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Kucukdereli H, Amsalem O, Pottala T, Lim M, Potgieter L, Hasbrouck A, Lutas A, Andermann ML. Repeated stress triggers seeking of a starvation-like state in anxiety-prone female mice. Neuron 2024:S0896-6273(24)00234-4. [PMID: 38642553 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.03.027] [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: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Elevated anxiety often precedes anorexia nervosa and persists after weight restoration. Patients with anorexia nervosa often describe self-starvation as pleasant, potentially because food restriction can be anxiolytic. Here, we tested whether repeated stress can cause animals to prefer a starvation-like state. We developed a virtual reality place preference paradigm in which head-fixed mice can voluntarily seek a starvation-like state induced by optogenetic stimulation of hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons. Prior to stress exposure, males but not females showed a mild aversion to AgRP stimulation. Strikingly, following multiple days of stress, a subset of females developed a strong preference for AgRP stimulation that was predicted by high baseline anxiety. Such stress-induced changes in preference were reflected in changes in facial expressions during AgRP stimulation. Our study suggests that stress may cause females predisposed to anxiety to seek a starvation state and provides a powerful experimental framework for investigating the underlying neural mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Kucukdereli
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Oren Amsalem
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Trent Pottala
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Michelle Lim
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Leilani Potgieter
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Amanda Hasbrouck
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Andrew Lutas
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Mark L Andermann
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Kucukdereli H, Amsalem O, Pottala T, Lim M, Potgieter L, Hasbrouck A, Lutas A, Andermann ML. Chronic stress triggers seeking of a starvation-like state in anxiety-prone female mice. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.16.541013. [PMID: 37292650 PMCID: PMC10245771 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.16.541013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Elevated anxiety often precedes anorexia nervosa and persists after weight restoration. Patients with anorexia nervosa often describe hunger as pleasant, potentially because food restriction can be anxiolytic. Here, we tested whether chronic stress can cause animals to prefer a starvation-like state. We developed a virtual reality place preference paradigm in which head-fixed mice can voluntarily seek a starvation-like state induced by optogenetic stimulation of hypothalamic agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons. Prior to stress induction, male but not female mice showed mild aversion to AgRP stimulation. Strikingly, following chronic stress, a subset of females developed a strong preference for AgRP stimulation that was predicted by high baseline anxiety. Such stress-induced changes in preference were reflected in changes in facial expressions during AgRP stimulation. Our study suggests that stress may cause females predisposed to anxiety to seek a starvation state, and provides a powerful experimental framework for investigating the underlying neural mechanisms.
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3
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Kang HJ, Kim KO, Kim JW, Kim SW, Park MS, Kim HR, Shin MG, Cho KH, Kim JM. A longitudinal study of the associations of BDNF genotype and methylation with poststroke anxiety. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2019; 34:1706-1714. [PMID: 31368178 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the precise etiology of poststroke anxiety (PSA) has yet to be fully elucidated, it is known that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is important for neural plasticity and long-term potentiation, associated with the pathophysiology of anxiety. The expression of BDNF is regulated by epigenetic and genetic profiles. Thus, we investigated the association between BDNF methylation status and PSA at 2 weeks and 1 year after stroke while accounting for interactions with the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. METHODS The baseline sample comprised 286 patients who were assessed at 2 weeks after stroke; of these patients, 222 (78%) were followed up with at 1 year after stroke. The presence of PSA was determined using the anxiety subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and the effects of BDNF methylation status and polymorphisms on PSA status were assessed with multivariate logistic regression models. RESULTS The prevalence of PSA was slightly lower (27 [9.4%]) at baseline, and 35 (15.8%) patients were identified as having PSA at the 1-year follow-up. Stroke patients with a higher average methylation status were more likely to have PSA at 1 year. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was not independently associated with PSA during either the acute or chronic phase after stroke, but there was a significant interactive effect between BDNF methylation and genotype on PSA at 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS In this study, BDNF methylation in combination with the met/met BDNF polymorphism (Val66Met polymorphism) was associated with PSA. These findings may help identify patients at higher risk for PSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Ju Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kyu-On Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Ju-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Sung-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Man-Seok Park
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Hye-Ran Kim
- College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Korea
| | - Myung-Geun Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Ki-Hyun Cho
- Department of Neurology, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Jae-Min Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Korea
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Alshogran OY, Al-Eitan LN, Altawalbeh SM, Khalil AA, Alqudah MAY, Oweis AO, Aman HA, Alhawari HH. Investigating the Contribution of NPSR1, IL-6 and BDNF Polymorphisms to Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Hemodialysis Patients. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 94:109657. [PMID: 31132388 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Psychological symptoms are prevalent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Previous investigations showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as the interaction with neuropeptide S receptor 1 (NPSR1) are linked to the development of psychological distress. This study examined the association of polymorphisms of genes encoding these proteins with depression and anxiety in a representative group of Jordanian HD patients. METHODS A total of 302 HD patients were involved in the study and categorized into three groups based on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS-D or HADS-A scores as follows: normal (<7), mild (8-10) and moderate-severe (11-21). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of NPSR1 Asn107Ile (rs324981), IL-6 G174C (rs1800795), and BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) was genotyped using blood samples. RESULTS The frequency of Ile-allele of NPSR1 Asn107Ile was significantly higher in patients with moderate-severe HADS-A scores versus normal (53% vs. 40.8%, p = .035). Using ordinal regression analysis, Asn-allele of NPSR1 polymorphism was nominally significantly associated with a lower risk of anxiety (OR = 0.57, CI: 0.33-0.97, p = .038) after adjusting for other covariates. A marginally significant difference in genotype distribution of IL-6 G174C was observed among patients according to HADS-D scores (p = .05). Furthermore, carriers of IL-6174 CC genotype showed lower median IL-6 serum concentration versus carriers of GG genotype (5.2 vs. 1.35 pg/mL, p < .05). CONCLUSIONS The results support the genetic role of NPSR1 in the pathogenesis of anxiety and suggest that carriers of NPSR1 Ile-allele are at increased risk of anxiety in HD patients. Neither BDNF Val66Met nor IL-6 G174C were linked to psychological symptoms. Future studies among other ethnicities are necessary to verify the observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osama Y Alshogran
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan.
| | - Laith N Al-Eitan
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Shoroq M Altawalbeh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Amani A Khalil
- Department of Clinical Nursing, School of Nursing, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Mohammad A Y Alqudah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Ashraf O Oweis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Hatem A Aman
- Department of Applied Biological Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Hussein H Alhawari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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González-Castro TB, Pool-García S, Tovilla-Zárate CA, Juárez-Rojop IE, López-Narváez ML, Frésan A, Genis-Mendoza AD, Pérez-Hernández N, Nicolini H. Association between BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and generalized anxiety disorder and clinical characteristics in a Mexican population: A case-control study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2019; 98:e14838. [PMID: 30882674 PMCID: PMC6426483 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000014838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present case-control study was to explore the association between BDNF Val66Met (rs6265) polymorphism and generalized anxiety disorder in Mexican individuals, and whether this polymorphism plays a role in the symptomatology of anxiety.A total of 212 subjects were included in the study. Around 75 patients with generalized anxiety disorder were diagnosed by psychiatrists based on the DSM-IV instrument and 137 unrelated subjects psychiatrically healthy were used as comparison group. The subclinical symptomatology in patients was assessed with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. BDNF rs6265 genotypes were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction end-point method.The association between BDNF Val66Met with the risk for generalized anxiety disorder was evaluated using 4 inheritance models. The present study showed that carrying the Met allele confers increased risk for the presence of generalized anxiety disorder (χ = 4.7, P = .03; OR (95%) 1.96 (1.05-3.56)) when patients with generalized anxiety disorder were compared with the comparison group.Our results provide evidence of an association between the Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene and generalized anxiety disorder in a Mexican population. However, no association was observed between this polymorphism and the symptomatology of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thelma Beatriz González-Castro
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Jalpa de Méndez, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Jalpa de Méndez, Tabasco, México
| | | | - Carlos Alfonso Tovilla-Zárate
- División Académica Multidisciplinaria de Comalcalco, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Comalcalco, Tabasco, México
| | - Isela Esther Juárez-Rojop
- División Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Juárez Autónoma de Tabasco, Villahermosa, Tabasco, México
| | - María Lilia López-Narváez
- Hospital General de Yajalón “Dr. Manuel Velazco Suarez”, Secretaría de Salud, Yajalón, Chiapas, México
| | - Ana Frésan
- Subdirección de Investigaciones Clínicas, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza
- Servicios de Atención Psiquiátrica (SAP), Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Ciudad de México, México
| | - Nonanzit Pérez-Hernández
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Humberto Nicolini
- Servicios de Atención Psiquiátrica (SAP), Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Ciudad de México, México
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King G, Baker KD, Bisby MA, Chan D, Cowan CSM, Stylianakis AA, Zimmermann KS, Richardson R. A precision medicine approach to pharmacological adjuncts to extinction: a call to broaden research. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:143-161. [PMID: 30116858 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4999-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There is a pressing need to improve treatments for anxiety. Although exposure-based therapy is currently the gold-standard treatment, many people either do not respond to this therapy or experience a relapse of symptoms after treatment has ceased. In recent years, there have been many novel pharmacological agents identified in preclinical research that have potential as adjuncts for exposure therapy, yet very few of these are regularly integrated into clinical practice. Unfortunately, the robust effects observed in the laboratory animal often do not translate to a clinical population. In this review, we discuss how age, sex, genetics, stress, medications, diet, alcohol, and the microbiome can vary across a clinical population and yet are rarely considered in drug development. While not an exhaustive list, we have focused on these factors because they have been shown to influence an individual's vulnerability to anxiety and alter the neurotransmitter systems often targeted by pharmacological adjuncts to therapy. We argue that for potential adjuncts to be successfully translated from the lab to the clinic empirical research must be broadened to consider how individual difference factors will influence drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle King
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Kathryn D Baker
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Madelyne A Bisby
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Diana Chan
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Rick Richardson
- School of Psychology, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Prenatal intimate partner violence exposure predicts infant biobehavioral regulation: Moderation by the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 30:1009-1021. [DOI: 10.1017/s0954579418000329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe ability to regulate stress is a critical developmental milestone of early childhood that involves a set of interconnected behavioral and physiological processes and is influenced by genetic and environmental stimuli. Prenatal exposure to traumatic stress and trauma, including intimate partner violence (IPV), increases risk for offspring biobehavioral regulation problems during childhood and adolescence. Although individual differences in susceptibility to prenatal stress have been largely unexplored, a handful of studies suggest children with specific genetic characteristics are most vulnerable to prenatal stress. We evaluated the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met gene (BDNF) as a moderator of the effect of prenatal IPV exposure on infant temperamental and cortisol regulation in response to a psychosocial challenge. Ninety-nine mother–infant dyads recruited from the community were assessed when infants (51% female) were 11 to 14 months. Maternal reports of IPV during pregnancy and infant temperament were obtained, and infant saliva was collected for genotyping and to assess cortisol reactivity (before and after the Strange Situation Task). Significant genetic moderation effects were found. Among infants with the BDNF Met allele, prenatal IPV predicted worse temperamental regulation and mobilization of the cortisol response, while controlling for infant postnatal exposure to IPV, other maternal traumatic experiences, and infant sex. However, prenatal IPV exposure was not associated with temperamental or cortisol outcomes among infant carriers of the Val/Val genotype. Findings are discussed in relation to prenatal programming and biological susceptibility to stress.
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8
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Martin L, Hemmings SMJ, Kidd M, Seedat S. No gene-by-environment interaction of BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and childhood maltreatment on anxiety sensitivity in a mixed race adolescent sample. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2018; 9:1472987. [PMID: 29805780 PMCID: PMC5965035 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2018.1472987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Anxiety disorders in youth are attributable to multiple causal mechanisms, comprising biological vulnerabilities, such as genetics and temperament, and unfavourable environmental influences, such as childhood maltreatment (CM). Objective: A gene-environment (G x E) interaction study was conducted to determine the interactive effect of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and CM to increase susceptibility to anxiety sensitivity (AS) in a sample of mixed race adolescents. Method: Participants (n = 308, mean age = 15.8 years) who were all secondary school students and who completed measures for AS and CM were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to assess G x E influences on AS. Age and gender were included in the models as covariates as age was significantly associated with AS total score (p < .05), and females had significantly higher AS scores than males (p < .05). Results: A main effect of CM on AS was evident (p < .05), however, no main effect of BDNF genotype on AS was observed (p > .05). A non-significant G x E effect on AS was revealed (p < .05). Conclusions: Our results suggest that CM does not have a moderating role in the relationship between the BDNF Val66Met genotype and the increased risk of anxiety-related phenotypes, such as AS. Given the exploratory nature of this study, findings require replication in larger samples and adjustment for population stratification to further explore the role of BDNF Val66Met and CM on AS in mixed race adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindi Martin
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | | | - Martin Kidd
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Malan-Müller S, Hemmings S. The Big Role of Small RNAs in Anxiety and Stress-Related Disorders. ANXIETY 2017; 103:85-129. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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10
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Madra M, Zeltser LM. BDNF-Val66Met variant and adolescent stress interact to promote susceptibility to anorexic behavior in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e776. [PMID: 27045846 PMCID: PMC4872394 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Revised: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need to identify therapeutic targets for anorexia nervosa (AN) because current medications do not impact eating behaviors that drive AN's high mortality rate. A major obstacle to developing new treatments is the lack of animal models that recapitulate the pattern of disease onset typically observed in human populations. Here we describe a translational mouse model to study interactions between genetic, psychological and biological risk factors that promote anorexic behavior. We combined several factors that are consistently associated with increased risk of AN-adolescent females, genetic predisposition to anxiety imposed by the BDNF-Val66Met gene variant, social isolation stress and caloric restriction (CR). Approximately 40% of the mice with all of these risk factors will exhibit severe self-imposed dietary restriction, sometimes to the point of death. We systematically varied the risk factors outlined above to explore how they interact to influence anorexic behavior. We found that the Val66Met genotype markedly increases the likelihood and severity of abnormal feeding behavior triggered by CR, but only when CR is imposed in the peri-pubertal period. Incidence of anorexic behavior in our model is dependent on juvenile exposure to social stress and can be extinguished by adolescent handling, but is discordant from anxiety-like behavior. Thus, this study characterized gene × environment interactions during adolescence that could be the underlying driver of abnormal eating behavior in certain AN patients, and represents a promising system to identify possible targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Madra
- Institute of Human Nutrition, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - L M Zeltser
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Naomi Berrie Diabetes Center, Columbia University, 1150 Saint Nicholas Avenue, New York, NY 10032, USA. E-mail:
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11
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Bortoluzzi A, Blaya C, Rosa EDD, Paim M, Rosa V, Leistner-Segal S, Manfro GG. What can HPA axis-linked genes tell us about anxiety disorders in adolescents? TRENDS IN PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHOTHERAPY 2015; 37:232-7. [DOI: 10.1590/2237-6089-2015-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Anxiety disorders (AD) share features of both anxiety and fear linked to stress response. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is considered the core biological pathway of the stress system and it is known that an inappropriate response to environmental stimuli may be related to individual genetic vulnerability in HPA-linked genes. Despite the biological plausibility of a relationship between the HPA axis and AD, few studies have investigated associations between genetic polymorphisms linked to the HPA axis and this complex disorder. Objective: To investigate whether AD are associated with genetic polymorphisms in HPA-linked genes in adolescents. Methods: Our study consisted of a cross-sectional evaluation of a community sample comprising a total of 228 adolescents (131 cases of AD). We extracted DNA from saliva and genotyped polymorphisms in HPA-linked genes (FKBP5: rs3800373, rs9296158, rs1360780, rs9470080 and rs4713916; NR3C1: rs6198; CRHR1: rs878886; and SERPINA6: rs746530) with real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The instruments used to diagnose and assess the severity of AD were the Schedule for Affective Disorder and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children - Present and Lifetime (K-SADS-PL) and the Screen for Child and Anxiety related Emotional Disorders (SCARED). Results: We failed to detect any associations between AD and genetic polymorphisms in HPA-linked genes (p > 0.05). Conclusion: To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating these specific polymorphisms in relation to AD in adolescents, which encourages us to design further research on the subject.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carolina Blaya
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Paim
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Virgínia Rosa
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Ma W, Zhou X, Ji H, Luo M, Liu G, Li J, Wang Q, Duan S. Population difference in the association of BDNF promoter methylation with mild cognitive impairment in the Xinjiang Uygur and Han populations. Psychiatry Res 2015; 229:926-32. [PMID: 26292618 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.017] [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: 03/05/2015] [Revised: 06/14/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a clinical transitional stage between normal aging and Alzheimer disease, which leads to memory loss and a reduction in cognitive function. Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in neuronal development and plasticity. The aim of this study was to explore the association between BDNF promoter methylation and MCI in the Xinjiang Uygur and Han populations. METHODS A DNA methylation assay using bisulfite pyrosequencing technology was performed on 96 Uygur and 96 Han Chinese individuals from Xinjiang province, China. RESULTS We found a significantly higher BDNF methylation level in Han MCI cases than in Uygur MCI cases in males from Xinjiang province (p=0.022). In addition, the methylation level was significantly higher in Xinjiang Han healthy Chinese individuals (Northwestern China) than in Ningbo Han healthy Chinese individuals (Southeastern China) (Female and Male: p=1.17E-05; Female: p=0.020; Male: p=1.37E-04). But our results showed no significant association of BDNF methylation with MCI in either the Uygur or Han Chinese populations (p>0.05). Further gender-based subgroup analyses did not find any significant results (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Our results indicate that different levels of BDNF methylation may be present in different populations and environments. This study also provides further information regarding the relationship between BDNF methylation levels and MCI in Xinjiang Uygur and Han ethnic groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjuan Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine for Cadres, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830000, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine for Cadres, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830000, China.
| | - Huihui Ji
- Ningbo Key Lab of Behavior Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Mei Luo
- Department of Internal Medicine for Cadres, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumchi 830000, China
| | - Guili Liu
- Ningbo Key Lab of Behavior Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Jinyun Li
- Ningbo Key Lab of Behavior Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Qinwen Wang
- Ningbo Key Lab of Behavior Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.
| | - Shiwei Duan
- Ningbo Key Lab of Behavior Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang 315211, China.
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13
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Hsu PK, Xu B, Mukai J, Karayiorgou M, Gogos JA. The BDNF Val66Met variant affects gene expression through miR-146b. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 77:228-37. [PMID: 25771167 PMCID: PMC5579022 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Variation in gene expression is an important mechanism underlying susceptibility to complex disease and traits. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) account for a substantial portion of the total detected genetic variation in gene expression but how exactly variants acting in trans modulate gene expression and disease susceptibility remains largely unknown. The BDNF Val66Met SNP has been associated with a number of psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia and related traits. Using global microRNA expression profiling in hippocampus of humanized BDNF Val66Met knock-in mice we showed that this variant results in dysregulation of at least one microRNA, which in turn affects downstream target genes. Specifically, we show that reduced levels of miR-146b (mir146b), lead to increased Per1 and Npas4 mRNA levels and increased Irak1 protein levels in vitro and are associated with similar changes in the hippocampus of hBDNF(Met/Met) mice. Our findings highlight trans effects of common variants on microRNA-mediated gene expression as an integral part of the genetic architecture of complex disorders and traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Ken Hsu
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jun Mukai
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Joseph A Gogos
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Jamal M, Van der Does W, Penninx BWJH. Effect of variation in BDNF Val(66)Met polymorphism, smoking, and nicotine dependence on symptom severity of depressive and anxiety disorders. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 148:150-7. [PMID: 25618300 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.12.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 12/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking, especially nicotine dependence is associated with more severe symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. However, the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear. We investigated the effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val(66)Met polymorphism on the severity of depressive and anxiety symptoms in never-smokers, former smokers, non-dependent, and nicotine-dependent smokers with a current diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety. METHODS Patients with depressive or anxiety disorders and with available BDNF Val(66)Met polymorphism data (N=1271) were selected from Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). Dependent variables were severity of symptoms. Independent variables were smoking status and BDNF genotype. Age, sex, education, recent negative life events, alcohol use, body mass index, and physical activity were treated as covariates. RESULTS After controlling for covariates, nicotine-dependent smokers had more severe depressive symptoms than non-dependent smokers, former and never-smokers. The latter three groups did not differ in severity of depression. In Val(66)Val carriers, nicotine-dependent smokers had more severe symptoms of depression and anxiety than the other three groups, which were comparable in symptom severity. In Met(66) carriers, there were no group differences on severity of depression and anxiety. Nicotine dependence was the strongest predictor of severity of symptoms only in Val(66)Val carriers. CONCLUSIONS In patients with a current diagnosis of depression or anxiety, the relationship between nicotine dependence and symptom severity may be moderated by BDNF Val(66)Met. These results suggest that inherent genetic differences may be crucial for the worse behavioral outcome of nicotine, and that Val(66)Val carriers may benefit most in mental health from smoking cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mumtaz Jamal
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Willem Van der Does
- Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Wassenaarseweg 52, 2333 AK Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda W J H Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, AJ Ernststraat 887, 1081 HL Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9700 RB Groningen, The Netherlands
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Domingos da Silveira da Luz AC, Pereira Dias G, do Nascimento Bevilaqua MC, Cocks G, Gardino PF, Thuret S, Nardi AE. Translational findings on brain-derived neurotrophic factor and anxiety: contributions from basic research to clinical practice. Neuropsychobiology 2014; 68:129-38. [PMID: 24051499 DOI: 10.1159/000353269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 05/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Anxious responses are evolutionarily adaptive, but excessive fear can become disabling and lead to anxiety disorders. Translational models of anxiety might be useful sources for understanding the neurobiology of fear and anxiety and can contribute to future proposals of therapeutic intervention for the disorders studied. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is known for its importance on neuroplasticity and contextual memory, has emerged as a relevant element for emotional memory. Recent studies show that the Val(66)Met BDNF polymorphism correlates with various psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, but there are several differences between experimental and clinical studies. METHODS In this work, we review the literature focused on the BDNF Val(66)Met polymorphism and anxiety, and discuss biological findings from animal models to clinical studies. RESULTS As occurs with other psychiatric disorders, anxiety correlates with anatomical, behavioral and physiological changes related to the BDNF polymorphism. In animal studies, it has been shown that a significant decrease in regulated secretion from both BDNFVal/Met and BDNFMet/Met neurons represented a significant decrease in available BDNF. CONCLUSION These studies suggest that developing pharmacological strategies facilitating the release of BDNF from synapses or prolongation of the half-life of secreted BDNF may improve the therapeutic responses of humans expressing the BDNF polymorphism.
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Abstract
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and debilitating psychiatric disorders. Owing to the complex aetiology of anxiety disorders, translational studies involving multiple approaches, including human and animal genetics, molecular, endocrinological and imaging studies, are needed to get a converging picture of function or dysfunction of anxiety-related circuits. An advantage of anxiety disorders is that the neural circuitry of fear is comparatively well understood, with striking analogies between animal and human models, and this article aims to provide a brief overview of current translational approaches to anxiety. Experimental models that involve similar tasks in animals and humans, such as fear conditioning and extinction, seem particularly promising and can be readily integrated with imaging, behavioural and physiological readouts. The cross-validation between animal and human genetics models is essential to examine the relevance of candidate genes, as well as their neural pathways, for anxiety disorders; a recent example of such cross-validation work is provided by preclinical and clinical work on TMEM132D, which has been identified as a candidate gene for panic disorder. Further integration of epigenetic data and gene × environment interaction are promising approaches, as highlighted by FKPB5 and PACAP, early life trauma and stress-related anxiety disorders. Finally, connecting genetic and epigenetic data with functionally relevant imaging readouts will allow a comparison of overlap and differences across species in mechanistic pathways from genes to brain functioning and behaviour.
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Mohajeri MH, Giese KP. Two selected models of missense mutations in mice for the study of learning behaviour. Brain Res Bull 2011; 88:429-33. [PMID: 22214603 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2011.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2011] [Revised: 12/01/2011] [Accepted: 12/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
A large number of genome-wide association studies have linked missense mutations, mutations altering the amino acid sequence of proteins, with cognitive impairment in humans. However, these studies are correlative. As there may be multiple mutations for one particular patient, it is essential to address the functional impact of a missense mutation in a model system. The most suitable model system is the generation of knock-in mice with the homologous missense mutation followed by behavioural phenotyping. Here, we review selected mutants demonstrating an impact of single mutations on learning and memory in mice and discuss the relevance of such studies for understanding the role of these polymorphisms in human behaviour. We conclude that using these animal models has been instrumental in decoding the mechanisms underlying behaviour, and assists the design of therapeutic strategies for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Hasan Mohajeri
- DSM Nutritional Products Ltd., R&D Human Nutrition and Health, Basel, Switzerland.
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