1
|
Zhong Q, Lai S, He J, Zhong S, Song X, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Chen G, Yan S, Jia Y. Gender-related alterations of serum trace elements and neurometabolism in the anterior cingulate cortex of patients with major depressive disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 360:176-187. [PMID: 38723680 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is widely known that sex differences have a significant impact on patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aims to evaluate the sex-related connection between serum trace elements and changes in neurometabolism in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) of MDD patients. METHODS 109 untreated MDD patients and 59 healthy controls underwent proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) under resting conditions. We measured metabolic ratios in the ACC from both sides. Additionally, venous blood samples were taken from all participants to detect calcium (Ca), phosphorus, magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), ceruloplasmin (CER), zinc (Zn), and iron (Fe) levels. We performed association and interaction analyses to explore the connections between the disease and gender. RESULTS In individuals with MDD, the Cu/Zn ratio increased, while the levels of Mg, CER, Zn and Fe decreased. Male MDD patients had lower Cu levels, while female patients had an increased Cu/Zn ratio. We observed significant gender differences in Cu, CER and the Cu/Zn ratio in MDD. Male patients showed a reduced N-acetyl aspartate (NAA)/phosphocreatine + creatine (PCr + Cr) ratio in the left ACC. The NAA/PCr + Cr ratio decreased in the right ACC in patients with MDD. In the left ACC of male MDD patients, the Cu/Zn ratio was inversely related to the NAA/PCr + Cr ratio, and Fe levels were negatively associated with the GPC + PC/PCr + Cr ratio. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight gender-specific changes in Cu homeostasis among male MDD patients. The Cu/Zn ratio and Fe levels in male MDD patients were significantly linked to neurometabolic alterations in the ACC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qilin Zhong
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shunkai Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jiali He
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shuming Zhong
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Xiaodong Song
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Medical Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yiliang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Guanmao Chen
- Medical Imaging Center, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Shuya Yan
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Yanbin Jia
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Klar J, Slotboom J, Lerch S, Koenig J, Wiest R, Kaess M, Kindler J. Higher striatal glutamate in male youth with internet gaming disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024; 274:301-309. [PMID: 37505291 PMCID: PMC10914841 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01651-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Internet gaming disorder (IGD) was included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a research diagnosis, but little is known about its pathophysiology. Alterations in frontostriatal circuits appear to play a critical role in the development of addiction. Glutamate is considered an essential excitatory neurotransmitter in addictive disorders. This study's aim was to investigate striatal glutamate in youth with IGD compared to healthy controls (HC). Using a cross-sectional design, 25 adolescent male subjects fulfilling DSM-5 criteria for IGD and 26 HC, matched in age, education, handedness and smoking, were included in the analysis. A structural MPRAGE T1 sequence followed by a single-voxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy MEGA-PRESS sequence (TR = 1500 ms, TE = 68 ms, 208 averages) with a voxel size of 20 mm3 were recorded on 3 T Siemens Magnetom Prisma scanner. The voxel was placed in the left striatum. Group comparison of the relative glutamate and glutamine (Glx) was calculated using regression analysis. IGD subjects met an average of 6.5 of 9 DSM-5 IGD criteria and reported an average of 29 h of weekly gaming. Regression analysis showed a significant group effect for Glx, with higher Glx levels in IGD as compared to HC (coef. = .086, t (50) = 2.17, p = .035). Our study is the first to show higher levels of Glx in the striatum in youth with IGD. The elevation of Glx in the striatum may indicate hyperactivation of the reward system in IGD. Thus, results confirm that neurochemical alterations can be identified in early stages of behavioral addictions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Klar
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Neurology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Slotboom
- Support Center for Advanced Neuroimaging (SCAN), Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Lerch
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Julian Koenig
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Clinic and Polyclinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Roland Wiest
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Neuroradiology, University Hospital of Bern, Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michael Kaess
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jochen Kindler
- University Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Wang M, Korbmacher M, Eikeland R, Craven AR, Specht K. The intra-individual reliability of 1 H-MRS measurement in the anterior cingulate cortex across 1 year. Hum Brain Mapp 2024; 45:e26531. [PMID: 37986643 PMCID: PMC10789202 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26531] [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] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is the primary method that can measure the levels of metabolites in the brain in vivo. To achieve its potential in clinical usage, the reliability of the measurement requires further articulation. Although there are many studies that investigate the reliability of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), comparatively few studies have investigated the reliability of other brain metabolites, such as glutamate (Glu), N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), phosphocreatine (PCr), or myo-inositol (mI), which all play a significant role in brain development and functions. In addition, previous studies which predominately used only two measurements (two data points) failed to provide the details of the time effect (e.g., time-of-day) on MRS measurement within subjects. Therefore, in this study, MRS data located in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were repeatedly recorded across 1 year leading to at least 25 sessions for each subject with the aim of exploring the variability of other metabolites by using the index coefficient of variability (CV); the smaller the CV, the more reliable the measurements. We found that the metabolites of NAA, tNAA, and tCr showed the smallest CVs (between 1.43% and 4.90%), and the metabolites of Glu, Glx, mI, and tCho showed modest CVs (between 4.26% and 7.89%). Furthermore, we found that the concentration reference of the ratio to water results in smaller CVs compared to the ratio to tCr. In addition, we did not find any time-of-day effect on the MRS measurements. Collectively, the results of this study indicate that the MRS measurement is reasonably reliable in quantifying the levels of metabolites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng‐Yun Wang
- Department of Biological and Medical PsychologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre (MMIV)Haukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Max Korbmacher
- Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre (MMIV)Haukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of Health and FunctioningWestern Norway University of Applied SciencesBergenNorway
- NORMENT Centre for Psychosis Research, Division of Mental Health and AddictionUniversity of Oslo and Oslo University HospitalOsloNorway
| | - Rune Eikeland
- Department of Biological and Medical PsychologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre (MMIV)Haukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Alexander R. Craven
- Department of Biological and Medical PsychologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of Clinical EngineeringHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Karsten Specht
- Department of Biological and Medical PsychologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre (MMIV)Haukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of EducationUiT The Arctic University of NorwayTromsøNorway
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hjelmervik H, Hausmann M, Bless JJ, Harkestad N, Hugdahl K, Laloyaux J. Estradiol driven change in hallucination proneness across the menstrual cycle as studied with a white noise paradigm. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 159:106410. [PMID: 37832212 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
The estrogen hypothesis for schizophrenia suggests neuroprotective effects of estrogen for the development of the disorder and for symptom severity, including auditory hallucinations. Furthermore, estrogen has shown enhancing effects on cognitive control, a function that is also implicated in auditory hallucinations. Whether estrogen affects the tendency to hallucinate in healthy participants, and the potential mediating role of cognitive control, has not yet been studied. Therefore, the current study aimed to test these relationships by using a white noise paradigm in combination with a N-back working memory task in which cognitive load could be manipulated. The paradigm used simulates a hallucinatory state by induction of negative emotions and drainage of cognitive resources. The simultaneous exposure to white noise elicit experiences of hearing voices (false alarms). In a between-subject design, forty-two participants were tested during the menstrual cycle in either the early follicular phase (low estradiol) or late follicular phase (high estradiol). A 2(Cycle Phase) x2(N-back task) ANOVA showed a main-effect of cycle phase on number of experienced hallucinations in the white noise task, with a significantly higher number of reported hallucinations in the early follicular phase. Furthermore, estradiol was found to predict number of hallucinations. No interaction effect of cycle phase and available cognitive resources was found. The results suggest an estradiol-related change in hallucination proneness across the menstrual cycle, but the idea that cognitive functioning mediates this relationship was not supported. Overall, the study supports protective effects of estradiol on hallucination proneness in line with the estrogen-hypothesis of schizophrenia, and that such effects are not specific to the disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helene Hjelmervik
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University college, Bergen, Norway.
| | | | - Josef J Bless
- Institute of Medical Psychology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nina Harkestad
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Kenneth Hugdahl
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway; Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway; Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Collet S, Bhaduri S, Kiyar M, Van Den Eynde T, Guillamon A, T'Sjoen G, Mueller SC. Testosterone administration affects 1H-MRS metabolite spectra in transgender men. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 156:106337. [PMID: 37536143 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, a variety of studies using different neuroimaging techniques attempted to identify the existence of a brain endophenotype in people with gender dysphoria (GD). However, despite mounting neuroimaging work, brain gender differences and effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) at the metabolite level remain understudied. METHODS Thirty-one transgender men (TM) before and after testosterone administration (7.7 months ± 3.5 months), relative to 30 cisgender men (CM) and 35 cisgender women (CW) underwent magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) at two time points. Two brain regions were assessed, i.e. the lateral parietal cortex and the amygdala/anterior hippocampus. Associated metabolites that were measured include N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), creatine (Cr), choline (Cho), glutamate and glutamine (Glx), myo-inositol (mI), glycine (Gly) and their respective ratios. RESULTS A critical time by group interaction revealed an effect of GAHT in the lateral parietal cortex of TM. MI+Gly/Cr ratios decreased upon initiation of GAHT. In addition, NAA/Cr and Cho/Cr ratios were lower in CW when compared to CM in the lateral parietal cortex. Glx levels and Glx/Cr ratios in TM differed from those in CW in the amygdala/anterior hippocampus. Interestingly, pubertal age of onset of gender dysphoria (i.e. GD) in TM differentially affected testosterone-mediated effects on Cr concentration and NAA/Cr ratios when compared to childhood and adult GD onset in the amygdala/anterior hippocampus. CONCLUSION This 1H-MRS study demonstrated that testosterone administration shifts mI+Gly/Cr ratios in the parietal cortex. In the amygdala/anterior hippocampus, modulation of metabolite concentrations by age of onset of GD is suggestive for a possible developmental trend.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Collet
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sourav Bhaduri
- Symbiosis Centre for Medical Image Analysis, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune, India
| | - Meltem Kiyar
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | | | - Antonio Guillamon
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Madrid, Spain
| | - Guy T'Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sven C Mueller
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, Belgium
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gudmundson AT, Koo A, Virovka A, Amirault AL, Soo M, Cho JH, Oeltzschner G, Edden RAE, Stark CEL. Meta-analysis and open-source database for in vivo brain Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy in health and disease. Anal Biochem 2023; 676:115227. [PMID: 37423487 PMCID: PMC10561665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2023.115227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Proton (1H) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive tool capable of quantifying brain metabolite concentrations in vivo. Prioritization of standardization and accessibility in the field has led to the development of universal pulse sequences, methodological consensus recommendations, and the development of open-source analysis software packages. One on-going challenge is methodological validation with ground-truth data. As ground-truths are rarely available for in vivo measurements, data simulations have become an important tool. The diverse literature of metabolite measurements has made it challenging to define ranges to be used within simulations. Especially for the development of deep learning and machine learning algorithms, simulations must be able to produce accurate spectra capturing all the nuances of in vivo data. Therefore, we sought to determine the physiological ranges and relaxation rates of brain metabolites which can be used both in data simulations and as reference estimates. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we've identified relevant MRS research articles and created an open-source database containing methods, results, and other article information as a resource. Using this database, expectation values and ranges for metabolite concentrations and T2 relaxation times are established based upon a meta-analyses of healthy and diseased brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T Gudmundson
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Annie Koo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Anna Virovka
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa L Amirault
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Madelene Soo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jocelyn H Cho
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Georg Oeltzschner
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Richard A E Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Craig E L Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Gudmundson AT, Koo A, Virovka A, Amirault AL, Soo M, Cho JH, Oeltzschner G, Edden RA, Stark C. Meta-analysis and Open-source Database for In Vivo Brain Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy in Health and Disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.10.528046. [PMID: 37205343 PMCID: PMC10187197 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.10.528046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Proton ( 1 H) Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) is a non-invasive tool capable of quantifying brain metabolite concentrations in vivo . Prioritization of standardization and accessibility in the field has led to the development of universal pulse sequences, methodological consensus recommendations, and the development of open-source analysis software packages. One on-going challenge is methodological validation with ground-truth data. As ground-truths are rarely available for in vivo measurements, data simulations have become an important tool. The diverse literature of metabolite measurements has made it challenging to define ranges to be used within simulations. Especially for the development of deep learning and machine learning algorithms, simulations must be able to produce accurate spectra capturing all the nuances of in vivo data. Therefore, we sought to determine the physiological ranges and relaxation rates of brain metabolites which can be used both in data simulations and as reference estimates. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we've identified relevant MRS research articles and created an open-source database containing methods, results, and other article information as a resource. Using this database, expectation values and ranges for metabolite concentrations and T 2 relaxation times are established based upon a meta-analyses of healthy and diseased brains.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron T. Gudmundson
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
| | - Annie Koo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Anna Virovka
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Alyssa L. Amirault
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Madelene Soo
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Jocelyn H. Cho
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| | - Georg Oeltzschner
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
| | - Richard A.E. Edden
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- F. M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD
| | - Craig Stark
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Jung YH, Kim H, Seo S, Lee D, Lee JY, Moon JY, Cheon GJ, Choi SH, Kang DH. Central metabolites and peripheral parameters associated neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia patients: A preliminary study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33305. [PMID: 37000093 PMCID: PMC10063264 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To identify central metabolites and peripheral measures associated with neuroinflammation in fibromyalgia (FM), we scanned [11C]-(R)-PK11195 positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance spectroscopy in FM patients. We measured associations between neurometabolite levels measured by magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the extent of neuroinflammation inferred by the distribution volume ratios of [11C]-(R)-PK11195 positron emission tomography in 12 FM patients and 13 healthy controls. We also examined the associations between peripheral parameters, such as creatinine and C-reactive protein, and neuroinflammation. In FM patients, we found negative correlations between neuroinflammation and the creatine (Cr)/total creatine (tCr; Cr + phosphocreatine) ratios in the right (r = -0.708, P = .015) and left thalamus (r = -0.718, P = .008). In FM patients, negative correlations were apparent between neuroinflammation and the glutamate/tCr ratio in the right insula (r = -0.746, P = .005). In FM patients, we found negative correlations between neuroinflammation in the left thalamus (r = -0.601, P = .039) and left insula (r = -0.598, P = .040) and the blood creatinine levels. Additionally, we found significant correlations of other peripheral measures with neuroinflammation in FM patients. Our results suggest that both central metabolites, such as Cr and glutamate, and peripheral creatinine and other parameters are associated with neuroinflammation in patients with FM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ha Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongho Seo
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Pai Chai University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dasom Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Youn Moon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Jeong Cheon
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hee Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, SNU-MRC, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hyung Kang
- Seoul Chung Psychiatry Clinic, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jett S, Schelbaum E, Jang G, Boneu Yepez C, Dyke JP, Pahlajani S, Diaz Brinton R, Mosconi L. Ovarian steroid hormones: A long overlooked but critical contributor to brain aging and Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:948219. [PMID: 35928995 PMCID: PMC9344010 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.948219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian hormones, particularly 17β-estradiol, are involved in numerous neurophysiological and neurochemical processes, including those subserving cognitive function. Estradiol plays a key role in the neurobiology of aging, in part due to extensive interconnectivity of the neural and endocrine system. This aspect of aging is fundamental for women's brains as all women experience a drop in circulating estradiol levels in midlife, after menopause. Given the importance of estradiol for brain function, it is not surprising that up to 80% of peri-menopausal and post-menopausal women report neurological symptoms including changes in thermoregulation (vasomotor symptoms), mood, sleep, and cognitive performance. Preclinical evidence for neuroprotective effects of 17β-estradiol also indicate associations between menopause, cognitive aging, and Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia affecting nearly twice more women than men. Brain imaging studies demonstrated that middle-aged women exhibit increased indicators of AD endophenotype as compared to men of the same age, with onset in perimenopause. Herein, we take a translational approach to illustrate the contribution of ovarian hormones in maintaining cognition in women, with evidence implicating menopause-related declines in 17β-estradiol in cognitive aging and AD risk. We will review research focused on the role of endogenous and exogenous estrogen exposure as a key underlying mechanism to neuropathological aging in women, with a focus on whether brain structure, function and neurochemistry respond to hormone treatment. While still in development, this research area offers a new sex-based perspective on brain aging and risk of AD, while also highlighting an urgent need for better integration between neurology, psychiatry, and women's health practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven Jett
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Eva Schelbaum
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Grace Jang
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Camila Boneu Yepez
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan P. Dyke
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Silky Pahlajani
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Roberta Diaz Brinton
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Lisa Mosconi
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Radiology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hjelmervik H, Craven AR, Johnsen E, Kompus K, Bless JJ, Sinkeviciute I, Kroken RA, Løberg EM, Ersland L, Grüner R, Sommer IE, Hugdahl K. Negative valence of hallucinatory voices as predictor of cortical glutamatergic metabolite levels in schizophrenia patients. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2446. [PMID: 34874613 PMCID: PMC8785643 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Negative emotional valence of auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) in schizophrenia can be a source of distress and is considered a strong predictor of illness severity. Previous studies have found glutamate to mediate AVH severity in frontal and temporal brain regions, however, they do not specifically address emotional valence of AVH. The role of glutamate for the experience of negative- versus positive emotional valence of AVH is therefore unknown and was investigated in the current study. METHODS Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), 37 schizophrenia patients had Glx (glutamate+glutamine) measured in the left superior temporal gyrus (STG), and additionally in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the right STG, or in the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG). Self-reported emotional valence in AVH was measured with the Beliefs About Voices Questionnaire (BAVQ-R). RESULTS Results from linear mixed models showed that negative emotional valence was associated with reduced Glx levels across all four measured brain regions in the frontal and temporal lobe. More specifically, voices that were experienced to be omnipotent (p = 0.04) and that the patients attempted to resist (p = 0.04) were related to lower Glx levels. Follow-up analysis of the latter showed that voices that evoked emotional resistance (i.e., fear, sadness, anger), rather than behavioral resistance, was a significant predictor of reduced glutamate (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION The findings could indicate aberrant glutamatergic signaling, or increased NMDA-receptor hypoactivity in patients who experience their voices to be more emotionally negative. Overall, the study provides support for the glutamate hypothesis of schizophrenia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helene Hjelmervik
- School of Health Sciences, Kristiania University college, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Alexander R Craven
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Engineering, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Erik Johnsen
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristiina Kompus
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Josef J Bless
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Igne Sinkeviciute
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune A Kroken
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Ersland
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Engineering, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Renate Grüner
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Iris E Sommer
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Neuroscience, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kenneth Hugdahl
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kantrowitz JT, Dong Z, Milak MS, Rashid R, Kegeles LS, Javitt DC, Lieberman JA, John Mann J. Ventromedial prefrontal cortex/anterior cingulate cortex Glx, glutamate, and GABA levels in medication-free major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:419. [PMID: 34354048 PMCID: PMC8342485 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01541-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). GABA levels or GABAergic interneuron numbers are generally low in MDD, potentially disinhibiting Glu release. It is unclear whether Glu release or turnover is increased in depression. Conversely, a meta-analysis of prefrontal proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) studies in MDD finds low Glx (combination of glutamate and glutamine) in medicated MDD. We hypothesize that elevated Glx or Glu may be a marker of more severe, untreated MDD. We examined ventromedial prefrontal cortex/anterior cingulate cortex (vmPFC/ACC) Glx and glutamate levels using 1H MRS in 34 medication-free, symptomatic, chronically ill MDD patients and 32 healthy volunteers, and GABA levels in a subsample. Elevated Glx and Glu were observed in MDD compared with healthy volunteers, with the highest levels seen in males with MDD. vmPFC/ACC GABA was low in MDD. Higher Glx levels correlated with more severe depression and lower GABA. MDD severity and diagnosis were both linked to higher Glx in vmPFC/ACC. Low GABA in a subset of these patients is consistent with our hypothesized model of low GABA leading to glutamate disinhibition in MDD. This finding and model are consistent with our previously reported findings that the NMDAR-antagonist antidepressant effect is proportional to the reduction of vmPFC/ACC Glx or Glu levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua T. Kantrowitz
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA ,grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY USA ,grid.250263.00000 0001 2189 4777Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY USA
| | - Zhengchao Dong
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA ,grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY USA
| | - Matthew S. Milak
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA ,grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY USA
| | - Rain Rashid
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA ,grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY USA
| | - Lawrence S. Kegeles
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA ,grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY USA ,grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Radiology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA
| | - Daniel C. Javitt
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA ,grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY USA ,grid.250263.00000 0001 2189 4777Nathan Kline Institute, 140 Old Orangeburg Road, Orangeburg, NY USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Lieberman
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA ,grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY USA
| | - J. John Mann
- grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA ,grid.413734.60000 0000 8499 1112New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY USA ,grid.21729.3f0000000419368729Department of Radiology, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Collet S, Bhaduri S, Kiyar M, T’Sjoen G, Mueller S, Guillamon A. Characterization of the 1H-MRS Metabolite Spectra in Transgender Men with Gender Dysphoria and Cisgender People. J Clin Med 2021; 10:2623. [PMID: 34198690 PMCID: PMC8232168 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10122623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Much research has been conducted on sexual differences of the human brain to determine whether and to what extent a brain gender exists. Consequently, a variety of studies using different neuroimaging techniques attempted to identify the existence of a brain phenotype in people with gender dysphoria (GD). However, to date, brain sexual differences at the metabolite level using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) have not been explored in transgender people. In this study, 28 cisgender men (CM) and 34 cisgender women (CW) and 29 transgender men with GD (TMGD) underwent 1H-MRS at 3 Tesla MRI to characterize common brain metabolites. Specifically, levels of N-acetyl aspartate (NAA), choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), glutamate and glutamine (Glx), and myo-inositol + glycine (mI + Gly) were assessed in two brain regions, the amygdala-anterior hippocampus and the lateral parietal cortex. The results indicated a sex-assigned at birth pattern for Cho/Cr in the amygdala of TMGD. In the parietal cortex, a sex-assigned at birth and an intermediate pattern were found. Though assessed post-hoc, exploration of the age of onset of GD in TMGD demonstrated within-group differences in absolute NAA and relative Cho/Cr levels, suggestive for a possible developmental trend. While brain metabolite levels in TMGD resembled those of CW, some interesting findings, such as modulation of metabolite concentrations by age of onset of GD, warrant future inquiry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Collet
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sourav Bhaduri
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.B.); (M.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Meltem Kiyar
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.B.); (M.K.); (S.M.)
| | - Guy T’Sjoen
- Department of Endocrinology, Center for Sexology and Gender, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Sven Mueller
- Department of Experimental Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; (S.B.); (M.K.); (S.M.)
- Department of Personality, Psychological Assessment and Treatment, University of Deusto, 48007 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Antonio Guillamon
- Departamento de Psicobiología, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Jung YH, Kim H, Lee D, Lee JY, Moon JY, Choi SH, Kang DH. Dysfunctional energy metabolisms in fibromyalgia compared with healthy subjects. Mol Pain 2021; 17:17448069211012833. [PMID: 33940974 PMCID: PMC8113919 DOI: 10.1177/17448069211012833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the levels of creatine (Cr) metabolites in the
anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), thalamus, and insula of patients with
fibromyalgia (FM) using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). The levels
of Cr and phosphocreatine (PCr) relative to total Cr (tCr), which includes Cr
and PCr, in the ACC, thalamus, and insula were determined using MRS in 12
patients with FM and in 13 healthy controls. The FM group had lower levels of
PCr/tCr in the ACC and right insula compared to healthy controls. There was a
negative correlation between Cr/tCr in the ACC and total pain levels (McGill
Pain Questionnaire-Total; r = −0.579, p = 0.049) and between Cr/tCr in the left
insula and affective pain levels (McGill Pain Questionnaire-Affective;
r = −0.638, p = 0.047) in patients with FM. In addition, there were negative
correlations between stress levels (Stress Response Inventory) and Cr/tCr in the
right (r = −0.780, p = 0.005) and left thalamus (r = −0.740, p = 0.006), as well
as in the right insula (r = −0.631, p = 0.028) in patients with FM. There were
negative correlations between symptom levels of post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD; PTSD checklist) and Cr/tCr in the right (r = −0.783, p = 0.004) and left
thalamus (r = −0.642, p = 0.024) of patients with FM. These findings are
paramount to understanding the decisive pathologies related to brain energy
metabolism in patients with FM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye-Ha Jung
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonjin Kim
- Department of Radiology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dasom Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yeon Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Youn Moon
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hee Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Psychiatry, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Institute of Human Behavioral Medicine, SNU-MRC, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Do-Hyung Kang
- Seoul Chung Psychiatry Clinic, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dwyer GE, Craven AR, Bereśniewicz J, Kazimierczak K, Ersland L, Hugdahl K, Grüner R. Simultaneous Measurement of the BOLD Effect and Metabolic Changes in Response to Visual Stimulation Using the MEGA-PRESS Sequence at 3 T. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:644079. [PMID: 33841118 PMCID: PMC8024522 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.644079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) effect that provides the contrast in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been demonstrated to affect the linewidth of spectral peaks as measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and through this, may be used as an indirect measure of cerebral blood flow related to neural activity. By acquiring MR-spectra interleaved with frames without water suppression, it may be possible to image the BOLD effect and associated metabolic changes simultaneously through changes in the linewidth of the unsuppressed water peak. The purpose of this study was to implement this approach with the MEGA-PRESS sequence, widely considered to be the standard sequence for quantitative measurement of GABA at field strengths of 3 T and lower, to observe how changes in both glutamate (measured as Glx) and GABA levels may relate to changes due to the BOLD effect. MR-spectra and fMRI were acquired from the occipital cortex (OCC) of 20 healthy participants whilst undergoing intrascanner visual stimulation in the form of a red and black radial checkerboard, alternating at 8 Hz, in 90 s blocks comprising 30 s of visual stimulation followed by 60 s of rest. Results show very strong agreement between the changes in the linewidth of the unsuppressed water signal and the canonical haemodynamic response function as well as a strong, negative, but not statistically significant, correlation with the Glx signal as measured from the OFF spectra in MEGA-PRESS pairs. Findings from this experiment suggest that the unsuppressed water signal provides a reliable measure of the BOLD effect and that correlations with associated changes in GABA and Glx levels may also be measured. However, discrepancies between metabolite levels as measured from the difference and OFF spectra raise questions regarding the reliability of the respective methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Eric Dwyer
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Alexander R Craven
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Engineering, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Justyna Bereśniewicz
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Katarzyna Kazimierczak
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Ersland
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Engineering, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kenneth Hugdahl
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Renate Grüner
- NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Mohn Medical Imaging and Visualization Centre, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Martens L, Herrmann L, Colic L, Li M, Richter A, Behnisch G, Stork O, Seidenbecher C, Schott BH, Walter M. Met carriers of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism show reduced Glx/NAA in the pregenual ACC in two independent cohorts. Sci Rep 2021; 11:6742. [PMID: 33762638 PMCID: PMC7990923 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86220-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Met allele of the Val66Met SNP of the BDNF gene (rs6265) is associated with impaired activity-dependent release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), resulting in reduced synaptic plasticity, impaired glutamatergic neurotransmission, and morphological changes. While previous work has demonstrated Val66Met effects on magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) markers of either glutamatergic metabolism (Glx) or neuronal integrity (NAA), no study has investigated Val66Met effects on these related processes simultaneously. As these metabolites share a metabolic pathway, the Glx/NAA ratio may be a more sensitive marker of changes associated with the Val66Met SNP. This ratio is increased in psychiatric disorders linked to decreased functioning in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). In this study, we investigated the correlation of the Val66Met polymorphism of the BDNF gene with Glx/NAA in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC) using MRS at 3 Tesla (T) (n = 30, all males) and 7 T (n = 98, 40 females). In both cohorts, Met carriers had lower Glx/NAA compared to Val homozygotes. Follow-up analyses using absolute quantification revealed that the Met carriers do not show decreased pgACC glutamate or glutamine levels, but instead show increased NAA compared to the Val homozygotes. This finding may in part explain conflicting evidence for Val66Met as a risk factor for developing psychiatric illnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise Martens
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany.,Graduate Training Center, IMPRS, Tübingen, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luisa Herrmann
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Lejla Colic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Meng Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.,Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anni Richter
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Oliver Stork
- Department of Genetics & Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Otto-Von-Guericke-University, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Constanze Seidenbecher
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Björn H Schott
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany. .,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany. .,Clinical Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, Magdeburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dubol M, Epperson CN, Sacher J, Pletzer B, Derntl B, Lanzenberger R, Sundström-Poromaa I, Comasco E. Neuroimaging the menstrual cycle: A multimodal systematic review. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 60:100878. [PMID: 33098847 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence indicates that ovarian hormones affect brain structure, chemistry and function of women in their reproductive age, potentially shaping their behavior and mental health. Throughout the reproductive years, estrogens and progesterone levels fluctuate across the menstrual cycle and can modulate neural circuits involved in affective and cognitive processes. Here, we review seventy-seven neuroimaging studies and provide a comprehensive and data-driven evaluation of the accumulating evidence on brain plasticity associated with endogenous ovarian hormone fluctuations in naturally cycling women (n = 1304). The results particularly suggest modulatory effects of ovarian hormones fluctuations on the reactivity and structure of cortico-limbic brain regions. These findings highlight the importance of performing multimodal neuroimaging studies on neural correlates of systematic ovarian hormone fluctuations in naturally cycling women based on careful menstrual cycle staging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manon Dubol
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine-Anschutz Medical Campus, USA
| | - Julia Sacher
- Emotion Neuroimaging Lab, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Germany
| | - Belinda Pletzer
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, University of Salzburg, Austria
| | - Birgit Derntl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rupert Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lanz B, Abaei A, Braissant O, Choi IY, Cudalbu C, Henry PG, Gruetter R, Kara F, Kantarci K, Lee P, Lutz NW, Marjańska M, Mlynárik V, Rasche V, Xin L, Valette J. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the rodent brain: Experts' consensus recommendations. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2020; 34:e4325. [PMID: 33565219 PMCID: PMC9429976 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
In vivo MRS is a non-invasive measurement technique used not only in humans, but also in animal models using high-field magnets. MRS enables the measurement of metabolite concentrations as well as metabolic rates and their modifications in healthy animals and disease models. Such data open the way to a deeper understanding of the underlying biochemistry, related disturbances and mechanisms taking place during or prior to symptoms and tissue changes. In this work, we focus on the main preclinical 1H, 31P and 13C MRS approaches to study brain metabolism in rodent models, with the aim of providing general experts' consensus recommendations (animal models, anesthesia, data acquisition protocols). An overview of the main practical differences in preclinical compared with clinical MRS studies is presented, as well as the additional biochemical information that can be obtained in animal models in terms of metabolite concentrations and metabolic flux measurements. The properties of high-field preclinical MRS and the technical limitations are also described.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Lanz
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic Imaging (LIFMET), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Sir Peter Mansfield Imaging Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Alireza Abaei
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Olivier Braissant
- Service of Clinical Chemistry, University of Lausanne and University Hospital of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - In-Young Choi
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, US
| | - Cristina Cudalbu
- Centre d’Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Pierre-Gilles Henry
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
| | - Rolf Gruetter
- Laboratory for Functional and Metabolic Imaging (LIFMET), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Firat Kara
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, US
| | - Kejal Kantarci
- Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, US
| | - Phil Lee
- Department of Radiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, US
| | | | - Małgorzata Marjańska
- Center for Magnetic Resonance Research, Department of Radiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, US
| | - Vladimír Mlynárik
- High Field MR Centre, Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Volker Rasche
- Core Facility Small Animal Imaging, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lijing Xin
- Centre d’Imagerie Biomedicale (CIBM), Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Julien Valette
- Commissariat à l’Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives, MIRCen, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
- Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, UMR 9199, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hjelmervik H, Craven AR, Sinceviciute I, Johnsen E, Kompus K, Bless JJ, Kroken RA, Løberg EM, Ersland L, Grüner R, Hugdahl K. Intra-Regional Glu-GABA vs Inter-Regional Glu-Glu Imbalance: A 1H-MRS Study of the Neurochemistry of Auditory Verbal Hallucinations in Schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 2020; 46:633-642. [PMID: 31626702 PMCID: PMC7147588 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbz099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate (Glu), gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA), and excitatory/inhibitory (E/I) imbalance have inconsistently been implicated in the etiology of schizophrenia. Elevated Glu levels in language regions have been suggested to mediate auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH), the same regions previously associated with neuronal hyperactivity during AVHs. It is, however, not known whether alterations in Glu levels are accompanied by corresponding GABA alterations, nor is it known if Glu levels are affected in brain regions with known neuronal hypo-activity. Using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), we measured Glx (Glu+glutamine) and GABA+ levels in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), left and right superior temporal gyrus (STG), and left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), in a sample of 77 schizophrenia patients and 77 healthy controls. Two MRS-protocols were used. Results showed a marginally significant positive correlation in the left STG between Glx and AVHs, whereas a significant negative correlation was found in the ACC. In addition, high-hallucinating patients as a group showed decreased ACC and increased left STG Glx levels compared to low-hallucinating patients, with the healthy controls in between the 2 hallucinating groups. No significant differences were found for GABA+ levels. It is discussed that reduced ACC Glx levels reflect an inability of AVH patients to cognitively inhibit their "voices" through neuronal hypo-activity, which in turn originates from increased left STG Glu levels and neuronal hyperactivity. A revised E/I-imbalance model is proposed where Glu-Glu imbalance between brain regions is emphasized rather than Glu-GABA imbalance within regions, for the understanding of the underlying neurochemistry of AVHs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helene Hjelmervik
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Alexander R Craven
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Igne Sinceviciute
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Erik Johnsen
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristiina Kompus
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Josef J Bless
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rune A Kroken
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Medicine (K1), University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Ersland
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Engineering, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Renate Grüner
- NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Physics and Technology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kenneth Hugdahl
- Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bakian AV, Huber RS, Scholl L, Renshaw PF, Kondo D. Dietary creatine intake and depression risk among U.S. adults. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:52. [PMID: 32066709 PMCID: PMC7026167 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Creatine monohydrate is actively being researched for its antidepressant effects, yet little is known about the link between dietary creatine and depression risk. This study examines the association between dietary creatine and depression in U.S. adults, using data from the 2005 to 2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Patient health questionnaire, dietary creatine intake and covariates were obtained on 22,692 NHANES participants ≥20 years of age. Depression prevalence was calculated within quartiles of dietary creatine intake. Adjusted logistic regression models were formulated to determine the relationship between dietary creatine intake and depression risk. Additional covariates included income to poverty ratio, race/ethnicity, sex, age, education level, body mass index, healthcare access, smoking status, physical activity, and antidepressant/anxiolytic medication use. Models were further stratified by sex, age group, and antidepressant/anxiolytic medication use. Depression prevalence was 10.23/100 persons (95% CI: 8.64-11.83) among NHANES participants in the lowest quartile of dietary creatine intake compared with 5.98/100 persons (95% CI: 4.97-6.98) among participants in the highest quartile (p < 0.001). An inverse association was measured between dietary creatine and depression (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.52-0.88). Dietary creatine's negative association with depression was strongest in females (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40-0.98), participants aged 20-39 years (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.34-0.79) and participants not taking antidepressant/anxiolytic medication (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.43-0.77). Study results indicate a significant negative relationship between dietary creatine and depression in a nationally representative adult cohort. Further research is warranted to investigate the role creatine plays in depression, particularly among women and across the lifespan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda V. Bakian
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Rebekah S. Huber
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Lindsay Scholl
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Perry F. Renshaw
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,The Rocky Mountain Veterans Integrated Service Network 19 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers of Excellence, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Douglas Kondo
- grid.223827.e0000 0001 2193 0096Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA ,The Rocky Mountain Veterans Integrated Service Network 19 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers of Excellence, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Demnitz N, Topiwala A, Zsoldos E, Stagg CJ, Emir UE, Johansen-Berg H, Ebmeier KP, Sexton CE. Alcohol consumption is associated with reduced creatine levels in the hippocampus of older adults. Psychiatry Res 2020; 295:111019. [PMID: 31785452 PMCID: PMC6961205 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2019.111019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Besides its well established susceptibility to ageing, the hippocampus has also been shown to be affected by alcohol consumption. Proton spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of the hippocampus, particularly at high-field 7T MRI, may further our understanding of these associations. Here, we aimed to examine how hippocampal metabolites varied with age and alcohol consumption. Hippocampal metabolite spectra were acquired in 37 older adults using 7T 1H-MRS, from which we determined the absolute concentration of N-acetylaspartate (NAA), creatine, choline, myo-inositol, glutamate and glutamine. Thirty participants (mean age = 70.4 ± 4.7 years) also had self-reported data on weekly alcohol consumption. Total choline inversely correlated with age, although this did not survive multiple comparisons correction. Crucially, adults with a higher weekly alcohol consumption had significantly lower levels of creatine, suggesting a deficit in their hippocampal metabolism. These findings add to an increasing body of evidence linking alcohol to hippocampal function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Demnitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Anya Topiwala
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Enikő Zsoldos
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Charlotte J Stagg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Uzay E Emir
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Heidi Johansen-Berg
- Wellcome Centre for Integrative Neuroimaging, FMRIB, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Claire E Sexton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Global Brain Health Institute, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ostojic SM, Ratgeber L, Olah A, Betlehem J, Acs P. Guanidinoacetic acid deficiency: a new entity in clinical medicine? Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:2544-2550. [PMID: 33029096 PMCID: PMC7532483 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.47757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA, also known as glycocyamine or betacyamine) is a naturally-occurring derivative of glycine and a direct metabolic precursor of creatine, a key player in high-phosphate cellular bioenergetics. GAA is found in human serum and urine, with circulating GAA likely reflects an equilibrium between its endogenous production and utilization/excretion. GAA deficiency (as indicated by low serum GAA) has been reported in various conditions yet this intriguing clinical entity appears to be poorly characterized as yet, either as a primary deficit or a sequel of secondary disease. This minireview article summarizes the inherited and acquired disorders with apparent GAA deficiency and discusses a possible relevance of GAA shortfall in clinical medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sergej M Ostojic
- FSPE Applied Bioenergetics Lab, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Laszlo Ratgeber
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Andras Olah
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Jozsef Betlehem
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| | - Pongras Acs
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pecs, Pecs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Beuchel C, Becker S, Dittrich J, Kirsten H, Toenjes A, Stumvoll M, Loeffler M, Thiele H, Beutner F, Thiery J, Ceglarek U, Scholz M. Clinical and lifestyle related factors influencing whole blood metabolite levels - A comparative analysis of three large cohorts. Mol Metab 2019; 29:76-85. [PMID: 31668394 PMCID: PMC6734104 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2019.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Human blood metabolites are influenced by a number of lifestyle and environmental factors. Identification of these factors and the proper quantification of their relevance provides insights into human biological and metabolic disease processes, is key for standardized translation of metabolite biomarkers into clinical applications, and is a prerequisite for comparability of data between studies. However, so far only limited data exist from large and well-phenotyped human cohorts and current methods for analysis do not fully account for the characteristics of these data. The primary aim of this study was to identify, quantify and compare the impact of a comprehensive set of clinical and lifestyle related factors on metabolite levels in three large human cohorts. To achieve this goal, we improve current methodology by developing a principled analysis approach, which could be translated to other cohorts and metabolite panels. Methods 63 Metabolites (amino acids, acylcarnitines) were quantified by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in three cohorts (total N = 16,222). Supported by a simulation study evaluating various analytical approaches, we developed an analysis pipeline including preprocessing, identification, and quantification of factors affecting metabolite levels. We comprehensively identified uni- and multivariable metabolite associations considering 29 environmental and clinical factors and performed metabolic pathway enrichment and network analyses. Results Inverse normal transformation of batch corrected and outlier removed metabolite levels accompanied by linear regression analysis proved to be the best suited method to deal with the metabolite data. Association analyses revealed numerous uni- and multivariable significant associations. 15 of the analyzed 29 factors explained >1% of variance for at least one of the metabolites. Strongest factors are application of steroid hormones, reticulocytes, waist-to-hip ratio, sex, haematocrit, and age. Effect sizes of factors are comparable across studies. Conclusions We introduced a principled approach for the analysis of MS data allowing identification, and quantification of effects of clinical and lifestyle factors with metabolite levels. We detected a number of known and novel associations broadening our understanding of the regulation of the human metabolome. The large heterogeneity observed between cohorts could almost completely be explained by differences in the distribution of influencing factors emphasizing the necessity of a proper confounder analysis when interpreting metabolite associations. Amino-acids and acylcarnitines analyzed in three studies with >16,000 individuals. Develop a generic and adaptable bioinformatics workflow. Analysis of the impact of 29 clinical and life-style factors on blood metabolites. Analysis of network between factors and metabolites. Comparison of results between studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carl Beuchel
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Susen Becker
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; Department of Pediatric Surgery, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Julia Dittrich
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Holger Kirsten
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; LIFE - Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anke Toenjes
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Stumvoll
- Medical Department III - Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Markus Loeffler
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; LIFE - Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | | | - Joachim Thiery
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; LIFE - Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Uta Ceglarek
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; LIFE - Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Markus Scholz
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; LIFE - Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany; IFB Adiposity Diseases, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|