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Apostolou E, Rosén A. Epigenetic reprograming in myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome: A narrative of latent viruses. J Intern Med 2024. [PMID: 38693641 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a chronic disease presenting with severe fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and cognitive disturbances-among a spectrum of symptoms-that collectively render the patient housebound or bedbound. Epigenetic studies in ME/CFS collectively confirm alterations and/or malfunctions in cellular and organismal physiology associated with immune responses, cellular metabolism, cell death and proliferation, and neuronal and endothelial cell function. The sudden onset of ME/CFS follows a major stress factor that, in approximately 70% of cases, involves viral infection, and ME/CFS symptoms overlap with those of long COVID. Viruses primarily linked to ME/CFS pathology are the symbiotic herpesviruses, which follow a bivalent latent-lytic lifecycle. The complex interaction between viruses and hosts involves strategies from both sides: immune evasion and persistence by the viruses, and immune activation and viral clearance by the host. This dynamic interaction is imperative for herpesviruses that facilitate their persistence through epigenetic regulation of their own and the host genome. In the current article, we provide an overview of the epigenetic signatures demonstrated in ME/CFS and focus on the potential strategies that latent viruses-particularly Epstein-Barr virus-may employ in long-term epigenetic reprograming in ME/CFS. Epigenetic studies could aid in elucidating relevant biological pathways impacted in ME/CFS and reflect the physiological variations among the patients that stem from environmental triggers, including exogenous viruses and/or altered viral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Apostolou
- Division of Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anders Rosén
- Division of Cell and Neurobiology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Vieira TDS, Freitas FV, Silva Neto LCB, Borçoi AR, Mendes SO, Olinda AS, Moreno IAA, Quaioto BR, de Souza MLM, Barbosa WM, Arpini JK, Sorroche BP, de Assis Pinheiro J, Archanjo AB, dos Santos JG, Arantes LMRB, de Oliveira DR, da Silva AMA. An industrialized diet as a determinant of methylation in the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene promoter. Front Nutr 2024; 11:1168715. [PMID: 38633601 PMCID: PMC11021719 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2024.1168715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Dietary composition can modify gene expression, favoring the development of chronic diseases via epigenetic mechanisms. Objective Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between dietary patterns and NR3C1 gene methylation in users of the Brazilian Public Unified Health System (SUS). Methods We recruited 250 adult volunteers and evaluated their socioeconomic status, psychosocial characteristics, lifestyle, and anthropometrics. Peripheral blood was collected and evaluated for cortisol levels, glycemia, lipid profile, and insulin resistance; methylation of CpGs 40-47 of the 1F region of the NR3C1 gene was also measured. Factors associated with degree of methylation were evaluated using generalized linear models (p < 0.05). Lifestyle variables and health variables were included as confounding factors. Results The findings of our cross-sectional study indicated an association between NR3C1 DNA methylation and intake of processed foods. We also observed relevant associations of average NR3C1 DNA across the segment analyzed, methylation in component 1 (40-43), and methylation in component 2 (44-47) with a pattern of consumption of industrialized products in relation to BMI, serum cortisol levels, and lipid profile. These results may indicate a relationship between methylation and metabolic changes related to the stress response. Conclusion These findings suggest an association of methylation and metabolic alterations with stress response. In addition, the present study highlights the significant role of diet quality as a stress-inducing factor that influences NR3C1 methylation. This relationship is further linked to changes in psychosocial factors, lifestyle choices, and cardiometabolic variables, including glucose levels, insulin resistance, and hyperlipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamires dos Santos Vieira
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | | | - Aline Ribeiro Borçoi
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | - Amanda Sgrancio Olinda
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Ivana Alece Arantes Moreno
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Bárbara Risse Quaioto
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | - Wagner Miranda Barbosa
- Department of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Julia de Assis Pinheiro
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Anderson Barros Archanjo
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Adriana Madeira Alvares da Silva
- Program of Post-Graduation in Biotechnology/Renorbio, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
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Pietrangelo T, Cagnin S, Bondi D, Santangelo C, Marramiero L, Purcaro C, Bonadio RS, Di Filippo ES, Mancinelli R, Fulle S, Verratti V, Cheng X. Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome from current evidence to new diagnostic perspectives through skeletal muscle and metabolic disturbances. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14122. [PMID: 38483046 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a demanding medical condition for patients and society. It has raised much more public awareness after the COVID-19 pandemic since ME/CFS and long-COVID patients share many clinical symptoms such as debilitating chronic fatigue. However, unlike long COVID, the etiopathology of ME/CFS remains a mystery despite several decades' research. This review moves from pathophysiology of ME/CFS through the compelling evidence and most interesting hypotheses. It focuses on the pathophysiology of skeletal muscle by proposing the hypothesis that skeletal muscle tissue offers novel opportunities for diagnosis and treatment of this syndrome and that new evidence can help resolve the long-standing debate on terminology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziana Pietrangelo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Cagnin
- Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
- CIR-Myo Myology Center, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Danilo Bondi
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Carmen Santangelo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Marramiero
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Cristina Purcaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Ester Sara Di Filippo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Rosa Mancinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefania Fulle
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- IIM-Interuniversity Institute of Myology, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vittore Verratti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Xuanhong Cheng
- Department of Bioengineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
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Przybylowicz PK, Sokolowska KE, Rola H, Wojdacz TK. DNA Methylation Changes in Blood Cells of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients. J Pain Res 2023; 16:4025-4036. [PMID: 38054109 PMCID: PMC10695140 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s439412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Fibromyalgia (FM) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) affect 0.4% and 1% of society, respectively, and the prevalence of these pain syndromes is increasing. To date, no strong association between these syndromes and the genetic background of affected individuals has been shown. Therefore, it is plausible that epigenetic changes might play a role in the development of these syndromes. Patients and Methods Three previous studies have attempted to elaborate the involvement of genome-wide methylation changes in blood cells in the development of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. These studies included 22 patients with fibromyalgia and 127 patients with CFS, and the results of the studies were largely discrepant. Contradicting results of those studies may be attributed to differences in the omics data analysis approaches used in each study. We reanalyzed the data collected in these studies using an updated and coherent data-analysis framework. Results Overall, the methylation changes that we observed overlapped with previous results only to some extent. However, the gene set enrichment analyses based on genes annotated to methylation changes identified in each of the analyzed datasets were surprisingly coherent and uniformly associated with the physiological processes that, when affected, may result in symptoms characteristic of fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. Conclusion Methylomes of the blood cells of patients with FM and CFS in three independent studies have shown methylation changes that appear to be implicated in the pathogenesis of these syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hubert Rola
- Independent Clinical Epigenetics Laboratory, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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Fischer S, Kleinstäuber M, Fiori LM, Turecki G, Wagner J, von Känel R. DNA Methylation Signatures of Functional Somatic Syndromes: Systematic Review. Psychosom Med 2023; 85:672-681. [PMID: 37531610 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Functional somatic syndromes (FSS) are highly prevalent across all levels of health care. The fact that they are characterized by medically unexplained symptoms, such as fatigue and pain, raises the important question of their underlying pathophysiology. Psychosocial stress represents a significant factor in the development of FSS and can induce long-term modifications at the epigenetic level. The aim of this review was to systematically review, for the first time, whether individuals with FSS are characterized by specific alterations in DNA methylation. METHODS MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched from the first available date to September 2022. The inclusion criteria were as follows: a) adults fulfilling the research diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia syndrome, and/or irritable bowel syndrome; b) healthy control group; and c) candidate-gene or genome-wide study of DNA methylation. RESULTS Sixteen studies ( N = 957) were included. In candidate-gene studies, specific sites within NR3C1 were identified, which were hypomethylated in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome compared with healthy controls. In genome-wide studies in chronic fatigue syndrome, a hypomethylated site located to LY86 and hypermethylated sites within HLA-DQB1 were found. In genome-wide studies in fibromyalgia syndrome, differential methylation in sites related to HDAC4 , TMEM44 , KCNQ1 , SLC17A9 , PRKG1 , ALPK3 , TFAP2A , and LY6G5C was found. CONCLUSIONS Individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia syndrome seem to be characterized by altered DNA methylation of genes regulating cellular signaling and immune functioning. In chronic fatigue syndrome, there is preliminary evidence for these to be implicated in key pathophysiological alterations, such as hypocortisolism and low-grade inflammation, and to contribute to the debilitating symptoms these individuals experience. PREREGISTRATION PROSPERO identifier: CRD42022364720.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Fischer
- From the Institute of Psychology (Fischer), Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Department of Psychology, Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services (Kleinstäuber), Utah State University, Logan, Utah; McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center (Fiori, Turecki), Montréal, Canada; Department of Psychiatry (Turecki), McGill University, Montréal, Canada; and Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine (Wagner, von Känel). University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Dee G, Ryznar R, Dee C. Epigenetic Changes Associated with Different Types of Stressors and Suicide. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091258. [PMID: 37174656 PMCID: PMC10177343 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is associated with various epigenetic changes. Some stress-induced epigenetic changes are highly dynamic, whereas others are associated with lasting marks on the epigenome. In our study, a comprehensive narrative review of the literature was performed by investigating the epigenetic changes that occur with acute stress, chronic stress, early childhood stress, and traumatic stress exposures, along with examining those observed in post-mortem brains or blood samples of suicide completers and attempters. In addition, the transgenerational effects of these changes are reported. For all types of stress studies examined, the genes Nr3c1, OXTR, SLC6A4, and BDNF reproducibly showed epigenetic changes, with some modifications observed to be passed down to subsequent generations following stress exposures. The aforementioned genes are known to be involved in neuronal development and hormonal regulation and are all associated with susceptibility to mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Further research is warranted in order to determine the scope of epigenetic actionable targets in individuals suffering from the long-lasting effects of stressful experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett Dee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80112, USA
| | - Rebecca Ryznar
- Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80112, USA
| | - Colton Dee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
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Kasimir F, Toomey D, Liu Z, Kaiping AC, Ariza ME, Prusty BK. Tissue specific signature of HHV-6 infection in ME/CFS. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:1044964. [PMID: 36589231 PMCID: PMC9795011 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.1044964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
First exposure to various human herpesviruses (HHVs) including HHV-6, HCMV and EBV does not cause a life-threatening disease. In fact, most individuals are frequently unaware of their first exposure to such pathogens. These herpesviruses acquire lifelong latency in the human body where they show minimal genomic activity required for their survival. We hypothesized that it is not the latency itself but a timely, regionally restricted viral reactivation in a sub-set of host cells that plays a key role in disease development. HHV-6 (HHV-6A and HHV-6B) and HHV-7 are unique HHVs that acquire latency by integration of the viral genome into sub-telomeric region of human chromosomes. HHV-6 reactivation has been linked to Alzheimer's Disease, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and many other diseases. However, lack of viral activity in commonly tested biological materials including blood or serum strongly suggests tissue specific localization of active HHV-6 genome. Here in this paper, we attempted to analyze active HHV-6 transcripts in postmortem tissue biopsies from a small cohort of ME/CFS patients and matched controls by fluorescence in situ hybridization using a probe against HHV-6 microRNA (miRNA), miR-aU14. Our results show abundant viral miRNA in various regions of the human brain and associated neuronal tissues including the spinal cord that is only detected in ME/CFS patients and not in controls. Our findings provide evidence of tissue-specific active HHV-6 and EBV infection in ME/CFS, which along with recent work demonstrating a possible relationship between herpesvirus infection and ME/CFS, provide grounds for renewed discussion on the role of herpesviruses in ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Kasimir
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Danny Toomey
- HHV-6 Foundation, Santa Barbara, CA, United States
| | - Zheng Liu
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Agnes C. Kaiping
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Maria Eugenia Ariza
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics (CBG), Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research (IBMR), The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Bhupesh K. Prusty
- Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, Julius-Maximilians-University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Bhupesh K. Prusty,
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Schrott R, Song A, Ladd-Acosta C. Epigenetics as a Biomarker for Early-Life Environmental Exposure. Curr Environ Health Rep 2022; 9:604-624. [PMID: 35907133 DOI: 10.1007/s40572-022-00373-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW There is interest in evaluating the developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) which emphasizes the role of prenatal and early-life environments on non-communicable health outcomes throughout the life course. The ability to rigorously assess and identify early-life risk factors for later health outcomes, including those with childhood onset, in large population samples is often limited due to measurement challenges such as impractical costs associated with prospective studies with a long follow-up duration, short half-lives for some environmental toxicants, and lack of biomarkers that capture inter-individual differences in biologic response to external environments. RECENT FINDINGS Epigenomic patterns, and DNA methylation in particular, have emerged as a potential objective biomarker to address some of these study design and exposure measurement challenges. In this article, we summarize the literature to date on epigenetic changes associated with specific prenatal and early-life exposure domains as well as exposure mixtures in human observational studies and their biomarker potential. Additionally, we highlight evidence for other types of epigenetic patterns to serve as exposure biomarkers. Evidence strongly supports epigenomic biomarkers of exposure that are detectable across the lifespan and across a range of exposure domains. Current and future areas of research in this field seek to expand these lines of evidence to other environmental exposures, to determine their specificity, and to develop predictive algorithms and methylation scores that can be used to evaluate early-life risk factors for health outcomes across the life span.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose Schrott
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ashley Song
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
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Thomas N, Gurvich C, Huang K, Gooley PR, Armstrong CW. The underlying sex differences in neuroendocrine adaptations relevant to Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:100995. [PMID: 35421511 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.100995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a complex multisystem disease characterised by severe and disabling new-onset symptoms of post-exertional malaise (PEM), fatigue, brain fog, and sleep dysfunction that lasts for at least six months. Accumulating evidence suggests that sex and endocrine events have a significant influence on symptom onset and moderation of ME/CFS, with female sex being one of the most consistent and credible predictive risk factors associated with diagnosis. Such sex differences suggest sex chromosomes and sex steroids may play a part in the development of the condition or moderation of symptoms, although this has yet to be explored in detail. METHODS/AIMS This narrative review outlines sex differences in ME/CFS in terms of vulnerability factors and clinical phenotype and explores the known sex differences in neuroendocrine systems affected in ME/CFS and how this may relate to disease risk, onset, pathophysiology, and potential treatment avenues. CONCLUSIONS There is clear evidence of a sex dimorphism with regards to prevalence (3:1 female preponderance), clinical phenotypes, and aetiological triggers prior to symptom onset of ME/CFS. Endocrinological events, particularly those throughout the female lifespan, are associated with ME/CFS and include reproductive menstrual cycle fluctuations, pregnancy, post-partum and perimenopause. Further, there is evidence for gonadal sex, adrenal stress and renal neuroendocrine systems as implicated in ME/CFS, including changes in estrogen, progesterone compounds, aldosterone, and cortisol levels, of which there are established sex differences. The broad effects of steroid hormones on the physiological systems may also speak to the diversity of ME/CFS symptomatology observed in patients. Further attention must be paid to sex, age, and steroid biology in ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Thomas
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Caroline Gurvich
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Australia
| | - Katherine Huang
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul R Gooley
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Christopher W Armstrong
- Department of Biochemistry & Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Australia
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Wadji DL, Tandon T, Ketcha Wanda GJM, Wicky C, Dentz A, Hasler G, Morina N, Martin-Soelch C. Child maltreatment and NR3C1 exon 1 F methylation, link with deregulated hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and psychopathology: A systematic review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 122:105304. [PMID: 34488052 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics offers one promising method for assessing the psychobiological response to stressful experiences during childhood. In particular, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation has been associated with an altered hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the onset of mental disorders. Equally, there are promising leads regarding the association between the methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1-1F) and child maltreatment and its link with HPA axis and psychopathology. OBJECTIVE The current study aimed to assess the evidence of a link among child maltreatment, NR3C1-1F methylation, HPA axis deregulation, and symptoms of psychopathology. METHODS We followed the Prisma guidelines and identified 11 articles that met our inclusion criteria. RESULTS We found that eight studies (72.72%) reported increased NR3C1-1F methylation associated with child maltreatment, specifically physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and exposure to intimate partner violence, while three studies (27.27%) found no significant association. Furthermore, a minority of studies (36.36%) provided additional measures of symptoms of psychopathology or cortisol in order to examine the link among NR3C1-1F methylation, HPA axis deregulation, and psychopathology in a situation of child maltreatment. These results suggest that NR3C1-1F hypermethylation is positively associated with higher HPA axis activity, i.e. increased production of cortisol, as well as symptoms of psychopathology, including emotional lability-negativity, externalizing behavior symptoms, and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION NR3C1-1F methylation could be one mechanism that links altered HPA axis activity with the development of psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- D L Wadji
- I-Reach Lab, Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - T Tandon
- I-Reach Lab, Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - G J M Ketcha Wanda
- Clinical psychology Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon
| | - C Wicky
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - A Dentz
- I-Reach Lab, Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - G Hasler
- Department of Psychiatric, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - N Morina
- Department of Consultant-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - C Martin-Soelch
- I-Reach Lab, Unit of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Fribourg, Switzerland
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Bakusic J, Ghosh M, Polli A, Bekaert B, Schaufeli W, Claes S, Godderis L. Role of NR3C1 and SLC6A4 methylation in the HPA axis regulation in burnout. J Affect Disord 2021; 295:505-512. [PMID: 34509065 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.08.081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 07/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work-related stress and burnout have become major occupational health concerns. Dysregulation of HPA axis is considered one of the central mechanisms and is potentially moderated through epigenetics. In the present study, we aim to investigate epigenetic regulation of the HPA axis in burnout, by focusing on salivary cortisol and cortisone and DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4). METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study with 59 subjects with burnout and 70 healthy controls recruited from the general population. All participants underwent a clinical interview and psychological assessment. Saliva samples were collected at 0, 30 and 60 min after awakening and were used to quantify cortisol and cortisone. Pyrosequencing was performed on whole blood-derived DNA to assess DNA methylation. RESULTS There were no between-group differences in cortisol levels, whereas burnout participants had higher levels of cortisone. Job stress was associated with increased cortisol and cortisone. We observed both increased and decreased NR3C1 and SLC6A4 methylation in the burnout group compared to the control group. Some of these methylation changes correlated with burnout symptoms dimensionally. Increased methylation in a specific CpG in the SLC6A4 promoter region moderated the association between job stress and burnout. DNA methylation in this CpG was also associated with increased cortisol. In addition, average methylation of NR3C1 was negatively associated with cortisone levels. LIMITATIONS This is a cross-sectional study and therefore no conclusions on causality could be made. CONCLUSIONS We provide first evidence of changes in DNA methylation of NR3C1 and SLC6A4 in burnout, which were further associated with cortisol and cortisone. Further, increased cortisol and cortisone seemed to reflect job stress rather than burnout itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelena Bakusic
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Manosij Ghosh
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andrea Polli
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Pain in Motion (PAIN) Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bram Bekaert
- Department of Forensic Medicine; Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archaeology; KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wilmar Schaufeli
- Work, Organisational and Personnel Psychology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Department of Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan Claes
- Psychiatry Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Centre for Environment and Health, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
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12
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Thumfart KM, Jawaid A, Bright K, Flachsmann M, Mansuy IM. Epigenetics of childhood trauma: Long term sequelae and potential for treatment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:1049-1066. [PMID: 34742726 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood trauma (CT) can have persistent effects on the brain and is one of the major risk factors for neuropsychiatric diseases in adulthood. Recent advances in the field of epigenetics suggest that epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, as well as regulatory processes involving non-coding RNA are associated with the long-term sequelae of CT. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on the epigenetic basis of CT and describes studies in animal models and human subjects examining how the epigenome and transcriptome are modified by CT in the brain. It discusses psychological and pharmacological interventions that can counteract epigenetic changes induced by CT and the need to establish longitudinal assessment after CT for developing more effective diagnostics and treatment strategies based on epigenetic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Thumfart
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ali Jawaid
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland; Laboratory for Translational Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND), BRAINCITY: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Ludwika Pasteura 3, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
| | - Kristina Bright
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Flachsmann
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle M Mansuy
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
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13
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Bakusic J, Vrieze E, Ghosh M, Bekaert B, Claes S, Godderis L. Increased methylation of NR3C1 and SLC6A4 is associated with blunted cortisol reactivity to stress in major depression. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100272. [PMID: 33344725 PMCID: PMC7739183 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epigenetic changes are considered the main mechanisms behind the interplay of environment and genetic susceptibility in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, studies focusing on epigenetic dysregulation of the HPA axis stress response in MDD are lacking. Our objective was to simultaneously asses DNA methylation of the glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and HPA axis response to stress in MDD. Methods We recruited 80 depressed inpatients and 58 gender and age matched healthy controls. All participants underwent the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and salivary cortisol was repeatedly measured to assess HPA axis reactivity. DNA methylation of the NR3C1 (exon 1 F) and SLC6A4 CpG islands was quantified from whole blood DNA. In the MDD group, clinical assessment was repeated at 8-week follow-up to test the predictive potential of DNA methylation for symptom improvement. Results Depressed patients had blunted cortisol reactivity to TSST compared to healthy controls (p = 0.01). In addition, they presented with increased average SLC6A4 (p = 0.003) and NR3C1 methylation (p = 0.03), as well as methylation of two individual NR3C1 CpG loci overlapping with the NGFI-A-binding sites (CpG12 and CpG20). Methylation of one of these two loci (CpG20) predicted lower symptom improvement at the follow-up (p = 0.007). Both, average NR3C1 and SLC6A4 methylation were associated with lower cortisol reactivity in the MDD group and explained about 16% of variability in cortisol response to TSST. Conclusions We provide evidence of the role of NR3C1 and SLC6A4 DNA methylation in HPA axis dysregulation in MDD, which needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elske Vrieze
- Psychiatry Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Bram Bekaert
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Laboratory of Forensic Genetics and Molecular Archaeology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Imaging & Pathology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stephan Claes
- Psychiatry Research Group, Department of Neuroscience, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lode Godderis
- Environment and Health, KU Leuven, Belgium.,IDEWE, External Service for Prevention and Protection at Work, Heverlee, Belgium
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14
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Shen J, Lin L, Liao L, Liang W, Yang X, Lin K, Ke L, Zhang L, Kang J, Ding S, Li C, Zheng Z. The involvement of Notch1 signaling pathway in mid-aged female rats under chronic restraint stress. Neurosci Lett 2020; 738:135313. [PMID: 32827575 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Women are vulnerable to adverse stress events, especially during perimenopause. Substantial evidence has associated the impaired neuronal plasticity with abnormal behaviors under stressful conditions in animals. The Notch signaling pathway is critical for neuronal plasticity in the structure and function of brain areas. In this study, the mid-aged female rats were subjected to chronic restraint stress(CRS) in combination with isolated rearing for 6 weeks. The behavior tests and HPA activity were conducted to evaluate the model. The mRNA and protein levels of Notch1 signaling related genes in the hippocampus(HIP) and prefrontal cortex(PFC) were analyzed by RT-qPCR and western blotting. The promoter methylation levels were measured by bisulfite sequencing PCR analysis. CRS induced depression-like and anxiety-like behaviors in mid-aged stressed females, as shown by decreased locomotor activity, sucrose consumption and increased HPA activity. Moreover, after CRS, the rats exhibited decreased mRNA and protein levels in Jagged1, Notch1 and Hes5 in the HIP and Notch1, Hes1 and Hes5 in the PFC. However, there were no significant promotor methylation changes between the stressed and control female rats. These findings suggest that Notch1 signaling pathway may contribute to the behavioral changes following CRS in mid-aged female rats and the upstream cause of the gene expression changes needs to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Shen
- Research Center of Neurobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Research Center of Neurobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Linghong Liao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Research Base of TCM Syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Wenna Liang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Research Base of TCM Syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Xiaoting Yang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Research Base of TCM Syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Kaimin Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Research Base of TCM Syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Long Ke
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Research Base of TCM Syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Lingyuan Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Research Base of TCM Syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Jie Kang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Research Base of TCM Syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Shanshan Ding
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Research Base of TCM Syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Candong Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Research Base of TCM Syndrome, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China
| | - Zhihong Zheng
- Research Center of Neurobiology, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350122, China.
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15
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Krause BJ, Artigas R, Sciolla AF, Hamilton J. Epigenetic mechanisms activated by childhood adversity. Epigenomics 2020; 12:1239-1255. [PMID: 32706263 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2020-0042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) impair health and life expectancy and may result in an epigenetic signature that drives increased morbidity primed during early stages of life. This literature review focuses on the current evidence for epigenetic-mediated programming of brain and immune function resulting from ACE. To address this aim, a total of 88 articles indexed in PubMed before August 2019 concerning ACE and epigenetics were surveyed. Current evidence partially supports epigenetic programming of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, but convincingly shows that ACE impairs immune function. Additionally, the needs and challenges that face this area are discussed in order to provide a framework that may help to clarify the role of epigenetics in the long-lasting effects of ACE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernardo J Krause
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O''Higgins, Rancagua, Chile.,CUIDA - Centro de Investigación del Abuso y la Adversidad Temprana, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 340, Santiago, Chile
| | - Rocio Artigas
- CUIDA - Centro de Investigación del Abuso y la Adversidad Temprana, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 340, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andres F Sciolla
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95834, USA
| | - James Hamilton
- CUIDA - Centro de Investigación del Abuso y la Adversidad Temprana, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Avenida Libertador Bernardo O'Higgins 340, Santiago, Chile.,Fundación Para la Confianza, Pérez Valenzuela 1264, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
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16
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Shen J, Lin L, Liao L, Liang W, Yang X, Lin K, Ke L, Zhang L, Kang J, Ding S, Li C, Zheng Z. WITHDRAWN: The Involvement of Notch1 Signaling Pathway in Mid-aged Female Rats under Chronic Restraint Stress. Neurosci Lett 2020:135244. [PMID: 32652209 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://www.elsevier.com/about/our-business/policies/article-withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Shen
- Research Center of Neurobiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Research Center of Neurobiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Linghong Liao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Wenna Liang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xiaoting Yang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Kaimin Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Long Ke
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Lingyuan Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jie Kang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Shanshan Ding
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Candong Li
- Fujian Key Laboratory of TCM Health State, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zhihong Zheng
- Research Center of Neurobiology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou 350122, Fujian Province, China.
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17
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Cecil CAM, Zhang Y, Nolte T. Childhood maltreatment and DNA methylation: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 112:392-409. [PMID: 32081689 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) - an epigenetic process that regulates gene expression - may represent a mechanism for the biological embedding of early traumatic experiences, including childhood maltreatment. Here, we conducted the first systematic review of human studies linking childhood maltreatment to DNAm. In total, 72 studies were included in the review (2008-2018). The majority of extant studies (i) were based on retrospective data in adults, (ii) employed a candidate gene approach (iii) focused on global maltreatment, (iv) were based on easily accessible peripheral tissues, typically blood; and (v) were cross-sectional. Two-thirds of studies (n = 48) also examined maltreatment-related outcomes, such as stress reactivity and psychiatric symptoms. While findings generally support an association between childhood maltreatment and altered patterns of DNAm, factors such as the lack of longitudinal data, low comparability across studies as well as potential genetic and 'pre-exposure' environmental confounding currently limit the conclusions that can be drawn. Key challenges are discussed and concrete recommendations for future research are provided to move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte A M Cecil
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, University of Southampton; State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Tobias Nolte
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, London, United Kingdom
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18
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Evidence for interaction between genetic liability and childhood trauma in the development of psychotic symptoms. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2019; 54:1045-1054. [PMID: 31209522 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-019-01711-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Whilst childhood trauma (CT) is a known risk factor across the spectrum of psychosis expression, little is known about possible interplay with genetic liability. METHODS The TwinssCan Study collected data in general population twins, focussing on expression of psychosis at the level of subthreshold psychotic experiences. A multilevel mixed-effects linear regression analysis was performed including 745 subjects to assess the interaction between genetic liability and CT. The Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90-R) score of the co-twin was used as an indirect measure of genetic liability to psychopathology, while the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short-Form (CTQ-SF) was used to assess CT in the domains of physical, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as physical and emotional neglect. The Community Assessment of Psychic Experience (CAPE) questionnaire was used to phenotypically characterize psychosis expression. RESULTS In the model using the CAPE total score, the interaction between CT and genetic liability was close to statistical significance (χ2 = 5.6, df = 2, p = 0.06). Analyses of CAPE subscales revealed a significant interaction between CT and genetic liability (χ2 = 8.8, df = 2, p = 0.012) for the CAPE-negative symptoms subscale, but not for the other two subscales (i.e. positive and depressive). CONCLUSION The results suggest that the impact of CT on subthreshold expression of psychosis, particularly in the negative subdomain, may be larger in the co-presence of significant genetic liability for psychopathology.
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19
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Morris G, Maes M, Berk M, Puri BK. Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome: how could the illness develop? Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:385-415. [PMID: 30758706 PMCID: PMC6428797 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-019-0388-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A model of the development and progression of chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgic encephalomyelitis), the aetiology of which is currently unknown, is put forward, starting with a consideration of the post-infection role of damage-associated molecular patterns and the development of chronic inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress in genetically predisposed individuals. The consequences are detailed, including the role of increased intestinal permeability and the translocation of commensal antigens into the circulation, and the development of dysautonomia, neuroinflammation, and neurocognitive and neuroimaging abnormalities. Increasing levels of such stress and the switch to immune and metabolic downregulation are detailed next in relation to the advent of hypernitrosylation, impaired mitochondrial performance, immune suppression, cellular hibernation, endotoxin tolerance and sirtuin 1 activation. The role of chronic stress and the development of endotoxin tolerance via indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase upregulation and the characteristics of neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages and T cells, including regulatory T cells, in endotoxin tolerance are detailed next. Finally, it is shown how the immune and metabolic abnormalities of chronic fatigue syndrome can be explained by endotoxin tolerance, thus completing the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Basant K Puri
- Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, England, W12 0HS, UK.
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20
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Epigenetic Components of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Uncover Potential Transposable Element Activation. Clin Ther 2019; 41:675-698. [PMID: 30910331 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Studies to determine epigenetic changes associated with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) remain scarce; however, current evidence clearly shows that methylation patterns of genomic DNA and noncoding RNA profiles of immune cells differ between patients and healthy subjects, suggesting an active role of these epigenetic mechanisms in the disease. The present study compares and contrasts the available ME/CFS epigenetic data in an effort to evidence overlapping pathways capable of explaining at least some of the dysfunctional immune parameters linked to this disease. METHODS A systematic search of the literature evaluating the ME/CFS epigenome landscape was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria. Differential DNA methylation and noncoding RNA differential expression patterns associated with ME/CFS were used to screen for the presence of transposable elements using the Dfam browser, a search program nurtured with the Repbase repetitive sequence database and the RepeatMasker annotation tool. FINDINGS Unexpectedly, particular associations of transposable elements and ME/CFS epigenetic hallmarks were uncovered. A model for the disease emerged involving transcriptional induction of endogenous dormant transposons and structured cellular RNA interactions, triggering the activation of the innate immune system without a concomitant active infection. IMPLICATIONS Repetitive sequence filters (ie, RepeatMasker) should be avoided when analyzing transcriptomic data to assess the potential participation of repetitive sequences ("junk repetitive DNA"), representing >45% of the human genome, in the onset and evolution of ME/CFS. In addition, transposable element screenings aimed at designing cost-effective, focused empirical assays that can confirm or disprove the suspected involvement of transposon transcriptional activation in this disease, following the pilot strategy presented here, will require databases gathering large ME/CFS epigenetic datasets.
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21
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Watkeys OJ, Kremerskothen K, Quidé Y, Fullerton JM, Green MJ. Glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) DNA methylation in association with trauma, psychopathology, transcript expression, or genotypic variation: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:85-122. [PMID: 30176278 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) is a critical component of the stress response system. Cytosine methylation of NR3C1 has been repeatedly associated with trauma and mental disorders, including major depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and personality disorders, suggesting that NR3C1 methylation may play a role in stress-related psychopathology. We systematically reviewed 55 studies examining NR3C1 DNA methylation in association with trauma exposure, psychopathology, gene expression, and/or common genetic variants. Overall, a number of NR3C1 CpG sites were significantly associated with trauma or psychopathology, but significant findings were often inconsistent across studies. This lack of consistency is likely influenced by significant methodological variability - experimentally and analytically - across studies. Selected common genetic variants show no significant effect on NR3C1 CpG methylation. In contrast, there was ample evidence linking increased methylation of NR3C1 to reduced expression of this gene. The inverse association between methylation and gene expression shown across eight out of ten studies supports the notion that methylation in the promoter region of NR3C1 is associated with transcriptional silencing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Watkeys
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Kyle Kremerskothen
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Yann Quidé
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
| | - Janice M Fullerton
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Wallace Wurth Building, 18 High Street, Kensington, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Melissa J Green
- School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Black Dog Institute, Hospital Road, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia; Neuroscience Research Australia, Barker Street, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.
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