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Nedic Erjavec G, Tudor L, Nikolac Perkovic M, Podobnik J, Dodig Curkovic K, Curkovic M, Svob Strac D, Cusek M, Bortolato M, Pivac N. Serotonin 5-HT 2A receptor polymorphisms are associated with irritability and aggression in conduct disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 117:110542. [PMID: 35257831 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In childhood and adolescence, overt antisocial and aggressive manifestations are typically diagnosed as conduct disorder (CD). Given that the emerging research has pointed to the influence of 5-HT2A receptors in the ontogeny of aggression, we aimed to analyze the association of its genetic polymorphisms with CD. The study included 228 male adolescent subjects (120 with and 108 without CD). CD was diagnosed according to Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV criteria, while evaluations of aggressive/dissociative behaviors were performed using psychometric questionnaires including the PCL-YV, OAS-M, KADS, and CBCL. Platelet 5-HT concentration was determined by spectrophotofluorometry. Genotyping of 5-HT2A receptor polymorphisms rs2070040, rs9534511, rs4142900, rs9534512 was performed using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Subjective irritability, physical aggression toward others, and antisocial behavior were strongly associated with the G allele of rs2070040 and rs4142900, and the C allele of rs9534511 and rs9534512. A significantly increased platelet 5-HT concentration in CD subjects, compared to controls, was lost after the correction according to the smoking status. Our results indicate an association of the studied HTR2A polymorphisms and their haplotypes with irritability and impulsivity traits, which may contribute to the aggressive and antisocial behavior in male adolescents with CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gordana Nedic Erjavec
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bijenicka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Tudor
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bijenicka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Nikolac Perkovic
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bijenicka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Josip Podobnik
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatric Hospital for Children and Youth Zagreb, Kukuljeviceva 11, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Katarina Dodig Curkovic
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Osijek, J. Huttlera 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Mario Curkovic
- Family Medicine, Park Kralja Petra Krešimira IV. 6, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dubravka Svob Strac
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bijenicka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Salt Lake City, 30 South 2000 East, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Nela Pivac
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Division of Molecular Medicine, Bijenicka cesta 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Nedic Erjavec G, Bektic Hodzic J, Repovecki S, Nikolac Perkovic M, Uzun S, Kozumplik O, Tudor L, Mimica N, Svob Strac D, Pivac N. Alcohol-related phenotypes and platelet serotonin concentration. Alcohol 2021; 97:41-49. [PMID: 34530080 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is a chronic relapsing mental disorder with heterogeneous and complex underlying biology. It is frequently associated with nicotine dependence, severity of alcohol dependence symptoms, and diverse alcohol-related phenotypes, including the presence of delirium tremens and withdrawal symptoms, early or late onset of alcohol abuse, aggression, suicidal behavior, and anxiety. While searching for peripheral biomarkers of altered serotonergic (5-HT) function in alcohol dependence and alcohol-related behaviors, we determined a peripheral biomarker, i.e., platelet 5-HT concentration in a large group of Caucasian subjects with alcohol dependence subdivided according to the presence of specific alcohol-related phenotypes and smoking status. Individuals with alcohol dependence (n = 661) of both sexes were evaluated using Structural Clinical Interview based on DSM-IV criteria, while platelet 5-HT concentration was determined using the spectrophotofluorimetric method. Smoking is significantly associated, while sex and age are not, with platelet 5-HT concentration. Severe alcohol dependence and lack of withdrawal symptoms were associated with significantly decreased platelet 5-HT concentration in alcohol-dependent non-smokers. In smokers, significantly lower platelet 5-HT concentration was found in patients with the late onset of alcohol abuse. These results suggested that platelet 5-HT concentration might be used as a peripheral marker of different alcohol-related phenotypes, after controlling for the effects of smoking and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jasminka Bektic Hodzic
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatry, University Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Senka Repovecki
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatry, University Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Suzana Uzun
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatry, University Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia; University Josip Juraj Strossmayer, Osijek, School of Medicine, Croatia
| | - Oliver Kozumplik
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatry, University Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia; University Josip Juraj Strossmayer, Osijek, School of Medicine, Croatia
| | - Lucija Tudor
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ninoslav Mimica
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatry, University Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia; University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Nela Pivac
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Ljubin-Golub T, Uzun S, Mimica N, Kozumplik O, Kalinic D, Kovacic Petrovic Z, Folnegovic Grosic P, Pivac N. Platelet serotonin concentration and trait aggression in veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a preliminary study. Stress 2021; 24:787-794. [PMID: 34006175 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1920918] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal and human studies suggest that aggressive behavior may be modulated by brain serotonergic system. Serotonergic (5-HT) dysfunction is associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but also with increased aggression and impulsivity, hallmarks of PTSD. The aim of the study was to investigate the association of platelet 5-HT concentration and various types of aggression and impulsivity in veterans with PTSD. A group of 42 male combat-related PTSD subjects entered the study. Four different aggression facets were measured by the Buss and Perry's Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Verbal and physical types of impulsive aggressive behavior were measured by the subscales of the Žužul's Aggressiveness Inventory A-87. Impulsivity was determined using Eysenck's IVE questionnaire. PTSD severity was evaluated by Watson's PTSD questionnaire. Platelet serotonin concentration was determined spectrofluorimetrically. Confounding variables were: age, body mass, alcohol use, comorbid depression, and tobacco use. Platelet 5-HT concentration and PTSD severity were independently associated only with impulsive types of aggression, as higher platelet 5-HT concentration and more severe PTSD were related to more impulsive aggression. These results strongly recommend distinguishing between specific types of aggression facets, and advise the importance of theory-based concepts of aggression facets when evaluating the biological correlates of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Suzana Uzun
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Osijek Josip Juraj Strossmayer, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ninoslav Mimica
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Oliver Kozumplik
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Osijek Josip Juraj Strossmayer, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Dubravka Kalinic
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zrnka Kovacic Petrovic
- Department for Biological Psychiatry and Psychogeriatrics, University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Nela Pivac
- Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
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Serotonin and Tryptophan Serum Concentrations in Shelter Dogs Showing Different Behavioural Responses to a Potentially Stressful Procedure. Vet Sci 2020; 8:vetsci8010001. [PMID: 33374183 PMCID: PMC7824451 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, serotonin (5-HT) levels depend on the availability of tryptophan (TRP). Low 5-HT concentrations have been linked to behavioural disorders in dogs. This study aimed at investigating possible differences in dogs’ serum TRP and 5-HT concentrations according to their behavioural response to a potentially stressful procedure. Thirty-nine physically healthy shelter dogs, 15 females and 24 males, mean age = 5.6 years, were categorized by a certified veterinary behaviourist according to their behavioural response to medical examination and blood collection, in: relaxation, stress signals, tension without growling, tension with growling, escape attempts, and aggression attempts. Extraction and quantification of 5-HT and TRP were performed using a HLPC method. Data were statistically analysed, applying Chi-square and Spearman tests. Results showed no significant difference in TRP (χ2 = 2.084, p = 0.555) nor 5-HT (χ2 = 0.972, p = 0.808) serum concentrations among different categories of dogs; however, some categories were underrepresented (relaxation = 20.5%, stress signals = 30.8%, tension without growling = 43.6%, tension with growling = 5.1%, escape attempts = 0%, aggression attempts = 0%). No correlation between serum TRP and 5-HT concentrations was found (ρ = 0.086, p = 0.602). Serum 5-HT levels do not seem to be associated with dogs’ behavioural response to a stressful situation nor with serum TRP concentrations. The relationship between serum TRP and 5-HT concentrations and behaviour needs further research.
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Gallardo-Pujol D, Kramp U, García-Forero C, Pérez-Ramírez M, Andrés-Pueyo A. Assessing aggressiveness quickly and efficiently: the Spanish adaptation of Aggression Questionnaire-Refined version. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 21:487-94. [PMID: 16675203 DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2006.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2005] [Accepted: 02/13/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe assessment of aggressiveness and the prediction of aggression has become a relevant research and applied topic in Psychiatry and Psychology. There have been many attempts in order to get a fast and reliable tool to measure aggression. Buss and Durkee started the pathway, and recently Bryant and Smith developed a tool with an enormous potential, a fast-applicable, reliable and valid test. We herein report a Spanish adaptation of this test and we show that aggressiveness can be measured rapidly, and in a simple, valid and reliable way across different populations. We focus on the discriminant capacity of this test to detect aggressive individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Gallardo-Pujol
- Department of Personality, Faculty of Psychology, University of Barcelona, Passeig de la Vall d'Hebron 171, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
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Runions KC, Morandini HAE, Rao P, Wong JWY, Kolla NJ, Pace G, Mahfouda S, Hildebrandt CS, Stewart R, Zepf FD. Serotonin and aggressive behaviour in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Acta Psychiatr Scand 2019; 139:117-144. [PMID: 30446991 DOI: 10.1111/acps.12986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of serotonin (5-HT) in human aggression has been the subject of a large number of studies, mostly with adults. Meta-analyses indicate a small but significant inverse relationship between central nervous 5-HT availability and aggression, but genetically informed studies suggest two pathways: one to reactive aggression and the other to proactive aggression. METHOD We conducted a systemic review on central nervous 5-HT function in children and adolescents, with attention to the function of aggression. RESULTS In total, 675 articles were screened for relevance, with 45 reviewed. These included blood assays (e.g. plasma, 5-HIAA; platelet 5-HTR2A ), epigenetic studies, retrospective PET studies and 5-HT challenge paradigms (e.g. tryptophan depletion). Overall, findings were mixed, with support both for negative and for positive associations of central nervous 5-HT function with aggression in children and adolescents. CONCLUSION We propose factors that may be blurring the picture, including problems in the conceptualization and measurement of aggression in young people, the lack of prospective designs and the bias towards clinical samples of boys. Research needs to account for variance in the both motivation for and implementation of aggression, and look to the behavioural economics literature to consider the roles of reward, vengeance and self-control more clearly.
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Affiliation(s)
- K C Runions
- Department of Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Bentley, WA, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre & Discipline of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - H A E Morandini
- Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre & Discipline of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - P Rao
- Department of Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Bentley, WA, Australia.,Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre & Discipline of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - J W Y Wong
- Department of Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Bentley, WA, Australia.,Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre & Discipline of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - N J Kolla
- Centre for Addictions and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - G Pace
- Department of Health, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - S Mahfouda
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - C S Hildebrandt
- Jülich Aachen Research Alliance, JARA Translational Brain Medicine, Aachen, Germany.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Clinics of the City Cologne GmbH, Cologne, Germany
| | - R Stewart
- Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre & Discipline of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - F D Zepf
- Division of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences and Division of Paediatrics and Child Health, Centre & Discipline of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.,Clinic for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Clinics of the Friedrich Schiller University, Jena, Germany
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The aggressive brain: insights from neuroscience. Curr Opin Psychol 2018; 19:60-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Abstract
Aggression and violence represent a significant public health concern and a clinical challenge for the mental healthcare provider. A great deal has been revealed regarding the neurobiology of violence and aggression, and an integration of this body of knowledge will ultimately serve to advance clinical diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. We will review here the latest findings regarding the neurobiology of aggression and violence. First, we will introduce the construct of aggression, with a focus on issues related to its heterogeneity, as well as the importance of refining the aggression phenotype in order to reduce pathophysiologic variability. Next we will examine the neuroanatomy of aggression and violence, focusing on regional volumes, functional studies, and interregional connectivity. Significant emphasis will be on the amygdala, as well as amygdala-frontal circuitry. Then we will turn our attention to the neurochemistry and molecular genetics of aggression and violence, examining the extensive findings on the serotonergic system, as well as the growing literature on the dopaminergic and vasopressinergic systems. We will also address the contribution of steroid hormones, namely, cortisol and testosterone. Finally, we will summarize these findings with a focus on reconciling inconsistencies and potential clinical implications; and, then we will suggest areas of focus for future directions in the field.
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Abstract
Aggression is a behavior with evolutionary origins, but is often both destructive and maladaptive in today's society. Research over the past several decades has confirmed the involvement of neurotransmitter function in aggressive behavior. This research has centered around the "serotonin hypothesis." As this literature continues to grow, guided by pre-clinical research and aided by the application of increasingly sophisticated neuroimaging methodology, a more complex picture has emerged. As current pharmacological and therapeutic interventions are effective but imperfect, it is hoped that new insights into the neurobiology of aggression will reveal novel avenues for treatment of this destructive and costly behavior.
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Banlaki Z, Elek Z, Nanasi T, Szekely A, Nemoda Z, Sasvari-Szekely M, Ronai Z. Polymorphism in the serotonin receptor 2a (HTR2A) gene as possible predisposal factor for aggressive traits. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117792. [PMID: 25658328 PMCID: PMC4319849 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive manifestations and their consequences are a major issue of mankind, highlighting the need for understanding the contributory factors. Still, aggression-related genetic analyses have so far mainly been conducted on small population subsets such as individuals suffering from a certain psychiatric disorder or a narrow-range age cohort, but no data on the general population is yet available. In the present study, our aim was to identify polymorphisms in genes affecting neurobiological processes that might explain some of the inter-individual variation between aggression levels in the non-clinical Caucasian adult population. 55 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were simultaneously determined in 887 subjects who also filled out the self-report Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire (BPAQ). Single marker association analyses between genotypes and aggression scores indicated a significant role of rs7322347 located in the HTR2A gene encoding serotonin receptor 2a following Bonferroni correction for multiple testing (p = 0.0007) both for males and females. Taking the four BPAQ subscales individually, scores for Hostility, Anger and Physical Aggression showed significant association with rs7322347 T allele in themselves, while no association was found with Verbal Aggression. Of the subscales, relationship with rs7322347 was strongest in the case of Hostility, where statistical significance virtually equaled that observed with the whole BPAQ. In conclusion, this is the first study to our knowledge analyzing SNPs in a wide variety of genes in terms of aggression in a large sample-size non-clinical adult population, also describing a novel candidate polymorphism as predisposal to aggressive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsofia Banlaki
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Elek
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Nanasi
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anna Szekely
- Institute of Psychology, Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsofia Nemoda
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maria Sasvari-Szekely
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Ronai
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Pathobiochemistry, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- * E-mail:
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Kolevzon A, Lim T, Schmeidler J, Martello T, Cook EH, Silverman JM. Self-injury in autism spectrum disorder: an effect of serotonin transporter gene promoter variants. Psychiatry Res 2014; 220:987-90. [PMID: 25446464 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2014.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2013] [Revised: 09/23/2014] [Accepted: 09/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Self-injurious behavior in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been associated with lower whole blood serotonin levels and the role of serotonin transporter gene promoter region (5HTTLPR) polymorphisms is of interest because of their effects on transporter functioning. This study examined the association between self-injurious behavior in ASD and allelic frequencies of 5HTTLPR. Sixty-four children and adolescents with ASD who were not taking serotonergic medication at the time of the assessment were included in the analysis. Self-injury was assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and whole blood serotonin levels were measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fluorometic detection. DNA was extracted from saliva and PCR amplified with fluorescent primers. Self-injury significantly increased with the number of La alleles of the 5HTTLPR and decreased with the number of Lg alleles. Self-injury in ASD may be associated with a specific genotype of the serotonin transporter gene promoter region. Future studies should continue to explore subgroups to clarify the underlying clinical and genetic heterogeneity in ASD.
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Transitions in the transcriptome of the serotonergic and dopaminergic systems in the human brain during adolescence. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 24:1123-32. [PMID: 24721318 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Revised: 01/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a period of profound neurophysiological, behavioral, cognitive and psychological changes, but not much is known about the underlying molecular neural mechanisms. The aim of this study was to systematically analyze expression levels of the genes forming serotonergic and dopaminergic synapses during adolescence. We analyzed the mRNA expression profiles of genes that code for all components of serotonergic and dopaminergic synapses, in 16 brain areas from human and non-human primates from public domain databases, to detect genes whose expression changes during adolescence. Two serotonin receptors, HTR1E and HTR1B had expression levels that exhibit a sharp transition in the prefrontal cortex in adolescence, but we found no similar transition in the dopaminergic system. A similar but smoother rise in expression levels is observed in HTR4 and HTR5A, and in HTR1E and HTR1B in three other expression datasets published. An earlier rise is observed in HTR1A, and a smooth and significant rise with age is observed in the expression of HTR1E in microarray measurements in macaque monkeys. The expression of HTR1E and HTR1B is correlated across subjects within each age group, suggesting that they are controlled by common mechanisms. These results point to HTR1E and HTR1B as major candidate genes involved in adolescence maturation processes, and to their operation through common control mechanisms. The maturation profiles may also involve several other 5-HT receptors, including the genes HTR5A, HTR4 and HTR1A.
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Tsang HWH, Tsang WWN, Jones AYM, Fung KMT, Chan AHL, Chan EP, Au DWH. Psycho-physical and neurophysiological effects of qigong on depressed elders with chronic illness. Aging Ment Health 2013; 17:336-48. [PMID: 23072658 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2012.732035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This randomized controlled trial examined the psychological, physical, and neurophysiological effects of a qigong exercise program on depressed elders with chronic medical illness. The experimental group (n = 21, 80 ± 7 years) was given a 12-week qigong exercise program, while the comparison group (n = 17, 81 ± 8 years) participated in a newspaper reading program with the same duration and frequency. Measurement of depression symptoms, psychosocial functioning, muscle strengths, salivary cortisol, and serum serotonin was conducted. At 12 weeks, the qigong group had significant reduction in depressive symptoms (F = 11.68; p < 0.025). Improvement in self-efficacy (F = 4.30; p < 0.050), self-concept of physical well-being (F = 6.82; p < 0.025), and right-hand grip strength (F = 5.25; p = 0.034) was also found when compared with the comparison group. A change in salivary cortisol level was found marginally insignificant between groups (F = 3.16; p = 0.087). However, a decreasing trend of cortisol level was observed. The results provided preliminary evidence for the hypotheses that the antidepressive effect of qigong exercise could be explained by improvement in psychosocial functioning and possibly down-regulation of hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector W H Tsang
- Neuropsychiatric Rehabilitation Laboratory, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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León M, Rosado B, García-Belenguer S, Chacón G, Villegas A, Palacio J. Assessment of serotonin in serum, plasma, and platelets of aggressive dogs. J Vet Behav 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Abstract
This article discusses recent findings on the neurobiology of pediatric depression as well as the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in determining the risk for the disorder. Utilizing data from both animal and human studies, the authors focus on the evolving understanding of the developmental neurobiology of emotional regulation, cognitive function and social behavior as it applies to the risk and clinical course of depression. Treatment implications and directions for future research are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M. Weir
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Meharry Medical College, Nashville Tennessee
| | - Arthurine Zakama
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville Tennessee
| | - Uma Rao
- Center for Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Meharry Medical College, Nashville Tennessee
- Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, Nashville Tennessee
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Meharry Medical College, Nashville Tennessee
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Marseille R, Lee R, Coccaro EF. Inter-relationship between different platelet measures of 5-HT and their relationship to aggression in human subjects. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2012; 36:277-81. [PMID: 22019855 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 10/05/2011] [Accepted: 10/06/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to explore the inter-relationship of three platelet measures of serotonergic function (5-HT): 5-HT Transporter Binding, 5-HT-2 Receptor Binding and 5-HT Content and to explore their inter-relationship with measures of aggression and impulsivity. 58 male subjects with personality disorder were studied. Numbers of platelet 5-HT Transporter and 5-HT-2 Receptor sites were assessed by examining the Bmax of ³H-Paroxetine Binding and the Bmax of ¹²⁵I-LSD Binding to the blood platelet; 5-HT Content was assessed by measuring the amount of 5-HT in the platelet material. Life history of aggression was assessed by Life History of Aggression. Impulsivity was assessed by the Impulsivity Scale of the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire-II. Platelet 5-HT Transporter Binding correlated with both 5-HT-2 Receptor Binding and 5-HT Content; the latter two variables did not correlate with each other. Only Platelet 5-HT Transporter binding correlated significantly with LHA Aggression. These data suggest that while Platelet 5-HT Transporter binding correlates with both 5-HT-2 Receptor Binding and with 5-HT Content, that only 5-HT Transporter Binding represents a correlate of aggression in male personality disordered subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Marseille
- Clinical Neuroscience & Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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17
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Nenadic-Sviglin K, Nedic G, Nikolac M, Kozaric-Kovacic D, Stipcevic T, Muck Seler D, Pivac N. Suicide attempt, smoking, comorbid depression, and platelet serotonin in alcohol dependence. Alcohol 2011; 45:209-16. [PMID: 21167673 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2010.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2009] [Revised: 09/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/08/2010] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The risk of suicide in patients with alcoholism increases if alcoholism is related to comorbid depression. Both alcoholism and suicidal behavior are associated with reduced serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) function. Because suicide is enormous public health problem worldwide, to prevent suicide attempts, it is important to find peripheral marker of suicidal behavior. The aim of this study was to assess whether platelet 5-HT concentration is altered in alcoholic patients with or without suicide attempt. Platelet 5-HT concentration was evaluated in 397 male and 108 female ethnically homogenous medication-free patients with alcoholism, subdivided according to smoking status, comorbid depression, and a history of suicide attempt and in 450 male and 139 female healthy control (nonsuicidal) subjects. Suicide attempt was assessed by two measures: according to the score 4 on the item 3 from the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and according to the Structured Clinical Interview regarding suicidal attempt during lifetime. Both male and female patients with alcoholism who were nonsmokers had significantly lower platelet 5-HT concentration than the corresponding healthy subjects. Multifactor analyses of variance revealed the significant effects of alcoholism and smoking, but the lack of significant effects of suicide attempt, sex, or comorbid depression, and no interactions between variables, on platelet 5-HT concentration. Platelet 5-HT concentration did not differ significantly between suicidal patients compared with nonsuicidal patients with alcoholism. Because the results from the present study showed similar platelet 5-HT values between patients with or without a history of suicide attempt, our data did not support the hypothesis that platelet 5-HT concentration might be used as a peripheral marker of the pronounced suicidal behavior in alcoholism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korona Nenadic-Sviglin
- Center for Alcoholism and other Addictions, Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia
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18
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Perez-Rodriguez MM, Weinstein S, New AS, Bevilacqua L, Yuan Q, Zhou Z, Hodgkinson C, Goodman M, Koenigsberg HW, Goldman D, Siever LJ. Tryptophan-hydroxylase 2 haplotype association with borderline personality disorder and aggression in a sample of patients with personality disorders and healthy controls. J Psychiatr Res 2010; 44:1075-81. [PMID: 20451217 PMCID: PMC2955771 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2010.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2009] [Revised: 03/18/2010] [Accepted: 03/23/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a decreased serotonergic function in impulsive aggression and borderline personality disorder (BPD), and genetic association studies suggest a role of serotonergic genes in impulsive aggression and BPD. Only one study has analyzed the association between the tryptophan-hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) gene and BPD. A TPH2 "risk" haplotype has been described that is associated with anxiety, depression and suicidal behavior. METHODS We assessed the relationship between the previously identified "risk" haplotype at the TPH2 locus and BPD diagnosis, impulsive aggression, affective lability, and suicidal/parasuicidal behaviors, in a well-characterized clinical sample of 103 healthy controls (HCs) and 251 patients with personality disorders (109 with BPD). A logistic regression including measures of depression, affective lability and aggression scores in predicting "risk" haplotype was conducted. RESULTS The prevalence of the "risk" haplotype was significantly higher in patients with BPD compared to HCs. Those with the "risk" haplotype have higher aggression and affect lability scores and more suicidal/parasuicidal behaviors than those without it. In the logistic regression model, affect lability was the only significant predictor and it correctly classified 83.1% of the subjects as "risk" or "non-risk" haplotype carriers. CONCLUSIONS We found an association between the previously described TPH2 "risk" haplotype and BPD diagnosis, affective lability, suicidal/parasuicidal behavior, and aggression scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Mercedes Perez-Rodriguez
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Psychiatry Box # 1230 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029
| | - Shauna Weinstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Psychiatry Box # 1230 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, The Mental Health Patient Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468
| | - Antonia S. New
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Psychiatry Box # 1230 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, The Mental Health Patient Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468
| | - Laura Bevilacqua
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Room 3S-32: MSC 9412 Bethesda MD 20892-9412
| | - Qiaoping Yuan
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Room 3S-32: MSC 9412 Bethesda MD 20892-9412
| | - Zhifeng Zhou
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Room 3S-32: MSC 9412 Bethesda MD 20892-9412
| | - Colin Hodgkinson
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Room 3S-32: MSC 9412 Bethesda MD 20892-9412
| | - Marianne Goodman
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Psychiatry Box # 1230 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, The Mental Health Patient Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468
| | - Harold W. Koenigsberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Psychiatry Box # 1230 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, The Mental Health Patient Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468
| | - David Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, 5625 Fishers Lane, Room 3S-32: MSC 9412 Bethesda MD 20892-9412
| | - Larry J. Siever
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Psychiatry Box # 1230 One Gustave L. Levy Place, New York, NY 10029, The Mental Health Patient Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 130 West Kingsbridge Road, Bronx, NY 10468
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Kolevzon A, Newcorn JH, Kryzak L, Chaplin W, Watner D, Hollander E, Smith CJ, Cook EH, Silverman JM. Relationship between whole blood serotonin and repetitive behaviors in autism. Psychiatry Res 2010; 175:274-6. [PMID: 20044143 PMCID: PMC2815211 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2009.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2007] [Revised: 02/03/2009] [Accepted: 02/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to examine the relationship between whole blood serotonin level and behavioral symptoms in 78 subjects with autism. No significant associations were found between serotonin level and the primary behavioral outcome measures. However, a significant inverse relationship between serotonin level and self-injury was demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Kolevzon
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Jeffrey H. Newcorn
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Kryzak
- Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - William Chaplin
- Department of Psychology, St John’s University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dryden Watner
- Department of Psychology, St John’s University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eric Hollander
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA, Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Edwin H. Cook
- Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jeremy M. Silverman
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA, Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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20
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McCloskey MS, Ben-Zeev D, Lee R, Berman ME, Coccaro EF. Acute tryptophan depletion and self-injurious behavior in aggressive patients and healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2009; 203:53-61. [PMID: 18946662 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-008-1374-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2008] [Accepted: 10/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE An association between serotonin (5-HT) activity and self-injurious (i.e., self-aggressive) behavior across the spectrum of lethality (from self-mutilation through completed suicide) is a well-replicated finding. Studies to date, however, have relied on nonexperimental designs to examine this relationship, limiting the causal inferences that can be drawn about the role of 5-HT in self-aggressive behavior. OBJECTIVE Examine the effect of experimentally altered 5-HT activity (via dietary tryptophan depletion) on self-aggressive behavior among adults with and without intermittent explosive disorder (IED). Individuals with a marked history of aggression, such as those with IED, are characterized by compromised 5-HT and heightened risk for self-aggression, making this a population of interest for examining the proposed relations. MATERIALS AND METHODS IED patients (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 16) received a tryptophan depletion and a placebo drink on separate days at least 1 week apart. Self-aggressive behavior was assessed on both study days using a well-validated laboratory-based behavioral assessment with self-aggression defined as the intensity of shock self-administered. RESULTS Tryptophan depletion facilitated selection of more intense shocks, on average, in both groups. Patients with IED were also more self-aggressive overall than healthy volunteers. No IED by drink condition interactions were found. CONCLUSION Experimentally lowered 5-HT bioavailability enhances overall self-injurious behavior irrespective of aggression history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S McCloskey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 3077, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA.
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21
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McCloskey MS, Berman ME, Echevarria DJ, Coccaro EF. Effects of acute alcohol intoxication and paroxetine on aggression in men. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2009; 33:581-90. [PMID: 19183141 DOI: 10.1111/j.1530-0277.2008.00872.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to examine the role of the serotonin (5-HT) system in alcohol-related aggression. METHODS Specifically, we experimentally examined the effects of 5-HT augmentation on alcohol-related aggression in men (n = 56). After consuming either alcohol (mean blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%) or a placebo (no alcohol) drink, and taking either 20 mg of paroxetine (Paxil) or a placebo pill, participants were provided the opportunity to administer electric shock to a (faux) opponent during a task disguised as a reaction-time game. Aggression was defined as the intensity of shock chosen and the frequency with which an extreme (clearly painful) shock was chosen. We predicted that 5-HT augmentation would be associated with lower aggressive behavior overall, and also reduce the aggression facilitating effects of acute alcohol intoxication. RESULTS The results indicated that alcohol intoxication increased aggression, particularly under low provocation. Paroxetine decreased aggression, particularly during high provocation. These effects, however, occurred independently of each other. CONCLUSIONS The effect of alcohol on extreme aggression was moderated by previous aggression history, with more aggressive individuals showing greater alcohol-related increases in extreme aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S McCloskey
- Pritzker School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
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22
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters implicated in normal personality. Many psychobiological models of personality include some dimensions related to serotonin. Moreover, platelets have long been proposed as easily obtainable, neurological models of serotonergic neurons. AIM This study was done to examine whether measurement for platelet serotonin could aid as a marker for increased neuroticism trait amongst (arbitrarily named Group C) males and females having the tip of the little fingers below the distal finger mark on the adjacent ring fingers in both their outstretched hands compared to (arbitrarily named Group A) the males and females who have the tip of the little fingers above the distal finger mark on the adjacent ring fingers in both their outstretched hands. MATERIALS AND METHODS Platelet serotonin estimation was done by Elisa Method (LDN, Germany Kit) from randomly selected 48 healthy subjects [24 males (12 males belonging to Group A and 12 belonging to Group C) and 24 females (12 females belonging to group A and 12 females belonging to Group C)]. RESULTS PRELIMINARY RESULTS SHOWED THAT THE PLATELET SEROTONIN LEVELS WERE SIGNIFICANTLY LOWER (LEVEL OF SIGNIFICANCE: 0.05 in t-Test analysis) in Group C males compared to those observed in Group A males and the platelet serotonin levels were also significantly lower (level of significance: 0.05 in t-Test analysis) in Group C females compared to those observed in Group A females. CONCLUSION Thus, it may be inferred that the platelet serotonin may be used as a biochemical marker for increased neuroticism trait in Group C subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devasis Ghosh
- Department of Psychiatry, Rehmatbai Hospital, 82A Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road, Kolkata - 700 082, India
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23
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Kumar RA, McGhee KA, Leach S, Bonaguro R, Maclean A, Aguirre-Hernandez R, Abrahams BS, Coccaro EF, Hodgins S, Turecki G, Condon A, Muir WJ, Brooks-Wilson AR, Blackwood DH, Simpson EM. Initial association of NR2E1 with bipolar disorder and identification of candidate mutations in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and aggression through resequencing. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2008; 147B:880-9. [PMID: 18205168 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptor 2E1 gene (NR2E1) resides within a 6q21-22 locus for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Mice deleted for Nr2e1 show altered neurogenesis, cortical and limbic abnormalities, aggression, hyperexcitability, and cognitive impairment. NR2E1 is therefore a positional and functional candidate for involvement in mental illness. We performed association analyses in 394 patients with bipolar disorder, 396 with schizophrenia, and 479 controls using six common markers and haplotypes. We also performed a comprehensive mutation screen of NR2E1, resequencing its entire coding region, complete 5' and 3' untranslated regions, consensus splice-sites, and evolutionarily conserved regions in 126 humans with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or aggressive disorders. NR2E1 was associated with bipolar disorder I and II [odds ratio (OR = 0.77, P = 0.013), bipolar disorder I (OR = 0.77, P = 0.015), bipolar disorder in females (OR = 0.72, P = 0.009), and with age at onset < or = 25 years (OR = 0.67, P = 0.006)], all of which remained significant after correcting for multiple comparisons. We identified eight novel candidate mutations that were absent in 325 controls; four of these were predicted to alter known neural transcription factor binding sites. Analyses of NR2E1 mRNA in human brain revealed forebrain-specific transcription. The data presented support the hypothesis that genetic variation at NR2E1 may be associated with susceptibility to brain-behavior disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ravinesh A Kumar
- Centre for Molecular Medicine & Therapeutics and Child & Family Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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24
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Platelet serotonin concentration and suicidal behavior in combat related posttraumatic stress disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:544-51. [PMID: 18055084 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2007.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2007] [Revised: 10/23/2007] [Accepted: 10/23/2007] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious and global problem, a psychiatric disorder that frequently occurs with different comorbidities, and is associated with a high suicide rate. Pathophysiologically, both PTSD and suicidal behavior are related to disturbances in the central serotonergic system. Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) controls emotional behavior, anxiety, impulsivity and aggression, and nearly all known antidepressants and antianxiety drugs affect 5-HT transmission. Platelet 5-HT can be used as a limited peripheral marker of the central serotonergic synaptosomes, since it is related to particular basic psychopathological characteristics of several psychiatric disorders. Platelet 5-HT concentration has been reported to be similar in PTSD subjects and healthy controls, but suicidal patients across different psychiatric diagnoses have reduced platelet 5-HT concentration. This study examined platelet 5-HT concentration by the spectrofluorimetric method in male subjects: 73 suicidal and 47 non-suicidal veterans with current and chronic combat related PTSD, 45 suicidal and 30 non-suicidal comparative non-PTSD subjects and 147 healthy men. The presence of suicidal behavior (score=0, non-suicidal; scores > or =1, suicidal) was assessed with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 (HDRS). Platelet 5-HT concentration was significantly lower in suicidal PTSD and non-PTSD patients compared to non-suicidal patients or healthy controls. Since the majority of patients scored very low on item 3 of HDRS, no significant correlation between suicidal scores and platelet 5-HT concentration was found. These results show that reduced platelet 5-HT concentration is related to suicidal behavior in PTSD, and suggest that platelet 5-HT concentration might be used as a peripheral marker to predict suicidal behavior across psychiatric diagnoses.
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25
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Conklin SM, Stanford MS. Premeditated aggression is associated with serum cholesterol in abstinent drug and alcohol dependent men. Psychiatry Res 2008; 157:283-7. [PMID: 17916384 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2007.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2006] [Revised: 08/22/2006] [Accepted: 02/03/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Relationships between aggressive subtypes and lipids were explored in 18 adult males undergoing treatment for substance dependence. A positive association was observed between a measure of premeditated aggression and total cholesterol. This was in contrast to an inverse association between lower cholesterol and higher impulsivity and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Conklin
- Cardiovascular Behavioral Medicine Research Training Program, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, 506 Old Engineering Hall, 4015 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
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26
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Abstract
The purpose of this review is to summarize the neurobiological factors involved in the etiology of adolescent addiction and present evidence implicating various mechanisms in its development. Adolescents are at heightened risk for experimentation with substances, and early experimentation is associated with higher rates of SUD in adulthood. Both normative (e.g., immature frontal-limbic connections, immature frontal lobe development) and non-normative (e.g., lowered serotonergic function, abnormal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function) neurobiological developmental factors can predispose adolescents to a heightened risk for SUD. In addition, a normative imbalance in the adolescent neurobiological motivational system may be caused by the relative underdevelopment of suppressive mechanisms when compared to stimulatory systems. These neurobiological liabilities may correspond to neurobehavioral impairments in decision-making, affiliation with deviant peers and externalizing behavior; these and other cognitive and behavioral traits converge with neurobiological factors to increase SUD risk. The progression to SUD acts as an amplifying feedback loop, where the development of SUD results in reciprocal impairments in neurobehavioral and neurobiological processes. A clearer understanding of adolescent neurobiology is a necessary step in the development of prevention and treatment interventions for adolescent SUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ty S Schepis
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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27
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28
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Palomo T, Kostrzewa RM, Beninger RJ, Archer T. Treatment consideration and manifest complexity in comorbid neuropsychiatric disorders. Neurotox Res 2007; 12:43-60. [PMID: 17513199 DOI: 10.1007/bf03033900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders may co-occur in the same individual. These include, for example, substance abuse or obsessive-compulsive disorder with schizophrenia, and movement disorders or epilepsy with affective dysfunctional states. Medications may produce iatrogenic effects, for example cognitive impairments that co-occur with the residual symptoms of the primary disorder being treated. The observation of comorbid disorders in some cases may reflect diagnostic overlap. Impulsivity, impulsiveness or impulsive behaviour is implicated in a range of diagnostic conditions including substance abuse, affective disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These observations suggest a need to re-evaluate established diagnostic criteria and disorder definitions, focusing instead on symptoms and symptom-profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Palomo
- Psychiatry Service, 12 de Octubre, University Hospital, Madrid 28041, Spain
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29
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Marcinko D, Pivac N, Martinac M, Jakovljević M, Mihaljević-Peles A, Muck-Seler D. Platelet serotonin and serum cholesterol concentrations in suicidal and non-suicidal male patients with a first episode of psychosis. Psychiatry Res 2007; 150:105-8. [PMID: 17270280 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2006.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2006] [Revised: 08/07/2006] [Accepted: 08/30/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Suicidal behavior is a major health risk in psychiatric disorders, especially in schizophrenia, wherein up to 10% patients will commit suicide. However, the neurobiology of suicide is still unclear. Suicidality has been related to decreased central serotonergic (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) function and reduced cholesterol levels. Platelet 5-HT has been used as a peripheral marker of the central serotonergic synaptosomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate serum cholesterol and platelet 5-HT concentrations in suicidal and non-suicidal men in the first episode of psychosis and in healthy male controls. Venous blood samples were collected within 24 h of admission, and serum cholesterol and platelet 5-HT were determined enzymatically and fluorimetrically. Platelet 5-HT and serum cholesterol concentrations were significantly lower in suicidal than in non-suicidal patients in the first episode of psychosis, and also lower than in healthy controls. Our results suggest that lower concentrations of serum cholesterol and platelet 5-HT in patients with a first episode of psychosis might be useful biological markers of suicidality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darko Marcinko
- Department of Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb, Kispatićeva 12, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia.
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30
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Li CSR, Chen SH. Obsessive-compulsiveness and impulsivity in a non-clinical population of adolescent males and females. Psychiatry Res 2007; 149:129-38. [PMID: 17046069 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2006.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2005] [Revised: 02/15/2006] [Accepted: 05/02/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Obsessive-compulsive and impulsive behaviors co-occur in certain psychiatric conditions. Some have suggested that these disturbances constitute a spectrum of altered psychologies and behaviors that share an underlying neuropathology. We investigate here whether obsessive-compulsiveness and impulsivity reflect related psychological dimensions in a non-clinical adolescent population. Out of 720 high-school students, 672 and 682 completed a questionnaire interview with a Chinese version of the Maudsley Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) and the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), respectively. Both MOCI and BIS-11 demonstrated good overall internal consistency, each with three major factors identified with Principal Component Analysis. In the 638 participants who completed both questionnaires, the total MOCI and BIS-11 scores did not correlate with each other. However, the MOCI factor "repetitive checking and attention to details" correlated negatively with the BIS-11 factor "inability to plan and look ahead" for all participants, and for males and females separately. The same MOCI factor also correlated negatively with the BIS-11 factors "lack of perseverance and self-control" and "novelty-seeking and acting without thinking" for all participants, and for females but not for males. The MOCI factor "doubt and intrusive thoughts" correlated positively with the BIS-11 factor "lack of perseverance and self-control" for all participants, and for males but not for females. These results suggested that the relationship between obsessive-compulsiveness and impulsivity as measured by the MOCI and the BIS-11 is complicated, with gender playing an important modulatory role. We discuss the relevance of these findings to developing a conceptual scheme to characterize and study the neurobiological basis of obsessive-compulsive and impulsive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiang-shan Ray Li
- Medical Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Tao-yuan, Taiwan.
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31
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Patkar AA, Mannelli P, Hill KP, Peindl K, Pae CU, Lee TH. Relationship of prolactin response to meta-chlorophenylpiperazine with severity of drug use in cocaine dependence. Hum Psychopharmacol 2006; 21:367-75. [PMID: 16915581 DOI: 10.1002/hup.780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Serotonergic (5-HT) mechanisms appear to mediate central effects of cocaine. Therefore 5-HT disturbances could be associated with drug severity. OBJECTIVES We investigated whether prolactin (PRL) response to meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP), a mixed 5-HT agonist/antagonist were associated with severity of cocaine use. METHODS Thirty-six cocaine-dependent subjects and 33 controls underwent a challenge with 0.5 mg/kg of oral m-CPP. Severity of drug use was assessed using the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). RESULTS The PRL response to m-CPP was significantly blunted in cocaine patients compared to controls (F = 21.86, p < 0.001). DeltaPRL (peak PRL-baseline PRL) was negatively correlated with ASI-drug (r = -0.45, p < 0.01), ASI-alcohol (r = -0.32, p < 0.05), and ASI-psychological (r = -0.41, p < 0.01) composite scores, and with the quantity, frequency and duration of drug use (r ranged from - 0.41 to - 0.32, p ranged from < 0.01 to 0.05). Hierarchical regressions showed that ASI-drug composite scores significantly predicted the variance in DeltaPRL after controlling for behavioral and demographic variables (F = 4.27, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that disturbances in 5-HT function as reflected by a blunted response to m-CPP seem to be primarily associated with severity of drug use and to a lesser, although significant extent with behavioral traits in cocaine-dependent patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin A Patkar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
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Pivac N, Kozaric-Kovacic D, Mustapic M, Dezeljin M, Borovecki A, Grubisic-Ilic M, Muck-Seler D. Platelet serotonin in combat related posttraumatic stress disorder with psychotic symptoms. J Affect Disord 2006; 93:223-7. [PMID: 16647142 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2006.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2005] [Revised: 02/16/2006] [Accepted: 02/17/2006] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is severe form of PTSD, frequently associated with psychotic symptoms. Platelet serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) was used as a peripheral 5-HT marker to identify particular symptoms in PTSD. METHODS Platelet 5-HT was determined fluorimetrically in 67 war veterans with combat related PTSD, 36 combat exposed veterans who did not develop PTSD, 35 veterans with PTSD complicated with psychotic features. PTSD diagnosis of current and chronic PTSD, and clinical symptoms of PTSD and psychoses were assessed according to DSM-IV criteria, using the Clinician Administrated PTSD Scale, and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). RESULTS Platelet 5-HT concentration was significantly higher in veterans with psychotic PTSD than in veterans with non-psychotic PTSD, veterans without PTSD, or in control subjects. Platelet 5-HT was significantly positively correlated with the positive symptoms in PANSS subscale, and with the symptoms of delusions within PANSS positive subscale. LIMITATIONS The results were obtained on peripheral 5-HT marker, i.e. platelet 5-HT concentration. CONCLUSIONS Since the delusions are the core psychotic symptoms occurring in our psychotic PTSD patients, the result of the increased platelet 5-HT concentration, associated with delusions, indicate that platelet 5-HT might be used as a trait marker of psychotic symptoms in PTSD, but not as a state marker for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nela Pivac
- Ruder Boskovic Institute, PO Box 180, HR-10002 Zagreb, Croatia.
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Patkar AA, Mannelli P, Peindl K, Hill KP, Gopalakrishnan R, Berrettini WH. Relationship of disinhibition and aggression to blunted prolactin response to meta-chlorophenylpiperazine in cocaine-dependent patients. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006; 185:123-32. [PMID: 16418827 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0261-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2005] [Accepted: 11/01/2005] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Considerable evidence indicates that serotonergic (5-HT) mechanisms may mediate central effects of cocaine, and disinhibition and aggression. OBJECTIVE We investigated whether prolactin (PRL) response to meta-chlorophenylpiperazine (m-CPP), a mixed 5-HT agonist/antagonist, differed between abstinent cocaine-dependent patients and controls and whether m-CPP challenge responses were related to measures of disinhibition and aggression. METHODS Thirty-five cocaine-dependent African-American subjects who were abstinent for at least 2 weeks and 33 African-American controls underwent assessments of disinhibition and aggression and a challenge with 0.5 mg/kg of oral m-CPP. RESULTS The PRL response to m-CPP was compared between cocaine patients and controls and between subgroups categorized high or low based on disinhibition and aggression measures. Hierarchical regressions were used to determine whether behavioral measures predicted deltaPRL (peak PRL-baseline PRL). The PRL response to m-CPP was significantly diminished in cocaine patients compared to controls. The blunting was more robust in cocaine patients with high disinhibition and aggression. Among cocaine patients, the high-disinhibition subgroup showed greater blunting than the low-disinhibition subgroup and there was a trend for the high-aggression subgroup to be more blunted than the low-aggression subgroup. The subgroups of controls did not differ from each other. A combination of disinhibition and aggression measures significantly predicted deltaPRL in cocaine patients. CONCLUSION The results indicate that cocaine-dependent patients show disturbances in postsynaptic 5-HT function during early abstinence. It appears that the 5-HT disturbances are more pronounced in the subgroup of cocaine patients with high disinhibition and aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwin A Patkar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27704, USA.
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Kinnally EL, Jensen HA, Ewing JH, French JA. Serotonin function is associated with behavioral response to a novel conspecific in marmosets. Am J Primatol 2006; 68:812-24. [PMID: 16847970 DOI: 10.1002/ajp.20281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The function of the central nervous system neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT) contributes to individual differences in impulsive behavior in humans and nonhuman primates. We investigated the relationship between 5-HT function and behavioral responses to a novel social scenario in marmosets. In the first study, marmosets (n=10) were treated orally with fluoxetine HCl (FLX) or vehicle for two trial periods and exposed to a novel conspecific for a 20-min trial following each treatment. Levels of behavioral inhibition in response to a novel conspecific were quantified. The animals exhibited less inhibition toward the novel conspecific following the 14-day FLX treatment than they did following the vehicle treatment. In the second study we first characterized the parameters of the marmoset peripheral 5-HT system and further assessed the relationship between natural variation in peripheral 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels with behavioral inhibition in response to a novel conspecific (n=14). Individual peripheral 5-HT and 5-HIAA levels were higher in animals that exhibited more inhibition in response toward the stranger. We conclude that serotonergic influences play a role in behavioral response to a novel conspecific in marmosets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Kinnally
- Department of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
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Bornovalova MA, Lejuez CW, Daughters SB, Zachary Rosenthal M, Lynch TR. Impulsivity as a common process across borderline personality and substance use disorders. Clin Psychol Rev 2005; 25:790-812. [PMID: 16005556 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2005.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a significant public health problem characterized by persistent problems with emotional, behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal functioning. Research indicates an especially high rate of comorbidity between BPD and Substance Use Disorders (SUD). In trying to better understand, and therefore improve the assessment, prevention, and treatment of these disorders, researchers have considered the role of impulsivity. Indeed, impulsivity consistently has been shown to be a biologically-based, heritable characteristic with emergent psychological properties linked to the development and maintenance of BPD and SUD. Following from a previous review of the comorbidity between BPD and SUD (Trull, T. J., Sher, K. J., Minks-Brown, C., Durbin, J., & Burr, R. (2000). Borderline personality disorder and substance use disorders: A review and integration. Clinical Psychology Review, 20, 235-253), the current manuscript revisits the role of impulsivity as a common process across these disorders with a specific focus on the multidimensional nature of impulsivity and its interaction with trait and state negative affectivity.
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