104) completed the HITT-Q, measures of current mental health symptoms (PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety, and depression), and a resilience scale.Results: In line with the HITT model, confirmatory factor analyses supported a 12-factor solution with the following factors under theorized dimensions: I. Family Vulnerability: (1) Dysregulated and Trauma-related Communication; (2)Trauma-influenced Parenting, (3) Fear; (4) Distress; II. (5) Family Resilience, III. Offspring Vulnerability: (6) Escape; (7) Heightened Responsibility; (8) Trauma-related distress; IV. Offspring Resilience: (9) Coping; (10) Belonging; (11) Values; V. (12) Historical Moral injury. The 12-factor model showed acceptable to good internal validity, and comparison with an existing measure of transgenerational Holocaust trauma indicated good concurrent validity. Finally, the HITT-Q demonstrated predictive validity for mental health symptoms and current resilience.Conclusions: The current study represents the first step in validating the HITT-Q as a comprehensive measure of historical intergenerational vulnerability and resilience. Our findings provide strong support for the underlying model, and suggest that the HITT-Q represents a valuable scale for both research and historical trauma-informed care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vera Békés
- Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Claire J Starrs
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM), Montréal, Québec, Canada
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Dieckmann L, Czamara D. Epigenetics of prenatal stress in humans: the current research landscape. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:20. [PMID: 38308342 PMCID: PMC10837967 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01635-9] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Fetal exposure to prenatal stress can have significant consequences on short- and long-term health. Epigenetic mechanisms, especially DNA methylation (DNAm), are a possible process how these adverse environmental events could be biologically embedded. We evaluated candidate gene as well as epigenome-wide association studies associating prenatal stress and DNAm changes in peripheral tissues; however, most of these findings lack robust replication. Prenatal stress-associated epigenetic changes have also been linked to child health including internalizing problems, neurobehavioral outcomes and stress reactivity. Future studies should focus on refined measurement and definition of prenatal stress and its timing, ideally also incorporating genomic as well as longitudinal information. This will provide further opportunities to enhance our understanding of the biological embedding of prenatal stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Dieckmann
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Darina Czamara
- Department Genes and Environment, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.
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8
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Chou PC, Huang YC, Yu S. Mechanisms of Epigenetic Inheritance in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:98. [PMID: 38255713 PMCID: PMC10817356 DOI: 10.3390/life14010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder that causes debilitating functional impairment in patients. Observations from survivors of traumatic historical events solidify that this disease is not only associated with personal experiences but can also be inherited from familial traumas. Over the past decades, researchers have focused on epigenetic inheritance to understand how responses to adverse experiences can be passed down to future generations. This review aims to present recent findings on epigenetic markers related to PTSD and research in the intergenerational inheritance of trauma. By understanding the information, we hope that epigenetic markers can act as biochemical measurements for future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Chen Chou
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Chi Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan;
| | - Sebastian Yu
- Department of Dermatology, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 80756, Taiwan
- Master of Public Health Degree Program, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10617, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
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9
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Marakshina J, Adamovich T, Vasin G, Ismatullina V, Lobaskova M, Malykh A, Kolyasnikov P, Tabueva A, Zakharov I, Malykh S. Factor structure and psychometric properties of the Perceived Stress Scale in Russian adolescents. Sci Rep 2024; 14:775. [PMID: 38191640 PMCID: PMC10774267 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-51104-1] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
This study involved a psychometric analysis of the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). To investigate the Russian version of the PSS-10 for adolescents, 3530 adolescents aged 13-17 years were recruited. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the data corresponded to the expected two-factor configuration. Psychometric properties and factor structure were evaluated. As expected, the PSS-10 included two factors: perceived helplessness and perceived self-efficacy. Internal consistency demonstrated acceptable values (Cronbach's alpha was 0.82 for perceived helplessness, 0.77 for perceived self-efficacy, and 0.80 for the overall PSS score). Measurement invariance across sexes was assessed, and configural and metric invariance were confirmed. The developed diagnostic tool can be used both in the school system to alleviate the negative consequences of academic stress in adolescents and, in the future, in other areas, particularly in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Marakshina
- Center of Population Research, Ural Institute of Humanities, Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Timofey Adamovich
- Center of Population Research, Ural Institute of Humanities, Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | | | - Victoria Ismatullina
- Center of Population Research, Ural Institute of Humanities, Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Marina Lobaskova
- Center of Population Research, Ural Institute of Humanities, Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Artem Malykh
- Center of Population Research, Ural Institute of Humanities, Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Pavel Kolyasnikov
- Center of Population Research, Ural Institute of Humanities, Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Anna Tabueva
- Center of Population Research, Ural Institute of Humanities, Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Ilya Zakharov
- Center of Population Research, Ural Institute of Humanities, Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Sergey Malykh
- Center of Population Research, Ural Institute of Humanities, Ural Federal University Named After the First President of Russia B.N. Yeltsin, Yekaterinburg, Russia.
- Developmental Behavioral Genetics Lab, Federal Research Centre of Psychological and Interdisciplinary Studies, Moscow, Russia.
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Arbour M, Walker K, Houston J. Trauma-Informed Pedagogy: Instructional Strategies to Support Student Success. J Midwifery Womens Health 2024; 69:25-32. [PMID: 37358392 DOI: 10.1111/jmwh.13539] [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] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Over the past several years, the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has contributed to challenging working and life conditions. As a result, the midwifery and health care workforce has faced significant shortages due to burnout. Increased societal awareness of historical trauma and systemic racism embedded within US culture has also led to increased anxiety and signs of trauma among midwifery and health profession students. Now more than ever, innovative teaching strategies are needed to support students, reduce the risks of burnout, and increase diversity in the workforce. One strategy is to adopt a trauma-informed pedagogy within midwifery education. Trauma-informed pedagogy is founded on core assumptions of trauma-informed care and thus supports student success by recognizing that the student cannot be separated from their own life experiences. Faculty and preceptors can develop empathetic, flexible supports that communicate care and concern regarding students' personal and social situations, and emotions. Empathetic behavior from teachers also increases student learning motivation, making it easier for students to actively engage in learning thereby reducing their distress. The purpose of this State of the Science review, therefore, was to describe the literature surrounding trauma-informed pedagogy and to offer concrete educational strategies that faculty members and educational programs can employ to increase the success of a diverse student body. This can be accomplished through flexibility in curriculum design and outcome measurement to ensure attainment of end of program learning outcomes. Institutional and administrative support are essential to develop a faculty who realize the benefit and value of trauma-informed pedagogy underpinning student success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Arbour
- Department of Midwifery and Women's Health, Frontier Nursing University, Hyden, Kentucky
| | - Kelly Walker
- School of Nursing, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia
| | - Jane Houston
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida
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11
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Barcelona V, Abuaish S, Lee S, Harkins S, Butler A, Tycko B, Baccarelli AA, Walsh K, Monk CE. Stress and DNA Methylation of Blood Leukocytes among Pregnant Latina Women. EPIGENOMES 2023; 7:27. [PMID: 37987302 PMCID: PMC10660842 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes7040027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Latinas experience physical and psychological stressors in pregnancy leading to increased morbidity and higher risk for adverse birth outcomes. Epigenetic changes, including DNA methylation (DNAm), have been proposed as markers to create more refined risk stratification, yet few of these studies have examined these changes in Latinas. We conducted a secondary analysis of stored blood leukocytes of Latina women (n = 58) enrolled in a larger National Institutes of Health funded R01 project (2011-2016). We examined DNAm on eight candidate stress genes to compare physically and psychologically stressed participants to healthy (low stress) participants. We found unique CpGs that were differentially methylated in stressed women early- and mid-pregnancy compared to the healthy group, though none remained significant after FDR correction. Both physical and psychological stress were associated with hypomethylation at two consecutive CpG sites on NR3C1 in early pregnancy and one CpG site on NR3C1 in mid-pregnancy before adjustment. Stress was also associated with hypomethylation at two CpG sites on FKBP5 in early and mid-pregnancy but were no longer significant after FDR adjustment. Though we did not find statistically significant differences in DNAm during pregnancy between stressed and healthy women in this sample, signals were consistent with previous findings. Future work in larger samples should further examine the associations between stress and DNAm in pregnancy as this mechanism may explain underlying perinatal health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sameera Abuaish
- Department of Basic Sciences, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Seonjoo Lee
- Mental Health Data Science, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Sarah Harkins
- Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Ashlie Butler
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Benjamin Tycko
- Hackensack Meridian Health Center for Discovery and Innovation, Nutley, NJ 07110, USA;
| | - Andrea A. Baccarelli
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY 10032, USA;
| | - Kate Walsh
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Catherine E. Monk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA;
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
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12
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Matsudaira I, Yamaguchi R, Taki Y. Transmit Radiant Individuality to Offspring (TRIO) study: investigating intergenerational transmission effects on brain development. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1150973. [PMID: 37840799 PMCID: PMC10568142 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1150973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Intergenerational transmission is a crucial aspect of human development. Although prior studies have demonstrated the continuity of psychopathology and maladaptive upbringing environments between parents and offspring, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear. We have begun a novel neuroimaging research project, the Transmit Radiant Individuality to Offspring (TRIO) study, which focuses on biological parent-offspring trios. The participants of the TRIO study were Japanese parent-offspring trios consisting of offspring aged 10-40 and their biological mother and father. Structural and functional brain images of all participants were acquired using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Saliva samples were collected for DNA analysis. We obtained psychosocial information, such as intelligence, mental health problems, personality traits, and experiences during the developmental period from each parent and offspring in the same manner as much as possible. By April 2023, we completed data acquisition from 174 trios consisting of fathers, mothers, and offspring. The target sample size was 310 trios. However, we plan to conduct genetic and epigenetic analyses, and the sample size is expected to be expanded further while developing this project into a multi-site collaborative study in the future. The TRIO study can challenge the elucidation of the mechanism of intergenerational transmission effects on human development by collecting diverse information from parents and offspring at the molecular, neural, and behavioral levels. Our study provides interdisciplinary insights into how individuals' lives are involved in the construction of the lives of their descendants in the subsequent generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izumi Matsudaira
- Frontier Research Institute for Interdisciplinary Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Smart-Aging Research Center, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamaguchi
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Taki
- Smart-Aging Research Center, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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13
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Zhou A, Ryan J. Biological Embedding of Early-Life Adversity and a Scoping Review of the Evidence for Intergenerational Epigenetic Transmission of Stress and Trauma in Humans. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1639. [PMID: 37628690 PMCID: PMC10454883 DOI: 10.3390/genes14081639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe or chronic stress and trauma can have a detrimental impact on health. Evidence suggests that early-life adversity can become biologically embedded and has the potential to influence health outcomes decades later. Epigenetics is one mechanism that has been implicated in these long-lasting effects. Observational studies in humans indicate that the effects of stress could even persist across generations, although whether or not epigenetic mechanisms are involved remains under debate. Here, we provide an overview of studies in animals and humans that demonstrate the effects of early-life stress on DNA methylation, one of the most widely studied epigenetic mechanisms, and summarize findings from animal models demonstrating the involvement of epigenetics in the transmission of stress across generations. We then describe the results of a scoping review to determine the extent to which the terms intergenerational or transgenerational have been used in human studies investigating the transmission of trauma and stress via epigenetic mechanisms. We end with a discussion of key areas for future research to advance understanding of the role of epigenetics in the legacy effects of stress and trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoshuang Zhou
- Division of Epidemiology, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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14
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Matoba N, Collins JW, Dizon MLV. Fetal Origins of Health Disparities: Transgenerational Consequences of Racism. Dev Neurosci 2023; 46:112-118. [PMID: 37290414 DOI: 10.1159/000531462] [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: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in perinatal medicine, racial disparity in birth outcomes remains a public health problem in the USA. The underlying mechanisms for this long-standing racial disparity are incompletely understood. This review presents transgenerational risk factors for racial disparities in preterm birth, exploring the impact of interpersonal and structural racism, theoretical models of stress, and biological markers of racial disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Matoba
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
| | - James W Collins
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Maria L V Dizon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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15
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Holdsworth EA, Schell LM, Appleton AA. Maternal-infant interaction quality is associated with child NR3C1 CpG site methylation at 7 years of age. Am J Hum Biol 2023; 35:e23876. [PMID: 36779373 PMCID: PMC10909417 DOI: 10.1002/ajhb.23876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infancy is both a critical window for hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis development, and a sensitive period for social-emotional influences. We hypothesized that the social-emotional quality of maternal-infant interactions are associated with methylation of HPA-axis gene NR3C1 later in childhood. METHODS Using a subsample of 114 mother-infant pairs from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), linear regression models were created to predict variance in methylation of seven selected CpG sites from NR3C1 in whole blood at age 7 years, including the main predictor variable of the first principal component score of observed maternal-infant interaction quality (derived from the Thorpe Interaction Measure at 12 months of age) and covariates of cell-type proportion, maternal financial difficulties and marital status at 8 months postnatal, child birthweight, and sex. RESULTS CpG site cg27122725 methylation was negatively associated with warmer, more positive maternal interaction with her infant (β = 0.19, p = .02, q = 0.13). In sensitivity analyses, the second highest quartile of maternal behavior (neutral, hesitant behavior) was positively associated with cg12466613 methylation. The other five CpG sites were not significantly associated with maternal-infant interaction quality. CONCLUSIONS Narrow individual variation of maternal interaction with her infant is associated with childhood methylation of two CpG sites on NR3C1 that may be particularly sensitive to environmental influences. Infancy may be a sensitive period for even small influences from the social-emotional environment on the epigenetic determinants of HPA-axis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Holdsworth
- Department of AnthropologyWashington State UniversityPullmanWashingtonUSA
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity at Albany State University of New YorkAlbanyNew YorkUSA
| | - Lawrence M. Schell
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity at Albany State University of New YorkAlbanyNew YorkUSA
- Department of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsUniversity at Albany State University of New YorkRensselaerNew YorkUSA
| | - Allison A. Appleton
- Department of Epidemiology & BiostatisticsUniversity at Albany State University of New YorkRensselaerNew YorkUSA
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16
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Swales DA, Davis EP, Mahrer NE, Guardino CM, Shalowitz MU, Ramey SL, Schetter CD. Preconception maternal posttraumatic stress and child negative affectivity: Prospectively evaluating the intergenerational impact of trauma. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:619-629. [PMID: 35074031 PMCID: PMC9309186 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579421001760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The developmental origins of psychopathology begin before birth and perhaps even prior to conception. Understanding the intergenerational transmission of psychopathological risk is critical to identify sensitive windows for prevention and early intervention. Prior research demonstrates that maternal trauma history, typically assessed retrospectively, has adverse consequences for child socioemotional development. However, very few prospective studies of preconception trauma exist, and the role of preconception symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remains unknown. The current study prospectively evaluates whether maternal preconception PTSD symptoms predict early childhood negative affectivity, a key dimension of temperament and predictor of later psychopathology. One hundred and eighteen women were recruited following a birth and prior to conception of the study child and were followed until the study child was 3-5 years old. Higher maternal PTSD symptoms prior to conception predicted greater child negative affectivity, adjusting for concurrent maternal depressive symptoms and sociodemographic covariates. In exploratory analyses, we found that neither maternal prenatal nor postpartum depressive symptoms or perceived stress mediated this association. These findings add to a limited prospective literature, highlighting the importance of assessing the mental health of women prior to conception and providing interventions that can disrupt the intergenerational sequelae of trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | | | | | - Madeleine U. Shalowitz
- Department of Pediatrics, NorthShore University HealthSystem Research Institute, Evanston, IL
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17
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Kagoyire MG, Kangabe J, Ingabire MC. "A calf cannot fail to pick a colour from its mother": intergenerational transmission of trauma and its effect on reconciliation among post-genocide Rwandan youth. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:104. [PMID: 37029441 PMCID: PMC10080878 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01129-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND More than one million Rwandans were killed over a span of one hundred days during the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis. Many adult survivors were severely traumatized by the events, and young people, including those who were born after the genocide, have experienced similar genocide-related trauma. Building on a growing body of research on the generational transmission of trauma, our study addressed the following questions: (1) what are the possible mechanisms of trauma transmission from older generation to post-genocide Rwandan youth, and (2) what are the effects of intergenerational trauma on reconciliation processes in Rwanda. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted in Rwanda among youth born after the genocide, with parents who survived the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis and among mental health and peace-building professionals. Individual interviews (IDIs) included 19 post-genocide descendants of survivors and six focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 36 genocide survivor parents residing in Rwanda's Eastern Province. Ten IDIs were also conducted with mental health and peace-building professionals in the capital city of Kigali. Respondents were recruited through five local organisations that work closely with survivors and their descendants. An inductive thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data. RESULTS Findings from this study suggest that the trauma experienced by genocide survivor parents is perceived by Rwandan youth, mental health and peace-building professionals, and survivor parents themselves to be transmitted from parent to child through human biology mechanisms, social patterns of silence and disclosure of genocide experiences, and children's and youth's everyday contact with a traumatized parent. Genocide-related trauma among survivor parents is seen as often being triggered by both life at home and the annual genocide commemoration events. Additionally, when transmitted to genocide survivor descendants, such trauma is understood to negatively affect their psychological and social well-being. Intergenerational trauma among youth with genocide survivor parents limits their involvement in post-genocide reconciliation processes. Findings specifically show that some youth avoid reconciliation with a perpetrator's family due to mistrust as well as fear of re-traumatizing their own parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Grace Kagoyire
- University of Stellenbosch, the Centre for the study of the afterlife of violence, and the reparative Quest (AVReQ), Stellenbosch, South Africa.
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18
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Ju LS, Morey TE, Seubert CN, Martynyuk AE. Intergenerational Perioperative Neurocognitive Disorder. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12040567. [PMID: 37106766 PMCID: PMC10135810 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Accelerated neurocognitive decline after general anesthesia/surgery, also known as perioperative neurocognitive disorder (PND), is a widely recognized public health problem that may affect millions of patients each year. Advanced age, with its increasing prevalence of heightened stress, inflammation, and neurodegenerative alterations, is a consistent contributing factor to the development of PND. Although a strong homeostatic reserve in young adults makes them more resilient to PND, animal data suggest that young adults with pathophysiological conditions characterized by excessive stress and inflammation may be vulnerable to PND, and this altered phenotype may be passed to future offspring (intergenerational PND). The purpose of this narrative review of data in the literature and the authors' own experimental findings in rodents is to draw attention to the possibility of intergenerational PND, a new phenomenon which, if confirmed in humans, may unravel a big new population that may be affected by parental PND. In particular, we discuss the roles of stress, inflammation, and epigenetic alterations in the development of PND. We also discuss experimental findings that demonstrate the effects of surgery, traumatic brain injury, and the general anesthetic sevoflurane that interact to induce persistent dysregulation of the stress response system, inflammation markers, and behavior in young adult male rats and in their future offspring who have neither trauma nor anesthetic exposure (i.e., an animal model of intergenerational PND).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Sha Ju
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100254, JHMHC, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Timothy E Morey
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100254, JHMHC, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Christoph N Seubert
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100254, JHMHC, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Anatoly E Martynyuk
- Department of Anesthesiology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, P.O. Box 100254, JHMHC, 1600 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Brain Institute, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
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19
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Raza Z, Hussain SF, Foster VS, Wall J, Coffey PJ, Martin JF, Gomes RSM. Exposure to war and conflict: The individual and inherited epigenetic effects on health, with a focus on post-traumatic stress disorder. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 3:1066158. [PMID: 38455905 PMCID: PMC10910933 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2023.1066158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
War and conflict are global phenomena, identified as stress-inducing triggers for epigenetic modifications. In this state-of-the-science narrative review based on systematic principles, we summarise existing data to explore the outcomes of these exposures especially in veterans and show that they may result in an increased likelihood of developing gastrointestinal, auditory, metabolic and circadian issues, as well as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We also note that, despite a potential "healthy soldier effect", both veterans and civilians with PTSD exhibit the altered DNA methylation status in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulatory genes such as NR3C1. Genes associated with sleep (PAX8; LHX1) are seen to be differentially methylated in veterans. A limited number of studies also revealed hereditary effects of war exposure across groups: decreased cortisol levels and a heightened (sex-linked) mortality risk in offspring. Future large-scale studies further identifying the heritable risks of war, as well as any potential differences between military and civilian populations, would be valuable to inform future healthcare directives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zara Raza
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, London, United Kingdom
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research & Innovation, London, United Kingdom
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Syeda F Hussain
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, London, United Kingdom
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research & Innovation, London, United Kingdom
| | - Victoria S Foster
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, London, United Kingdom
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research & Innovation, London, United Kingdom
- St George's Hospital Medical School, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Wall
- Hull York Medical School, University of York, York, United Kingdom
- Haxby Group Hull, General Practice Surgery, Hull, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J Coffey
- Development, Ageing and Disease, UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - John F Martin
- Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Renata S M Gomes
- Research & Innovation, Blind Veterans UK, London, United Kingdom
- BRAVO VICTOR, Research & Innovation, London, United Kingdom
- Northern Hub for Veterans and Military Families Research, Department of Nursing, Midwifery and Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Wiley KS, Camilo C, Gouveia G, Euclydes V, Panter-Brick C, Matijasevich A, Ferraro AA, Fracolli LA, Chiesa AM, Miguel EC, Polanczyk GV, Brentani H. Maternal distress, DNA methylation, and fetal programing of stress physiology in Brazilian mother-infant pairs. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22352. [PMID: 36567654 PMCID: PMC9792831 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Maternal prenatal psychosocial stress is associated with adverse hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) function among infants. Although the biological mechanisms influencing this process remain unknown, altered DNA methylation is considered to be one potential mechanism. We investigated associations between maternal prenatal psychological distress, infant salivary DNA methylation, and stress physiology at 12 months. Mother's distress was measured via depression and anxiety in early and late pregnancy in a cohort of 80 pregnant adolescents. Maternal hair cortisol was collected during pregnancy. Saliva samples were collected from infants at 12 months to quantify DNA methylation of three stress-related genes (FKBP5, NR3C1, OXTR) (n = 62) and diurnal cortisol (n = 29). Multivariable linear regression was used to test for associations between prenatal psychological distress, and infant DNA methylation and cortisol. Hair cortisol concentrations in late pregnancy were negatively associated with two sites of FKBP5 (site 1: B = -22.33, p = .003; site 2: B = -15.60, p = .012). Infants of mothers with elevated anxiety symptoms in late pregnancy had lower levels of OXTR2 CpG2 methylation (B = -2.17, p = .03) and higher evening salivary cortisol (B = 0.41, p = .03). Furthermore, OXTR2 methylation was inversely associated with evening cortisol (B = -0.14, p-value ≤ .001). Our results are, to our knowledge, the first evidence that the methylation of the oxytocin receptor may contribute to the regulation of HPAA during infancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle S. Wiley
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Caroline Camilo
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Gouveia
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Verônica Euclydes
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Alicia Matijasevich
- Departamento de Medicina Preventiva, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Archanjo Ferraro
- Departamento de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lislaine Aparecida Fracolli
- Departamento de Enfermagem Em Saúde Coletiva da Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Anna Maria Chiesa
- Departamento de Enfermagem Em Saúde Coletiva da Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Euripedes Constantino Miguel
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme V. Polanczyk
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helena Brentani
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Azar N, Booij L. DNA methylation as a mediator in the association between prenatal maternal stress and child mental health outcomes: Current state of knowledge. J Affect Disord 2022; 319:142-163. [PMID: 36113690 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal maternal stress is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for offspring mental health challenges. DNA methylation may be a mechanism, but few studies directly tested mediation. These few integrative studies are reviewed along with studies from three research areas: prenatal maternal stress and child mental health, prenatal maternal stress and child DNA methylation, and child mental health and DNA methylation. METHODS We conducted a narrative review of articles in each research area and the few published integrative studies to evaluate the state of knowledge. RESULTS Prenatal maternal stress was related to greater offspring internalizing and externalizing symptoms and to greater offspring peripheral DNA methylation of the NR3C1 gene. Youth mental health problems were also related to NR3C1 hypermethylation while epigenome-wide studies identified genes involved in nervous system development. Integrative studies focused on infant outcomes and did not detect significant mediation by DNA methylation though methodological considerations may partially explain these null results. LIMITATIONS Operationalization of prenatal maternal stress and child mental health varied greatly. The few published integrative studies did not report conclusive evidence of mediation by DNA methylation. CONCLUSIONS DNA methylation likely mediates the association between prenatal maternal stress and child mental health. This conclusion still needs to be tested in a larger number of integrative studies. Key empirical and statistical considerations for future research are discussed. Understanding the consequences of prenatal maternal stress and its pathways of influence will help prevention and intervention efforts and ultimately promote well-being for both mothers and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Azar
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada; Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Linda Booij
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada; Sainte-Justine University Hospital Research Center, 3175 chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, Quebec H3T 1C5, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, Faculty of Medicine, Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, Université de Montréal, P.O. Box 6128, succursale Centre-ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada.
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22
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Kahn S, Denov M. Transgenerational trauma in Rwandan genocidal rape survivors and their children: A culturally enhanced bioecological approach. Transcult Psychiatry 2022; 59:727-739. [PMID: 35200060 PMCID: PMC9716383 DOI: 10.1177/13634615221080231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Multiple theories, including attachment, family systems, and epigenetics, among many others, have been invoked to explain the mechanisms through which trauma is transmitted from one generation to the next. To move toward integration of extant theories and, thus, acknowledgement of multiple pathways for transmission of trauma, the authors explore the potential of applying a culturally enhanced bioecological theory to transgenerational trauma (TGT). Data from in-depth qualitative interviews in Rwanda more than two decades after the genocide, with 44 mothers of children born of genocidal rape, and in-depth interviews and focus groups with a total of 60 youth born of genocidal rape, were analyzed according to the processes of culturally enhanced bioecological theory. The findings from a hybrid inductive and deductive thematic analysis suggest that a culturally enhanced bioecological theory of human development allows for an integrated, multi-dimensional analysis of individual, family, cultural, and societal factors of transmission of TGT. Some facets of the data, however, are not accounted for in the theory, specifically, how some mothers were able to create and sustain a positive bond with their children born of genocidal rape, despite societal and family pressure to abandon or abort them. Nonetheless, the findings demonstrate how a culturally enhanced bioecological theory can be an important overarching framework for developing policies and practices to help interrupt or mitigate TGT, strengthen resilience, and facilitate healing for children born of genocidal rape, their mothers, and their families.
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23
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López-Morales H, Gelpi Trudo R, del-Valle MV, Canet-Juric L, Biota M, Andrés ML, Urquijo S. The Pandemial babies: effects of maternal stress on temperament of babies gestated and born during the pandemic. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022:1-13. [PMID: 36437907 PMCID: PMC9676865 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03976-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic may configure an adverse prenatal context for early development. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of pandemic-related negative experiences, prenatal anxiety and depression on the temperament of six-month-old babies. The sample consisted of 105 mother-child dyads. A longitudinal evaluation was carried out using pre- and postnatal online surveys. Mothers completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Beck Depression Inventory - II, the Pandemic Impact Questionnaire and the Infant Behavior Questionnaire Revised. Serial mediation models were tested, in which the pandemic-related negative experiences constituted the independent variable, the prenatal anxiety and depression were the mediators, and the children's temperament dimensions were the dependent variables. Pandemic-related negative experiences were indirectly associated with the offspring's negative affect and surgency through anxious symptomatology, which acted as a mediating variable. This was the first study to identify the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on temperament. Such an adverse context implies risks for child development. Public health policies aiming to evaluate socioemotional variables during early childhood become necessary to allow on-time interventions for lessening these risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hernán López-Morales
- Instituto de Psicología Básica Aplicada Y Tecnología (IPSIBAT), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Escuela Superior de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata, Mar del Plata, Argentina
| | - Rosario Gelpi Trudo
- Instituto de Psicología Básica Aplicada Y Tecnología (IPSIBAT), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Macarena Verónica del-Valle
- Instituto de Psicología Básica Aplicada Y Tecnología (IPSIBAT), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lorena Canet-Juric
- Instituto de Psicología Básica Aplicada Y Tecnología (IPSIBAT), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Magdalena Biota
- Unidad Ejecutora de Estudios en Neurociencias Y Sistemas Complejos (CONICET - Hospital El Cruce - Universidad Nacional Arturo Jauretche), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Laura Andrés
- Instituto de Psicología Básica Aplicada Y Tecnología (IPSIBAT), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Urquijo
- Instituto de Psicología Básica Aplicada Y Tecnología (IPSIBAT), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMDP), Mar del Plata, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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24
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Demers CH, Hankin BL, Hennessey EMP, Haase MH, Bagonis MM, Kim SH, Gilmore JH, Hoffman MC, Styner MA, Davis EP. Maternal adverse childhood experiences and infant subcortical brain volume. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 21:100487. [PMID: 36532374 PMCID: PMC9755027 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A large body of research supports the deleterious effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on disease susceptibility and health for both the exposed individual and the next generation. It is likely that there is an intergenerational transmission of risk from mother to child; however, the mechanisms through which such risk is conferred remain unknown. The current study evaluated the association between maternal ACEs, neonatal brain development of the amygdala and hippocampus, and later infant negative emotionality at six months of age. Methods The sample included 85 mother-infant dyads (44 female infants) from a longitudinal study. Maternal ACEs were assessed with the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire (ACE-Q) and neonatal hippocampal and amygdala volume was assessed using structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Infant negative emotionality was assessed at 6 months using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire (IBQ). Results Multivariate analyses demonstrated that maternal ACEs were associated with bilateral amygdala volume (F(2,78) = 3.697,p = .029). Specifically, higher maternal ACEs were associated with smaller left (β = -0.220, t(79) = -2.661, p = .009, R2 = 0.494, and right (β = -0.167, t(79) = -2.043, p = .044, R2 = 0.501) amygdala volume. No significant association between maternal ACEs and bilateral hippocampal volume (F(2,78) = 0.215,p = .0807) was found. Follow-up regression analyses demonstrated that both high maternal ACEs and smaller left amygdala volume were associated with higher infant negative emotionality at six months of age (β = .232, p = .040, R2 = 0.094, and β = -0.337, p = .022, R2 = 0.16, respectively) although statistically significant mediation of this effect was not observed (Indirect effect = 0.0187, 95% CI [-0.0016-0.0557]). Conclusions Maternal ACEs are associated with both newborn amygdala volume and subsequent infant negative emotionality. These findings linking maternal adverse childhood experiences and infant brain development and temperament provide evidence to support the intergenerational transmission of adversity from mother to child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine H. Demers
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Corresponding author. University of Denver, Department of Psychology, 2155 South Race Street, Denver, CO, 80208-3500, USA.
| | - Benjamin L. Hankin
- Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | | | | | - Maria M. Bagonis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- PrimeNeuro, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sun Hyung Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - John H. Gilmore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - M. Camille Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Martin A. Styner
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Computer Science, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
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25
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Martínez-Levy GA, Bermúdez-Gómez J, Flores-Torres RP, Merlín-García I, Nani A, Cruz-Fuentes CS, Briones-Velasco M. Clinical, environmental, and molecular factors associated to the occurrence and persistence of posttraumatic stress disorder after an earthquake. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 154:102-110. [PMID: 35933853 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and disabling condition with high incidence after an earthquake. The objective of the present study was to identify risk factors associated with the occurrence and persistence of PTSD. Individuals (18-65 years old) who experienced the earthquake of September 19th, 2017, attended the National Institute of Psychiatry (INPRFM) between October and November 2017 (baseline n = 68). Participants were followed 4-6 (first follow-up, n = 40) and 7-9 (second follow-up n = 41) months after the earthquake. Delay returning to normal activities, a negative emotional valence to a previous earthquake, comorbidity with depression, history of childhood maltreatment, and low expression of Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) were associated with PTSD in the basal assessment. The earthquake-related variable associated with the persistence of PTSD at the second follow-up was that the earthquake had directly affected the participants, either because they were evicted, had damage to their homes, or suffered some injury. Comorbidity with dysthymia, history of childhood maltreatment, and higher severity of PTSD in the basal assessment were associated with persistent PTSD in the second follow-up. The lower expression of the FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) in participants with persistent PTSD in the second follow-up was better explained by childhood physical abuse than with PTSD severity. These findings suggest that acute exposure to earthquake-related stressful situations is relevant for the initial risk of PTSD, while potential long-term stressful conditions are associated with its persistence. Likewise, molecular markers associated with hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis dysregulation were differentially associated with PTSD diagnosis at the different assessment times.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Martínez-Levy
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz", Av. Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Mexico City, 14370, Mexico.
| | - J Bermúdez-Gómez
- Servicios Clínicos, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz", Av. Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Mexico City, 14370, Mexico.
| | - R P Flores-Torres
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz", Av. Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Mexico City, 14370, Mexico.
| | - I Merlín-García
- Servicios Clínicos, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz", Av. Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Mexico City, 14370, Mexico.
| | - A Nani
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz", Av. Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Mexico City, 14370, Mexico.
| | - C S Cruz-Fuentes
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz", Av. Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Mexico City, 14370, Mexico.
| | - M Briones-Velasco
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría "Ramón de la Fuente Muñíz", Av. Mexico-Xochimilco 101, Huipulco, Tlalpan, Mexico City, 14370, Mexico.
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26
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Fransquet PD, Hjort L, Rushiti F, Wang S, Krasniqi SP, Çarkaxhiu SI, Arifaj D, Xhemaili VD, Salihu M, Leku NA, Ryan J. DNA methylation in blood cells is associated with cortisol levels in offspring of mothers who had prenatal post‐traumatic stress disorder. Stress Health 2022; 38:755-766. [PMID: 35119793 PMCID: PMC9790331 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Maternal stress during pregnancy is associated with differential DNA methylation in offspring and disrupted cortisol secretion. This study aimed to determine methylation signatures of cortisol levels in children, and whether associations differ based on maternal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Blood epigenome-wide methylation and fasting cortisol levels were measured in 118 offspring of mothers recruited from the Kosovo Rehabilitation Centre for Torture Victims. Mothers underwent clinically administered assessment for PTSD using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Correlations between offspring methylation and cortisol levels were examined using epigenome-wide analysis, adjusting for covariates. Subsequent analysis focussed on a priori selected genes involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis stress signalling. Methylation at four sites were correlated with cortisol levels (cg15321696, r = -0.33, cg18105800, r = +0.33, cg00986889, r = -0.25, and cg15920527, r = -0.27). In adjusted multivariable regression, when stratifying based on prenatal PTSD status, significant associations were only found for children born to mothers with prenatal PTSD (p < 0.001). Several sites within HPA axis genes were also associated with cortisol levels in the maternal PTSD group specifically. There is evidence that methylation is associated with cortisol levels, particularly in offspring born to mothers with prenatal PTSD. However, larger studies need to be carried out to independently validate these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Daniel Fransquet
- School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineBiological Neuropsychiatry and Dementia UnitMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Line Hjort
- Department of ObstetricsCenter for Pregnant Women with DiabetesRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic ResearchMetabolic Epigenetics GroupFaculty of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Feride Rushiti
- Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture VictimsPristinaAlbania
| | - Shr‐Jie Wang
- Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY)CopenhagenDenmark
| | | | | | - Dafina Arifaj
- Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture VictimsPristinaAlbania
| | | | - Mimoza Salihu
- Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture VictimsPristinaAlbania
| | | | - Joanne Ryan
- School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineBiological Neuropsychiatry and Dementia UnitMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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27
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Mbiydzenyuy NE, Hemmings SMJ, Qulu L. Prenatal maternal stress and offspring aggressive behavior: Intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:977416. [PMID: 36212196 PMCID: PMC9539686 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.977416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Even though studies have shown that prenatal maternal stress is associated with increased reactivity of the HPA axis, the association between prenatal maternal stress and fetal glucocorticoid exposure is complex and most likely dependent on unidentified and poorly understood variables including nature and timing of prenatal insults. The precise mechanisms in which prenatal maternal stress influence neuroendocrine signaling between the maternal-placental-fetal interface are still unclear. The aim of this review article is to bring comprehensive basic concepts about prenatal maternal stress and mechanisms of transmission of maternal stress to the fetus. This review covers recent studies showing associations between maternal stress and alterations in offspring aggressive behavior, as well as the possible pathways for the “transmission” of maternal stress to the fetus: (1) maternal-fetal HPA axis dysregulation; (2) intrauterine environment disruption due to variations in uterine artery flow; (3) epigenetic modifications of genes implicated in aggressive behavior. Here, we present evidence for the phenomenon of intergenerational and transgenerational transmission, to better understands the mechanism(s) of transmission from parent to offspring. We discuss studies showing associations between maternal stress and alterations in offspring taking note of neuroendocrine, brain architecture and epigenetic changes that may suggest risk for aggressive behavior. We highlight animal and human studies that focus on intergenerational transmission following exposure to stress from a biological mechanistic point of view, and maternal stress-induced epigenetic modifications that have potential to impact on aggressive behavior in later generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy
- Department of Basic Science, School of Medicine, Copperbelt University, Ndola, Zambia
- Division of Medical Physiology, Biomedical Science Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Ngala Elvis Mbiydzenyuy,
| | - Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Lihle Qulu
- Division of Medical Physiology, Biomedical Science Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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28
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Maternal and infant NR3C1 and SLC6A4 epigenetic signatures of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown: when timing matters. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:386. [PMID: 36114180 PMCID: PMC9481531 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02160-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress exposure during pregnancy is critically linked with maternal mental health and child development. The effects might involve altered patterns of DNA methylation in specific stress-related genes (i.e., glucocorticoid receptor gene, NR3C1, and serotonin transporter gene, SLC6A4) and might be moderated by the gestational timing of stress exposure. In this study, we report on NR3C1 and SLC6A4 methylation status in Italian mothers and infants who were exposed to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown during different trimesters of pregnancy. From May 2020 to February 2021, 283 mother-infant dyads were enrolled at delivery. Within 24 h from delivery, buccal cells were collected to assess NR3C1 (44 CpG sites) and SLC6A4 (13 CpG sites) methylation status. Principal component (PC) analyses were used to reduce methylation data dimension to one PC per maternal and infant gene methylation. Mother-infant dyads were split into three groups based on the pregnancy trimester (first, second, third), during which they were exposed to the COVID-19 lockdown. Mothers and infants who were exposed to the lockdown during the first trimester of pregnancy had lower NR3C1 and SLC6A4 methylation when compared to counterparts exposed during the second or third trimesters. The effect remained significant after controlling for confounders. Women who were pregnant during the pandemic and their infants might present altered epigenetic biomarkers of stress-related genes. As these epigenetic marks have been previously linked with a heightened risk of maternal psychiatric problems and less-than-optimal child development, mothers and infants should be adequately monitored for psychological health during and after the pandemic.
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29
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Musanabaganwa C, Jansen S, Wani A, Rugamba A, Mutabaruka J, Rutembesa E, Uwineza A, Fatumo S, Hermans EJ, Souopgui J, Wildman DE, Uddin M, Roozendaal B, Njemini R, Mutesa L. Community engagement in epigenomic and neurocognitive research on post-traumatic stress disorder in Rwandans exposed to the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi: lessons learned. Epigenomics 2022; 14:887-895. [PMID: 36004496 PMCID: PMC9475497 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenomic and neurocognitive studies have provided new perspectives on post-traumatic stress disorder and its intergenerational transmission. This article outlines the lessons learned from community engagement (CE) in such research on Rwandan genocide survivors. A strong trauma-related response was observed within the research project-targeted community (genocide survivors) during explanation of the project. CE also revealed privacy concerns, as community members worried that any leakage of genetic/(epi)genomic data could affect not only themselves but also their close relatives. Adopting a culture of CE in the process of research implementation enables the prioritization of targeted community needs and interests. Furthermore, CE has stimulated the development of mental healthcare interventions, which married couples can apply to protect their offspring and thus truly break the cycle of inherited vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Musanabaganwa
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda.,Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda.,Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, FL 33612, USA.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB, Nijmegen, and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525EN, The Netherlands.,Frailty in Ageing Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette Campus, 1090, Belgium
| | - Stefan Jansen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda.,Directorate of Research & Innovation, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, PO-BOX 4285, Rwanda
| | - Agaz Wani
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, FL 33612, USA
| | - Alex Rugamba
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda
| | - Jean Mutabaruka
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda
| | - Eugene Rutembesa
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda
| | - Annette Uwineza
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda
| | - Segun Fatumo
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Bloomsbury, London, WC1E 7HT, UK.,The African Computational Genomics (TACG) Research Group, MRC/UVRI & LSHTM, Entebbe, 31302, Uganda
| | - Erno J Hermans
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB, Nijmegen, and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525EN, The Netherlands
| | - Jacob Souopgui
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology & Molecular Medicine (IBMM), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Gosselies Campus, Gosselies, 126040, Belgium
| | - Derek E Wildman
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, FL 33612, USA
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, FL 33612, USA
| | - Benno Roozendaal
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500HB, Nijmegen, and Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, 6525EN, The Netherlands
| | - Rose Njemini
- Frailty in Ageing Research Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Jette Campus, 1090, Belgium
| | - Leon Mutesa
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, PO BOX 4285, Rwanda
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30
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Canada's Colonial Genocide of Indigenous Peoples: A Review of the Psychosocial and Neurobiological Processes Linking Trauma and Intergenerational Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19116455. [PMID: 35682038 PMCID: PMC9179992 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
The policies and actions that were enacted to colonize Indigenous Peoples in Canada have been described as constituting cultural genocide. When one considers the long-term consequences from the perspective of the social and environmental determinants of health framework, the impacts of such policies on the physical and mental health of Indigenous Peoples go well beyond cultural loss. This paper addresses the impacts of key historical and current Canadian federal policies in relation to the health and well-being of Indigenous Peoples. Far from constituting a mere lesson in history, the connections between colonialist policies and actions on present-day outcomes are evaluated in terms of transgenerational and intergenerational transmission processes, including psychosocial, developmental, environmental, and neurobiological mechanisms and trauma responses. In addition, while colonialist policies have created adverse living conditions for Indigenous Peoples, resilience and the perseverance of many aspects of culture may be maintained through intergenerational processes.
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31
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Fortuna LR, Tobón AL, Anglero YL, Postlethwaite A, Porche MV, Rothe EM. Focusing on Racial, Historical and Intergenerational Trauma, and Resilience: A Paradigm to Better Serving Children and Families. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2022; 31:237-250. [PMID: 35361362 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Research across populations demonstrates that intergenerational trauma can have lasting biological, psychological, and social consequences and affects groups of individuals in different ways. An appreciation of intergenerational trauma as experienced in diverse populations is important not only for understanding vulnerabilities and risk but also for cultivating opportunities for posttraumatic growth and healing. Understanding the contexts of trauma for children and families and the unveiling of structural inequities, both past and present, offers the opportunity to address these in using clinical and systems of care approaches in the public health spheres.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa R Fortuna
- University of California San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1001 Potrero Avenue 7M8, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA.
| | - Amalia Londoño Tobón
- National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Yohanis Leonor Anglero
- Boston Children's Hospital, Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Michelle V Porche
- University of California San Francisco, Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1001 Potrero Avenue 7M8, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Eugenio M Rothe
- Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine Florida International University, FIU Health Miami, 11200 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33199, USA
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32
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Paixão Pequeno D, Pequeno Galvão L, Lourenço GJ. Addressing psychiatric disorders and genetics: the meaningful use of comics for health information. J Vis Commun Med 2022; 45:154-159. [PMID: 35315748 DOI: 10.1080/17453054.2022.2029369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
In the fields of healthcare and education, comics have shown considerable academic and teaching importance, with their combination of text and images. As a well-known character in comics, Batman allows us to discuss several relevant topics, from the outcomes in adulthood of experiencing parental death in childhood to genetic and epigenetic changes that may be factors of vulnerability to psychiatric disorders in adulthood. In this text, a narrative of Batman is developed, demonstrating the possibility of using it in an academic context and intending at paying greater attention to patients' history and the relationship between genetics and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Paixão Pequeno
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gustavo Jacob Lourenço
- Laboratory of Cancer Genetics, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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33
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Mutesa L. A genetic research story of giving back and returning to the country of a thousand hills. Nat Genet 2022; 54:216-218. [PMID: 35241827 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01028-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Léon Mutesa
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda. .,Rwanda National Joint Task Force COVID-19, Ministry of Health, Kigali, Rwanda.
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34
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Que nous apprenent les enfants des survivants de la shoah sur la transmission transgenerationnelle du traumatisme? EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF TRAUMA & DISSOCIATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejtd.2021.100249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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35
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Varela RB, Cararo JH, Tye SJ, Carvalho AF, Valvassori SS, Fries GR, Quevedo J. Contributions of epigenetic inheritance to the predisposition of major psychiatric disorders: theoretical framework, evidence, and implications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 135:104579. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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36
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Pells K, Breed A, Uwihoreye C, Ndushabandi E, Elliott M, Nzahabwanayo S. 'No-One Can Tell a Story Better than the One Who Lived It': Reworking Constructions of Childhood and Trauma Through the Arts in Rwanda. Cult Med Psychiatry 2022; 46:632-653. [PMID: 34907486 PMCID: PMC9436865 DOI: 10.1007/s11013-021-09760-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The intergenerational legacies of conflict and violence for children and young people are typically approached within research and interventions through the lens of trauma. Understandings of childhood and trauma are based on bio-psychological frameworks emanating from the Global North, often at odds with the historical, political, economic, social and cultural contexts in which interventions are enacted, and neglect the diversity of knowledge, experiences and practices. Within this paper we explore these concerns in the context of Rwanda and the aftermath of the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi. We reflect on two qualitative case studies: Connective Memories and Mobile Arts for Peace which both used arts-based approaches drawing on the richness of Rwandan cultural forms, such as proverbs and storytelling practices, to explore knowledge and processes of meaning-making about trauma, memory, and everyday forms of conflict from the perspectives of children and young people. We draw on these findings to argue that there is a need to refine and elaborate understandings of intergenerational transmission of trauma in Rwanda informed by: the historical and cultural context; intersections of structural and 'everyday' forms of conflict and social trauma embedded in intergenerational relations; and a reworking of notions of trauma 'transmission' to encompass the multiple connectivities between generations, temporalities and expressions of trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirrily Pells
- Social Research Institute, University College London, 18 Woburn Square, London, WC1H 0NR, UK.
| | - Ananda Breed
- School of Fine & Performing Arts, College of Arts, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS Lincolnshire UK
| | | | - Eric Ndushabandi
- University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda ,Institute of Research and Dialogue for Peace, PO Box 7109, Kigali, Rwanda
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37
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Mavioglu RN, Ramo-Fernandez L, Gumpp AM, Kolassa IT, Karabatsiakis A. A history of childhood maltreatment is associated with altered DNA methylation levels of DNA methyltransferase 1 in maternal but not neonatal mononuclear immune cells. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:945343. [PMID: 36440389 PMCID: PMC9685310 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.945343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment (CM) is associated with alterations in DNA methylation (DNAm) especially in stress response genes. Due to the higher risk of overall health complications of individuals with a parental history of CM, intergenerational transmission of CM-associated DNAm changes has been investigated but remains unclear. In this study, we investigated if different severities of CM have any influence on the DNAm of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), an important enzyme of the DNAm machinery, in immune and buccal cells of mother-newborn dyads. DNAm was assessed by mass spectrometry using immune cell DNA from mothers (N = 117) and their newborns (N = 113), and buccal cell DNA of mother-newborn dyads (N = 68 each). Mothers with a history of CM had lower mean methylation of DNMT1 in immune cells compared to the mothers without a CM history. CM status only influenced maternal DNMT1 gene expression when at least moderate CM was reported. Buccal cell DNAm was not associated with CM status. Maternal history of CM was not linked to any alterations in DNMT1 mean DNAm in any of the cell types studied in newborns. We conclude that the CM-associated alterations in DNMT1 DNAm might point to allostatic load and can be physiologically relevant, especially in individuals with more severe CM experiences, resulting in an activated DNA methylation machinery that might influence stress response genes. Our lack of significant findings in buccal cells shows the tissue-specific effects of CM on DNAm. In our sample with low to moderate maternal CM history, there was no intergenerational transmission of DNMT1 DNAm in newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rezan Nehir Mavioglu
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Laura Ramo-Fernandez
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anja M Gumpp
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Iris-Tatjana Kolassa
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexander Karabatsiakis
- Department of Clinical and Biological Psychology, Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology II, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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38
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Musanabaganwa C, Wani AH, Donglasan J, Fatumo S, Jansen S, Mutabaruka J, Rutembesa E, Uwineza A, Hermans EJ, Roozendaal B, Wildman DE, Mutesa L, Uddin M. Leukocyte methylomic imprints of exposure to the genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda: a pilot epigenome-wide analysis. Epigenomics 2022; 14:11-25. [PMID: 34875875 PMCID: PMC8672329 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim & methods: We conducted a pilot epigenome-wide association study of women from Tutsi ethnicity exposed to the genocide while pregnant and their resulting offspring, and a comparison group of women who were pregnant at the time of the genocide but living outside of Rwanda.Results: Fifty-nine leukocyte-derived DNA samples survived quality control: 33 mothers (20 exposed, 13 unexposed) and 26 offspring (16 exposed, 10 unexposed). Twenty-four significant differentially methylated regions (DMRs) were identified in mothers and 16 in children. Conclusions:In utero genocide exposure was associated with CpGs in three of the 24 DMRs: BCOR, PRDM8 and VWDE, with higher DNA methylation in exposed versus unexposed offspring. Of note, BCOR and VWDE show significant correlation between brain and blood DNA methylation within individuals, suggesting these peripherally derived signals of genocide exposure may have relevance to the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarisse Musanabaganwa
- Centre for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda,Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda,Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center – Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Agaz H Wani
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Janelle Donglasan
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Segun Fatumo
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK,Uganda Medical Informatics Centre-MRC/UVRI, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Stefan Jansen
- Directorate of Research & Innovation, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Jean Mutabaruka
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda
| | - Eugene Rutembesa
- Department of Clinical Psychology, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye, Rwanda
| | - Annette Uwineza
- Centre for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Erno J Hermans
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center – Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Benno Roozendaal
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center – Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition & Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Derek E Wildman
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Leon Mutesa
- Centre for Human Genetics, College of Medicine & Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Monica Uddin
- Genomics Program, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA,Author for correspondence:
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39
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Svoboda LK, Ishikawa T, Dolinoy DC. Developmental toxicant exposures and sex-specific effects on epigenetic programming and cardiovascular health across generations. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2022; 8:dvac017. [PMID: 36325489 PMCID: PMC9600458 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvac017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite substantial strides in diagnosis and treatment, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) continue to represent the leading cause of death in the USA and around the world, resulting in significant morbidity and loss of productive years of life. It is increasingly evident that environmental exposures during early development can influence CVD risk across the life course. CVDs exhibit marked sexual dimorphism, but how sex interacts with environmental exposures to affect cardiovascular health is a critical and understudied area of environmental health. Emerging evidence suggests that developmental exposures may have multi- and transgenerational effects on cardiovascular health, with potential sex differences; however, further research in this important area is urgently needed. Lead (Pb), phthalate plasticizers, and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants with numerous adverse human health effects. Notably, recent evidence suggests that developmental exposure to each of these toxicants has sex-specific effects on cardiovascular outcomes, but the underlying mechanisms, and their effects on future generations, require further investigation. This review article will highlight the role for the developmental environment in influencing cardiovascular health across generations, with a particular emphasis on sex differences and epigenetic mechanisms. In particular, we will focus on the current evidence for adverse multi and transgenerational effects of developmental exposures to Pb, phthalates, and PFAS and highlight areas where further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie K Svoboda
- *Correspondence address. Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. Tel: +734-764-2032; E-mail:
| | - Tomoko Ishikawa
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Dana C Dolinoy
- Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan, School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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40
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Uwizeye G, DeVon HA, McCreary LL, Patil CL, Thayer ZM, Rutherford JN. Children born of genocidal rape: What do we know about their experiences and needs? Public Health Nurs 2021; 39:350-359. [PMID: 34881464 DOI: 10.1111/phn.13023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An often under addressed and tragic legacy of genocide is the conception of children from rape. While the experience has been documented from their mothers' perspective, the perspectives and needs of individuals born of genocidal rape has been under-studied. METHODS We conducted an integrative review of all peer-reviewed articles that reported on studies conducted among individuals born of genocidal rape published through 2020. We used an inductive process to identify and describe the themes from those studies. RESULTS Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Ten articles reported on youth born of genocidal rape in Rwanda aged between 16 and 21 years, and two articles represented the perspective of adolescents in the former Yugoslavia aged 1416 years. Four themes were indentified: (1) birth origin stories associated with the crime of the father, (2) fractured sense of belonging to the victim-mother, perpetrator-father, their families, and the community at large, (3) intergenerational legacy of trauma and family identity, and (4) strategies to move forward including knowing the truth about one's origin, mental health, and peer support. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that understanding increased risk of adverse health outcomes of youth born of genocidal rape could inform the design of evidence-based interventions for these and similar populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glorieuse Uwizeye
- Society of Fellows, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.,Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Holli A DeVon
- School of Nursing, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Linda L McCreary
- Global Health I PAHO/WHO Collaborating Centre for International Nursing Development in Primary Health Care, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.,Department of Population Health Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Crystal L Patil
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Zaneta M Thayer
- Society of Fellows, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA.,Department of Anthropology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Julienne N Rutherford
- Department of Human Development Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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41
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Silva EP, Emond A, Ludermir AB. Depression in childhood: The role of children's exposure to intimate partner violence and maternal mental disorders. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 122:105305. [PMID: 34517271 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global problem with high prevalence rates, and is linked to maternal mental disorders (MMD). Children's exposure to IPV (CEIPV) can have impacts on their physical and mental health, including depression. OBJECTIVE To analyze the associations between exposure to both CEIPV and MMD and depression in schoolchildren. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 630 mother-child pairs were evaluated in a poor urban district in Recife, Northeast Brazil. METHODS A cohort study investigated the effects of IPV during pregnancy, postpartum and six to nine years after delivery. Women were asked about their experience of IPV, their own mental health, and the exposure of their child to violence. The child's mood was reported by the mother, using the Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (SMFQ). Ten types of CEIPV, and the age of onset of exposure, were compared with the child's subsequent risk of depression. RESULTS IPV was associated with MMD in 31.9% of the women at some period of time. Depressive symptoms were reported in 15.7% of school-age children. All types of CEIPV were associated with depression at school age. Multivariable analyses of exposure to IPV and MMD at different ages showed that exposure to both IPV and MMD in the first year of life had the strongest association with childhood depression (OR = 9.1; 95% CI: 2.4-33.9). CONCLUSIONS The frequency of CEIPV and MMD, and the high prevalence of depression at school age, shows the importance of assessing MMD and identifying exposure to IPV in pregnancy and the early years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabete Pereira Silva
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Hospital das Clínicas, 2o andar - Av. Prof. Moraes Rêgo, s/n. Cidade Universitária, 50.670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil.
| | - Alan Emond
- Centre for Academic Child Health, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, 1-5 Whiteladies Road Clifton, Bristol BS8 1NU, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Bernarda Ludermir
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Av. da Engenharia, s/n, Bloco "D" - 1° Andar - Cidade Universitária, 50.740-600, Recife, PE, Brazil
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42
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Ghai M, Kader F. A Review on Epigenetic Inheritance of Experiences in Humans. Biochem Genet 2021; 60:1107-1140. [PMID: 34792705 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-021-10155-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
If genetics defines the inheritance of DNA, epigenetics aims to regulate and make it adaptable. Epigenetic alterations include DNA methylation, chromatin remodelling, post-translational modifications of histone proteins and activity of non-coding RNAs. Several studies, especially in animal models, have reported transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic marks. However, evidence of transgenerational inheritance in humans via germline in the absence of any direct exposure to the driving external stimulus remains controversial. Most of the epimutations exist in relation with genetic variants. The present review looks at intergenerational and transgenerational inheritance in humans, (both father and mother) in response to diet, exposure to chemicals, stress, exercise, and disease status. If not transgenerational, at least intergenerational human studies could help to understand early processes of inheritance. In humans, female and male germline development follow separate paths of epigenetic events and both oocyte and sperm possess their own unique epigenomes. While DNA methylation alterations are reset during epigenetic reprogramming, non-coding RNAs via human sperm provide evidence of being reliable carriers for transgenerational inheritance. Human studies reveal that one mechanism of epigenetic inheritance cannot be applied to the complete human genome. Multiple factors including time, type, and tissue of exposure determine if the modified epigenetic mark could be transmissible and till which generation. Population-specific differences should also be taken into consideration while associating inheritance to an environmental exposure. A longitudinal study targeting one environmental factor, but different population groups should be conducted at a specific geographical location to pinpoint heritable epigenetic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenu Ghai
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
| | - Farzeen Kader
- Discipline of Genetics, School of Life Sciences, Westville Campus, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X54001, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
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43
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Rodríguez-Soto NC, Buxó CJ, Morou-Bermudez E, Pérez-Edgar K, Ocasio-Quiñones IT, Surillo-González MB, Martinez KG. The impact of prenatal maternal stress due to potentially traumatic events on child temperament: A systematic review. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:e22195. [PMID: 34674245 PMCID: PMC8549868 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to complete a systematic review of the relationship between prenatal maternal stress due to potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and child temperament. Eligible studies through June 2020 were identified utilizing a search strategy in PubMed and PsycInfo. Included studies examined associations between prenatal maternal stress due to PTE and child temperament. Two independent coders extracted study characteristics and three coders assessed study quality. Of the 1969 identified studies, 20 met full inclusion criteria. Studies were classified on two dimensions: (1) disaster-related stress and (2) intimate partner violence during pregnancy. For disaster-related prenatal maternal stress, 75% (nine out of 12) of published reports found associations with increased child negative affectivity, 50% (five out of 10) also noted associations with lower effortful control/regulation, and 38% (three out of eight) found associations with lower positive affectivity. When considering prenatal intimate partner violence stress, 80% (four out of five) of published reports found associations with higher child negative affectivity, 67% (four out of six) found associations with lower effortful control/regulation, and 33% (one out of three) found associations with lower positive affectivity. Prenatal maternal stress due to PTEs may impact the offspring's temperament, especially negative affectivity. Mitigating the effects of maternal stress in pregnancy is needed in order to prevent adverse outcomes on the infant's socioemotional development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayra C. Rodríguez-Soto
- University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR
- Carlos Albizu University, San Juan, PR
| | - Carmen J. Buxó
- University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR
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44
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Kringel D, Malkusch S, Lötsch J. Drugs and Epigenetic Molecular Functions. A Pharmacological Data Scientometric Analysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7250. [PMID: 34298869 PMCID: PMC8311652 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactions of drugs with the classical epigenetic mechanism of DNA methylation or histone modification are increasingly being elucidated mechanistically and used to develop novel classes of epigenetic therapeutics. A data science approach is used to synthesize current knowledge on the pharmacological implications of epigenetic regulation of gene expression. Computer-aided knowledge discovery for epigenetic implications of current approved or investigational drugs was performed by querying information from multiple publicly available gold-standard sources to (i) identify enzymes involved in classical epigenetic processes, (ii) screen original biomedical scientific publications including bibliometric analyses, (iii) identify drugs that interact with epigenetic enzymes, including their additional non-epigenetic targets, and (iv) analyze computational functional genomics of drugs with epigenetic interactions. PubMed database search yielded 3051 hits on epigenetics and drugs, starting in 1992 and peaking in 2016. Annual citations increased to a plateau in 2000 and show a downward trend since 2008. Approved and investigational drugs in the DrugBank database included 122 compounds that interacted with 68 unique epigenetic enzymes. Additional molecular functions modulated by these drugs included other enzyme interactions, whereas modulation of ion channels or G-protein-coupled receptors were underrepresented. Epigenetic interactions included (i) drug-induced modulation of DNA methylation, (ii) drug-induced modulation of histone conformations, and (iii) epigenetic modulation of drug effects by interference with pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics. Interactions of epigenetic molecular functions and drugs are mutual. Recent research activities on the discovery and development of novel epigenetic therapeutics have passed successfully, whereas epigenetic effects of non-epigenetic drugs or epigenetically induced changes in the targets of common drugs have not yet received the necessary systematic attention in the context of pharmacological plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Kringel
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Sebastian Malkusch
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Jörn Lötsch
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Goethe-University, Theodor Stern Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (D.K.); (S.M.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology ITMP, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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45
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Abstract
Globally, 10–20% of children and adolescents experience mental health conditions, but most of them do not receive the appropriate care when it is needed. The COVID-19 deaths and prevention measures, such as the lockdowns, economic downturns, and school closures, have affected many communities physically, mentally, and economically and significantly impacted the already-neglected children and adolescents’ mental health. As a result, evidence has shown that many children and adolescents are experiencing psychological effects such as depression and anxiety without adequate support. The consequences of not addressing the mental health conditions in children and adolescents extend through adulthood and restrict them from reaching their full potential. The effects of COVID-19 on children and adolescents’ mental health highlight the urgent need for multisectoral home-grown solutions to provide early diagnosis and treatment and educate caregivers on home-based interventions and community outreach initiatives to address children and adolescents’ mental health challenges during this pandemic and beyond.
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46
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Alhassen S, Chen S, Alhassen L, Phan A, Khoudari M, De Silva A, Barhoosh H, Wang Z, Parrocha C, Shapiro E, Henrich C, Wang Z, Mutesa L, Baldi P, Abbott GW, Alachkar A. Intergenerational trauma transmission is associated with brain metabotranscriptome remodeling and mitochondrial dysfunction. Commun Biol 2021; 4:783. [PMID: 34168265 PMCID: PMC8225861 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02255-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Intergenerational trauma increases lifetime susceptibility to depression and other psychiatric disorders. Whether intergenerational trauma transmission is a consequence of in-utero neurodevelopmental disruptions versus early-life mother–infant interaction is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that trauma exposure during pregnancy induces in mouse offspring social deficits and depressive-like behavior. Normal pups raised by traumatized mothers exhibited similar behavioral deficits to those induced in pups raised by their biological traumatized mothers. Good caregiving by normal mothers did not reverse prenatal trauma-induced behaviors, indicating a two-hit stress mechanism comprising both in-utero abnormalities and early-life poor parenting. The behavioral deficits were associated with profound changes in the brain metabotranscriptome. Striking increases in the mitochondrial hypoxia marker and epigenetic modifier 2-hydroxyglutaric acid in the brains of neonates and adults exposed prenatally to trauma indicated mitochondrial dysfunction and epigenetic mechanisms. Bioinformatic analyses revealed stress- and hypoxia-response metabolic pathways in the neonates, which produced long-lasting alterations in mitochondrial energy metabolism and epigenetic processes (DNA and chromatin modifications). Most strikingly, early pharmacological interventions with acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) supplementation produced long-lasting protection against intergenerational trauma-induced depression. Sammy Alhassen, Siwei Chen, et al. use mouse models to examine the effects of prenatal and postnatal stress on metabolomic and transcriptomic pathways in the brain. Their results suggest that altered mitochondrial metabolism may underlie trauma-induced behavioral deficits, and that correcting metabolism with ALCAR supplementation may protect against intergenerational transmission of traumatic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sammy Alhassen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Siwei Chen
- Department of Computer Science, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Lamees Alhassen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alvin Phan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Khoudari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Angele De Silva
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Huda Barhoosh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Zitong Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Chelsea Parrocha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Emily Shapiro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Charity Henrich
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Zicheng Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Leon Mutesa
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda
| | - Pierre Baldi
- Department of Computer Science, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.,Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Geoffrey W Abbott
- Bioelectricity Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Amal Alachkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA. .,Institute for Genomics and Bioinformatics, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA.
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47
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Breton CV, Landon R, Kahn LG, Enlow MB, Peterson AK, Bastain T, Braun J, Comstock SS, Duarte CS, Hipwell A, Ji H, LaSalle JM, Miller RL, Musci R, Posner J, Schmidt R, Suglia SF, Tung I, Weisenberger D, Zhu Y, Fry R. Exploring the evidence for epigenetic regulation of environmental influences on child health across generations. Commun Biol 2021; 4:769. [PMID: 34158610 PMCID: PMC8219763 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02316-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental exposures, psychosocial stressors and nutrition are all potentially important influences that may impact health outcomes directly or via interactions with the genome or epigenome over generations. While there have been clear successes in large-scale human genetic studies in recent decades, there is still a substantial amount of missing heritability to be elucidated for complex childhood disorders. Mounting evidence, primarily in animals, suggests environmental exposures may generate or perpetuate altered health outcomes across one or more generations. One putative mechanism for these environmental health effects is via altered epigenetic regulation. This review highlights the current epidemiologic literature and supporting animal studies that describe intergenerational and transgenerational health effects of environmental exposures. Both maternal and paternal exposures and transmission patterns are considered, with attention paid to the attendant ethical, legal and social implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie V Breton
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Remy Landon
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Linda G Kahn
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alicia K Peterson
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Theresa Bastain
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joseph Braun
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Sarah S Comstock
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Cristiane S Duarte
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alison Hipwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hong Ji
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, California National Primate Research Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, MIND Institute, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Rashelle Musci
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Posner
- Department of Psychiatry, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, UC Davis School of Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | | | - Irene Tung
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel Weisenberger
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yeyi Zhu
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California and Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, Oakland, CA, USA
| | - Rebecca Fry
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Hjort L, Rushiti F, Wang SJ, Fransquet P, P Krasniqi S, I Çarkaxhiu S, Arifaj D, Xhemaili VD, Salihu M, A Leku N, Ryan J. Intergenerational effects of maternal post-traumatic stress disorder on offspring epigenetic patterns and cortisol levels. Epigenomics 2021; 13:967-980. [PMID: 33993712 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2021-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the association between maternal post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during pregnancy and offspring DNA methylation and cortisol levels. Materials & methods: Blood genome-wide DNA methylation and cortisol was measured in the youngest child of 117 women who experienced sexual violence/torture during the Kosovo war. Results: Seventy-two percent of women had PTSD symptoms during pregnancy. Their children had higher cortisol levels and differential methylation at candidate genes (NR3C1, HTR3A and BNDF). No methylation differences reached epigenome-wide corrected significance levels. Conclusion: Identifying the biological processes whereby the negative effects of trauma are passed across generations and defining groups at high risk is a key step to breaking the intergenerational transmission of the effects of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Line Hjort
- Department of Obstetrics, Center for Pregnant Women with Diabetes, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Endocrinology, The Diabetes & Bone metabolic Research Unit, Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Feride Rushiti
- Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims, Pristina 10000, Kosovo
| | - Shr-Jie Wang
- Danish Institute Against Torture (DIGNITY), 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Fransquet
- Biological Neuropsychiatry Unit, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | | | - Selvi I Çarkaxhiu
- Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims, Pristina 10000, Kosovo
| | - Dafina Arifaj
- Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims, Pristina 10000, Kosovo
| | | | - Mimoza Salihu
- Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims, Pristina 10000, Kosovo
| | - Nazmie A Leku
- Kosovo Rehabilitation Center for Torture Victims, Pristina 10000, Kosovo
| | - Joanne Ryan
- Biological Neuropsychiatry Unit, School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
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49
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African genetic diversity and adaptation inform a precision medicine agenda. Nat Rev Genet 2021; 22:284-306. [PMID: 33432191 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-020-00306-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The deep evolutionary history of African populations, since the emergence of modern humans more than 300,000 years ago, has resulted in high genetic diversity and considerable population structure. Selected genetic variants have increased in frequency due to environmental adaptation, but recent exposures to novel pathogens and changes in lifestyle render some of them with properties leading to present health liabilities. The unique discoverability potential from African genomic studies promises invaluable contributions to understanding the genomic and molecular basis of health and disease. Globally, African populations are understudied, and precision medicine approaches are largely based on data from European and Asian-ancestry populations, which limits the transferability of findings to the continent of Africa. Africa needs innovative precision medicine solutions based on African data that use knowledge and implementation strategies aligned to its climatic, cultural, economic and genomic diversity.
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Choksey L. Environmental racialisation and poetics of influence in the postgenomic era: fire, soil, spirit. MEDICAL HUMANITIES 2021; 47:medhum-2020-012061. [PMID: 33879528 PMCID: PMC8223650 DOI: 10.1136/medhum-2020-012061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This article considers processes of environmental racialisation in the postgenomic era through their politics of difference and poetics of influence. Subfields like epigenetics promise to account for a plurality of possible influences on health outcomes. While this appears to present possibilities for historical reparation to communities whose epigenomes may have been chronically altered by histories of violence and trauma, the prevailing trend has been to compound processes of racialisation in the reproduction of good/bad environments. The postgenomic era has promised an epistemological transformation of ideas and values of human life, but its practices, technologies and ideology have so far prevented this. Epigenetics, rather, reproduces biomedical exclusions through imaginaries of embodied contexts, methods of occlusion and hypervisibility, and assignations of delay and deviance. This is more complex than both genetic reductionism and environmental racism: studies on epigenetics reveal a poetics of influence at work under liberal humanism complicit in the creation of death-worlds for racialised populations. Other experiments with life are possible and unfolding: Jay Bernard's poem 'Chemical', set in the aftermath of London's Grenfell Tower fire in 2017, unmoors its bodies from material environment, offering a spectral configuration of collective life. This configuration involves negotiating with the fixing of time and space on which genomic imaginaries depend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Choksey
- Wellcome Centre for Cultures and Environments of Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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