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Vai B, Calesella F, Pelucchi A, Riberto M, Poletti S, Bechi M, Cavallaro R, Francesco B. Adverse childhood experiences differently affect Theory of Mind brain networks in schizophrenia and healthy controls. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 172:81-89. [PMID: 38367321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia (SZ) show impairments in both affective and cognitive dimensions of theory of mind (ToM). SZ are also particularly vulnerable to detrimental effect of adverse childhood experiences (ACE), influencing the overall course of the disorder and fostering poor social functioning. ACE associate with long-lasting detrimental effects on brain structure, function, and connectivity in regions involved in ToM. Here, we investigated whether ToM networks are differentially affected by ACEs in healthy controls (HC) and SZ, and if these effects can predict the disorder clinical outcome. 26 HC and 33 SZ performed a ToM task during an fMRI session. Whole-brain functional response and connectivity (FC) were extracted, investigating the interaction between ACEs and diagnosis. FC values significantly affected by ACEs were entered in a cross-validated LASSO regression predicting Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI), and task performance. ACEs and diagnosis showed a widespread interaction at both affective and cognitive tasks, including connectivity between vmPFC, ACC, precentral and postcentral gyri, insula, PCC, precuneus, parahippocampal gyrus, temporal pole, thalamus, and cerebellum, and functional response in the ACC, thalamus, parahippocampal gyrus and putamen. FC predicted the PANSS score, the fantasy dimension of IRI, and the AToM response latency. Our results highlight the crucial role of early stress in differentially shaping ToM related brain networks in HC and SZ. These effects can also partially explain the clinical and behavioral outcomes of the disorder, extending our knowledge of the effects of ACEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Vai
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy.
| | - Federico Calesella
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Alice Pelucchi
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Martina Riberto
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Poletti
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Margherita Bechi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Roberto Cavallaro
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy; Department of Clinical Neurosciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Benedetti Francesco
- Psychiatry and Clinical Psychobiology, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
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Hsu JH, Tan CH, Yu RL. Impact of catechol-O-methyltransferase genetic polymorphisms and age on empathy. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03434-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Interaction between the BDNF rs11030101 genotype and job stress on cognitive empathy. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:442-448. [PMID: 35429536 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Empathy refers to an individual's ability to experience the emotional and cognitive processes of another person during social interactions. Although many studies have examined the effects of genetic variation on emotional empathy, little is currently known about whether genetic factors may influence cognitive empathy. This study investigated the relationship between BDNF rs11030101 genotype, job stress, and empathy, especially cognitive empathy, in a Chinese Han population. METHODS A cross-sectional design was used and 340 participants were recruited from a university in Beijing. Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) was used to measure empathy. Job stress was measured using House and Rizzo's Job Stress Scale. The BDNF rs11030101 was genotyped in all participants. RESULTS Gender and age were associated with various IRI subscales (p < 0.001). After controlling for gender, age and education level, BDNF rs11030101 genotype had no main effect on all empathy subscales (p > 0.05). Job stress was negatively associated with Perspective Taking (p = 0.006) and positively associated with Personal Distress (p < 0.001). In addition, the BDNF rs11030101 genotype modulated the relationship between job stress and Fantasy (p = 0.013), indicating that T allele carriers had higher Fantasy scores at higher job stress and lower Fantasy scores at lower job stress than AA homozygotes. This interaction was only present in women. LIMITATIONS The sample size and single-nucleotide polymorphism are limited, and the cross-sectional design should be improved. CONCLUSIONS Female university faculty with the BDNF rs11030101 T allele may utilize higher emotional job demands, thereby fostering their cognitive empathy.
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Misir E, Ozbek MM, Halac E, Turan S, Alkas GE, Ciray RO, Ermis C. The effects of catechol-O-methyltransferase single nucleotide polymorphisms on positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Psych J 2022; 11:779-791. [PMID: 35642295 DOI: 10.1002/pchj.562] [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: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is thought to have an important role in the etiopathogenesis of schizophrenia, but there are conflicting results regarding its role in clinical presentation. We aimed to elucidate the relationship between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the COMT gene and the severity of positive and negative symptoms. In order to investigate the relationship, the PubMed, PubMed Central, Scopus, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were screened for eligible articles. Thirty-eight studies, including 4443 adult patients with schizophrenia, were included in the quantitative analyses, and four studies were qualitatively assessed. Quantitative analyses were performed for acutely ill and clinically stable patient subgroups regarding the different genotypes of rs4680 SNP. Our results showed that the severity of negative symptoms was higher in patients who were rs4680 Met homozygous compared to Val/Met heterozygotes only in acutely ill samples. There was no other significant difference between genotypes. Meta-regression did not reveal any significant moderator effect on the difference in negative symptoms. General psychopathology, positive, negative, and total psychotic symptom levels also were similar between Val homozygotes and Met carriers. Nonetheless, there are some limitations in the study. First, SNPs except for rs4680 were under-researched because of the limited number of studies. Second, high heterogeneity across studies was the main concern. Our results suggested that the COMT rs4680 Met allele was associated with higher levels of negative symptoms within acutely ill patients. Future studies should focus on specific patient subgroups to reveal the moderating effects of SNPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emre Misir
- Department of Psychiatry, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Eren Halac
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Serkan Turan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Gokce Elif Alkas
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Bakırköy Mazhar Osman Mental Health and Neurological Diseases Education and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Remzi Ogulcan Ciray
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Mardin State Hospital, Mardin, Turkey
| | - Cagatay Ermis
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic, Diyarbakır Children Hospital, Diyarbakır, Turkey
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Huetter FK, Moehlendick B, Knop D, Siffert W. Lack of association of common polymorphisms linked to empathic behavior with self-reported trait empathy in healthy volunteers. Horm Behav 2020; 126:104841. [PMID: 32828797 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a previously specified sample of 421 healthy subjects, we found associations of a common oxytocin receptor (OXTR) polymorphism with self-reported trait empathy. In this study, we used this sample to explore polymorphisms in other genes which have been frequently linked to empathic behavior for associations with self-reported trait empathy: CD38 (CD38), involved in oxytocin secretion, the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4), the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) and the corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1). METHODS We genotyped our sample for the following common polymorphisms: rs3796863 in the CD38 gene, 5-HTTLPR in the SLC6A4 gene, rs4680 in the COMT gene and rs242924 in the CRHR1 gene. Dispositional empathy was tested using Davis' Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). We used a Bonferroni corrected alpha level of p = 0.002 to adjust for multiple comparisons. RESULTS None of the genotypes were associated with any of the IRI scales for the complete sample (n = 421) or for the sub-groups of male (n = 213) and female (n = 190) participants. Our sample of 421 participants achieved 95% power to detect effects greater than r = ±0.18. For smaller effects, however, false negatives could not be rejected with equal confidence as false positives. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that an association between the four polymorphisms with trait empathy measured by the IRI may not be present. We propose that the associations that have been found in other studies can be largely explained by differences in empathy-related constructs and measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Korbinian Huetter
- Institut für Pharmakogenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany.
| | - Birte Moehlendick
- Institut für Pharmakogenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Dietmar Knop
- Institut für Transfusionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Winfried Siffert
- Institut für Pharmakogenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg Essen, D-45122 Essen, Germany
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Barlati S, Minelli A, Ceraso A, Nibbio G, Carvalho Silva R, Deste G, Turrina C, Vita A. Social Cognition in a Research Domain Criteria Perspective: A Bridge Between Schizophrenia and Autism Spectra Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:806. [PMID: 33005149 PMCID: PMC7485015 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia and autism spectra disorders are currently conceptualized as distinct clinical categories. However, the relationship between these two nosological entities has been revisited in recent years due to the evidence that they share some important clinical and neurobiological features, putting into question the nature and the extent of their commonalities and differences. In this respect, some core symptoms that are present in both disorders, such as social cognitive deficits, could be a primary target of investigation. This review briefly summarizes the commonalities and overlapping features between schizophrenia and autism spectra disorders in social cognitive functions, considering this construct in a Research Domain Criteria perspective. The clinical manifestation of deficits in social cognition are similar in schizophrenia spectrum disorders and autism spectrum disorders, and brain areas that appear to be altered in relation to these impairments are largely shared; however, the results of various studies suggest that, in some cases, the qualitative nature of these alterations may be different in the two spectra. Moreover, relevant differences could be present at the level of brain networks and connections. More research is required in this field, regarding molecular and genetic aspects of both spectra, to better define the neurobiological mechanisms involved in social cognition deficits, with the objective of developing specific and targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Barlati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, and Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Minelli
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Anna Ceraso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Nibbio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Rosana Carvalho Silva
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Deste
- Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Cesare Turrina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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Hill LD, Lorenzetti MS, Lyle SM, Fins AI, Tartar A, Tartar JL. Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism associates with affect and cortisol levels in women. Brain Behav 2018; 8:e00883. [PMID: 29484256 PMCID: PMC5822566 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction We tested the extent to which the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism is associated with affective state and evening cortisol levels. We limited our study to women as previous research suggests that the link between COMT genotype and psychological health is entangled by sex differences. Materials and Methods The participants were assessed on measures of anxiety, mood disturbance, depressive symptomatology, and perceived stress. We also evaluated participants on a quality of life measures that included two emotion domains and two physical domains (physical health and environment). Results We found that under normal (nonstress) conditions, the COMT A allele (Met carriers, higher dopamine) associates with healthier affect and lower afternoon cortisol levels in women. These effects were limited to affective measures and not to physical or environmental quality of life. Conclusions These findings help to shed light on the complex nature of COMT and emotion, and suggest that both sex and task condition (stress vs. nonstress) should be considered when examining the relationship between COMT genotype and emotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren D. Hill
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceNova Southeastern UniversityFort LauderdaleFLUSA
| | - Margaret S. Lorenzetti
- Department of Clinical and School PsychologyNova Southeastern UniversityFort LauderdaleFLUSA
| | - Sarah M. Lyle
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceNova Southeastern UniversityFort LauderdaleFLUSA
| | - Ana I. Fins
- Department of Clinical and School PsychologyNova Southeastern UniversityFort LauderdaleFLUSA
| | - Aurélien Tartar
- Department of Biological SciencesNova Southeastern UniversityFort LauderdaleFLUSA
| | - Jaime L. Tartar
- Department of Psychology and NeuroscienceNova Southeastern UniversityFort LauderdaleFLUSA
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Tylec A, Jeleniewicz W, Mortimer A, Bednarska-Makaruk M, Kucharska K. Interaction Between Val158Met Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Polymorphism and Social Cognitive Functioning in Schizophrenia: Pilot Study. Ann Hum Genet 2017; 81:267-275. [PMID: 28856668 DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Tylec
- Department of Psychiatry; Medical University of Lublin; Lublin Poland
| | - Witold Jeleniewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology; Medical University of Lublin; Lublin Poland
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Jiménez KM, Pereira-Morales AJ, Forero DA. Val158Met polymorphism in the COMT gene is associated with hypersomnia and mental health-related quality of life in a Colombian sample. Neurosci Lett 2017; 644:43-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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The impacts of Val158Met in Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene on moral permissibility and empathic concern. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Yildirim BO, Derksen JJL. Mesocorticolimbic dopamine functioning in primary psychopathy: A source of within-group heterogeneity. Psychiatry Res 2015; 229:633-77. [PMID: 26277034 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite similar emotional deficiencies, primary psychopathic individuals can be situated on a continuum that spans from controlled to disinhibited. The constructs on which primary psychopaths are found to diverge, such as self-control, cognitive flexibility, and executive functioning, are crucially regulated by dopamine (DA). As such, the goal of this review is to examine which specific alterations in the meso-cortico-limbic DA system and corresponding genes (e.g., TH, DAT, COMT, DRD2, DRD4) might bias development towards a more controlled or disinhibited expression of primary psychopathy. Based on empirical data, it is argued that primary psychopathy is generally related to a higher tonic and population activity of striatal DA neurons and lower levels of D2-type DA receptors in meso-cortico-limbic projections, which may boost motivational drive towards incentive-laden goals, dampen punishment sensitivity, and increase future reward-expectancy. However, increasingly higher levels of DA activity in the striatum (moderate versus pathological elevations), lower levels of DA functionality in the prefrontal cortex, and higher D1-to-D2-type receptor ratios in meso-cortico-limbic projections may lead to increasingly disinhibited and impetuous phenotypes of primary psychopathy. Finally, in order to provide a more coherent view on etiological mechanisms, we discuss interactions between DA and serotonin that are relevant for primary psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bariş O Yildirim
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Radboud University Nijmegen, De Kluyskamp 1002, 6545 JD Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan J L Derksen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Room: A.07.04B, Radboud University Nijmegen, Montessorilaan 3, 6525 HR Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Differential influence of 5-HTTLPR - polymorphism and COMT Val158Met - polymorphism on emotion perception and regulation in healthy women. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2014; 20:516-24. [PMID: 24685226 DOI: 10.1017/s135561771400023x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Converging evidence indicates that a considerable amount of variance in self-estimated emotional competency can be directly attributed to genetic factors. The current study examined the associations between the polymorphisms of the Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT Met158Val) and the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) and specific measures of the self-estimated effectiveness of an individual's emotion perception and regulation. Emotional competence was measured in a large sample of 289 healthy women by using the Self-report Emotional Ability Scale (SEAS), which includes two subscales for the assessment of emotion perception and regulation in the intra-personal domain and two subscales for the assessment of emotion perception and regulation in the inter-personal domain. Participants' reports of effective emotion regulation in everyday life were associated with the COMT Met-allele, with women homozygous for the Val-allele scoring lowest on this scale. Self-estimated effectiveness of emotion perception of the individual's own emotions was related to the 5-HTTLPR. Both homozygous groups (s/s and l/l) rated their intra-personal emotion perception less effective than participants in the heterozygous s/l group. Taken together, the results indicate that genetic variants of the COMT and 5HTTLPR genes are differentially associated with specific measures of the self-estimated effectiveness of an individual's emotion perception and regulation in the intra-personal domain.
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