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Liu P, Lin T, Fischer H, Feifel D, Ebner NC. Effects of four-week intranasal oxytocin administration on large-scale brain networks in older adults. Neuropharmacology 2024; 260:110130. [PMID: 39182569 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a crucial modulator of social cognition and behavior. Previous work primarily examined effects of acute intranasal oxytocin administration (IN-OT) in younger males on isolated brain regions. Not well understood are (i) chronic IN-OT effects, (ii) in older adults, (iii) on large-scale brain networks, representative of OT's wider-ranging brain mechanisms. To address these research gaps, 60 generally healthy older adults (mean age = 70.12 years, range = 55-83) were randomly assigned to self-administer either IN-OT or placebo twice daily via nasal spray over four weeks. Chronic IN-OT reduced resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) of both the right insula and the left middle cingulate cortex with the salience network but enhanced rs-FC of the left medial prefrontal cortex with the default mode network as well as the left thalamus with the basal ganglia-thalamus network. No significant chronic IN-OT effects were observed for between-network rs-FC. However, chronic IN-OT increased selective rs-FC of the basal ganglia-thalamus network with the salience network and the default mode network, indicative of more specialized, efficient communication between these networks. Directly comparing chronic vs. acute IN-OT, reduced rs-FC of the right insula with the salience network and between the default mode network and the basal ganglia-thalamus network, and greater selective rs-FC of the salience network with the default mode network and the basal ganglia-thalamus network, were more pronounced after chronic than acute IN-OT. Our results delineate the modulatory role of IN-OT on large-scale brain networks among older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiwei Liu
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, SE-106 91, Sweden; Stockholm University Brain Imaging Centre (SUBIC), Stockholm University, Stockholm, SE-106 91, Sweden; Aging Research Centre, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA; Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA; Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA.
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Xiao S, Fischer H, Ebner NC, Rukh G, Dang J, Westberg L, Schiöth HB. Oxytocin pathway gene variation and corticostriatal resting-state functional connectivity. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 20:100255. [PMID: 39211730 PMCID: PMC11357861 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2024.100255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2024] [Revised: 07/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Genetic variations in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within oxytocin pathway genes have been linked to social behavior and neurodevelopmental conditions. However, the neurobiological mechanisms underlying these associations remain elusive. In this study, we investigated the relationship between variations of 10 SNPs in oxytocin pathway genes and resting-state functional connectivity among 55 independent components using a large sample from the UK Biobank (N ≈ 30,000). Our findings revealed that individuals with the GG genotype at rs4813627 within the oxytocin structural gene (OXT) exhibited weaker resting-state functional connectivity in the corticostriatal circuit compared to those with the GA/AA genotypes. Empirical evidence has linked the GG genotype at OXT rs4813627 with a behavioral tendency of insensitivity to others. These results inform the neural mechanisms by which oxytocin-related genetic factors can influence social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xiao
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Campus Albano house 4, Albanovägen, SE-114 19, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, BMC, Husargatan 3, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Campus Albano house 4, Albanovägen, SE-114 19, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm University Brain Imaging Centre (SUBIC), SE-106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Tomtebodavägen 18 A, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Natalie C. Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA
- Cognitive Aging and Memory Program, Clinical Translational Research Program (CAM-CTRP), University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
- McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 Newell Drive Gainesville, FL, 32610, USA
| | - Gull Rukh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, BMC, Husargatan 3, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Junhua Dang
- Institute of Social Psychology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.28 Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710049, PR China
| | - Lars Westberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Box 431, SE-405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helgi B. Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, BMC, Husargatan 3, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
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Kelberman MA, Winther KE, Medvedeva YM, Donaldson ZR. Aging leads to sex-dependent effects on pair bonding and increased number of oxytocin-producing neurons in monogamous prairie voles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.17.594752. [PMID: 38798336 PMCID: PMC11118570 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.17.594752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Pair bonds powerfully modulate health, which becomes particularly important when facing the detrimental effects of aging. To examine the impact of aging on relationship formation and response to loss, we examined behavior in 6-, 12-, and 18-month male and female prairie voles, a monogamous species that forms mating-based pair bonds. We found that older males (18-months) bonded quicker than younger voles, while similarly aged female voles increased partner directed affiliative behaviors. Supporting sex differences in bonding behaviors, we found that males were more likely to sample both partner and novel voles while females were more likely to display partner preference during the initial 20 minutes of the test. Using partner separation to study loss, we observed an erosion of partner preference only in 12-month females, but an overall decrease in partner-directed affiliation in females across all groups, but not in males. Finally, we found that the number of oxytocin, but not vasopressin, cells in the paraventricular hypothalamus increased during aging. These results establish prairie voles as a novel model to study the effects of normal and abnormal aging on pair bonding. Highlights 18-month male voles demonstrate accelerated bond formation18-month female voles increase partner-directed huddling after 2 wksBonds erode faster in 12-month female voles after partner separationFemale behavior from partner preference tests is reflected in free interactionThe number of paraventricular hypothalamus oxytocin cells increase during aging.
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Morley-Fletcher S, Gaetano A, Gao V, Gatta E, Van Camp G, Bouwalerh H, Thomas P, Nicoletti F, Maccari S. Postpartum Oxytocin Treatment via the Mother Reprograms Long-Term Behavioral Disorders Induced by Early Life Stress on the Plasma and Brain Metabolome in the Rat. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3014. [PMID: 38474260 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25053014] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The rat model of perinatal stress (PRS), in which exposure of pregnant dams to restraint stress reduces maternal behavior, is characterized by a metabolic profile that is reminiscent of the "metabolic syndrome". We aimed to identify plasma metabolomic signatures linked to long-term programming induced by PRS in aged male rats. This study was conducted in the plasma and frontal cortex. We also investigated the reversal effect of postpartum carbetocin (Cbt) on these signatures, along with its impact on deficits in cognitive, social, and exploratory behavior. We found that PRS induced long-lasting changes in biomarkers of secondary bile acid metabolism in the plasma and glutathione metabolism in the frontal cortex. Cbt treatment demonstrated disease-dependent effects by reversing the metabolite alterations. The metabolomic signatures of PRS were associated with long-term cognitive and emotional alterations alongside endocrinological disturbances. Our findings represent the first evidence of how early life stress may alter the metabolomic profile in aged individuals, thereby increasing vulnerability to CNS disorders. This raises the intriguing prospect that the pharmacological activation of oxytocin receptors soon after delivery through the mother may rectify these alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Morley-Fletcher
- Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, GlycoStress Team, CNRS, UMR 8576, UGSF, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Alessandra Gaetano
- Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, GlycoStress Team, CNRS, UMR 8576, UGSF, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Vance Gao
- Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, GlycoStress Team, CNRS, UMR 8576, UGSF, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Eleonora Gatta
- Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, GlycoStress Team, CNRS, UMR 8576, UGSF, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Gilles Van Camp
- Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, GlycoStress Team, CNRS, UMR 8576, UGSF, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Hammou Bouwalerh
- Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, GlycoStress Team, CNRS, UMR 8576, UGSF, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Pierre Thomas
- INSERM (U-1172) Laboratoire Lille Neuroscience & Cognition, équipe Plasticity & Subjectivity, Plateforme CURE, Hôpital Fontan, CHU de Lille, Psychiatry Department, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "V. Erspamer", University Sapienza of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, 86077 Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Stefania Maccari
- Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale et Fonctionnelle, GlycoStress Team, CNRS, UMR 8576, UGSF, Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France
- Department of Science and Medical-Surgical Biotechnology, University Sapienza of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
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Xiao S, Ebner NC, Manzouri A, Li TQ, Cortes DS, Månsson KNT, Fischer H. Age-dependent effects of oxytocin in brain regions enriched with oxytocin receptors. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 160:106666. [PMID: 37951085 PMCID: PMC10841644 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Although intranasal oxytocin administration to tap into central functions is the most commonly used non-invasive means for exploring oxytocin's role in human cognition and behavior, the way by which intranasal oxytocin acts on the brain is not yet fully understood. Recent research suggests that brain regions densely populated with oxytocin receptors may play a central role in intranasal oxytocin's action mechanisms in the brain. In particular, intranasal oxytocin may act directly on (subcortical) regions rich in oxytocin receptors via binding to these receptors while only indirectly affecting other (cortical) regions via their neural connections to oxytocin receptor-enriched regions. Aligned with this notion, the current study adopted a novel approach to test 1) whether the connections between oxytocin receptor-enriched regions (i.e., the thalamus, pallidum, caudate nucleus, putamen, and olfactory bulbs) and other regions in the brain were responsive to intranasal oxytocin administration, and 2) whether oxytocin-induced effects varied as a function of age. Forty-six young (24.96 ± 3.06 years) and 44 older (69.89 ± 2.99 years) participants were randomized, in a double-blind procedure, to self-administer either intranasal oxytocin or placebo before resting-state fMRI. Results supported age-dependency in the effects of intranasal oxytocin administration on connectivity between oxytocin receptor-enriched regions and other regions in the brain. Specifically, compared to placebo, oxytocin decreased both connectivity density and connectivity strength of the thalamus for young participants while it increased connectivity density and connectivity strength of the caudate for older participants. These findings inform the mechanisms underlying the effects of exogenous oxytocin on brain function and highlight the importance of age in these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Xiao
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Campus Albano hus 4, Albanovägen, SE-114 19 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL 32611-2250, USA; Cognitive Aging and Memory Program, Clinical Translational Research Program (CAM-CTRP), University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, 1149 Newell Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Amirhossein Manzouri
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Norra stationsgatan 69, SE-113 64 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Tie-Qiang Li
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention, and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Alfred Nobels Allé 8, SE-141 52 Huddinge, Sweden; Department of Medical Radiation Physics and Nuclear Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Diana S Cortes
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Campus Albano hus 4, Albanovägen, SE-114 19 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kristoffer N T Månsson
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Norra stationsgatan 69, SE-113 64 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Campus Albano hus 4, Albanovägen, SE-114 19 Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm University Brain Imaging Center (SUBIC), SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden; Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Tomtebodavägen 18 A, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Puglia MH, Lynch ME, Nance MG, Connelly JJ, Morris JP. DNA methylation of the oxytocin receptor interacts with age to impact neural response to social stimuli. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1252478. [PMID: 38020783 PMCID: PMC10665856 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1252478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Social isolation is one of the strongest predictors of increased risk of mortality in older adulthood. The ability to form and maintain the social relationships that mitigate this risk is partially regulated by the oxytocinergic system and one's ability to attend to and process social information. We have previously shown that an epigenetic change to the DNA of the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR methylation) affects the salience of social information in young adults. Little is known about how the oxytocinergic system ages and what effect this aging system has on social cognitive abilities throughout the lifespan. Methods Here we explored age-related differences in the association between neural response during selective social attention and OXTR DNA methylation in young (age 18-31) and older (age 58-81) adults. Participants underwent fMRI during a selective social attention task and provided a DNA sample for the assessment of OXTR methylation. Results and Discussion We found that older adults activated diffuse areas of visual cortex and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during selective social attention, consistent with the dedifferentiation and compensatory neural activation commonly reported in aging. We found a significant age-by-OXTR methylation interaction on neural response when attending to social stimuli in a complex display; young adults displayed a positive association between OXTR methylation and neural activation, replicating our prior finding that young adults with presumed diminished endogenous access to oxytocin recruit regions of the attentional cortex to a greater extent. This association did not hold for older adults. Instead, perceived social support interacted with OXTR methylation to influence neural response during selective social attention. These data suggest that environmental factors like social support moderate biological processes in aging and highlight the importance of a lifespan perspective for understanding associations between individual differences in the oxytocinergic system, neural function, and social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan H. Puglia
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Morgan E. Lynch
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Madelyn G. Nance
- Department of Neurology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jessica J. Connelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - James P. Morris
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Hosgorler F, Akkaya EC, Ilgin R, Koc B, Kizildag S, Gumus H, Uysal N. The ameliorative effect of midazolam on empathy-like behavior in old rats. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3183-3193. [PMID: 37209151 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02526-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Although studies suggest that cognitive functions in the elderly are impaired, elderly people tend to be more successful and wiser in solving emotional problems. In empathy-like behavior models, the observer rat rescues the distressed cage mate by displaying emotional and cognitive ability. The aim of the study was to investigate the changes in empathy-like behavior in older rats in comparison to adult rats. In addition, we wanted to determine the effects of alterations in neurochemicals (such as corticosterone, oxytocin, vasopressin, and their receptor levels) and emotional situations on this behavior. In our study, we initially completed empathy-like behavior tests and emotional tests (open field, elevated plus maze) and performed neurochemical examinations in the serum and brain tissues. In the second step of research, we applied a midazolam (benzodiazepine) treatment to examine the effect of anxiety on empathy-like behavior. In the old rats, we observed that empathy-like behavior deteriorated, and anxiety signs were more pronounced. We detected a positive correlation between the latency in empathy-like behavior and corticosterone levels and v1b receptor levels. The midazolam effect on empathy-like behavior was attenuated by flumazenil (a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist). The recordings of ultrasonic vocalization showed frequencies around 50 kHz emitted by the observer and this was associated with the expectation of social contact. Our results state that compared to adult rats, old rats were more concerned and failed during empathy-like behavior. Midazolam may improve this behavior by anxiolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferda Hosgorler
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Erhan Caner Akkaya
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Rabia Ilgin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Basar Koc
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Servet Kizildag
- College of Vocational School of Health Services, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Hikmet Gumus
- School of Sport Sciences and Technology, Dokuz Eylül University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Nazan Uysal
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Balçova, Izmir, Turkey
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Bales KL. Oxytocin: A developmental journey. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2023; 16:100203. [PMID: 38108037 PMCID: PMC10724731 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuropeptide hormone oxytocin is involved in many processes in our bodies, linking our social lives to our internal states. I started out my career studying primate families, an interest that expanded into the role of oxytocin in family-oriented behaviors such as pair bonding and parenting in prairie voles, humans, and other primates. Starting as a post-doc with Dr. C. Sue Carter, I also became interested in the role of oxytocin during development and the way that we manipulate oxytocin clinically. During that post-doc and then as a faculty member at the University of California, Davis, I have worked on a number of these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
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9
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Jimenez AM, Clayson PE, Hasratian AS, Lee J, Reavis EA, Wynn JK, Green MF, Horan WP. Neuroimaging of social motivation during winning and losing: Associations with social anhedonia across the psychosis spectrum. Neuropsychologia 2023; 188:108621. [PMID: 37321406 PMCID: PMC10527321 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2023.108621] [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: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with psychosis spectrum disorders (PSD) have difficulty developing social relationships. This difficulty may reflect reduced response to social feedback involving functional alterations in brain regions that support the social motivation system: ventral striatum, orbital frontal cortex, insula, dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, and amygdala. Whether these alterations span PSD is unknown. METHODS 71 individuals with PSD, 27 unaffected siblings, and 37 control participants completed a team-based fMRI task. After each trial, participants received performance feedback paired with the expressive face of a teammate or opponent. A 2 × 2 (win versus loss outcome x teammate versus opponent) repeated measures ANOVA by group was performed on activation in the five key regions of interest during receipt of feedback. RESULTS Across groups, three social motivation regions, ventral striatum, orbital frontal cortex, and amygdala, showed sensitivity to feedback (significant main effect of outcome), with greater activation during win versus loss trials, regardless of whether the feedback was from a teammate or opponent. In PSD, ventral striatum and orbital frontal cortex activation to win feedback was negatively correlated with social anhedonia scores. CONCLUSIONS Patterns of neural activation during social feedback were similar in PSD, their unaffected siblings, and healthy controls. Across the psychosis spectrum, activity in key social motivation regions during social feedback was associated with individual differences in social anhedonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Jimenez
- Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Peter E Clayson
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Arpi S Hasratian
- Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Junghee Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Eric A Reavis
- Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan K Wynn
- Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael F Green
- Department of Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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10
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Fry R, Tanaka J, Cohan S, Wilmer J, Germine LT, DeGutis J. Effects of age on face perception: Reduced eye region discrimination ability but intact holistic processing. Psychol Aging 2023; 38:548-561. [PMID: 37589691 PMCID: PMC10521214 DOI: 10.1037/pag0000759] [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] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
While age-related decline in face recognition memory is well-established, the degree of decline in face perceptual abilities across the lifespan and the underlying mechanisms are incompletely characterized. In the present study, we used the part-whole task to examine lifespan changes in holistic and featural processing. After studying an intact face, participants are tested for memory of a face part (eyes, nose, mouth) with the target and foil part presented either in isolation or in the context of the whole face. To the extent that parts are encoded into a holistic face representation, an advantage is expected for part recognition when tested in the whole face condition. The task therefore provides measures of holistic processing (whole-over-isolated-part trial advantage) and featural processing for each part when tested in isolation. Using a large sample of 3,341 online participants aged 18-69 years, we found that while discrimination of the eye region decreased beginning in the 50s, both mouth discrimination accuracy and the holistic advantage of whole versus part trial discrimination were stable with age. In separate analyses by gender, we found that age-related declines in eye region accuracy were more pronounced in males than females. We discuss potential mechanistic explanations for this eye region-specific decline with age, including age-related hearing loss directing attention toward the mouth. Further, we discuss how this could be related to the age-related positivity effect, which is associated with reduced sensitivity to eye-related emotions (e.g., anger) but preserved mouth-related emotion sensitivity (e.g., happiness). (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Regan Fry
- Boston Attention and Learning Laboratory, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James Tanaka
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sarah Cohan
- Vision Sciences Laboratory, Department of Psychology, Harvard University, USA
- Division of Chronic Disease Research Across the Lifecourse, Department of Population Medicine, Harvard Medical School and Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy Wilmer
- Department of Psychology, Wellesley College, Wellesley, MA, USA
| | - Laura T. Germine
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Technology in Psychiatry, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Joseph DeGutis
- Boston Attention and Learning Laboratory, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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11
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Wright KA, Polk R, Lin T, Feifel D, Ebner NC. Four-week intranasal oxytocin administration reduces attachment avoidance in older women. Horm Behav 2023; 155:105413. [PMID: 37659357 PMCID: PMC10961710 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2023.105413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) serves as a critical modulator of social cognition and social behavior. Adult attachment is an affiliative process crucial for social interaction across adulthood. Insecure adult attachment comprises two broad dimensions, attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Both these dimensions of attachment are currently understudied regarding OT modulation, and especially in older adults. The present study determined the effects of chronic intranasal OT administration on adult attachment in generally healthy older women and men (aged 55-95 years). Embedded in a larger project, participants were randomly assigned to self-administer 24 international units of either OT or a placebo (P) intranasally twice daily for four weeks. The Experiences in Close Relationships Scale assessed adult attachment (anxiety and avoidance) pre- and post-treatment. There was no significant pre- to post-treatment change in attachment avoidance overall, but the treatment x timepoint x sex interaction was significant, in that women (but not men) in the OT (vs. P) group reported decreased attachment avoidance. No comparable effects were observed for attachment anxiety. Results suggest that older women may benefit from chronic intranasal OT treatment by experiencing less attachment avoidance in their adult relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie A Wright
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
| | - Rebecca Polk
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, United States of America
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America; Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States of America.
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12
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Mielke EL, Koenig J, Herpertz SC, Steinmann S, Neukel C, Kilavuz P, van der Venne P, Bertsch K, Kaess M. Adverse childhood experiences mediate the negative association between borderline personality disorder symptoms and plasma oxytocin. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2023; 125:110749. [PMID: 36924878 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Background Interpersonal dysfunction is a core symptom of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and may be closely linked to adverse childhood experiences. According to a recent model on the pathology of BPD, the neuropeptide oxytocin might play an important role in the development and maintenance of the disorder. However, so far, only few studies with small adult samples have reported reduced baseline oxytocin levels in BPD that may be linked to adverse childhood experiences. Methods We examined baseline plasma oxytocin levels in 131 female patients with BPD and 124 non-BPD female controls across a large age span (12-50 years). Additionally, 113 female patients with less than five DSM-IV BPD features were included to examine the association between plasma oxytocin levels and the number of fulfilled BPD criteria. We also explored associations between plasma oxytocin and adverse childhood experiences as well as depressive symptoms in BPD. Results Patients with BPD had reduced plasma oxytocin levels compared to non-BPD controls and this was independent of age. Plasma oxytocin was negatively associated with the number of fulfilled BPD criteria. The exploratory regression model revealed no association between plasma oxytocin and depressive symptoms but an association between plasma oxytocin and adverse childhood experiences, which in fact mediated the relationship between BPD criteria und plasma oxytocin. Conclusion In a large sample of individuals with BPD across a large age span, our results replicate and extend previous reports of reduced plasma oxytocin levels that might be related to adverse childhood experiences thus providing further evidence for a prominent role of oxytocin in BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia L Mielke
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Voßstraße 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Julian Koenig
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Robert-Koch-Straße 10, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre of Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Blumenstr. 8, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern 60, Switzerland
| | - Sabine C Herpertz
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Voßstraße 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sylvia Steinmann
- Department of Psychosomatics and Psychotherapeutic Medicine, Central Institute of Mental Health Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, J 5, 68159 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Corinne Neukel
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Voßstraße 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pelin Kilavuz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre of Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Blumenstr. 8, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Patrice van der Venne
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre of Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Blumenstr. 8, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; Institute of Psychology, University of Heidelberg, Hauptstr. 47- 51, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katja Bertsch
- Department of General Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Voßstraße 4, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Leopoldstr. 13, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Kaess
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre of Psychosocial Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Heidelberg, Blumenstr. 8, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bolligenstrasse 111, 3000 Bern 60, Switzerland
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13
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Polk R, Horta M, Lin T, Porges E, Ojeda M, Nazarloo HP, Carter CS, Ebner NC. Evaluating the neuropeptide-social cognition link in ageing: the mediating role of basic cognitive skills. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210048. [PMID: 35858076 PMCID: PMC9274329 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The roles of oxytocin (OT) and arginine-vasopressin (AVP) as crucial modulators of social cognition and related behaviours have been extensively addressed in the literature. The involvement of these neuropeptides in social cognition in ageing, however, and a potential mediating effect of basic cognitive capacities on this link, are not well understood. To fill these research gaps, this study assessed associations of plasma OT and AVP levels with dynamic emotion identification accuracy in generally healthy older men (aged 55-95 years) and probed the underlying roles of crystallized and fluid cognition in these associations. Higher plasma OT levels were associated with lower accuracy in dynamic emotion identification, with this negative relationship fully mediated by cognition. For plasma AVP levels, in contrast, there was no association with dynamic emotion identification accuracy. Integrated within existing theoretical accounts, results from this study advance understanding of the neuropeptide-social cognition link in ageing and support basic cognitive capacities as mediators in this association. This article is part of the theme issue 'Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Polk
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Eric Porges
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marite Ojeda
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hans P. Nazarloo
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - C. Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Natalie C. Ebner
- Department of Psychology, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, College of Public Health and Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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14
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Zak PJ, Curry B, Owen T, Barraza JA. Oxytocin Release Increases With Age and Is Associated With Life Satisfaction and Prosocial Behaviors. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:846234. [PMID: 35530727 PMCID: PMC9069134 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.846234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Helping behaviors and life satisfaction generally increase after middle-age. Identifying the neural substrates of prosocial behaviors in older adults may offer additional insights into these changes over the lifespan. The present study examines the endogenous release of the neuromodulator oxytocin (OT) in participants aged 18-99 and its relationship to prosocial behaviors. OT has been shown to influence trust, altruism, charity, and generosity, yet the effect of age on OT release has not been well-established. Blood samples before and after a video stimulus were obtained from 103 participants in order to examine the impact of OT on prosocial behaviors. We found that OT release following a social prime increased with age (r = 0.49, p = 0.001) and that OT moderated the relationship between age and donations to charity. We tested for robustness by examining three additional prosocial behaviors, money and goods donated to charity during the past year and social-sector volunteering. OT moderated the impact of age on all three prosocial behaviors (ps < 0.05). The analysis also showed that participants' change in OT was positively associated with satisfaction with life (p = 0.04), empathic concern (p = 0.015), dispositional gratitude (p = 0.019), and religious commitment (p = 0.001). Our findings indicate that the neural chemistry that helps sustain social relationships and live a fulfilled life appear to strengthen with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul J. Zak
- Center for Neuroeconomics Studies, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, United States
| | - Ben Curry
- TripActions, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Tyler Owen
- Center for Neuroeconomics Studies, Claremont Graduate University, Claremont, CA, United States
| | - Jorge A. Barraza
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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15
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Intranasal Oxytocin Modulates the Salience Network in Aging. Neuroimage 2022; 253:119045. [PMID: 35259525 PMCID: PMC9450112 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2022.119045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence supports a role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in promoting social cognition and prosocial behavior, possibly via modulation of the salience of social information. The effect of intranasal oxytocin administration on the salience network, however, is not well understood, including in the aging brain. To address this research gap, 42 young (22.52 ± 3.02 years; 24 in the oxytocin group) and 43 older (71.12 ± 5.25 years; 21 in the oxytocin group) participants were randomized to either self-administer intranasal oxytocin or placebo prior to resting-state functional imaging. The salience network was identified using independent component analysis (ICA). Independent t-tests showed that individuals in the oxytocin compared to the placebo group had lower within-network resting-state functional connectivity, both for left amygdala (MNI coordinates: x = −18, y = 0, z = −15; corrected p < 0.05) within a more ventral salience network and for right insula (MNI coordinates: x = 39, y = 6, z = −6; corrected p < 0.05) within a more dorsal salience network. Age moderation analysis furthermore demonstrated that the oxytocin-reduced functional connectivity between the ventral salience network and the left amygdala was only present in older participants. These findings suggest a modulatory role of exogenous oxytocin on resting-state functional connectivity within the salience network and support age-differential effects of acute intranasal oxytocin administration on this network.
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16
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Siracusa ER, Higham JP, Snyder-Mackler N, Brent LJN. Social ageing: exploring the drivers of late-life changes in social behaviour in mammals. Biol Lett 2022; 18:20210643. [PMID: 35232274 PMCID: PMC8889194 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2021.0643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Social interactions help group-living organisms cope with socio-environmental challenges and are central to survival and reproductive success. Recent research has shown that social behaviour and relationships can change across the lifespan, a phenomenon referred to as 'social ageing'. Given the importance of social integration for health and well-being, age-dependent changes in social behaviour can modulate how fitness changes with age and may be an important source of unexplained variation in individual patterns of senescence. However, integrating social behaviour into ageing research requires a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of age-based changes in social behaviour. Here, we provide an overview of the drivers of late-life changes in sociality. We suggest that explanations for social ageing can be categorized into three groups: changes in sociality that (a) occur as a result of senescence; (b) result from adaptations to ameliorate the negative effects of senescence; and/or (c) result from positive effects of age and demographic changes. Quantifying the relative contribution of these processes to late-life changes in sociality will allow us to move towards a more holistic understanding of how and why these patterns emerge and will provide important insights into the potential for social ageing to delay or accelerate other patterns of senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin R Siracusa
- School of Psychology, Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - James P Higham
- Department of Anthropology, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Noah Snyder-Mackler
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.,School for Human Evolution and Social Change, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Lauren J N Brent
- School of Psychology, Centre for Research in Animal Behaviour, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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17
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Costa J, Martins S, Ferreira PA, Cardoso AMS, Guedes JR, Peça J, Cardoso AL. The old guard: Age-related changes in microglia and their consequences. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 197:111512. [PMID: 34022277 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Among all major organs, the brain is one of the most susceptible to the inexorable effects of aging. Throughout the last decades, several studies in human cohorts and animal models have revealed a plethora of age-related changes in the brain, including reduced neurogenesis, oxidative damage, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell senescence. As the main immune effectors and first responders of the nervous tissue, microglia are at the center of these events. These cells experience irrevocable changes as a result from cumulative exposure to environmental triggers, such as stress, infection and metabolic dysregulation. The age-related immunosenescent phenotype acquired by microglia is characterized by profound modifications in their transcriptomic profile, secretome, morphology and phagocytic activity, which compromise both their housekeeping and defensive functions. As a result, aged microglia are no longer capable of establishing effective immune responses and sustaining normal synaptic activity, directly contributing to age-associated cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. This review discusses how lifestyle and environmental factors drive microglia dysfunction at the molecular and functional level, also highlighting possible interventions to reverse aging-associated damage to the nervous and immune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Costa
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; PhD Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Solange Martins
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Pedro A Ferreira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; PhD Program in Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana M S Cardoso
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana R Guedes
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - João Peça
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana L Cardoso
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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18
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Frazier I, Lin T, Liu P, Skarsten S, Feifel D, Ebner NC. Age and intranasal oxytocin effects on trust-related decisions after breach of trust: Behavioral and brain evidence. Psychol Aging 2021; 36:10-21. [PMID: 33705182 DOI: 10.1037/pag0000545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Age-related differences in cognition and socioemotional functions, and in associated brain regions, may reduce sensitivity to cues of untrustworthiness, with effects on trust-related decision making and trusting behavior. This study examined age-group differences in brain activity and behavior during a trust game. In this game, participants received "breach-of-trust" feedback after half of the trials. The feedback indicated that only 50% of the monetary investment into their fellow players had resulted in returns. The study also explored the effects of intranasal oxytocin on trust-related decisions in aging, based on suggestions of a modulatory role of oxytocin in response to negative social stimuli and perceptions of trust. Forty-seven younger and 46 older participants self-administered intranasal oxytocin or placebo, in a randomized, double-blind, between-subjects procedure, before they engaged in the trust game while undergoing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Younger participants invested less into their game partners after breach-of-trust feedback, while older participants showed no significant difference in their investment after breach-of-trust feedback. Oxytocin did not modulate the behavioral effects. However, after breach-of-trust feedback, older participants in the oxytocin group showed less activity in the left superior temporal gyrus. In contrast, older participants in the placebo group showed more activity in left superior temporal gyrus after breach of trust. The findings may reflect reduced responsiveness to cues of untrustworthiness in older adults. Furthermore, the modulatory effect of oxytocin on left superior temporal gyrus activity among older adults supports the neuropeptide's age-differential role in neural processes in aging, including in the context of trust-related decision making. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Frazier
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida
| | - Peiwei Liu
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida
| | | | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego
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19
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Kunitake Y, Imamura Y, Mizoguchi Y, Matsushima J, Tateishi H, Murakawa-Hirachi T, Nabeta H, Kawashima T, Kojima N, Yamada S, Monji A. Serum Oxytocin Levels and Logical Memory in Older People in Rural Japan. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2021; 34:156-161. [PMID: 32233820 DOI: 10.1177/0891988720915526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum oxytocin (OT) and logical memory among older people in rural Japan. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study using a survey conducted from October 2009 through March 2011. Most of the study was conducted as part of a national prevalence survey of dementia in Japan. The final sample comprised 385 community-dwelling people aged 65 years or older living in rural Japan. The mean age and standard deviation were 75.7 ± 6.76 years (144 men, mean age 75.0 ± 6.48 years; 241 women, mean age 76.2 ± 6.91 years). The participants underwent screening examinations for a prevalence survey of dementia. The screening examinations were the Mini-Mental State Examination, Clinical Dementia Rating, and "logical memory A" from the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMSR). We used the WMSR Logical Memory II delayed recall score (LM II-DR) to assess logical memory. Levels of serum OT were obtained using the enzyme immunoassay method. RESULTS Serum OT levels were significantly higher among women than men. The present study revealed that serum OT levels were positively associated with LM II-DR in older women living in rural Japan in multiple linear regression analyses. CONCLUSIONS The present results suggested a positive correlation between OT and logical memory in older women living in rural Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutaka Kunitake
- Department of Psychiatry, 476002Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Yoshiomi Imamura
- Department of Psychiatry, 476002Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan.,Institute of Comparative Studies of International Cultures and Societies, Kurume University, Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshito Mizoguchi
- Department of Psychiatry, 476002Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Jun Matsushima
- Department of Psychiatry, 476002Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tateishi
- Department of Psychiatry, 476002Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Akira Monji
- Department of Psychiatry, 476002Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
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20
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Stewart CA, Finger EC. The supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei in healthy aging and neurodegeneration. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2021; 180:105-123. [PMID: 34225924 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-820107-7.00007-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The supraoptic (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei of the hypothalamus undergo structural and functional changes over the course of healthy aging. These nuclei and their connections are also heterogeneously affected by several different neurodegenerative diseases. This chapter reviews the involvement of the SON and PVN, the hypothalamic-pituitary axes, and the peptide hormones produced in both nuclei in healthy aging and in neurodegeneration, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease (AD), frontotemporal dementia (FTD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, progressive supranuclear palsy, Parkinson's disease (PD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), multiple system atrophy, and Huntington's disease. Although age-related changes occur in several regions of the hypothalamus, the SON and PVN are relatively preserved during aging and in many neurodegenerative disorders. With aging, these nuclei do undergo some sexually dimorphic changes including changes in size and levels of vasopressin and corticotropin-releasing hormone, likely due to age-related changes in sex hormones. In contrast, oxytocinergic cells and circulating levels of thyrotropin-releasing hormone remain stable. A relative resistance to many forms of neurodegenerative pathology is also observed, in comparison to other hypothalamic and brain regions. Mirroring the pattern observed in aging, pathologic hallmarks of AD, and some subtypes of FTD are observed in the PVN, though to a milder degree than are observed in other brain regions, while the SON is relatively spared. In contrast, the SON appears more vulnerable to alpha-synuclein pathology of DLB and PD. The consequences of these alterations may help to inform several of the physiologic changes observed in aging and neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe A Stewart
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth C Finger
- Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada; Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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21
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Chronic oxytocin administration in older men modulates functional connectivity during animacy perception. AGING BRAIN 2021; 1:100023. [PMID: 36911518 PMCID: PMC9997159 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbas.2021.100023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
While aging is associated with social-cognitive change and oxytocin plays a crucial role in social cognition, oxytocin's effects on the social brain in older age remain understudied. To date, no study has examined the effects of chronic intranasal oxytocin administration on brain mechanisms underlying animacy perception in older adults. Using a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blinded design in generally healthy older men (mean age (SD) = 69(6); n = 17 oxytocin; n = 14 placebo), this study determined the effects of a four-week intranasal oxytocin administration (24 international units/twice a day) on functional MRI (fMRI) during the Heider-Simmel task. This passive-viewing animacy perception paradigm contains video-clips of simple shapes suggesting social interactions (SOCIAL condition) or exhibiting random trajectories (RANDOM condition). While there were no oxytocin-specific effects on brain fMRI activation during the SOCIAL compared to the RANDOM condition, pre-to-post intervention change in the SOCIAL-RANDOM difference in functional connectivity (FC) was higher in the oxytocin compared to the placebo group in a network covering occipital, temporal, and parietal areas, and the superior temporal sulcus, a key structure in animacy perception. These findings suggest oxytocin modulation of circuits involved in action observation and social perception. Follow-up analyses on this network's connections suggested a pre-to-post intervention decrease in the SOCIAL-RANDOM difference in FC among the placebo group, possibly reflecting habituation to repeated exposure to social cues. Chronic oxytocin appeared to counter this process by decreasing FC during the RANDOM and increasing it during the SOCIAL condition. This study advances knowledge about oxytocin intervention mechanisms in the social brain of older adults.
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22
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Anton SD, Cruz-Almeida Y, Singh A, Alpert J, Bensadon B, Cabrera M, Clark DJ, Ebner NC, Esser KA, Fillingim RB, Goicolea SM, Han SM, Kallas H, Johnson A, Leeuwenburgh C, Liu AC, Manini TM, Marsiske M, Moore F, Qiu P, Mankowski RT, Mardini M, McLaren C, Ranka S, Rashidi P, Saini S, Sibille KT, Someya S, Wohlgemuth S, Tucker C, Xiao R, Pahor M. Innovations in Geroscience to enhance mobility in older adults. Exp Gerontol 2020; 142:111123. [PMID: 33191210 PMCID: PMC7581361 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aging is the primary risk factor for functional decline; thus, understanding and preventing disability among older adults has emerged as an important public health challenge of the 21st century. The science of gerontology - or geroscience - has the practical purpose of "adding life to the years." The overall goal of geroscience is to increase healthspan, which refers to extending the portion of the lifespan in which the individual experiences enjoyment, satisfaction, and wellness. An important facet of this goal is preserving mobility, defined as the ability to move independently. Despite this clear purpose, this has proven to be a challenging endeavor as mobility and function in later life are influenced by a complex interaction of factors across multiple domains. Moreover, findings over the past decade have highlighted the complexity of walking and how targeting multiple systems, including the brain and sensory organs, as well as the environment in which a person lives, can have a dramatic effect on an older person's mobility and function. For these reasons, behavioral interventions that incorporate complex walking tasks and other activities of daily living appear to be especially helpful for improving mobility function. Other pharmaceutical interventions, such as oxytocin, and complementary and alternative interventions, such as massage therapy, may enhance physical function both through direct effects on biological mechanisms related to mobility, as well as indirectly through modulation of cognitive and socioemotional processes. Thus, the purpose of the present review is to describe evolving interventional approaches to enhance mobility and maintain healthspan in the growing population of older adults in the United States and countries throughout the world. Such interventions are likely to be greatly assisted by technological advances and the widespread adoption of virtual communications during and after the COVID-19 era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen D Anton
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Yenisel Cruz-Almeida
- University of Florida, Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, 1329 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - Arashdeep Singh
- University of Florida, Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - Jordan Alpert
- University of Florida, College of Journalism and Communications, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - Benjamin Bensadon
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Melanie Cabrera
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - David J Clark
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- University of Florida, Department of Psychology, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Karyn A Esser
- University of Florida, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Roger B Fillingim
- University of Florida, Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, 1329 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - Soamy Montesino Goicolea
- University of Florida, Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, 1329 SW Archer Road, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - Sung Min Han
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Henrique Kallas
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Alisa Johnson
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Christiaan Leeuwenburgh
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Andrew C Liu
- University of Florida, Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, 1345 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL, United States.
| | - Todd M Manini
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Michael Marsiske
- University of Florida, Department of Clinical & Health Psychology, 1225 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - Frederick Moore
- University of Florida, Department of Surgery, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - Peihua Qiu
- University of Florida, Department of Biostatistics, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Robert T Mankowski
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Mamoun Mardini
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Christian McLaren
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Sanjay Ranka
- University of Florida, Department of Computer & Information Science & Engineering, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Parisa Rashidi
- University of Florida, Department of Biomedical Engineering. P.O. Box 116131. Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
| | - Sunil Saini
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Kimberly T Sibille
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Shinichi Someya
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Stephanie Wohlgemuth
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Carolyn Tucker
- University of Florida, Department of Psychology, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Rui Xiao
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
| | - Marco Pahor
- University of Florida, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States.
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Horta M, Pehlivanoglu D, Ebner NC. The Role of Intranasal Oxytocin on Social Cognition: An Integrative Human Lifespan Approach. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2020; 7:175-192. [PMID: 33717829 PMCID: PMC7951958 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-020-00214-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This narrative review synthesizes research from the last two decades on the modulatory role of intranasal OT administration (IN-OT) on social cognition in early life, young/middle adulthood, and older adulthood. Advances and knowledge gaps are identified, and future research directions are discussed within an integrative human lifespan framework to guide novel research on IN-OT and social cognition. RECENT FINDINGS Current evidence regarding IN-OT modulation of social-cognitive processes, behavior, and related neurocircuitry is mixed, with some studies suggesting benefits (e.g., improved social perception/interactions, emotion processing) depending on contextual (e.g., social stimuli) and interindividual factors (e.g., age, sex, clinical status). Current research, however, is limited by a focus on isolated life phases, males, and select clinical populations as well as a lack of standardized protocols. SUMMARY This literature-based reflection proposes that greater generalizability of findings and scientific advancement on social-cognitive modulation via IN-OT require standardized, multi-method, longitudinal, and cross-sequential assessments in well-powered, well-controlled, and representative samples in line with an integrative lifespan approach, which considers development as a lifelong dynamic process involving both change and stability characterized by the interplay between genetic, neurobiological, and socio-behavioral factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | | | - Natalie C. Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Institute on Aging, Department of Aging & Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Pehlivanoglu D, Myers E, Ebner NC. Tri-Phasic Model ofOxytocin (TRIO): A systematic conceptual review of oxytocin-related ERP research. Biol Psychol 2020; 154:107917. [PMID: 32512020 PMCID: PMC7556712 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2020.107917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has been shown to play a role in variety of cognitive and social processes and different hypotheses have been put forth to explain OT's effects on brain and behavior in humans. However, these previous explanatory accounts do not provide information about OT-related temporal modulation in the brain. OBJECTIVES This paper systematically reviewed intranasal OT administration studies employing event-related potentials (ERPs) and synthesized the existing evidence into a novel conceptual framework. METHODS Empirical studies, published until February 2020 and cited in major databases (EBSCOhost, PubMed, and Web of Science), were examined in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. To be included, studies had to: (i) employ intranasal administration of OT, as the chemical modulator; (ii) measure ERPs; (iii) be peer-reviewed journal articles; (iv) be written in English; and (v) examine human participants. RESULTS The search criteria yielded 17 empirical studies. The systematic review resulted in conceptualization of the Tri-Phasic Model ofOxytocin (TRIO), which builds on three processing stages: (i) perception, (ii) selection, and (iii) evaluation. While OT increases attention irrespective of stimuli characteristics in the perception stage, in the selection and evaluation stages, OT acts as a filter to guide attention selectively towards social over non-social stimuli and modulates prosociality/approach motivation associated with social stimuli. CONCLUSIONS TRIO offers an empirically-derived conceptual framework that can guide the study of OT-related modulation on attentional processes, starting very early in the processing stream. This novel account furthers theoretical understanding and informs empirical investigation into OT modulation on the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Didem Pehlivanoglu
- University of Florida, Contact Information Didem Pehlivanoglu Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603, United States.
| | - Elisha Myers
- University of Florida, Contact Information Didem Pehlivanoglu Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603, United States
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- University of Florida, Contact Information Didem Pehlivanoglu Department of Psychology, University of Florida, 945 Center Dr, Gainesville, FL 32603, United States
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Sutcliffe R, Du K, Ruffman T. Music Making and Neuropsychological Aging: A Review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:479-491. [PMID: 32302600 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with a decline in social understanding and general cognition. Both are integral to wellbeing and rely on similar brain regions. Thus, as the population ages, there is a growing need for knowledge on the types of activities that maintain brain health in older adulthood. Active engagement in music making might be one such activity because it places a demand on brain networks tapping into multisensory integration, learning, reward, and cognition. It has been hypothesized that this demand may promote plasticity in the frontal and temporal lobes by taxing cognitive abilities and, hence, increase resistance to age-related neurodegeneration. We examine research relevant to this hypothesis and note that there is a lack of intervention studies with a well-matched control condition and random assignment. Thus, we discuss potential causal mechanisms underlying training-related neuropsychological changes, and provide suggestions for future research. It is argued that although music training might be a valuable tool for supporting healthy neuropsychological aging and mental wellbeing, well-controlled intervention studies are necessary to provide clear evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Sutcliffe
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, New Zealand.
| | - Kangning Du
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, New Zealand
| | - Ted Ruffman
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, New Zealand.
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26
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Oxytocin & well-being as promoters of affect regulation and homeostasis: a neuroscientific review. PSICO 2020. [DOI: 10.15448/1980-8623.2020.2.30291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurohormone oxytocin release affects mood and behavior in humans, regulating emotional and physiologic aspects. Neuroscience associates well-being to oxytocin to characterize a general positive-valenced emotional state. However, the terms well-being and oxytocin are absent, or present in a limited way, in most indexes of psychological terminology and health science descriptors. This study aimed at studying how this association occurs in literature, based on a systematic review on oxytocin and well-being in the last five years. Main results: the neuroscientific context seemed to be the most adequate to the study between oxytocin and well-being; association between psychological and neuroendocrine aspects was unusual; medical templates predominated over psychological references; oxytocin release and feelings of well-being were associated to stimuli of the affective-sensorial type, to psychiatric interventions, to familiarity; results varied according to age, gender, context and personality.
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Lussier D, Cruz-Almeida Y, Ebner NC. Musculoskeletal Pain and Brain Morphology: Oxytocin's Potential as a Treatment for Chronic Pain in Aging. Front Aging Neurosci 2019; 11:338. [PMID: 31920621 PMCID: PMC6923678 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain disproportionately affects older adults, severely impacting quality of life and independent living, with musculoskeletal pain most prevalent. Chronic musculoskeletal pain is associated with specific structural alterations in the brain and interindividual variability in brain structure is likely an important contributor to susceptibility for the development of chronic pain. However, understanding of age-related structural changes in the brain and their associations with chronic musculoskeletal pain is currently limited. Oxytocin (OT), a neuropeptide present in the periphery and central nervous system, has been implicated in pain attenuation. Variation of the endogenous OT system (e.g., OT receptor genotype, blood, saliva, and cerebrospinal fluid OT levels) is associated with morphology in brain regions involved in pain processing and modulation. Intranasal OT administration has been shown to attenuate pain. Yet, studies investigating the efficacy of OT for management of chronic musculoskeletal pain are lacking, including among older individuals who are particularly susceptible to the development of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The goal of this focused narrative review was to synthesize previously parallel lines of work on the relationships between chronic pain, brain morphology, and OT in the context of aging. Based on the existing evidence, we propose that research on the use of intranasal OT administration as an intervention for chronic pain in older adults is needed and constitutes a promising future direction for this field. The paper concludes with suggestions for future research in the emerging field, guided by our proposed Model of Oxytocin’s Anagelsic and Brain Structural Effects in Aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Désirée Lussier
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Yenisel Cruz-Almeida
- Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Claude D. Pepper Older American Independence Center, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Community Dentistry & Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Departments of Aging & Geriatric Research, Epidemiology and Neuroscience, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Claude D. Pepper Older American Independence Center, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.,Department of Community Dentistry & Behavioral Science, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
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Plasencia G, Luedicke JM, Nazarloo HP, Carter CS, Ebner NC. Plasma oxytocin and vasopressin levels in young and older men and women: Functional relationships with attachment and cognition. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 110:104419. [PMID: 31606581 PMCID: PMC6943921 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.104419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
A growing literature associates the neuropeptides oxytocin (OT) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) with affiliative and cognitive outcomes. The majority of this work in humans, however, considers these neuropeptides separately. Also, despite evidence that OT and AVP interact with gonadal hormones, still warranted is an examination of sex and age variations in endogenous neuropeptide levels, their interrelations, and their functional relationships with attachment and cognition in humans. This study measured endogenous plasma OT and AVP levels in generally healthy young (18-31 years) and older (63-81 years) men and women to (i) determine levels of and interrelations between OT and AVP; (ii) explore functional relationships with self-reported attachment (attachment anxiety and avoidance) and performance-based cognition (processing speed, verbal memory); and (iii) identify variations in these effects by sex and age. We observed sex- and age-differential patterns of results: Women had higher plasma OT levels than men and older adults had higher plasma AVP levels than young adults. The two neuropeptides were highly negatively intercorrelated across all groups. Functionally, higher AVP levels were associated with greater attachment anxiety and higher OT and lower AVP levels were associated with faster sensorimotor processing speed, with sex and age moderating these effects. This integrated approach identifies variations in endogenous peripheral neuropeptide levels in humans, supporting their sex- and age-specific role as "difference makers" in attachment and cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Plasencia
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA; Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago, 2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.
| | - Joerg M Luedicke
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA.
| | | | - C Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL, 32611-2250, USA; Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
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Horta M, Kaylor K, Feifel D, Ebner NC. Chronic oxytocin administration as a tool for investigation and treatment: A cross-disciplinary systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 108:1-23. [PMID: 31647964 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) subserves various physiological, behavioral, and cognitive processes. This paired with the ability to administer OT with minimal and inconsistent side effects has spurred research to explore its therapeutic potential. Findings from single-dose studies indicate that OT administration may be beneficial, at least under certain circumstances. The state of the field, however, is less clear regarding effects from chronic OT administration, which more closely resembles long-term treatment. To address this gap, this review synthesizes existing findings on the use of chronic OT administration in animal and human work. In addition to detailing the effects of chronic OT administration across different functional domains, this review highlights factors that have contributed to mixed findings. Based on this review, a basic framework of interrelated regulatory functions sensitive to chronic OT administration is offered. The paper also identifies future research directions across different contexts, populations, and outcomes, specifically calling for more systematic and standardized research on chronic OT administration in humans to supplement and expand what is currently known from preclinical work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Kathryn Kaylor
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Institute on Aging, Department of Aging & Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Aulinas A, Pulumo RL, Asanza E, Mancuso CJ, Slattery M, Tolley C, Plessow F, Thomas JJ, Eddy KT, Miller KK, Klibanski A, Misra M, Lawson EA. Endogenous Oxytocin Levels in Relation to Food Intake, Menstrual Phase, and Age in Females. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2019; 104:1348-1356. [PMID: 30445502 PMCID: PMC6408871 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2018-02036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Oxytocin regulates a range of physiological processes including eating behavior and oxytocin administration reduces caloric intake in males. There are few data on oxytocin and eating behavior in healthy females or on the response of endogenous oxytocin to food intake and its relationship to appetite in humans. OBJECTIVES To determine the postprandial pattern of oxytocin levels, the relationship between oxytocin and appetite, and the impact of menstrual cycle phase and age on oxytocin levels in females. DESIGN Cross-sectional. SETTING Clinical research center. PARTICIPANTS Fifty-five healthy females (age 10 to 45 years). INTERVENTIONS A standardized mixed meal was administered. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Blood sampling for oxytocin occurred at fasting and at 30, 60, and 120 minutes postmeal. Appetite was assessed using Visual Analogue Scales pre- and postmeal. RESULTS Mean fasting oxytocin levels were 1011.2 ± 52.3 pg/mL (SEM) and decreased at 30 and 60 minutes postmeal (P = 0.001 and P = 0.003, respectively). Mean oxytocin levels decreased19.6% ± 3.0% from baseline to nadir. Oxytocin area under the curve was lower in the early to midfollicular menstrual cycle phase (P = 0.0003) and higher in younger females (P = 0.002). The percent change in oxytocin (baseline to nadir) was associated with postprandial hunger (rs = -0.291, P = 0.03) and fullness (rs = 0.345, P = 0.009). These relations remained significant after controlling for calories consumed, menstrual cycle status, and age (P = 0.023 and P = 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Peripheral oxytocin levels in females decrease after a mixed meal and are associated with appetite independent of menstrual phase, age, and caloric intake, suggesting that endogenous oxytocin levels may play a role in perceived hunger and satiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Aulinas
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | | | - Elisa Asanza
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Meghan Slattery
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Christiane Tolley
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Franziska Plessow
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer J Thomas
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Kamryn T Eddy
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Eating Disorders Clinical and Research Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Karen K Miller
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Anne Klibanski
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
| | - Madhusmita Misra
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Pediatric Endocrine Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston Massachusetts
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Elizabeth A. Lawson, MD, MMSc, Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02114. E-mail:
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Horta M, Ziaei M, Lin T, Porges EC, Fischer H, Feifel D, Spreng RN, Ebner NC. Oxytocin alters patterns of brain activity and amygdalar connectivity by age during dynamic facial emotion identification. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 78:42-51. [PMID: 30870779 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with increased difficulty in facial emotion identification, possibly due to age-related network change. The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) facilitates emotion identification, but this is understudied in aging. To determine the effects of OT on dynamic facial emotion identification across adulthood, 46 young and 48 older participants self-administered intranasal OT or a placebo in a randomized, double-blind procedure. Older participants were slower and less accurate in identifying emotions. Although there was no behavioral treatment effect, partial least squares analysis supported treatment effects on brain patterns during emotion identification that varied by age and emotion. For young participants, OT altered the processing of sadness and happiness, whereas for older participants, OT only affected the processing of sadness (15.3% covariance, p = 0.004). Furthermore, seed partial least squares analysis showed that older participants in the OT group recruited a large-scale amygdalar network that was positively correlated for anger, fear, and happiness, whereas older participants in the placebo group recruited a smaller, negatively correlated network (7% covariance, p = 0.002). Advancing the literature, these findings show that OT alters brain activity and amygdalar connectivity by age and emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Maryam Ziaei
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Eric C Porges
- Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - R Nathan Spreng
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Intranasal oxytocin and OXTR genotype effects on resting state functional connectivity: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:17-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 09/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Grainger SA, Henry JD, Steinvik HR, Vanman EJ, Rendell PG, Labuschagne I. Intranasal oxytocin does not reduce age-related difficulties in social cognition. Horm Behav 2018; 99:25-34. [PMID: 29408521 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide that plays a key role in social processing and there are several studies suggesting that intranasally administered oxytocin may enhance social cognitive abilities and visual attention in healthy and clinical groups. However, there are very few studies to date that have investigated the potential benefits of intranasal oxytocin (iOT) on older adults' social cognitive abilities. This is a surprising omission, because relative to their younger counterparts, older adults also exhibit a range of social cognitive difficulties and also show differences in the way they visually attend to social information. Therefore, we tested the effect of iOT (24 IU) versus a placebo spray on 59 older and 61 younger adults' social cognitive abilities and visual attention using a double-blind placebo-controlled within-groups design. While iOT provided no overall age-related benefit on social cognitive abilities, the key finding to emerge was that iOT improved ToM ability in both age-groups when the task had minimal contextual information, but not when the task had enriched contextual information. Interestingly, iOT had gender specific effects during a ToM task with minimal context. For males in both age-groups, iOT reduced gazing to the social aspects of the scenes (i.e., faces & bodies), and for females, iOT eliminated age differences in gaze patterns that were observed in the placebo condition. These effects on eye-gaze were not observed in a very similar ToM task that included more enriched contextual information. Overall, these findings highlight the interactive nature of iOT with task related factors (e.g., context), and are discussed in relation to the social salience hypothesis of oxytocin.
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Ebner NC, Lin T, Muradoglu M, Weir DH, Plasencia GM, Lillard TS, Pournajafi-Nazarloo H, Cohen RA, Sue Carter C, Connelly JJ. Associations between oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR) methylation, plasma oxytocin, and attachment across adulthood. Int J Psychophysiol 2018; 136:22-32. [PMID: 29410310 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 11/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) has been implicated in a wide range of affiliative processes. OT exerts its functions via OT receptors, which are encoded by the oxytocin receptor gene (OXTR). Epigenetic modification of OXTR through the process of DNA methylation has been associated with individual differences in behavioral phenotypes. Specifically, lower levels of OXTR methylation have been linked to better social and affective functioning. However, research on epigenetic mechanisms of OXTR is scarce in non-clinical populations, and even less is known about epigenetic variability across adulthood. The present study assessed methylation levels at OXTR CpG site -934 and plasma OT levels in 22 young (20-31 years, M = 23.6) and 34 older (63-80 years, M = 71.4) participants. Lower levels of OXTR methylation and higher plasma OT levels were associated with less self-reported attachment anxiety in young but not older participants, with largely independent contributions of OXTR methylation and plasma OT levels. In contrast, in the overall sample, lower levels of OXTR methylation were associated with higher self-reported attachment avoidance. Age analysis suggested that these results were largely driven by young adults. Plasma OT levels were unrelated to attachment avoidance. Taken together, these findings support the emerging notion in the literature that epigenetic properties of OXTR, in addition to endogenous OT levels, are related to adult attachment. Further, the age effects observed in the associations between OXTR methylation, plasma OT, and adult attachment emphasize the importance of adopting a developmental perspective when studying properties of the OT system and their relation to affiliative processes. Findings contribute to growing evidence suggesting that epigenetic modification of genes regulating OT pathways and endogenous OT levels are associated with the way people form and maintain intimate social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Institute on Aging, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Melis Muradoglu
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Devon H Weir
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Gabriela M Plasencia
- Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University of Chicago, 2160 S 1st Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Travis S Lillard
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Ronald A Cohen
- Center for Cognitive Aging and Memory, Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - C Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Jessica J Connelly
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Abstract
The endogenous oxytocin system plays a vital role in facilitating parturition, lactation and social interaction in humans and other mammals. It also impacts on a number of important endocrine, immune and neurotransmitter systems. A well-regulated oxytocin system has been proposed to increase resilience, and therefore reduce the likelihood of an individual developing mental illness or substance dependence. This review discusses the adverse external influences that can modulate oxytocin receptor and protein levels and impact on substance use and mental health. The paper highlights the impact of adversity such as poor maternal care, parental substance use and child abuse or neglect. We review clinical and preclinical data on the impact of adversity on the basis of the time of exposure from infancy and early childhood, to adolescence, adulthood to older age. Previous research suggests that dysregulation of the endogenous oxytocin system may be implicated in determining susceptibility to stress, anxiety, addiction and mental health conditions. The impact of external influence seems to be strongest in specific time periods where the system shows experience-based development or natural fluctuations in oxytocin levels. Interventions that target the oxytocin system during or soon after exposure to adversity may prove protective.
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Pohl JS, Cochrane BB, Schepp KG, Woods NF. Measuring Social Isolation in the National Health and Aging Trends Study. Res Gerontol Nurs 2017; 10:277-287. [DOI: 10.3928/19404921-20171002-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Yang T, Banissy MJ. Enhancing anger perception in older adults by stimulating inferior frontal cortex with high frequency transcranial random noise stimulation. Neuropsychologia 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2017.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Oxytocin effects in schizophrenia: Reconciling mixed findings and moving forward. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 80:36-56. [PMID: 28506922 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness that causes major functional impairment. Current pharmacologic treatments are inadequate, particularly for addressing negative and cognitive symptoms of the disorder. Oxytocin, a neuropeptide known to moderate social behaviors, has been investigated as a potential therapeutic for schizophrenia in recent years. Results have been decidedly mixed, leading to controversy regarding oxytocin's utility. In this review, we outline several considerations for interpreting the extant literature and propose a focused agenda for future work that builds on the most compelling findings regarding oxytocin effects in schizophrenia to date. Specifically, we examine underlying causes of heterogeneity in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) conducted thus far and highlight the complexity of the human oxytocin system. We then review evidence of oxytocin's effects on specific deficits in schizophrenia, arguing for further study using objective, precise outcome measures in order to determine whether oxytocin has the potential to improve functional impairment in schizophrenia.
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Sannino S, Chini B, Grinevich V. Lifespan oxytocin signaling: Maturation, flexibility, and stability in newborn, adolescent, and aged brain. Dev Neurobiol 2017; 77:158-168. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Sannino
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Universitá degli Studi di Milano, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience; Milan Italy
| | - Bice Chini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, Universitá degli Studi di Milano, National Research Council, Institute of Neuroscience; Milan Italy
| | - Valery Grinevich
- Schaller Research Group on Neuropeptides at German Cancer Research Center DKFZ, Central Institute of Mental Health and CellNetworks Cluster of Excellence at the University of Heidelberg; Heidelberg Mannheim Germany
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Kleinau G, Müller A, Biebermann H. Oligomerization of GPCRs involved in endocrine regulation. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 57:R59-80. [PMID: 27151573 DOI: 10.1530/jme-16-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
More than 800 different human membrane-spanning G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) serve as signal transducers at biological barriers. These receptors are activated by a wide variety of ligands such as peptides, ions and hormones, and are able to activate a diverse set of intracellular signaling pathways. GPCRs are of central importance in endocrine regulation, which underpins the significance of comprehensively studying these receptors and interrelated systems. During the last decade, the capacity for multimerization of GPCRs was found to be a common and functionally relevant property. The interaction between GPCR monomers results in higher order complexes such as homomers (identical receptor subtype) or heteromers (different receptor subtypes), which may be present in a specific and dynamic monomer/oligomer equilibrium. It is widely accepted that the oligomerization of GPCRs is a mechanism for determining the fine-tuning and expansion of cellular processes by modification of ligand action, expression levels, and related signaling outcome. Accordingly, oligomerization provides exciting opportunities to optimize pharmacological treatment with respect to receptor target and tissue selectivity or for the development of diagnostic tools. On the other hand, GPCR heteromerization may be a potential reason for the undesired side effects of pharmacological interventions, faced with numerous and common mutual signaling modifications in heteromeric constellations. Finally, detailed deciphering of the physiological occurrence and relevance of specific GPCR/GPCR-ligand interactions poses a future challenge. This review will tackle the aspects of GPCR oligomerization with specific emphasis on family A GPCRs involved in endocrine regulation, whereby only a subset of these receptors will be discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Kleinau
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology (IEPE)Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Müller
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology (IEPE)Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heike Biebermann
- Institute of Experimental Pediatric Endocrinology (IEPE)Charité-Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
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Ebner NC, Chen H, Porges E, Lin T, Fischer H, Feifel D, Cohen RA. Oxytocin's effect on resting-state functional connectivity varies by age and sex. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 69:50-9. [PMID: 27032063 PMCID: PMC4942126 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin plays a role in social cognition and affective processing. The neural processes underlying these effects are not well understood. Modulation of connectivity strength between subcortical and cortical regions has been suggested as one possible mechanism. The current study investigated effects of intranasal oxytocin administration on resting-state functional connectivity between amygdala and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), as two regions involved in social-cognitive and affective processing. Going beyond previous work that largely examined young male participants, our study comprised young and older men and women to identify age and sex variations in oxytocin's central processes. This approach was based on known hormonal differences among these groups and emerging evidence of sex differences in oxytocin's effects on amygdala reactivity and age-by-sex-modulated effects of oxytocin in affective processing. In a double-blind design, 79 participants were randomly assigned to self-administer either intranasal oxytocin or placebo before undergoing resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Using a targeted region-to-region approach, resting-state functional connectivity strength between bilateral amygdala and mPFC was examined. Participants in the oxytocin compared to the placebo group and men compared to women had overall greater amygdala-mPFC connectivity strength at rest. These main effects were qualified by a significant three-way interaction: while oxytocin compared to placebo administration increased resting-state amygdala-mPFC connectivity for young women, oxytocin did not significantly influence connectivity in the other age-by-sex subgroups. This study provides novel evidence of age-by-sex differences in how oxytocin modulates resting-state brain connectivity, furthering our understanding of how oxytocin affects brain networks at rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C. Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250 Gainesville, FL 32611-2250, USA,Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Cognitive Aging and Memory Program, Clinical Translational Research Program (CAM-CTRP), Institute on Aging, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Huaihou Chen
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Cognitive Aging and Memory Program, Clinical Translational Research Program (CAM-CTRP), Institute on Aging, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA; Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Eric Porges
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Cognitive Aging and Memory Program, Clinical Translational Research Program (CAM-CTRP), Institute on Aging, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, P.O. Box 112250, Gainesville, FL 32611-2250, USA.
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Frescati Hagväg 14, Room 320, SE-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, 200 W. Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103-8218, USA.
| | - Ronald A. Cohen
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, Cognitive Aging and Memory Program, Clinical Translational Research Program (CAM-CTRP), Institute on Aging, University of Florida, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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MANKARIOUS AMANDA, DAVE FORAM, PADOS GEORGE, TSOLAKIDIS DIMITRIS, GIDRON YORI, PANG YEFEI, THOMAS PETER, HALL MARCIA, KARTERIS EMMANOUIL. The pro-social neurohormone oxytocin reverses the actions of the stress hormone cortisol in human ovarian carcinoma cells in vitro. Int J Oncol 2016; 48:1805-14. [PMID: 26935408 PMCID: PMC4809651 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2016.3410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The journey patients with ovarian cancer travel from non-specific symptoms causing delayed diagnosis through surgery and chemotherapy, culminating in a 5-year survival rate of 43%, must have a profound and detrimental psychological impact on patients. Emerging studies link higher levels of oxytocin (OT) and increased social support, an independent prognostic factor in cancer, with a moderating effect on stress. In contrast, there is a known association of tumour cell proliferation with elevated cortisol (stress hormone) levels. We hypothesise therefore that there is cross-talk between cortisol and oxytocin at a molecular level. Three ovarian cancer cell lines, used as in vitro models, were treated with cortisol at concentrations mimicking physiological stress in vivo in the presence or absence of OT. OT reduced cell proliferation and migration, induced apoptosis and autophagy for all three cell lines, partially reversing the effects of cortisol. Quantitative RT-PCR of tissue taken from ovarian cancer patients revealed that the glucocorticoid receptor (splice variant GR-P) and OT receptor (OTR) were significantly upregulated compared to controls. Tissue microarray revealed that the expression of GRα was lower in the ovarian cancer samples compared to normal tissue. OT is also shown to drive alternative splicing of the GR gene and cortisol-induced OTR expression. OT was able to transactivate GR in the presence of cortisol, thus providing further evidence of cross-talk in vitro. These data provide explanations for why social support might help distressed ovarian cancer patients and help define novel hypotheses regarding potential therapeutic interventions in socially isolated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- AMANDA MANKARIOUS
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK
| | - FORAM DAVE
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK
| | - GEORGE PADOS
- University of Thessaloniki Medical School, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - YORI GIDRON
- Free University of Brussels (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - YEFEI PANG
- University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
| | - PETER THOMAS
- University of Texas at Austin, Marine Science Institute, Port Aransas, TX 78373, USA
| | - MARCIA HALL
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood HA6 2RN, UK
| | - EMMANOUIL KARTERIS
- Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB8 3PH, UK
- Correspondence to: Dr Emmanouil Karteris, Division of Biosciences, Department of Life Sciences, College of Health and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK, E-mail:
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Anton SD, Woods AJ, Ashizawa T, Barb D, Buford TW, Carter CS, Clark DJ, Cohen RA, Corbett DB, Cruz-Almeida Y, Dotson V, Ebner N, Efron PA, Fillingim RB, Foster TC, Gundermann DM, Joseph AM, Karabetian C, Leeuwenburgh C, Manini TM, Marsiske M, Mankowski RT, Mutchie HL, Perri MG, Ranka S, Rashidi P, Sandesara B, Scarpace PJ, Sibille KT, Solberg LM, Someya S, Uphold C, Wohlgemuth S, Wu SS, Pahor M. Successful aging: Advancing the science of physical independence in older adults. Ageing Res Rev 2015; 24:304-27. [PMID: 26462882 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2015.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The concept of 'successful aging' has long intrigued the scientific community. Despite this long-standing interest, a consensus definition has proven to be a difficult task, due to the inherent challenge involved in defining such a complex, multi-dimensional phenomenon. The lack of a clear set of defining characteristics for the construct of successful aging has made comparison of findings across studies difficult and has limited advances in aging research. A consensus on markers of successful aging is furthest developed is the domain of physical functioning. For example, walking speed appears to be an excellent surrogate marker of overall health and predicts the maintenance of physical independence, a cornerstone of successful aging. The purpose of the present article is to provide an overview and discussion of specific health conditions, behavioral factors, and biological mechanisms that mark declining mobility and physical function and promising interventions to counter these effects. With life expectancy continuing to increase in the United States and developed countries throughout the world, there is an increasing public health focus on the maintenance of physical independence among all older adults.
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Ebner NC, Horta M, Lin T, Feifel D, Fischer H, Cohen RA. Oxytocin modulates meta-mood as a function of age and sex. Front Aging Neurosci 2015; 7:175. [PMID: 26441637 PMCID: PMC4565056 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2015.00175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Attending to and understanding one’s own feelings are components of meta-mood and constitute important socio-affective skills across the entire lifespan. Growing evidence suggests a modulatory role of the neuropeptide oxytocin on various socio-affective processes. Going beyond previous work that almost exclusively examined young men and perceptions of emotions in others, the current study investigated effects of intranasal oxytocin on meta-mood in young and older men and women. In a double-blind between-group design, participants were randomly assigned to self-administer either intranasal oxytocin or a placebo before responding to items from the Trait Meta-Mood Scale (TMMS) about attention to feelings and clarity of feelings. In contrast to older women, oxytocin relative to placebo increased attention to feelings in older men. Oxytocin relative to placebo enhanced meta-mood in young female participants but reduced it in older female participants. This pattern of findings supports an age- and sex-differential modulatory function of the neuropeptide oxytocin on meta-mood, possibly associated with neurobiological differences with age and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA ; Cognitive Aging and Memory Program, Clinical Translational Research Program (CAM-CTRP), Institute on Aging, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Marilyn Horta
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tian Lin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - David Feifel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Håkan Fischer
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ronald A Cohen
- Cognitive Aging and Memory Program, Clinical Translational Research Program (CAM-CTRP), Institute on Aging, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
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Emeny RT, Huber D, Bidlingmaier M, Reincke M, Klug G, Ladwig KH. Oxytocin-induced coping with stressful life events in old age depends on attachment: findings from the cross-sectional KORA Age study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2015; 56:132-42. [PMID: 25827957 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2015.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Revised: 02/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether oxytocin functions as a stress hormone in older age is unknown. We investigated oxytocin levels and the perceived stress of an adverse life event in an older population-representative sample and considered the effect of a secure/insecure attachment style on this association. METHODS Non-fasting plasma oxytocin was measured from 952 participants (65-90 years) of the cross sectional KORA-Age study. The psychological impact of an adverse life event was assessed based on the Psychosocial Stress Questionnaire. Attachment style was determined by the Relationship-Specific Attachment Scales for Adults. Linear regression models of oxytocin, stratified for attachment style, were controlled for age, sex, and further for alcohol, smoking, and physical activity. Adjusted least squares means of oxytocin were calculated. RESULTS Oxytocin levels did not differ between men and women (mean, 95% confidence interval (CI), 321 (277-365) and 309 (272-345)pg/ml, respectively). Oxytocin levels were positively associated with the experience of an adverse event (n=273, 29%) versus no event (n=679, 71%), in securely attached (β estimate=0.17, standard error (SE)=0.08, P value=0.03) but not in insecure participants (-0.10, 0.09), P=0.28). Oxytocin was positively associated with diminished stress among securely attached participant (event with little suffering: β=0.35. SE=0.12, great suffering: β=0.15. SE=0.14, severe suffering: β=0.03. SE=0.12). Among participants who reported minimal suffering, insecure individuals had lower oxytocin (adjusted mean, 95%CI: 172, 127-216 pg/ml) than securely attached individuals (279, 222-352 pg/ml, P=0.006). CONCLUSIONS These epidemiologic data support the hypothesis that oxytocin may have an attenuating effect on perceived stress due to adverse life events in old age. The conditional role of attachment style in stress-induced endogenous oxytocin production is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dorothea Huber
- Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Klinikum Muenchen-Harlaching, München, Germany; International Psychoanalytic University (IPU), Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Bidlingmaier
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Campus Innenstadt-Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Campus Innenstadt-Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, München, Germany
| | - Günther Klug
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie-Klinikum rechts der Isar, TU München, München, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Ladwig
- Institut für Epidemiologie II-Helmholtz Zentrum München, München, Germany; Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie-Klinikum rechts der Isar, TU München, München, Germany
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46
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Moore RC, Dev SI, Jeste DV, Dziobek I, Eyler LT. Distinct neural correlates of emotional and cognitive empathy in older adults. Psychiatry Res 2015; 232:42-50. [PMID: 25770039 PMCID: PMC4404184 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2014.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Empathy is thought to be a mechanism underlying prosocial behavior across the lifespan, yet little is known about how levels of empathy relate to individual differences in brain functioning among older adults. In this exploratory study, we examined the neural correlates of affective and cognitive empathy in older adults. Thirty older adults (M=79 years) underwent fMRI scanning and neuropsychological testing and completed a test of affective and cognitive empathy. Brain response during processing of cognitive and emotional stimuli was measured by fMRI in a priori and task-related regions and was correlated with levels of empathy. Older adults with higher levels of affective empathy showed more deactivation in the amygdala and insula during a working memory task, whereas those with higher cognitive empathy showed greater insula activation during a response inhibition task. Our preliminary findings suggest that brain systems linked to emotional and social processing respond differently among older adults with more or less affective and cognitive empathy. That these relationships can be seen both during affective and non-emotional tasks of "cold" cognitive abilities suggests that empathy may impact social behavior through both emotional and cognitive mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raeanne C Moore
- University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Sheena I Dev
- University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, USA; San Diego State University, Department of Psychology, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Dilip V Jeste
- University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Isabel Dziobek
- Max Planck Research Group "Neurocognition of Decision Making", Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany; Cluster of Excellence "Languages of Emotion", Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Department of Education and Psychology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa T Eyler
- University of California San Diego Department of Psychiatry, La Jolla, CA, USA; Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA; Desert-Pacific Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA San Diego Healthcare System, CA, USA.
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Genetics and Functional Imaging: Effects of APOE, BDNF, COMT, and KIBRA in Aging. Neuropsychol Rev 2015; 25:47-62. [DOI: 10.1007/s11065-015-9279-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Solé B, Jiménez E, Martinez-Aran A, Vieta E. Cognition as a target in major depression: new developments. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:231-47. [PMID: 25640673 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Revised: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and disabling psychiatric illness often accompanied of cognitive dysfunction which may persist even when patients achieve clinical remission. Currently, cognitive deficits emerge as a potential target because they compromise the functional outcome of depressed patients. The aim of this study was to review data for several potential pharmacological treatments targeting cognition in MDD, resulting from monotherapy or adjunctive treatment. An extensive and systematic Pubmed/Medline search of the published literature until March 2014 was conducted using a variety of search term to find relevant articles. Bibliographies of retrieved papers were further examined for publications of interest. Searches were limited to articles available in English language. We describe studies using modafinil, lisdexamfetamine, ketamine, lanicemine, memantine, galantamine, donepezil, vortioxetine, intranasal oxytocin, omega-3, s-adenosyl-methionine, scopolamine and erythropoietin. From these articles, we determined that there are a number of promising new therapies, pharmacological agents or complementary medicines, but data are just emerging. Drugs and therapies targeting cognitive dysfunction in MDD should prove effective in improving specific cognitive domains and functioning, while ruling out pseudospecificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brisa Solé
- Barcelona Bipolar Disorders Program, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Esther Jiménez
- Barcelona Bipolar Disorders Program, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Anabel Martinez-Aran
- Barcelona Bipolar Disorders Program, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Barcelona Bipolar Disorders Program, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Ebner NC, Kamin H, Diaz V, Cohen RA, MacDonald K. Hormones as "difference makers" in cognitive and socioemotional aging processes. Front Psychol 2015; 5:1595. [PMID: 25657633 PMCID: PMC4302708 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2014.01595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is associated with well-recognized alterations in brain function, some of which are reflected in cognitive decline. While less appreciated, there is also considerable evidence of socioemotional changes later in life, some of which are beneficial. In this review, we examine age-related changes and individual differences in four neuroendocrine systems-cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and oxytocin-as "difference makers" in these processes. This suite of interrelated hormonal systems actively coordinates regulatory processes in brain and behavior throughout development, and their level and function fluctuate during the aging process. Despite these facts, their specific impact in cognitive and socioemotional aging has received relatively limited study. It is known that chronically elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol exert neurotoxic effects on the aging brain with negative impacts on cognition and socioemotional functioning. In contrast, the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone appear to have neuroprotective effects in cognitive aging, but may decrease prosociality. Higher levels of the neuropeptide oxytocin benefit socioemotional functioning, but little is known about the effects of oxytocin on cognition or about age-related changes in the oxytocin system. In this paper, we will review the role of these hormones in the context of cognitive and socioemotional aging. In particular, we address the aforementioned gap in the literature by: (1) examining both singular actions and interrelations of these four hormonal systems; (2) exploring their correlations and causal relationships with aspects of cognitive and socioemotional aging; and (3) considering multilevel internal and external influences on these hormone systems within the framework of explanatory pluralism. We conclude with a discussion of promising future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie C Ebner
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA ; Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Hayley Kamin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Vanessa Diaz
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ronald A Cohen
- Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Kai MacDonald
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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50
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Oxytocin improves emotion recognition for older males. Neurobiol Aging 2014; 35:2246-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2014.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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