A functional polymorphism in the promoter region of MAOA gene is associated with daytime sleepiness in healthy subjects

Protocol for Characterization of Addiction and Dual Disorders: Effectiveness of Coadjuvant Chronotherapy in Patients with Partial Response

This protocol aims to characterize patients with dual disorders (DD; comorbid major depression and schizophrenia) compared with patients with only a diagnosis of substance use disorder (SUD) and those with only a diagnosis of severe mental illness (SMI; major depression and schizophrenia), evaluating clinical and personality characteristics, circadian rhythmic functioning, genetic polymorphism and neuropsychological performance in order to obtain a clinical endophenotype of differential vulnerability for these diagnostic entities. Patients will be divided into three groups: DD (45 men with comorbid schizophrenia, 45 men and 30 women with major depression), SUD (n = 90, with a minimum of 30 women) and SMI males (45 with schizophrenia, 45 with major depression). All patients will be under treatment, with at least three months of SUD abstinence and/or with SMI in remission or with stabilized symptoms. Outpatients of both sexes with insufficient restoration of circadian rhythmicity with SUD (n = 30) and dual depression (n = 30) will be asked to participate in a second two-month study, being alternately assigned to the condition of the chronobiological adjuvant approach to the treatment of regular hour habits and exposure to light or to the usual treatment (control). The effect of the intervention and patient compliance will be monitored with a Kronowise KW6® ambulatory device during the first two weeks of treatment and again at weeks 4 and 8 weeks. After completing the evaluation, follow-up of the clinical evolution will be carried out at 3, 6 and 12 months. This project will allow us to analyze the functional impact of DD comorbidity and to develop the first study of chronobiological therapy in the treatment of SUD and dual depression, with results transferable to the clinical setting with cost-effective recommendations for a personalized approach.

Association Between a Functional Polymorphism in the Monoamine Oxidase A (MAOA) Gene and Both Emotional Coping Style and Neuroticism

Background:

Identification of novel genetic factors for Depressive Disorders (DD) represents a major challenge around the world. Molecular studies of endophenotypes associated with DD, such as personality traits and coping, are powerful strategies for finding genetic markers.

Objective:

The main objective of this work was to confirm the potential relationship between a functional polymorphism in the monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene and scores in coping and neuroticism in young adults.

Methods:

A Colombian sample of two hundred fifty-one young participants was evaluated with the short forms of the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS-SF) and the Big Five Inventory (BFI-S). Genotypes for MAOA-VNTR polymorphism were obtained by PCR.

Results:

A significant relationship between the functional MAOA-VNTR polymorphism and scores in both emotion-oriented coping and neuroticism was found. Individuals carrying the 4 allele (3/4 or 4/4 genotypes) had higher scores for both emotion-oriented coping and neuroticism than individuals with a 3/3 genotype.

Conclusion:

Our current findings are novel in terms of being the first report of a relationship between a functional polymorphism in the MAOA gene and coping and add evidence to the association of this gene with neuroticism. Our results expand the associations between MAOA gene and multiple dimensions of human emotion and personality.

[Postpartum depression: association with genetic polymorphisms of noradrenaline metabolic enzymes and the risk factors]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the association of genetic polymorphisms of norepinephrine metabolizing enzymes with postpartum depression and analyze the risk factors for postpartum depression in women following cesarean section.

METHODS

A total of 591 Chinese woman of Han Nationality undergoing caesarean section were enrolled in this study. The diagnosis of postpartum depression was established for an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥9. For all the women without antepartum depression, the genotypes of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT; at 5 sites including rs2020917 and rs737865) and monoamine oxidase A (rs6323) were determined using Sequenom^? Mass Array single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis. We analyzed the contribution of the genetic factors (SNPs, linkage disequilibrium and haplotype) to postpartum depression and performed logistic regression analysis to identify all the potential risk factors for postpartum depression and define the interactions between the genetic and environmental factors.

RESULTS

The incidence of postpartum depression was 18.1% in this cohort. Univariate analysis suggested that COMT polymorphism at rs2020917 (TT genotype) and rs737865 (GG genotype) were significantly correlated with the occurrence of postpartum depression (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that COMT polymorphism at rs2020917 (TT genotype) and rs737865 (GG genotype), severe stress during pregnancy, and domestic violence were the risk factors for postpartum depression (P < 0.05); no obvious interaction was found between the genetic polymorphisms and the environmental factors in the occurrence of postpartum depression.

CONCLUSIONS

The rs2020917TT and rs737865GG genotypes of COMT, stress in pregnancy, and domestic violence are the risk factors for postpartum depression.

Two dopaminergic genes, DRD4 and SLC6A3, are associated with body mass index in a Colombian sample of young adults

Obesity is becoming an epidemic in Latin American countries. Genetic analyses of endophenotypes for obesity, such as body mass index (BMI), are quite useful for research. In this study, we analysed two functional polymorphisms in the dopamine receptor 4 (DRD4) and dopamine transporter (SLC6A3) genes. A sample of 232 Colombian young subjects were recruited and evaluated for BMI. Two functional polymorphisms in the DRD4 and SLC6A3 and genes were genotyped by PCR and electrophoresis. A significant association was found between BMI and the polymorphisms in DRD4 and SLC6A3 genes. DRD4 4/4 genotype was associated with a lower mean BMI and SLC6A3 10/10 genotype was associated with a higher mean BMI. Our work provides additional novel findings about the association of dopaminergic genes with BMI in healthy young adults. In addition, our study is one the first analyses of candidate genes for BMI in Latin American samples.

A Functional Polymorphism in the DRD1 Gene, That Modulates Its Regulation by miR-504, Is Associated with Depressive Symptoms

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to examine a possible association between depressive symptoms and a functional polymorphism (rs686) that modulates the regulation of DRD1 gene by miR-504.

METHODS

A total of 239 young Colombian subjects were evaluated with the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale and genotyped for the rs686 polymorphism. A linear regression model, corrected by age and gender, was used.

RESULTS

A significant association between the rs686 polymorphism and PHQ-9 scores was found, under a dominant genetic model (p=0.0094).

CONCLUSION

These results provide novel evidence about the growing role of inherited variants in binding sites for brain-expressed miRNAs on depressive symptomatology.

Situation Awareness Performance in Healthy Young Adults Is Associated With a Serotonin Transporter Gene Polymorphism

Background Situation awareness (SA) is defined in three levels: SA1 is the perception of the elements in a specific context, SA2 is the comprehension of their meaning, and SA3 is the projection of their status. Purpose To analyze the possible association of a genetic polymorphism in the serotonin transporter ( SLC6A4) gene and performance on the Situational Awareness test (SAtest). Methods SAtest was applied to a sample of 230 healthy Colombian subjects, using the Psychology Experiment Building Language platform and a functional polymorphism in the SLC6A4 gene was genotyped by polymerase chain reaction. Results In the SA1 level, s/s genotype carriers had worse accuracy, in comparison with s/l and l/l genotypes. At SA2 level, l/l genotype carriers had better accuracy than s/s and s/l individuals and that in the SA3 level, l/l carriers also had better accuracy. These associations were significant after correction for multiple testing. Conclusions It is possible that l/l carriers have a better ability to perceive and focus their attention on the elements of their environment and to have the capacity to understand and predict what will happen with those elements. This is the first genetic study of SA performance in healthy participants. Additional investigations of other genes could contribute to the understanding of the molecular correlates of SA in healthy subjects and in neuropsychiatric patients.

Dad's Snoring May Have Left Molecular Scars in Your DNA: the Emerging Role of Epigenetics in Sleep Disorders

The sleep-wake cycle is a biological phenomena under the orchestration of neurophysiological, neurochemical, neuroanatomical, and genetical mechanisms. Moreover, homeostatic and circadian processes participate in the regulation of sleep across the light-dark period. Further complexity of the understanding of the genesis of sleep engages disturbances which have been characterized and classified in a variety of sleep-wake cycle disorders. The most prominent sleep alterations include insomnia as well as excessive daytime sleepiness. On the other side, several human diseases have been linked with direct changes in DNA, such as chromatin configuration, genomic imprinting, DNA methylation, histone modifications (acetylation, methylation, ubiquitylation or sumoylation, etc.), and activating RNA molecules that are transcribed from DNA but not translated into proteins. Epigenetic theories primarily emphasize the interaction between the environment and gene expression. According to these approaches, the environment to which mammals are exposed has a significant role in determining the epigenetic modifications occurring in chromosomes that ultimately would influence not only development but also the descendants' physiology and behavior. Thus, what makes epigenetics intriguing is that, unlike genetic variation, modifications in DNA are altered directly by the environment and, in some cases, these epigenetic changes may be inherited by future generations. Thus, it is likely that epigenetic phenomena might contribute to the homeostatic and/or circadian control of sleep and, possibly, have an undescribed link with sleep disorders. An exciting new horizon of research is arising between sleep and epigenetics since it represents the relevance of the study of how the genome learns from its experiences and modulates behavior, including sleep.

Functional and Genomic Features of Human Genes Mutated in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

Background:

In recent years, a large number of studies around the world have led to the identification of causal genes for hereditary types of common and rare neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Objective:

To explore the functional and genomic features of known human genes mutated in neuropsychiatric disorders.

Methods:

A systematic search was used to develop a comprehensive catalog of genes mutated in neuropsychiatric disorders (NPD). Functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction analyses were carried out. A false discovery rate approach was used for correction for multiple testing.

Results:

We found several functional categories that are enriched among NPD genes, such as gene ontologies, protein domains, tissue expression, signaling pathways and regulation by brain-expressed miRNAs and transcription factors. Sixty six of those NPD genes are known to be druggable. Several topographic parameters of protein-protein interaction networks and the degree of conservation between orthologous genes were identified as significant among NPD genes.

Conclusion:

These results represent one of the first analyses of enrichment of functional categories of genes known to harbor mutations for NPD. These findings could be useful for a future creation of computational tools for prioritization of novel candidate genes for NPD.

Development of Novel High-Resolution Melting-Based Assays for Genotyping Two Alu Insertion Polymorphisms (FXIIIB and PV92)

Insertion/Deletion polymorphisms (InDels) are a common type of genetic variation, with a growing role in population genetics and applied genomics. There is the need for the development of novel cost-effective assays for genotyping InDels of high importance. The main objective of this study was to develop high-resolution melting-based assays for genotyping two commonly studied Alu insertion polymorphisms: FXIIIB and PV92 (rs70942849 and rs3138523). Three primers (two forward and one reverse) were designed for each marker, and high-resolution melting (HRM) analyses in a qPCR platform were performed, using EvaGreen fluorescent dye. For each one of the two Alu insertion polymorphisms, HRM analyses identified distinguishable peaks for the three genotypes, allowing a robust genotyping. Results were validated using 96 DNA samples previously genotyped and the assays worked with different DNA concentrations. In this study, we developed novel cost-effective assays, using qPCR, for genotyping two Alu insertion polymorphisms (widely used as ancestry markers). Our results highlight the feasibility of using HRM analyses for genotyping InDel polymorphisms of medical and biotechnological importance.

Ischemic Stroke and Six Genetic Variants in CRP, EPHX2, FGA, and NOTCH3 Genes: A Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. As genetic heritability for IS is estimated at about 35%-40%, the identification of genetic variants associated with IS risk is of great importance. The main objective of this study was to carry out a meta-analysis for polymorphisms in CRP, EPHX2, FGA, and NOTCH3 genes and the risk for IS.

METHODS

Literature search for 6 candidate polymorphisms and IS was conducted using HuGE Navigator, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Meta-Analyst program was used to calculate pooled odds ratios (ORs) with a random effects model.

RESULTS

Twenty-five published studies for 6 candidate polymorphisms were included: CRP-rs1800947 (5 studies), CRP-rs1205 (3 studies), EPHX2-rs751141 (5 studies), FGA-rs6050 (6 studies), NOTCH3-rs3815188 (3 studies), and NOTCH3-rs1043994 (3 studies), for a total number of 7,825 IS cases and 56,532 control subjects. We did not find significant pooled ORs (P values > .05) for any of the genetic variants evaluated in this work.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis results did not show significant associations between these 6 polymorphisms in 4 candidate genes and IS, despite the functional role of some of these single nucleotide polymorphisms (e.g., rs6050 in FGA gene). Future studies are needed to identify additional main genetic risk factors for IS in different populations.

Sleep disturbance as detected by actigraphy in pre-pubertal juvenile monkeys receiving therapeutic doses of fluoxetine

Sleep disturbance is a reported side effect of antidepressant drugs in children. Using a nonhuman primate model of childhood selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy, sleep was studied quantitatively with actigraphy. Two 48-h sessions were recorded in the home cage environment of juvenile male rhesus monkeys at two and three years of age, after one and two years of treatment with a therapeutic dose of the SSRI fluoxetine, and compared to vehicle treated controls. A third session was conducted one year after discontinuation of treatment at four years of age. During treatment, the fluoxetine group demonstrated sleep fragmentation as indexed by a greater number of rest-activity transitions compared to controls. In addition fluoxetine led to more inactivity during the day as indexed by longer duration of rest periods and the reduced activity during these periods. The fluoxetine effect on sleep fragmentation, but not on daytime rest, was modified by the monkey's genotype for polymorphisms of monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), an enzyme that metabolizes serotonin. After treatment, the fluoxetine effect on nighttime rest-activity transitions persisted, but daytime activity was not affected. The demonstration in this nonhuman primate model of sleep disturbance in connection with fluoxetine treatment and specific genetic polymorphisms, and in the absence of diagnosed psychopathology, can help inform use of this drug in children.

Hypersomnia in Mood Disorders: a Rapidly Changing Landscape

Hypersomnia is commonly comorbid with depressive illness and is associated with treatment resistance, symptomatic relapse, and functional impairment. This review highlights recent changes in nosological classifications of hypersomnia. In addition, emergent findings regarding the neurobiologic underpinnings, assessment, and treatment of hypersomnia in mood disorders are reviewed, as well as the effects of hypersomnolence on illness course. Future strategies for research are proposed that may elucidate the causes of hypersomnia in mood disorders and lead to the development of improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Natural history of excessive daytime sleepiness: role of obesity, weight loss, depression, and sleep propensity

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is highly prevalent in the general population and is associated with occupational and public safety hazards. However, no study has examined the clinical and polysomnographic (PSG) predictors of the natural history of EDS.

DESIGN

Representative longitudinal study.

SETTING

Sleep laboratory.

PARTICIPANTS

From a random, general population sample of 1,741 individuals of the Penn State Adult Cohort, 1,395 were followed up after 7.5 years.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Full medical evaluation and 1-night PSG at baseline and standardized telephone interview at follow-up. The incidence of EDS was 8.2%, while its persistence and remission were 38% and 62%, respectively. Obesity and weight gain were associated with the incidence and persistence of EDS, while weight loss was associated with its remission. Significant interactions between depression and PSG parameters on incident EDS showed that, in depressed individuals, incident EDS was associated with sleep disturbances, while in non-depressed individuals, incident EDS was associated with increased physiologic sleep propensity. Diabetes, allergy/ asthma, anemia, and sleep complaints also predicted the natural history of EDS.

CONCLUSIONS

Obesity, a disorder of epidemic proportions, is a major risk factor for the incidence and chronicity of EDS, while weight loss is associated with its remission. Interestingly, objective sleep disturbances predict incident EDS in depressed individuals, whereas physiologic sleep propensity predicts incident EDS in those without depression. Weight management and treatment of depression and sleep disorders should be part of our public health policies.

Sleep patterns in male juvenile monkeys are influenced by gestational iron deprivation and monoamine oxidase A genotype

Individual differences in sleep patterns of children may have developmental origins. In the present study, two factors known to influence behavioural development, monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genotype and prenatal Fe-deficient (ID) diet, were examined for their influences on sleep patterns in juvenile rhesus monkeys. Sleep patterns were assessed based on a threshold for inactivity as recorded by activity monitors. Pregnant monkeys were fed diets containing either 100 parts per million (ppm) Fe (Fe sufficient, IS) or 10 ppm Fe (ID). At 3-4 months of age, male offspring were genotyped for polymorphisms of the MAOA gene that lead to high or low transcription. At 1 and 2 years of age, sleep patterns were assessed. Several parameters of sleep architecture changed with age. At 1 year of age, monkeys with the low-MAOA genotype demonstrated a trend towards more sleep episodes at night compared with those with the high-MAOA genotype. When monkeys reached 2 years of age, prenatal ID reversed this trend; ID in the low-MAOA group resulted in sleep fragmentation, more awakenings at night and more sleep episodes during the day when compared with prenatal IS in this genotype. The ability to consolidate sleep during the dark cycle was disrupted by prenatal ID, specifically in monkeys with the low-MAOA genotype.

No Association of BDNF, COMT, MAOA, SLC6A3, and SLC6A4 Genes and Depressive Symptoms in a Sample of Healthy Colombian Subjects

Background. Major depressive disorder (MDD) is the second cause of years lived with disability around the world. A large number of studies have been carried out to identify genetic risk factors for MDD and related endophenotypes, mainly in populations of European and Asian descent, with conflicting results. The main aim of the current study was to analyze the possible association of five candidate genes and depressive symptoms in a Colombian sample of healthy subjects. Methods and Materials. The Spanish adaptation of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was applied to one hundred eighty-eight healthy Colombian subjects. Five functional polymorphisms were genotyped using PCR-based assays: BDNF-Val66Met (rs6265), COMT-Val158Met (rs4680), SLC6A4-HTTLPR (rs4795541), MAOA-uVNTR, and SLC6A3-VNTR (rs28363170). Result. We did not find significant associations with scores of depressive symptoms, derived from the HADS, for any of the five candidate genes (nominal p values >0.05). In addition, we did not find evidence of significant gene-gene interactions. Conclusion. This work is one of the first studies of candidate genes for depressive symptoms in a Latin American sample. Study of additional genetic and epigenetic variants, taking into account other pathophysiological theories, will help to identify novel candidates for MDD in populations around the world.

Neuropsychiatric genetics in developing countries: Current challenges

Neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) constitute a heavy burden on public health systems around the world and studies have demonstrated that the negative impact of NPDs is larger in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs). In recent decades, several studies have come to the understanding that genetic factors play a major role in the risk for a large number of NPDs. However, few neuropsychiatric genetics studies have been published from LMICs. In this Editorial, we discuss important issues impinging on advances in neuropsychiatric genetics research in LMICs. It is essential that scientists educate policymakers and officials of funding agencies on the importance of providing adequate funding for research in these areas. Development of local well-supported research programs focused on NPD genetics should be an important asset to develop; it would facilitate the establishment of sustainable research efforts that could lead to appropriate diagnosis and specific, affordable and feasible interventions in LMICs. It is important to point out that research into the biological basis of human NPDs is not only an academic effort reserved for a few elite institutions in economically developed countries, but it is vitally important for the mental health of people around the world.