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Spoto G, Di Rosa G, Nicotera AG. The Impact of Genetics on Cognition: Insights into Cognitive Disorders and Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms. J Pers Med 2024; 14:156. [PMID: 38392589 PMCID: PMC10889941 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
This article explores the complex relationship between genetics and cognition, specifically examining the impact of genetic variants, particularly single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), on cognitive functions and the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. Focusing on neurotransmitter regulation within the prefrontal cortex's dopaminergic circuits, this study emphasizes the role of genes like COMT, PRODH, and DRD in shaping executive functions and influencing conditions such as ADHD and schizophrenia. Additionally, it explores the significance of genetic factors in neurodevelopmental disorders, emphasizing the need for early identification to guide appropriate therapeutic interventions. This article also investigates polymorphisms in the transsulfuration pathway, revealing their association with cognitive impairment diseases. Computational analyses, including machine learning algorithms, are highlighted for their potential in predicting symptom severity in ADHD based on genetic variations. In conclusion, this article underscores the intricate interplay of genetic and environmental factors in shaping cognitive outcomes, providing valuable insights for tailored treatments and a more comprehensive understanding of neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Spoto
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences & Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Rosa
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Dental Sciences & Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Gennaro Nicotera
- Unit of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of Human Pathology of the Adult and Developmental Age "Gaetano Barresi", University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Reynolds EH, Green R. Valproate and folate: Congenital and developmental risks. Epilepsy Behav 2020; 108:107068. [PMID: 32375098 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Increasing awareness of the congenital and developmental risks associated with the use of sodium valproate (VPA) has led to recent European guidelines designed to avoid the use of this drug in pregnancy if effective alternative treatments are available. In the general population, it is well established that periconceptual folic acid reduces the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) and possibly other congenital abnormalities. We here review the evidence 1) that VPA interferes with one-carbon metabolism, including the transport of methylfolate into the brain and the placenta by targeting folate receptors; 2) that VPA effects on the folate metabolic system contribute to congenital and developmental problems associated with VPA exposure; and 3) that genetic factors, notably polymorphisms related to one-carbon metabolism, contribute to the vulnerability to these VPA-induced risks. Based on these facts, we propose that the standard periconceptual use of 400 μg of folic acid may not adequately protect against VPA or other antiepileptic drug (AED)-induced congenital or developmental risks. Pending definitive studies to determine appropriate dose, we recommend up to 5 mg of folic acid periconceptually in at-risk women with the caveat that the addition of supplementary vitamin B12 may also be prudent because vitamin B12 deficiency is common in pregnancy in some countries and is an additional risk factor for developmental abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ralph Green
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis, USA
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Sarecka-Hujar B, Szołtysek-Bołdys I, Kopyta I, Dolińska B, Sobczak A. Concentrations of the Selected Biomarkers of Endothelial Dysfunction in Response to Antiepileptic Drugs: A Literature Review. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2019; 25:1076029619859429. [PMID: 31238702 PMCID: PMC6714895 DOI: 10.1177/1076029619859429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a disease arising from morphological and metabolic changes in the brain. Approximately 60% of patients with seizures can be controlled with 1 antiepileptic drug (AED), while in others, polytherapy is required. The AED treatment affects a number of biochemical processes in the body, including increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). It is indicated that the duration of AED therapy with some AEDs significantly accelerates the process of atherosclerosis. Most of AEDs increase levels of homocysteine (HCys) as well as may affect concentrations of new, nonclassical risk factors for atherosclerosis, that is, asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and homoarginine (hArg). Because of the role of these parameters in the pathogenesis of CVD, knowledge of HCys, ADMA, and hArg concentrations in patients with epilepsia treated with AED, both pediatric and adult, appears to be of significant importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Sarecka-Hujar
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Izabela Szołtysek-Bołdys
- 2 Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Ilona Kopyta
- 3 Department of Pediatric Neurology, School of Medicine in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Katowice, Poland
| | - Barbara Dolińska
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Andrzej Sobczak
- 2 Department of General and Inorganic Chemistry, School of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
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Colliva C, Ferrari M, Benatti C, Guerra A, Tascedda F, Blom JMC. Executive functioning in children with epilepsy: Genes matter. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 95:137-147. [PMID: 31054523 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2019.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Pediatric epilepsy has emerged as a chronic medical disease with a characteristic behavioral and cognitive phenotype, which includes compromised executive functioning (EF) and attention-related deficits. However, considerable interindividual variability exists; children often display very different or even opposite outcomes, and some children are more likely than others to develop neurocognitive problems in the face of similar individual and disease-related problems. The factors responsible for this interindividual variability are still largely unknown, but we do know that some genetic factors render the developing brain more susceptible to damage or traumatic experiences than others. Dopamine availability has a neuromodulatory function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and especially affects EF. Dopamine availability relates to polymorphisms in the gene encoding catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT Val158Met), which in turn is affected by the methylation state of its promoter. Allelic variation of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T) gene, alters methylation and may influence the methylation state of the COMT promoter. Given this, we tested the hypothesis that these polymorphisms interact in children with epilepsy, and that variability in allelic expression is associated with variability in cognitive phenotype. Executive function was tested directly and indirectly (parent-rated) in 42 children between 5 and 12 years of age. The MTHFR T allele carriers performed worse than MTHFR homozygous CC carriers on indirect EF, and a significant decline was observed when T allele carriers had at least one met allele of the COMT gene, especially on Working Memory. Direct EF was significantly compromised in COMT Val/Val carriers where reduced dopamine availability seems to confer a higher risk in a test that requests a high degree of executive attention and planning. This finding suggests that in children with epilepsy, genes that influence methylation and dopamine availability affect PFC-related EF. Therefore, we should consider genetic vulnerability as a polygenic risk, which might predispose for a particular phenotype and include specific genetic signatures as part of each patient's behavioral and cognitive profile from the moment that we start to take care of the child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Colliva
- Dept. of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Benatti
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Azzurra Guerra
- Dept. of Medical and Surgical science, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Dept. of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Joan M C Blom
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; Dept. of Education and Human Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Gezmen-Karadağ M, Çelik E, Kadayifçi FZ, Yeşildemir Ö, Öztürk YE, Ağagündüz D. Role of food-drug interactions in neurological and psychological diseases. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2018. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2018-017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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Gerard EE, Meador KJ. An Update on Maternal Use of Antiepileptic Medications in Pregnancy and Neurodevelopment Outcomes. J Pediatr Genet 2016; 4:94-110. [PMID: 27617120 DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1556741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are prescribed commonly to women of childbearing age. In utero exposure to some AEDs can have significant cognitive and behavioral consequences for the unborn child. Recently, prospective studies of women taking AEDs during pregnancy have added significantly to our understanding of cognitive and behavioral teratogenic risks posed by fetal AED exposure. Valproate is clearly associated with impaired cognitive development as well as an increased risk of disorders such as autism and autism spectrum disorder. Exposure to carbamazepine, lamotrigine, levetiracetam, or phenytoin monotherapy is associated with more favorable cognitive and behavioral outcomes than valproate, but more data are required to clarify if these AEDs have more subtle effects on cognition and behavior. There are insufficient data on the developmental effects of other AEDs in humans. Further, the underlying mechanisms of cognitive teratogenesis are poorly understood, including the genetic factors that affect susceptibility to AEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E Gerard
- Department of Neurology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Kimford J Meador
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States
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Venkatramanan S, Armata IE, Strupp BJ, Finkelstein JL. Vitamin B-12 and Cognition in Children. Adv Nutr 2016; 7:879-88. [PMID: 27633104 PMCID: PMC5015033 DOI: 10.3945/an.115.012021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin B-12 is essential for brain development, neural myelination, and cognitive function. Inadequate vitamin B-12 status during pregnancy and early childhood has been associated with adverse child health outcomes, including impaired cognitive development. However, the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. This review was conducted to examine the evidence that links vitamin B-12 and cognition in children. The search strategy resulted in 17 studies: 3 cross-sectional, 1 case-control, and 12 cohort studies, and 1 randomized trial. Cognitive processes assessed included attention, memory, and perception. Developmental outcomes, academic performance, and intelligence quotient were also considered. Despite the high prevalence of vitamin B-12 insufficiency and associated risk of adverse cognitive outcomes in children, to our knowledge, no studies to date have been conducted to examine the effects of vitamin B-12 supplementation on cognition in children. The role of vitamin B-12 in the etiology of child cognitive outcomes needs to be elucidated to inform public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Barbara J Strupp
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and,Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY; and
| | - Julia L Finkelstein
- Division of Nutritional Sciences and St. John's Research Institute, Bangalore, India
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Setién-Suero E, Suárez-Pinilla M, Suárez-Pinilla P, Crespo-Facorro B, Ayesa-Arriola R. Homocysteine and cognition: A systematic review of 111 studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 69:280-98. [PMID: 27531233 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2015] [Revised: 06/14/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elevated plasma homocysteine (Hcy) levels have been associated with cognitive dysfunction in a wide range of conditions. The aim of this review is to establish which cognitive domains and populations are the most affected. METHODS We systematically review the literature and consider all articles that showed any relationship between plasma Hcy levels and scores achieved on cognitive performance tests in both, the general population and patients suffering from central nervous system disorders and other diseases. When effect sizes were available and combinable, several meta-analyses were performed. RESULTS We found 111 pertinent articles. There were 24 cohort studies, 18 randomized trials, 21 case-control studies, and 48 cross-sectional studies. This review reveals a positive trend between cognitive decline and increased plasma Hcy concentrations in general population and in patients with cognitive impairments. Results from the meta-analyses also confirm this trend. Treatment with vitamin supplementation fails to show a reduction in cognitive decline. DISCUSSION Further investigations are warranted to clarify this relationship. Earlier detection of the elevated Hcy levels may be an effective intervention to prevent cognitive impairment and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Setién-Suero
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBERSAM, Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health Area, Madrid, Spain; IDIVAL, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, Santander, Spain.
| | - Marta Suárez-Pinilla
- Sackler Centre for Consciousness Science, Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Suárez-Pinilla
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBERSAM, Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health Area, Madrid, Spain; IDIVAL, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, Santander, Spain
| | - Benedicto Crespo-Facorro
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBERSAM, Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health Area, Madrid, Spain; IDIVAL, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, Santander, Spain
| | - Rosa Ayesa-Arriola
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain; CIBERSAM, Biomedical Research Network on Mental Health Area, Madrid, Spain; IDIVAL, Valdecilla Biomedical Research Institute, Santander, Spain
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Voelker P, Sheese BE, Rothbart MK, Posner MI. Methylation polymorphism influences practice effects in children during attention tasks. Cogn Neurosci 2016; 8:72-84. [PMID: 27050482 DOI: 10.1080/17588928.2016.1170006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms mediate the influence of experience on gene expression. Methylation is a principal method for inducing epigenetic effects on DNA. In this paper, we examine alleles of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene that vary enzyme activity, altering the availability of the methyl donor and thus changing the efficiency of methylation. We hypothesized that alleles of the MTHFR gene would influence behavior in an attention-related task in conjunction with genes known to influence attention. We found that seven-year-old children homozygous for the C allele of MTHFR in interaction with the catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene showed greater improvement in overall reaction time (RT) and in conflict resolution with practice on the Attention Network Test (ANT). This finding indicates that methylation may operate on or through genes that influence executive network operation. However, MTHFR T allele carriers showed faster overall RT and conflict resolution. Some children showed an initial improvement in ANT RT followed by a decline in performance, and we found that alleles of the dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH) gene were related to this performance decline. These results suggest a genetic dissociation between improvement while learning a skill and reduction in performance with continued practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brad E Sheese
- b Psychology , Illinois Wesleyan University , Bloomington , USA
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