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Palagini L, Geoffroy PA, Gehrman PR, Miniati M, Gemignani A, Riemann D. Potential genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in insomnia: A systematic review. J Sleep Res 2023; 32:e13868. [PMID: 36918298 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Insomnia is a stress-related sleep disorder conceptualised within a diathesis-stress framework, which it is thought to result from predisposing factors interacting with precipitating stressful events that trigger the development of insomnia. Among predisposing factors genetics and epigenetics may play a role. A systematic review of the current evidence for the genetic and epigenetic basis of insomnia was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) system. A total of 24 studies were collected for twins and family heritability, 55 for genome-wide association studies, 26 about candidate genes for insomnia, and eight for epigenetics. Data showed that insomnia is a complex polygenic stress-related disorder, and it is likely to be caused by a synergy of genetic and environmental factors, with stress-related sleep reactivity being the important trait. Even if few studies have been conducted to date on insomnia, epigenetics may be the framework to understand long-lasting consequences of the interaction between genetic and environmental factors and effects of stress on the brain in insomnia. Interestingly, polygenic risk for insomnia has been causally linked to different mental and medical disorders. Probably, by treating insomnia it would be possible to intervene on the effect of stress on the brain and prevent some medical and mental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Palagini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Psychiatry, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana AUOP, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pierre A Geoffroy
- Département de Psychiatrie et D'Addictologie, AP-HP, GHU Paris Nord, DMU Neurosciences, Hopital Bichat - Claude Bernard, Paris, France
- GHU Paris - Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, NeuroDiderot, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Philip R Gehrman
- Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mario Miniati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Psychiatry, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana AUOP, Pisa, Italy
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Unit of Psychology, Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana AUOP, Pisa, Italy
| | - Dieter Riemann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Marson F, Zampieri M, Verdone L, Bacalini MG, Ravaioli F, Morandi L, Chiarella SG, Vetriani V, Venditti S, Caserta M, Raffone A, Dotan Ben-Soussan T, Reale A. Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) is associated with DNA methylation changes at DNA repeats: A pilot study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293199. [PMID: 37878626 PMCID: PMC10599555 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The control of non-coding repeated DNA by DNA methylation plays an important role in genomic stability, contributing to health and healthy aging. Mind-body practices can elicit psychophysical wellbeing via epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation. However, in this context the effects of movement meditations have rarely been examined. Consequently, the current study investigates the effects of a specifically structured movement meditation, called the Quadrato Motor Training (QMT) on psychophysical wellbeing and on the methylation level of repeated sequences. An 8-week daily QMT program was administered to healthy women aged 40-60 years and compared with a passive control group matched for gender and age. Psychological well-being was assessed within both groups by using self-reporting scales, including the Meaning in Life Questionnaire [MLQ] and Psychological Wellbeing Scale [PWB]). DNA methylation profiles of repeated sequences (ribosomal DNA, LINE-1 and Alu) were determined in saliva samples by deep-sequencing. In contrast to controls, the QMT group exhibited increased Search for Meaning, decreased Presence of Meaning and increased Positive Relations, suggesting that QMT may lessen the automatic patterns of thinking. In the QMT group, we also found site-specific significant methylation variations in ribosomal DNA and LINE-1 repeats, consistent with increased genome stability. Finally, the correlations found between changes in methylation and psychometric indices (MLQ and PWB) suggest that the observed epigenetic and psychological changes are interrelated. Collectively, the current results indicate that QMT may improve psychophysical health trajectories by influencing the DNA methylation of specific repetitive sequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Marson
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti, Assisi, Italy
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Zampieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Verdone
- CNR Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Council of Research (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Bacalini
- Brain Aging Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Ravaioli
- Dep. of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine (DIMES), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luca Morandi
- Dep. of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Functional and Molecular Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Istituto Delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Salvatore Gaetano Chiarella
- Institute of Sciences and Technologies of Cognition (ISTC), National Council of Research (CNR), Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Vetriani
- Dept. of Biology and biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Venditti
- Dept. of Biology and biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Micaela Caserta
- CNR Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, National Council of Research (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Antonino Raffone
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Tal Dotan Ben-Soussan
- Research Institute for Neuroscience, Education and Didactics, Fondazione Patrizio Paoletti, Assisi, Italy
| | - Anna Reale
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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McKenna BG, Knight AK, Smith AK, Corwin EJ, Carter SE, Palmer RHC, Dunlop AL, Brennan PA. Infant epigenetic aging moderates the link between Black maternal childhood trauma and offspring symptoms of psychopathology. Dev Psychopathol 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37771149 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Although offspring of women exposed to childhood trauma exhibit elevated rates of psychopathology, many children demonstrate resilience to these intergenerational impacts. Among the variety of factors that likely contribute to resilience, epigenetic processes have been suggested to play an important role. The current study used a prospective design to test the novel hypothesis that offspring epigenetic aging - a measure of methylation differences that are associated with infant health outcomes - moderates the relationship between maternal exposure to childhood adversity and offspring symptomatology. Maternal childhood adversity was self-reported during pregnancy via the ACEs survey and the CTQ, which assessed total childhood trauma as well as maltreatment subtypes (i.e., emotional, physical, and sexual abuse). Offspring blood samples were collected at or shortly after birth and assayed on a DNA methylation microarray, and offspring symptomatology was assessed with the CBCL/1.5-5 when offspring were 2-4 years old. Results indicated that maternal childhood trauma, particularly sexual abuse, was predictive of offspring symptoms (ps = 0.003-0.03). However, the associations between maternal sexual abuse and offspring symptomatology were significantly attenuated in offspring with accelerated epigenetic aging. These findings further our understanding of how epigenetic processes may contribute to and attenuate the intergenerational link between stress and psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna K Knight
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alicia K Smith
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Sierra E Carter
- Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Anne L Dunlop
- School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Xie H, Shih CH, Aldoohan SD, Wall JT, Wang X. Hypothalamus volume mediates the association between adverse childhood experience and PTSD development after adulthood trauma. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:274. [PMID: 37542036 PMCID: PMC10403516 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02576-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamus is critical for regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and response to stress. Adverse childhood experience (ACE) can affect brain structure, which may contribute to development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after subsequent adult trauma. It is unclear, however, if ACE history is particularly associated with aspects of hypothalamic structure which contribute to development of PTSD. To address this issue, the present study longitudinally assessed hypothalamic volumes and their associations with ACE and early post-trauma stress symptoms in subjects who did or did not develop PTSD during 12 months after adult trauma. 109 subjects (18-60 years, F/M = 75/34) completed the PTSD Checklist (PCL) questionnaire for post-trauma stress symptoms, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) for ACE assessment, and an initial MRI brain scan for hypothalamic volume measurement, within 2 weeks after adult trauma. At post-trauma 12 months, subjects underwent a subsequent PTSD diagnosis interview using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS), and a follow-up MRI scan. Left and right hypothalamus volumes at 2 weeks after adult trauma negatively correlated with CTQ scores. Right hypothalamus volume at this early time mediated an association between ACE and PTSD symptoms 12 months later. Right hypothalamus volumes also remained persistently smaller from 2 weeks to 12 months after trauma in survivors who developed PTSD. These results suggest that smaller right hypothalamus volume may be related to ACE history in ways that contribute to PTSD development after trauma in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xie
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA.
| | - Chia-Hao Shih
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | | | - John T Wall
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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Bogin B. What makes people grow? Love and hope. J Physiol Anthropol 2023; 42:13. [PMID: 37443075 DOI: 10.1186/s40101-023-00330-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hope and love are popular themes of literature and art in many human societies. The human physiology of love and hope is less well understood. This review presents evidence that the lack of love and/or hope delays growth disturbs development and maturation and even kills. MAIN BODY Love and hope intersect in promoting healthy human development. Love provides a sense of security and attachment, which are necessary for healthy physical, cognitive, and emotional development. Hope provides a sense of optimism and resilience in the face of adversity. Loving relationships can foster a sense of hope in individuals and in society by providing support systems during difficult times. Similarly, having a sense of hope can make it easier to form loving relationships by providing individuals with the confidence to connect with others. Hope and love are the fundamental basis of human biocultural reproduction, which is the human style of cooperation in the production, feeding, and care of offspring. Examples are given of the association between human growth in height with love and hope, including (1) the global "Long Depression" of 1873-1896, (2) "hospitalism" and the abuse/neglect of infants and children, (3) adoption, (4) international migration, (5) colonial conquest, and (6) social, economic, and political change in Japan between 1970 and 1990. CONCLUSION Overall, this review suggests that love and hope are both critical factors in promoting healthy human development and that they intersect in complex ways to support emotional well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry Bogin
- UCSD/Salk Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA), San Diego, USA.
- School of Sport, Exercise & Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.
- University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, USA.
- Diversity Scholars Network, Ann Arbor, USA.
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Bottaccioli AG, Bottaccioli F. Come gli stati psichici si traducono in molecole biologiche e come questo cambia la medicina e la psicologia. PSICOTERAPIA E SCIENZE UMANE 2023. [DOI: 10.3280/pu2023-001012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
Nell'aprile del 2022 abbiamo pubblicato, su invito di una rivista internazionale di biologia molecolare, un'ampia review che riporta le principali evidenze scientifiche sul tema delle relazioni tra vita psichica e biologia, traendone alcune conclusioni di carattere generale sulla psicologia e la medicina (Bottaccioli, Bologna & Bottaccioli, 2022). Il presente articolo riprende alcuni dei passaggi fondamentali presentati in quella review e si collega a un precedente articolo pubblicato sul n. 4/2014 di Psicoterapia e Scienze Umane (Bottaccioli, 2014b), di cui rappresenta un aggiornamento. Dalla pubblicazione di quell'articolo le evidenze sperimentali e cliniche sull'influenza della psiche sui sistemi biologici si sono moltiplicate. Al tempo stesso, conosciamo meglio le vie e i meccanismi con cui gli stati psichici si traducono in biologia.
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Fries GR, Saldana VA, Finnstein J, Rein T. Molecular pathways of major depressive disorder converge on the synapse. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:284-297. [PMID: 36203007 PMCID: PMC9540059 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 99.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric disease of still poorly understood molecular etiology. Extensive studies at different molecular levels point to a high complexity of numerous interrelated pathways as the underpinnings of depression. Major systems under consideration include monoamines, stress, neurotrophins and neurogenesis, excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, mitochondrial dysfunction, (epi)genetics, inflammation, the opioid system, myelination, and the gut-brain axis, among others. This review aims at illustrating how these multiple signaling pathways and systems may interact to provide a more comprehensive view of MDD's neurobiology. In particular, considering the pattern of synaptic activity as the closest physical representation of mood, emotion, and conscience we can conceptualize, each pathway or molecular system will be scrutinized for links to synaptic neurotransmission. Models of the neurobiology of MDD will be discussed as well as future actions to improve the understanding of the disease and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel R. Fries
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Rd, Houston, TX 77054 USA ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6767 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Valeria A. Saldana
- grid.262285.90000 0000 8800 2297Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, 370 Bassett Road, North Haven, CT 06473 USA
| | - Johannes Finnstein
- grid.419548.50000 0000 9497 5095Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Project Group Molecular Pathways of Depression, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Theo Rein
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Project Group Molecular Pathways of Depression, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 10, 80804, Munich, Germany.
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Fowden AL, Vaughan OR, Murray AJ, Forhead AJ. Metabolic Consequences of Glucocorticoid Exposure before Birth. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14112304. [PMID: 35684104 PMCID: PMC9182938 DOI: 10.3390/nu14112304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids have an important role in development of the metabolic phenotype in utero. They act as environmental and maturational signals in adapting feto-placental metabolism to maximize the chances of survival both before and at birth. They influence placental nutrient handling and fetal metabolic processes to support fetal growth, fuel storage and energy production with respect to nutrient availability. More specifically, they regulate the transport, utilization and production of a range of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues that enables greater metabolic flexibility in utero while minimizing any further drain on maternal resources during periods of stress. Near term, the natural rise in fetal glucocorticoid concentrations also stimulates key metabolic adaptations that prepare tissues for the new energy demanding functions after birth. Glucocorticoids, therefore, have a central role in the metabolic communication between the mother, placenta and fetus that optimizes offspring metabolic phenotype for survival to reproductive age. This review discusses the effects of maternal and fetal glucocorticoids on the supply and utilization of nutrients by the feto-placental tissues with particular emphasis on studies using quantitative methods to assess metabolism in rodents and sheep in vivo during late pregnancy. It considers the routes of glucocorticoid overexposure in utero, including experimental administration of synthetic glucocorticoids, and the mechanisms by which these hormones control feto-placental metabolism at the molecular, cellular and systems levels. It also briefly examines the consequences of intrauterine glucocorticoid overexposure for postnatal metabolic health and the generational inheritance of metabolic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail L. Fowden
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Owen R. Vaughan
- EGA Institute for Women’s Health, University College London, London WC1E 6HX, UK;
| | - Andrew J. Murray
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
| | - Alison J. Forhead
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK; (A.J.M.); (A.J.F.)
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, UK
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Bottaccioli AG, Bologna M, Bottaccioli F. Psychic Life-Biological Molecule Bidirectional Relationship: Pathways, Mechanisms, and Consequences for Medical and Psychological Sciences—A Narrative Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073932. [PMID: 35409300 PMCID: PMC8999976 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, it is possible to investigate the biological paths and mechanisms that link mental life to biological life. Emotions, feelings, desires, and cognitions influence biological systems. In recent decades, psychoneuroendocrinoimmunology research has highlighted the routes linking the psyche–brain–immune systems. Recently, epigenetics research has shown the molecular mechanisms by which stress and mental states modulate the information contained in the genome. This research shapes a new paradigm considering the human being as a whole, integrating biology and psychology. This will allow us to progress towards personalized precision medicine, deeply changing medical and psychological sciences and clinical practice. In this paper, we recognize leading research on both bidirectional relations between the psyche–brain–immunity and molecular consequences of psychological and mental states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Giulia Bottaccioli
- Department of Psychology, University “Vita e Salute”, San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Italian Society of Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunology (SIPNEI), 00195 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Mauro Bologna
- Italian Society of Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunology (SIPNEI), 00195 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Francesco Bottaccioli
- Italian Society of Psycho-Neuro-Endocrine-Immunology (SIPNEI), 00195 Rome, Italy; (M.B.); (F.B.)
- Department of Medicine, Public Health, Life and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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Merabet N, Lucassen PJ, Crielaard L, Stronks K, Quax R, Sloot PMA, la Fleur SE, Nicolaou M. How exposure to chronic stress contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes: A complexity science approach. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 65:100972. [PMID: 34929260 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress contributes to the onset of type 2 diabetes (T2D), yet the underlying etiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Responses to stress are influenced by earlier experiences, sex, emotions and cognition, and involve a complex network of neurotransmitters and hormones, that affect multiple biological systems. In addition, the systems activated by stress can be altered by behavioral, metabolic and environmental factors. The impact of stress on metabolic health can thus be considered an emergent process, involving different types of interactions between multiple variables, that are driven by non-linear dynamics at different spatiotemporal scales. To obtain a more comprehensive picture of the links between chronic stress and T2D, we followed a complexity science approach to build a causal loop diagram (CLD) connecting the various mediators and processes involved in stress responses relevant for T2D pathogenesis. This CLD could help develop novel computational models and formulate new hypotheses regarding disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadège Merabet
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1012 GC, the Netherlands; Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1012 GC, the Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1012 GC, the Netherlands; Brain Plasticity Group, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Loes Crielaard
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1012 GC, the Netherlands
| | - Karien Stronks
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1012 GC, the Netherlands; Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1012 GC, the Netherlands
| | - Rick Quax
- Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1012 GC, the Netherlands; Computational Science Lab, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands
| | - Peter M A Sloot
- Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1012 GC, the Netherlands; Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1012 GC, the Netherlands; Computational Science Lab, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1098 XH, the Netherlands; National Centre of Cognitive Research, ITMO University, St. Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Susanne E la Fleur
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism & Laboratory of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Chemistry, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Metabolism and Reward Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, an Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Meibergdreef 47, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Mary Nicolaou
- Department of Public and Occupational Health, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Institute for Advanced Study, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1012 GC, the Netherlands; Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam 1012 GC, the Netherlands.
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11
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Dumas TC. Adult Health and Early Life Adversity: Behind the Curtains of Maternal Care Research. Front Physiol 2022; 13:804239. [PMID: 35309057 PMCID: PMC8928269 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.804239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The quality of one’s adult health and the chances of maintaining cognitive ability in aging stem directly from the quality of care one receives as an infant. Formal studies of maternal care can be traced back at least a century. Revelations of behavioral outcomes after maternal deprivation in primates were followed by discoveries of systemic and brain growth factors mediated by the caregiver–offspring relationship in rodents. More recently, much of the genetic/epigenetic bases of maternal care has been defined and positively linked to adult health and cognitive ability in senescence. The history of this field is both tragic and fascinating. The early primate work, while informative, was abusive. The initial rodent work was ridiculed before its importance was recognized. The final lesson learned is that infant/toddler care matters a lot. Today, we have a better understanding of the biology underlying maternal care and its transmission across generations as well as a scientific basis for massaging premature infants and hugging our children.
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12
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SAMe, Choline, and Valproic Acid as Possible Epigenetic Drugs: Their Effects in Pregnancy with a Special Emphasis on Animal Studies. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15020192. [PMID: 35215304 PMCID: PMC8879727 DOI: 10.3390/ph15020192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, we discuss the functions and main effects on pregnancy outcomes of three agents that have the ability to induce epigenetic modifications: valproic acid (VPA), a well-known teratogen that is a histone deacetylase inhibitor; S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), the most effective methyl donor; and choline, an important micronutrient involved in the one methyl group cycle and in the synthesis of SAMe. Our aim was to describe the possible effects of these compounds when administered during pregnancy on the developing embryo and fetus or, if administered postnatally, their effects on the developing child. These substances are able to modify gene expression and possibly alleviate neurobehavioral changes in disturbances that have epigenetic origins, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), depression, Rett syndrome, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Valproic acid and SAMe are antagonistic epigenetic modulators whether administered in utero or postnatally. However, VPA is a major human teratogen and, whenever possible, should not be used by pregnant women. Most currently relevant data come from experimental animal studies that aimed to explore the possibility of using these substances as epigenetic modifiers and possible therapeutic agents. In experimental animals, each of these substances was able to alleviate the severity of several well-known diseases by inducing changes in the expression of affected genes or by other yet unknown mechanisms. We believe that additional studies are needed to further explore the possibility of using these substances, and similar compounds, for the treatment of ”epigenetic human diseases”.
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