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Cornell J, Conchas A, Wang XQ, Fink JC, Chen H, Kane MA, Pilli N, Ait-Daoud N, Gorelick DA, Li MD, Johnson BA, Seneviratne C. Validation of serotonin transporter mRNA as a quantitative biomarker of heavy drinking and its comparison to ethyl glucuronide/ethyl sulfate: A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1888-1899. [PMID: 36031718 PMCID: PMC9588643 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The serotonin transporter (SERT) mRNA was previously reported to be a quantitative and pathophysiology-based biomarker of heavy drinking in 5HTTLPR:LL genotype-carriers treated with ondansetron. Here, we validated the potential use of SERT mRNA for quantitative prediction of recent alcohol consumption (in the absence of treatment) and compared it with the known biomarkers ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS). METHODS Binge drinking men and women of European ancestry aged 21 to 65 years were enrolled in a 12-day, in-patient, randomized, double-blind, crossover study, where they were administered three beverage doses (placebo, 0.5 g/kg [0.4 g/kg] ethanol, and 1 g/kg [0.9 g/kg] ethanol for men [women]) individually in three 4-day periods (experiments), separated by minimum 7-day washout period. Diet, sleep, and physical activity were controlled throughout the inpatient experiments. Twenty-nine participants were randomized to receive beverage doses counterbalancing the sequence of treatment and gender within subgroups stratified by SERT genotypes 5HTTLPR:LL+rs25531:AA (LA LA ) versus 5HTTLPR:LS/SS. Peripheral venous blood was collected daily for (1) quantification of SERT mRNA (the primary outcome measure) using qRT-PCR and (2) plasma EtG and EtS levels using tandem mass-spectrometry. RESULTS The association between administered beverage dose and SERT mRNA from completers of at least one 4-day experiment (N = 18) assessed by a linear mixed model was not statistically significant. Significant positive associations were found with beverage dose and plasma EtG, EtS and EtG/EtS ratio (β = 5.8, SE = 1.2, p < 0.0001; β = 1.3, SE = 0.6, p = 0.023; and β = 3.0, SE = 0.7, p < 0.0001, respectively; the C-statistics for discriminating outcomes were 0.97, 0.8, and 0.92, respectively). Additionally, we observed a sequence effect with a greater placebo effect on SERT mRNA when it was administered during the first experiment (p = 0.0009), but not on EtG/EtS measures. CONCLUSION The findings do not validate the use of SERT as a biomarker of heavy drinking. Larger and more innovative studies addressing the effects of placebo, race, gender, and response to treatment with serotonergic agents are needed to fully assess the utility of SERT as a biomarker of heavy and binge drinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cornell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Andrew Conchas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (former affiliation)
| | - Xin-Qun Wang
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Jeffrey C. Fink
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Hegang Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Maureen A. Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD
| | - Nageswara Pilli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD
| | - Nassima Ait-Daoud
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - David A. Gorelick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Bankole A. Johnson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (former affiliation)
| | - Chamindi Seneviratne
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- The Institute for Genome Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Craig F, Tenuta F, Rizzato V, Costabile A, Trabacca A, Montirosso R. Attachment-related dimensions in the epigenetic era: A systematic review of the human research. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 125:654-666. [PMID: 33727029 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, an increasing number of studies documented potential links between parental care and epigenetic mechanisms. The present systematic review focuses on the potential association and interrelationship between attachment-related dimensions and DNA methylation in human studies. We performed a literature review using electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCOhost. Thirteen papers were included in the review. Findings support significant associations between attachment-related dimensions and epigenetic status in studies which considered different populations, age ranges, attachment measures and peripheral tissues. Although research in this area is still under investigation, available results suggest that DNA methylation associated with attachment-related dimensions might affect the development of stress regulation system and social-emotional capacities, thus contributing to the emerging phenotypic outcomes. However, identifying mediator and moderator effects in the interrelationship between these parameters was problematic owing to heterogeneous methodologies. Finally, we discuss clinical implications, unanswered questions, and future directions for human development in epigenetics research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Craig
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Flaviana Tenuta
- Department of Culture, Education and Society, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Veronica Rizzato
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Angela Costabile
- Department of Culture, Education and Society, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Antonio Trabacca
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Unit for Severe Disabilities in Developmental Age and Young Adults, Brindisi, Italy.
| | - Rosario Montirosso
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Bosisio Parini, Italy
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Qadeer MI, Amar A, Huang YY, Min E, Galfalvy H, Hasnain S, Mann JJ. Association of serotonin system-related genes with homicidal behavior and criminal aggression in a prison population of Pakistani Origin. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1670. [PMID: 33462318 PMCID: PMC7813852 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81198-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), 5-HT2A (HTR2A) and 5-HT2B (HTR2B) recepter genes, express proteins that are important regulators of serotonin reuptake and signaling, and thereby may contribute to the pathogenesis of aggressive criminal behavior. 370 sentenced murderers in Pakistani prisons and 359 men without any history of violence or criminal delinquency were genotyped for six candidate polymorphisms in SLC6A4, HTR2A and HTR2B genes. An association of higher expressing L/L and LA/LA variants of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism was observed with homicidal behavior (bi-allelic: OR = 1.29, p = 0.016, tri-allelic: OR = 1.32, p = 0.015) and in the murderer group only with response to verbal abuse (OR = 2.11, p = 0.015), but not with other measures of self-reported aggression. L/L and LA/LA genotypes of the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism were associated with higher aggression scores on STAX1 scale of aggression compared to lower expressing genotypes (S/S, S/LG, LG/LG) in prison inmates. No associations were apparent for other serotonergic gene polymorphisms analyzed. Using the Braineac and GTEx databases, we demonstrated significant eQTL based functional effects for rs25531 in HTTLPR and other serotonergic polymorphisms analyzed in different brain regions and peripheral tissues. In conclusion, these findings implicate SLC6A4* HTTLPR as a major genetic determinant associated with criminal aggression. Future studies are needed to replicate this finding and establish the biologic intermediate phenotypes mediating this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran Qadeer
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Khyaban-e-Jamia Punjab, Lahore, 54600, Pakistan. .,Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Ali Amar
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Yung-Yu Huang
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eli Min
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hanga Galfalvy
- Mental Health Data Science Division, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Shahida Hasnain
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Khyaban-e-Jamia Punjab, Lahore, 54600, Pakistan
| | - J John Mann
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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Khan HL, Bhatti S, Abbas S, Khan YL, Gonzalez RMM, Aslamkhan M, Gonzalez GR, Aydin HH. Serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) genotypes and trinucleotide repeats of androgen receptor exert a combinatorial effect on hormonal milieu in patients with lifelong premature ejaculation. Andrology 2018; 6:916-926. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H. L. Khan
- Lahore Institute of Fertility and Endocrinology; Hameed Latif Hospital; Lahore Pakistan
| | - S. Bhatti
- Lahore Institute of Fertility and Endocrinology; Hameed Latif Hospital; Lahore Pakistan
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular biology; University of Health Sciences; Lahore Pakistan
- Department of Medical Education; Rashid Latif Medical College; Lahore Pakistan
| | - S. Abbas
- Lahore Institute of Fertility and Endocrinology; Hameed Latif Hospital; Lahore Pakistan
| | - Y. L. Khan
- Lahore Institute of Fertility and Endocrinology; Hameed Latif Hospital; Lahore Pakistan
| | - R. M. M. Gonzalez
- Centro de investigacion Biomedica de Occidente; IMSS; Uiversidad de Guadalajara; Guadalajara Jalisco Maxico
| | - M. Aslamkhan
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular biology; University of Health Sciences; Lahore Pakistan
| | - G. R. Gonzalez
- Universidad De Guadalajara CIBO; IMSS; Guadalajara Jalisco Maxico
| | - H. H. Aydin
- Department of Medical Biochemistry; Ege University School of Medicine; Bornova Izmir Turkey
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Role of the 5-HTTLPR and SNP Promoter Polymorphisms on Serotonin Transporter Gene Expression: a Closer Look at Genetic Architecture and In Vitro Functional Studies of Common and Uncommon Allelic Variants. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:5510-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9409-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Cengiz M, Okutan SN, Bayoglu B, Sakalli Kani A, Bayar R, Kocabasoglu N. Genetic Polymorphism of the Serotonin Transporter Gene, SLC6A4 rs16965628, Is Associated with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2015; 19:228-34. [DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2014.0319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mujgan Cengiz
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Saide Nur Okutan
- Department of Science, Institute of Forensic Science, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Burcu Bayoglu
- Department of Medical Biology, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Sakalli Kani
- Department of Psychiatry, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Reha Bayar
- Department of Psychiatry, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nese Kocabasoglu
- Department of Psychiatry, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Rose'meyer R. A review of the serotonin transporter and prenatal cortisol in the development of autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2013; 4:37. [PMID: 24103554 PMCID: PMC3852299 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-4-37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during early childhood has a profound effect not only on young children but on their families. Aside from the physical and behavioural issues that need to be dealt with, there are significant emotional and financial costs associated with living with someone diagnosed with ASD. Understanding how autism occurs will assist in preparing families to deal with ASD, if not preventing or lessening its occurrence. Serotonin plays a vital role in the development of the brain during the prenatal and postnatal periods, yet very little is known about the serotonergic systems that affect children with ASD. This review seeks to provide an understanding of the biochemistry and physiological actions of serotonin and its termination of action through the serotonin reuptake transporter (SERT). Epidemiological studies investigating prenatal conditions that can increase the risk of ASD describe a number of factors which elevate plasma cortisol levels causing such symptoms during pregnancy such as hypertension, gestational diabetes and depression. Because cortisol plays an important role in driving dysregulation of serotonergic signalling through elevating SERT production in the developing brain, it is also necessary to investigate the physiological functions of cortisol, its action during gestation and metabolic syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roselyn Rose'meyer
- School of Medical Sciences, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Parklands Drive, Southport, Queensland 4222, Australia.
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