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Kelberman MA, Winther KE, Medvedeva YM, Donaldson ZR. Aging leads to sex-dependent effects on pair bonding and increased number of oxytocin-producing neurons in monogamous prairie voles. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.17.594752. [PMID: 38798336 PMCID: PMC11118570 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.17.594752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Pair bonds powerfully modulate health, which becomes particularly important when facing the detrimental effects of aging. To examine the impact of aging on relationship formation and response to loss, we examined behavior in 6-, 12-, and 18-month male and female prairie voles, a monogamous species that forms mating-based pair bonds. We found that older males (18-months) bonded quicker than younger voles, while similarly aged female voles increased partner directed affiliative behaviors. Supporting sex differences in bonding behaviors, we found that males were more likely to sample both partner and novel voles while females were more likely to display partner preference during the initial 20 minutes of the test. Using partner separation to study loss, we observed an erosion of partner preference only in 12-month females, but an overall decrease in partner-directed affiliation in females across all groups, but not in males. Finally, we found that the number of oxytocin, but not vasopressin, cells in the paraventricular hypothalamus increased during aging. These results establish prairie voles as a novel model to study the effects of normal and abnormal aging on pair bonding. Highlights 18-month male voles demonstrate accelerated bond formation18-month female voles increase partner-directed huddling after 2 wksBonds erode faster in 12-month female voles after partner separationFemale behavior from partner preference tests is reflected in free interactionThe number of paraventricular hypothalamus oxytocin cells increase during aging.
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Koto A, Tamura M, Wong PS, Aburatani S, Privman E, Stoffel C, Crespi A, McKenzie SK, La Mendola C, Kay T, Keller L. Social isolation shortens lifespan through oxidative stress in ants. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5493. [PMID: 37758727 PMCID: PMC10533837 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41140-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Social isolation negatively affects health, induces detrimental behaviors, and shortens lifespan in social species. Little is known about the mechanisms underpinning these effects because model species are typically short-lived and non-social. Using colonies of the carpenter ant Camponotus fellah, we show that social isolation induces hyperactivity, alters space-use, and reduces lifespan via changes in the expression of genes with key roles in oxidation-reduction and an associated accumulation of reactive oxygen species. These physiological effects are localized to the fat body and oenocytes, which perform liver-like functions in insects. We use pharmacological manipulations to demonstrate that the oxidation-reduction pathway causally underpins the detrimental effects of social isolation on behavior and lifespan. These findings have important implications for our understanding of how social isolation affects behavior and lifespan in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Koto
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan.
- Computational Bio Big Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan.
| | - Makoto Tamura
- NeuroDiscovery Lab, Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Pui Shan Wong
- Computational Bio Big Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Sachiyo Aburatani
- Bioproduction Research Institute, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan
- Computational Bio Big Data Open Innovation Laboratory (CBBD-OIL), National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Tsukuba, 305-8566, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Eyal Privman
- University of Haifa, Institute of Evolution, Department of Evolutionary and Environmental Biology, Haifa, 3498838, Israel
| | - Céline Stoffel
- University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Crespi
- Biorobotics Laboratory, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Sean Keane McKenzie
- University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Christine La Mendola
- University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Tomas Kay
- University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Keller
- University of Lausanne, Department of Ecology and Evolution, Lausanne, CH-1015, Switzerland.
- Social Evolution Unit, Cornuit 8, BP 855, Chesières, CH-1885, Switzerland.
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Chen K, Wüstenberg T, Stiglbauer V, El-Ahmad L, Rosenthal A, Pelz P, Gold SM, Heinz A, Sebold M. Distinct dynamic behavioural response to social exclusion in male patients with a history of alcohol dependence. Addict Biol 2023; 28:e13287. [PMID: 37369124 DOI: 10.1111/adb.13287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Social exclusion contributes to alcohol consumption, whereas the development of alcohol dependence (AD) can in turn lead to the social exclusion of people with AD. Previous research observed altered neural responses to experimentally induced social exclusion (i.e., Cyberball game) in patients with AD. In addition, inflammation has been associated with both social behaviours and AD. Our study aimed to investigate the dynamic behavioural response and the inflammatory effects of social exclusion in male patients with a history of AD. To this end, we analysed dynamic changes in ball tossing during a partial exclusion Cyberball game and the cytokine interleukin (IL)-1b in saliva in 31 male patients who had a history of AD and 29 gender-matched healthy controls without AD. Participants were included in the first 2 min of the Cyberball game and then excluded by one of the two co-players in the proceeding 5 min. Saliva was collected three times: one before and two after the Cyberball game. Across groups, participants passed the ball more often to the excluder during the partial exclusion period. Analysis using piece-wise linear mixed models showed that patients rapidly increased ball tosses to the excluder upon exclusion, which lasted to the late response phase, whereas the early behavioural response to exclusion took longer for controls. There was no significant change of salivary IL-1b level to exclusion in either patients or controls. The results indicate a distinct dynamic behavioural response to social exclusion in male patients with a history of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Chen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Wüstenberg
- Core Facility for Neuroscience of Self-Regulation (CNSR), Research Council Field of Focus IV, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Psychological Institute, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Victoria Stiglbauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Linda El-Ahmad
- Medical Department, Section Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annika Rosenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Potsdam, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Patricia Pelz
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan M Gold
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
- Medical Department, Section Psychosomatic Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Center for Molecular Neurobiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Miriam Sebold
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Charité Mitte, Berlin, Germany
- Faculty of Business and Law, Aschaffenburg University of Applied Sciences, Aschaffenburg, Germany
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Nuccio DA, Normann MC, Zhou H, Grippo AJ, Singh P. Microbiome and Metabolome Variation as Indicator of Social Stress in Female Prairie Voles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:1677. [PMID: 36675193 PMCID: PMC9861106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Social isolation is detrimental to the health of social mammals inducing neurochemical and hormonal changes related to depression and anxiety, as well as impairments of cardiovascular and immune functioning. Likewise, perceptions of loneliness are increasingly recognized as detrimental to human psychological well-being, cognitive functioning, and physical health. Few studies, however, have examined the impact of social isolation on the intestinal microbiome and metabolome. To better understand the impact of social isolation on these systems, intestinal microbiota, and the systemic impact via the gut-brain axis, we employed prairie voles. Physiological stress on female prairie voles (n = 22) either with a same-sex sibling (n = 11) or in isolation (n = 11) for four weeks demonstrated behavioral indicators of increased anxiety and depression in isolated voles (p ≤ 0.01). Bacterial DNA from fecal and colon samples, collected at five time points (T0-4), were sequenced for all nine hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Microbiome analyses revealed several differences in gut communities of paired and isolated voles with greater differences at T4. Notably, several taxa associated with host health including Anaerostipes and Lactobacillaceae were more prevalent in paired voles, whereas several taxa associated with known pathogens (e.g., Staphylococcaceae and Enterococcus) or disease were elevated in isolated animals. Similarly, metabolome analyses suggested isolated voles, when compared to paired animals, exhibited differences in metabolites associated with diabetes and colitis. These findings further contribute to our understanding of the harmful effects of social isolation, which cause perturbations in the gut microbiome and serum metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A. Nuccio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Marigny C. Normann
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Haiming Zhou
- Department of Statistics and Actuarial Sciences, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Angela J. Grippo
- Department of Psychology, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA
| | - Pallavi Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Northern Illinois University, Dekalb, IL 60115, USA
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Mangini CSM, Vasconcelos RCFD, Rodriguez EVR, Oliveira IRLD. Social isolation: main dermatosis and the impact of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2022; 20:eAO6320. [PMID: 35352765 PMCID: PMC8932822 DOI: 10.31744/einstein_journal/2022ao6320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyze the pattern of triggering and exacerbation of dermatological diseases between March and July 2020 and to compare this pattern to the corresponding period of 2019. Methods This was a quantitative, descriptive, comparative and documentary study that was carried out through the retrospective analysis of medical records (March to July 2019 and 2020) of individuals assisted at a private dermatology practice service located in the southern area of the city of São Paulo (SP). Results We evaluated 992 medical consultations in 2019 and 1,176 in 2020. In 2020, we observed a significant increase in cases of telogen effluvium (276%), psoriasis (1,400%), atopic dermatitis (178%), seborrheic dermatitis (200%), herpes zoster (1,200%) and vitiligo (433%). All diseases had stress as a possible initial trigger. In addition, fragile nail syndrome and contact dermatitis, pathologies associated with behavioral measures, also had an important increase in the prevalence (6,400% and 5,500%, respectively). However, the number of aesthetic procedures decreased by approximately 54% during the pandemic period. Conclusion During the pandemic period, the pattern of incidence of dermatoses had changed compared with the previous year. An emphasis was observed on diseases triggered by a psychological component, as well as those pathologies that have behavioral measures as the main cause. For this reason, the impacts of COVID-19 is greater than only among those infected.
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Donovan ML, Chun EK, Liu Y, Wang Z. Post-weaning Social Isolation in Male and Female Prairie Voles: Impacts on Central and Peripheral Immune System. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 15:802569. [PMID: 35111003 PMCID: PMC8801571 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2021.802569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) offers a unique opportunity to examine the impacts of adolescent social isolation on the brain, immune system, and behavior. In the current study, male and female prairie voles were randomly assigned to be housed alone or with a same-sex cagemate after weaning (i.e., on postnatal day 21-22) for a 6-week period. Thereafter, subjects were tested for anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors using the elevated plus maze (EPM) and Forced Swim Test (FST), respectively. Blood was collected to measure peripheral cytokine levels, and brain tissue was processed for microglial density in various brain regions, including the Nucleus Accumbens (NAcc), Medial Amygdala (MeA), Central Amygdala (CeA), Bed Nucleus of the Stria Terminalis (BNST), and Paraventricular Nucleus of the Hypothalamus (PVN). Sex differences were found in EPM and FST behaviors, where male voles had significantly lower total arm entries in the EPM as well as lower latency to immobility in the FST compared to females. A sex by treatment effect was found in peripheral IL-1β levels, where isolated males had a lower level of IL-1β compared to cohoused females. Post-weaning social isolation also altered microglial density in a brain region-specific manner. Isolated voles had higher microglial density in the NAcc, MeA, and CeA, but lower microglial density in the dorsal BNST. Cohoused male voles also had higher microglial density in the PVN compared to cohoused females. Taken together, these data suggest that post-weaning social housing environments can alter peripheral and central immune systems in prairie voles, highlighting a potential role for the immune system in shaping isolation-induced alterations to the brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan L. Donovan
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Eileen K. Chun
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Yan Liu
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Program in Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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Gryksa K, Neumann ID. Consequences of pandemic-associated social restrictions: Role of social support and the oxytocin system. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2022; 135:105601. [PMID: 34837776 PMCID: PMC8605825 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
During pandemics, governments take drastic actions to prevent the spreading of the disease, as seen during the present COVID-19 crisis. Sanctions of lockdown, social distancing and quarantine urge people to exclusively work and teach at home and to restrict social contacts to a minimum; lonely people get into further isolation, while families` nerves are strained to the extreme. Overall, this results in a dramatic and chronic increase in the level of psychosocial stress over several months mainly caused by i) social isolation and ii) psychosocial stress associated with overcrowding, social tension in families, and domestic violence. Moreover, pandemic-associated social restrictions are accompanied by loss of an essential stress buffer and important parameter for general mental and physical health: social support. Chronic psychosocial stress and, in particular, social isolation and lack of social support affect not only mental health, but also the brain oxytocin system and the immune system. Hence, pandemic-associated social restrictions are expected to increase the risk of developing psychopathologies, such as depression, anxiety-related and posttraumatic stress disorders, on the one hand, but also to induce a general inflammatory state and to impair the course of infectious disorders on the other. Due to its pro-social and stress-buffering effects, resulting in an anti-inflammatory state in case of disease, the role of the neuropeptide oxytocin will be discussed and critically considered as an emerging treatment option in cases of pandemic-induced psychosocial stress, viral infection and during recovery. In this review, we aim to critically focus on possible short- and long-term consequences of social restrictions on mental health and the immune system, while discussion oxytocin as a possible treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Gryksa
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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Microglia react to partner loss in a sex- and brain site-specific manner in prairie voles. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 96:168-186. [PMID: 34058309 PMCID: PMC8319132 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Positive social relationships are paramount for the survival of mammals and beneficial for mental and physical health, buffer against stressors, and even promote appropriate immune system functioning. By contrast, impaired social relationships, social isolation, or the loss of a bonded partner lead to aggravated physical and mental health. For example, in humans partner loss is detrimental for the functioning of the immune system and heightens the susceptibility for the development of post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety disorders, and major depressive disorders. To understand potential underlying mechanisms, the monogamous prairie vole can provide important insights. In the present study, we separated pair bonded male and female prairie voles after five days of co-housing, subjected them to the forced swim test on the fourth day following separation, and studied their microglia morphology and activation in specific brain regions. Partner loss increased passive stress-coping in male, but not female, prairie voles. Moreover, partner loss was associated with microglial priming within the parvocellular region of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN) in male prairie voles, whereas in female prairie voles the morphological activation within the whole PVN and the prelimbic cortex (PrL) was decreased, marked by a shift towards ramified microglial morphology. Expression of the immediate early protein c-Fos following partner loss was changed within the PrL of male, but not female, prairie voles. However, the loss of a partner did not affect the investigated aspects of the peripheral immune response. These data suggest a potential sex-dependent mechanism for the regulation of microglial activity following the loss of a partner, which might contribute to the observed differences in passive stress-coping. This study furthers our understanding of the effects of partner loss and its short-term impact on the CNS as well as the CNS immune system and the peripheral innate immune system in both male and female prairie voles.
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Thyrian JR, Kracht F, Nikelski A, Boekholt M, Schumacher-Schönert F, Rädke A, Michalowsky B, Vollmar HC, Hoffmann W, Rodriguez FS, Kreisel SH. The situation of elderly with cognitive impairment living at home during lockdown in the Corona-pandemic in Germany. BMC Geriatr 2020; 20:540. [PMID: 33375944 PMCID: PMC7770747 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-020-01957-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outbreak of the Corona virus is a challenge for health care systems worldwide. The aim of this study is to analyze a) knowledge about, and feelings related to the Corona-pandemic. Describe b) loneliness, depression and anxiety and, c) the perceived, immediate impact of the lockdown on frequency of social contacts and quality of health care provision of people with cognitive impairment during social distancing and lockdown in the primary care system and living at home in Germany. METHODS This analysis is based on data of a telephone-based assessment in a convenience sample of n = 141 people with known cognitive impairment in the primary care setting. Data on e.g. cognitive and psychological status prior to the pandemic was available. Attitudes, knowledge about and perceived personal impact of the pandemic, social support, loneliness, anxiety, depression, change in the frequency of social activities due to the pandemic and perceived impact of the pandemic on health care related services were assessed during the time of lockdown. RESULTS The vast majority of participants are sufficiently informed about Corona (85%) and most think that the measures taken are appropriate (64%). A total of 11% shows one main symptom of a depression according to DSM-5. The frequency of depressive symptoms has not increased between the time before pandemic and lockdown in almost all participants. The sample shows minimal (65.0%) or low symptoms of anxiety (25%). The prevalence of loneliness is 10%. On average seven activities have decreased in frequency due to the pandemic. Social activities related to meeting people, dancing or visiting birthdays have decreased significantly. Talking with friends by phone and activities like gardening have increased. Utilization of health care services like day clinics, relief services and prescribed therapies have been reported to have worsened due to the pandemic. Visits to general practitioners decreased. CONCLUSIONS The study shows a small impact of the pandemic on psychological variables like depression, anxiety and loneliness in the short-term in Germany. There is a decrease in social activities as expected. The impact on health care provision is prominent. There is a need for qualitative, in-depth studies to further interpret the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen René Thyrian
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), site Rostock/ Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany.
- Institute for Community Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
| | - Friederike Kracht
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), site Rostock/ Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Angela Nikelski
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, University Hospital OWL - Campus Bielefeld-Bethel, Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Melanie Boekholt
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), site Rostock/ Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Fanny Schumacher-Schönert
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), site Rostock/ Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anika Rädke
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), site Rostock/ Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Bernhard Michalowsky
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), site Rostock/ Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Horst Christian Vollmar
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Bochum, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hoffmann
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), site Rostock/ Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
- Institute for Community Medicine, Department of Epidemiology and Community Health, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Francisca S Rodriguez
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), site Rostock/ Greifswald, Ellernholzstr. 1-2, 17489, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Stefan H Kreisel
- Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Evangelisches Klinikum Bethel, University Hospital OWL - Campus Bielefeld-Bethel, Bielefeld, Germany
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Sluiter F, Incollingo Rodriguez AC, Nephew BC, Cali R, Murgatroyd C, Santos HP. Pregnancy associated epigenetic markers of inflammation predict depression and anxiety symptoms in response to discrimination. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100273. [PMID: 33344726 PMCID: PMC7739167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Latina mothers, who have one of the highest fertility rates among ethnic groups in the United States (US), often experience discrimination. Psychosocial influences during pregnancy, such as discrimination stress, promotes inflammation. However, the role of epigenetic markers of inflammation as a mediator between, and predictor of, maternal discrimination stress and neuropsychiatric outcomes has not been extensively studied. The current study investigates the role of DNA methylation at FOXP3 Treg-cell-specific demethylated region (TSDR), as a marker of regulatory T (Treg) cells that are important negative regulators of inflammation, and the promoter of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) gene, an important pro-inflammatory cytokine, in relation to discrimination stress during pregnancy and depression and anxiety symptomatology. A sample of 148 Latina women residing in the US (mean age 27.6 years) were assessed prenatally at 24–32 weeks’ gestation and 4–6 weeks postnatally for perceived discrimination exposure (Everyday Discrimination Scale, EDS), emotional distress (depression, anxiety, perinatal-specific depression), acculturation, and acculturative stress. DNA methylation levels at the FOXP3 and TNFα promoter regions from blood samples collected at the prenatal stage were assessed by bisulphite pyrosequencing. Regression analyses showed that prenatal EDS associated with postnatal emotional distress, depression and anxiety symptoms only in those individuals with higher than mean levels of FOXP3 TSDR and TNFα promoter methylation; no such significant associations were found in those with lower than mean levels of methylation for either. We further found that these relationships were mediated by TNFα only in those with high FOXP3 TSDR methylation, implying that immunosuppression via TNFα promoter methylation buffers the impact of discrimination stress on postpartum symptomatology. These results indicate that epigenetic markers of immunosuppression and inflammation play an important role in resilience or sensitivity, respectively, to prenatal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Femke Sluiter
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Benjamin C Nephew
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Ryan Cali
- University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Chris Murgatroyd
- Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Hudson P Santos
- Biobehavioral Laboratory, School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
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Donovan M, Mackey CS, Platt GN, Rounds J, Brown AN, Trickey DJ, Liu Y, Jones KM, Wang Z. Social isolation alters behavior, the gut-immune-brain axis, and neurochemical circuits in male and female prairie voles. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100278. [PMID: 33344730 PMCID: PMC7739176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The absence of social support, or social isolation, can be stressful, leading to a suite of physical and psychological health issues. Growing evidence suggests that disruption of the gut-immune-brain axis plays a crucial role in the negative outcomes seen from social isolation stress. However, the mechanisms remain largely unknown. The socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) has been validated as a useful model for studying negative effects of social isolation on the brain and behaviors, yet how the gut microbiome and central immune system are altered in isolated prairie voles are still unknown. Here, we utilized this social rodent to examine how social isolation stress alters the gut-immune-brain axis and relevant behaviors. Adult male and female prairie voles (n = 48 per sex) experienced social isolation or were cohoused with a same-sex cagemate (control) for six weeks. Thereafter, their social and anxiety-like behaviors, neuronal circuit activation, neurochemical expression, and microgliosis in key brain regions, as well as gut microbiome alterations from the isolation treatment were examined. Social isolation increased anxiety-like behaviors and impaired social affiliation. Isolation also resulted in sex- and brain region-specific alterations in neuronal activation, neurochemical expression, and microgliosis. Further, social isolation resulted in alterations to the gut microbiome that were correlated with key brain and behavioral measures. Our data suggest that social isolation alters the gut-immune-brain axis in a sex-dependent manner and that gut microbes, central glial cells, and neurochemical systems may play a critical, integrative role in mediating negative outcomes from social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Donovan
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, 1700 N. Wheeling St., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Calvin S. Mackey
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Grayson N. Platt
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Jacob Rounds
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Amber N. Brown
- Department of Biological Science Core Facilities, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Darryl J. Trickey
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Jones
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
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12
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Warren BL, Mazei-Robison MS, Robison AJ, Iñiguez SD. Can I Get a Witness? Using Vicarious Defeat Stress to Study Mood-Related Illnesses in Traditionally Understudied Populations. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 88:381-391. [PMID: 32228871 PMCID: PMC7725411 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The chronic social defeat stress model has been instrumental in shaping our understanding of neurobiology relevant to affect-related illnesses, including major depressive disorder. However, the classic chronic social defeat stress procedure is limited by its exclusive application to adult male rodents. We have recently developed a novel vicarious social defeat stress procedure wherein one mouse witnesses the physical defeat bout of a conspecific from the safety of an adjacent compartment. This witness mouse develops a similar behavioral phenotype to that of the mouse that physically experiences social defeat stress, modeling multiple aspects of major depressive disorder. Importantly, this new procedure allows researchers to perform vicarious social defeat stress in males or females and in juvenile mice, which typically are excluded from classic social defeat experiments. Here we discuss several recent advances made using this procedure and how its application provides a new preclinical approach to study the neurobiology of psychological stress-induced phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon L Warren
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Alfred J Robison
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Sergio D Iñiguez
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas.
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13
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D'Acquisto F, Hamilton A. Cardiovascular and immunological implications of social distancing in the context of COVID-19. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:e129-e131. [PMID: 32638025 PMCID: PMC7454335 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Fulvio D'Acquisto
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London, UK.,William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Alice Hamilton
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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14
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Koenig HG. Ways of Protecting Religious Older Adults from the Consequences of COVID-19. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2020; 28:776-779. [PMID: 32303403 PMCID: PMC7152884 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2020.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Harold G. Koenig
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC,King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia,Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, P.R. China,Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran,Send correspondence and reprint requests to Harold G. Koenig, M.D., Duke University Medical Center, Box 3400 Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
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15
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Cyr JL, Gawriluk TR, Kimani JM, Rada B, Watford WT, Kiama SG, Seifert AW, Ezenwa VO. Regeneration-Competent and -Incompetent Murids Differ in Neutrophil Quantity and Function. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 59:1138-1149. [PMID: 30989211 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration is rare in mammals, but spiny mice (Acomys spp.) naturally regenerate skin and ear holes. Inflammation is thought to inhibit regeneration during wound healing, but aspects of inflammation contribute to both regeneration and pathogen defense. We compared neutrophil traits among uninjured, regeneration-competent (Acomys: A. cahirinus, A. kempi, A. percivali) and -incompetent (Mus musculus: Swiss Webster, wild-caught strains) murids to test for constitutive differences in neutrophil quantity and function between these groups. Neutrophil quantity differed significantly among species. In blood, Acomys had lower percentages of circulating neutrophils than Mus; and in bone marrow, Acomys had higher percentages of band neutrophils and lower percentages of segmented neutrophils. Functionally, Acomys and Mus neutrophils did not differ in their ability to migrate or produce reactive oxygen species, but Acomys neutrophils phagocytosed more fungal zymosan. Despite this enhanced phagocytosis activity, Acomys neutrophils were not more effective than Mus neutrophils at killing Escherichia coli. Interestingly, whole blood bacteria killing was dominated by serum in Acomys versus neutrophils only or neutrophils and serum in Mus, suggesting that Acomys primarily rely on serum to kill bacteria whereas Mus do not. These subtle differences in neutrophil traits may allow regeneration-competent species to offset damaging effects of inflammation without compromising pathogen defense.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Cyr
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Thomas R Gawriluk
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - John M Kimani
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Balázs Rada
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Wendy T Watford
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
| | - Stephen G Kiama
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Ashley W Seifert
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA.,Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Physiology, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Vanessa O Ezenwa
- Department of Infectious Diseases, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA.,Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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16
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Ross AP, McCann KE, Larkin TE, Song Z, Grieb ZA, Huhman KL, Albers HE. Sex-dependent effects of social isolation on the regulation of arginine-vasopressin (AVP) V1a, oxytocin (OT) and serotonin (5HT) 1a receptor binding and aggression. Horm Behav 2019; 116:104578. [PMID: 31449813 PMCID: PMC6885541 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.104578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
It is widely held that social isolation produces higher rates of mortality and morbidity and has deleterious effects on an individual's sociality. Relatedly, it is widely observed that socially isolated adult rodents display significantly higher levels of aggression when placed in a social situation than do their conspecifics living in social groups. In the following study, we investigated the effects of social isolation on several neurochemical signals that play key roles in the regulation of social behavior in adults. More specifically, we examined the effects of social isolation on vasopressin (AVP) V1a, oxytocin (OT) and serotonin (5-HT)1a receptor binding within the neural circuit controlling social behavior. Male and female Syrian hamsters were housed individually or with two other hamsters for four weeks and were then tested with a same-sex nonaggressive intruder in a neutral arena for 5 min. Social isolation significantly increased aggression in both males and females and altered receptor binding in several brain regions in a sex-dependent manner. For example, V1a receptor binding was greater in socially isolated males in the anterior hypothalamus than it was in any other group. Taken together, these data provide substantial new support for the proposition that the social environment can have a significant impact on the structural and neurochemical mechanisms regulating social behavior and that the amount and type of social interactions can produce differential effects on the circuit regulating social behavior in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy P Ross
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, United States of America; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Katharine E McCann
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, United States of America; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Tony E Larkin
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, United States of America; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Zhimin Song
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, United States of America; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Zachary A Grieb
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, United States of America; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - Kim L Huhman
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, United States of America; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA, United States of America
| | - H Elliott Albers
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, United States of America; Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Atlanta, GA, United States of America.
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17
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Leech T, Evison SEF, Armitage SAO, Sait SM, Bretman A. Interactive effects of social environment, age and sex on immune responses in Drosophila melanogaster. J Evol Biol 2019; 32:1082-1092. [PMID: 31313398 DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Social environments have been shown to have multiple effects on individual immune responses. For example, increased social contact might signal greater infection risk and prompt a prophylactic upregulation of immunity. This differential investment of resources may in part explain why social environments affect ageing and lifespan. Our previous work using Drosophila melanogaster showed that single-sex social contact reduced lifespan for both sexes. Here, we assess how social interactions (isolation or contact) affect susceptibility to infection, phagocytotic activity and expression of a subset of immune- and stress-related genes in young and old flies of both sexes. Social contact had a neutral, or even improved, effect on post-infection lifespan in older flies and reduced the expression of stress response genes in females; however, it reduced phagocytotic activity. Overall, the effects of social environment were complex and largely subtle and do not indicate a consistent effect. Together, these findings indicate that social contact in D. melanogaster does not have a predictable impact on immune responses and does not simply trade-off immune investment with lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Leech
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sophie E F Evison
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, Western Bank, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | | | - Steven M Sait
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Amanda Bretman
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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18
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Stevenson JR, McMahon EK, Boner W, Haussmann MF. Oxytocin administration prevents cellular aging caused by social isolation. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 103:52-60. [PMID: 30640038 PMCID: PMC7476076 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2019.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stressors, such as chronic isolation in social mammals, can elevate glucocorticoids, which can affect cellular mechanisms of aging, including increased levels of oxidative stress and shortened telomere lengths. Recent work in the selectively social prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) suggests that oxytocin and social support may mitigate some of the negative consequences of social isolation, possibly by reducing glucocorticoid levels. We investigated the influences of isolation, social support, and daily oxytocin injections in female prairie voles. Glucocorticoid levels, oxidative damage, telomere length, and anhedonia, a behavioral index of depression, were measured throughout the study. We found that six weeks of chronic isolation led to increased glucocorticoid levels, oxidative damage, telomere degradation and anhedonia. However, daily oxytocin injections in isolated voles prevented these negative consequences. These findings demonstrate that chronic social isolation in female prairie voles is a potent stressor that results in depression-like behavior and accelerated cellular aging. Importantly, oxytocin can completely prevent the negative consequences of social isolation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennie R. Stevenson
- Department of Psychology, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, USA,Corresponding author at: 215 O’Leary Center, 1 Dent Drive, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, 17837, United States. (J.R. Stevenson)
| | | | - Winnie Boner
- Institute of Biodiversity Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
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19
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Hiura LC, Ophir AG. Interactions of sex and early life social experiences at two developmental stages shape nonapeptide receptor profiles. Integr Zool 2019; 13:745-760. [PMID: 29851289 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Early life social experiences are critical to behavioral and cognitive development, and can have a tremendous influence on developing social phenotypes. Most work has focused on outcomes of experiences at a single stage of development (e.g. perinatal or post-weaning). Few studies have assessed the impact of social experience at multiple developmental stages and across sex. Oxytocin and vasopressin are profoundly important for modulating social behavior and these nonapeptide systems are highly sensitive to developmental social experience, particularly in brain areas important for social behavior. We investigated whether oxytocin receptor (OTR) and vasopressin receptor (V1aR) distributions of prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) change as a function of parental composition within the natal nest or social composition after weaning. We raised pups either in the presence or absence of their fathers. At weaning, offspring were housed either individually or with a same-sex sibling. We also examined whether changes in receptor distributions are sexually dimorphic because the impact of the developmental environment on the nonapeptide system could be sex-dependent. We found that differences in nonapeptide receptor expression were region-specific, sex-specific and rearing condition-specific, indicating a high level of complexity in the ways that early life experiences shape the social brain. We found many more differences in V1aR density compared to OTR density, indicating that nonapeptide receptors demonstrate differential levels of neural plasticity and sensitivity to environmental and biological variables. Our data highlight that critical factors including biological sex and multiple experiences across the developmental continuum interact in complex ways to shape the social brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa C Hiura
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
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20
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Al-Naimi OAS, Delvalle JR, Carryl SS, Rodriguez NA, Aliou F, Cambi M, Bamshad M. Socio-Ecological Disruptions at Critical Periods During Development Alter Stress Responses and Hippocampal Dendritic Morphology of Prairie Voles: Implications for Social Monogamy. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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21
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Kelly AM, Saunders AG, Ophir AG. Mechanistic substrates of a life history transition in male prairie voles: Developmental plasticity in affiliation and aggression corresponds to nonapeptide neuronal function. Horm Behav 2018; 99:14-24. [PMID: 29407458 PMCID: PMC5880752 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) social behavior is well-characterized in adults, surprisingly little is known about the development of social behavior in voles. Further, the overwhelming majority of studies in prairie voles examine social behavior in a reproductive context. Here, we examine developmental plasticity in affiliation and aggression and their underlying neural correlates. Using sexually naïve males, we characterized interactions with an age-matched, novel, same-sex conspecific in four different age groups that span pre-weaning to adulthood. We found that prosocial behavior decreased and aggression increased as males matured. Additionally, pre-weaning males were more prosocial than nonsocial, whereas post-weaning males were more nonsocial than prosocial. We also examined nonapeptide neural activity in response to a novel conspecific in brain regions important for promoting sociality and aggression using the immediate early gene cFos. Assessment of developmental changes in neural activity showed that vasopressin neurons in the medial bed nucleus of the stria terminalis exhibit functional plasticity, providing a potential functional mechanism that contributes to this change in sociality as prairie voles mature. This behavioral shift corresponds to the transition from a period of allopatric cohabitation with siblings to a period of time when voles disperse and presumably attempt to establish and defend territories. Taken together our data provide a putative mechanism by which brain and behavior prepare for the opportunity to pairbond (characterized by selective affiliation with a partner and aggression toward unfamiliar conspecifics) by undergoing changes away from general affiliation and toward selective aggression, accounting for this important life history event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey M Kelly
- Department of Psychology, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.
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22
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Ortiz JJ, Portillo W, Paredes RG, Young LJ, Alcauter S. Resting state brain networks in the prairie vole. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1231. [PMID: 29352154 PMCID: PMC5775431 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17610-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) has shown the hierarchical organization of the human brain into large-scale complex networks, referred as resting state networks. This technique has turned into a promising translational research tool after the finding of similar resting state networks in non-human primates, rodents and other animal models of great value for neuroscience. Here, we demonstrate and characterize the presence of resting states networks in Microtus ochrogaster, the prairie vole, an extraordinary animal model to study complex human-like social behavior, with potential implications for the research of normal social development, addiction and neuropsychiatric disorders. Independent component analysis of rsfMRI data from isoflurane-anestethized prairie voles resulted in cortical and subcortical networks, including primary motor and sensory networks, but also included putative salience and default mode networks. We further discuss how future research could help to close the gap between the properties of the large scale functional organization and the underlying neurobiology of several aspects of social cognition. These results contribute to the evidence of preserved resting state brain networks across species and provide the foundations to explore the use of rsfMRI in the prairie vole for basic and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan J Ortiz
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Queretaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Wendy Portillo
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Queretaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Raul G Paredes
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Queretaro, 76230, Mexico
| | - Larry J Young
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd., Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Sarael Alcauter
- Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Boulevard Juriquilla 3001, Queretaro, 76230, Mexico.
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23
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de Jong ME, Scheiber IBR, van den Brink NW, Braun A, Matson KD, Komdeur J, Loonen MJJE. Indices of stress and immune function in Arctic barnacle goslings (Branta leucopsis) were impacted by social isolation but not a contaminated grazing environment. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2017; 601-602:132-141. [PMID: 28550726 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.05.183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2017] [Revised: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In many areas around the Arctic remains and spoil heaps of old mines can be found, which have been abandoned after their heydays. Runoff from tailings of these abandoned mines can directly contaminate the local environment with elevated concentrations of trace metals. Few studies have investigated the possible negative effects of contaminants on Arctic terrestrial animals that use these areas. Trace metals can accumulate in animals and this accumulation has been linked to negative effects on fitness. Both, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and/or the immune system have been named as possible underlying causes for these observations. Free-living animals are often exposed to multiple stressors simultaneously, however, and this is often not considered in studies on the effects of contaminants on animal physiology. Here, we performed a study on Spitsbergen (Svalbard) taking both potential effects of trace metal contamination and social stress into account. We investigated experimentally effects of exposure to contaminants from a historic coal mine area on plasma corticosterone levels and on four innate immune parameters (haemolysis, haemagglutination, haptoglobin-like activity and nitric oxide) before and after social isolation in human-raised barnacle goslings (Branta leucopsis). Baseline corticosterone and immune parameters were not affected by mine-exposure. After social isolation, mine goslings tended to show decreased haemagglutination in comparison with control goslings, but we detected no difference in the other measures. Social isolation increased corticosterone and decreased haptoglobin-like activity in all goslings. Immunology and corticosterone levels of barnacle goslings thus seem unaffected, at least on the short term, by Arctic coal mining contamination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margje E de Jong
- Arctic Centre, University of Groningen, Aweg 30, 9718 CW Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Isabella B R Scheiber
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, The University of Groningen, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Nico W van den Brink
- Department of Toxicology, Wageningen University, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Anna Braun
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, The University of Groningen, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Kevin D Matson
- Resource Ecology Group, Wageningen University, Droevendaalsesteeg 3a, 6708 PB Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Jan Komdeur
- Behavioural and Physiological Ecology, The University of Groningen, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), Nijenborgh 7, 9747 AG Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Maarten J J E Loonen
- Arctic Centre, University of Groningen, Aweg 30, 9718 CW Groningen, The Netherlands.
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24
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Schausberger P, Gratzer M, Strodl MA. Early social isolation impairs development, mate choice and grouping behaviour of predatory mites. Anim Behav 2017; 127:15-21. [PMID: 28502987 PMCID: PMC5426552 DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2017.02.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The social environment early in life is a key determinant of developmental, physiological and behavioural trajectories across vertebrate and invertebrate animals. One crucial variable is the presence/absence of conspecifics. For animals usually reared in groups, social isolation after birth or hatching can be a highly stressful circumstance, with potentially long-lasting consequences. Here, we assessed the effects of social deprivation (isolation) early in life, that is, absence of conspecifics, versus social enrichment, that is, presence of conspecifics, on developmental time, body size at maturity, mating behaviour and group-living in the plant-inhabiting predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis. Socially deprived protonymphs developed more slowly and were less socially competent in grouping behaviour than socially enriched protonymphs. Compromised social competence in grouping behaviour was evident in decreased activity, fewer mutual encounters and larger interindividual distances, all of which may entail severe fitness costs. In female choice/male competition, socially deprived males mated earlier than socially enriched males; in male choice/female competition, socially deprived females were more likely to mate than socially enriched females. In neither mate choice situation did mating duration or body size at maturity differ between socially deprived and enriched mating opponents. Social isolation-induced shifts in mating behaviour may be interpreted as increased attractiveness or competitiveness or, more likely, as hastiness and reduced ability to assess mate quality. Overall, many of the social isolation-induced behavioural changes in P. persimilis are analogous to those observed in other animals such as cockroaches, fruit flies, fishes or rodents. We argue that, due to their profound and persistent effects, early social deprivation or enrichment may be important determinants in shaping animal personalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Schausberger
- Department of Behavioural Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Group of Arthropod Ecology and Behavior, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marian Gratzer
- Group of Arthropod Ecology and Behavior, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus A Strodl
- Group of Arthropod Ecology and Behavior, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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25
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Munteanu AM, Stocker M, Stöwe M, Massen JJM, Bugnyar T. Behavioural and Hormonal Stress Responses to Social Separation in Ravens, Corvus corax. Ethology 2017; 123:123-135. [PMID: 28239221 PMCID: PMC5299477 DOI: 10.1111/eth.12580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Social life is profitable, but it facilitates conflicts over resources and creates interdependence between individuals. Separating highly social animals triggers intense reactions aimed at re-establishing lost connections. Less is known, however, about behavioural and physiological responses to separation in socially facultative species, where individuals temporarily form groups and may subsequently leave them. Non-breeding common ravens (Corvus corax) gather in large numbers at feeding and roosting sites, but otherwise spend time seemingly solitary or in small subgroups. We here studied how ravens cope with being socially isolated, and investigated the life characteristics that might explain potential individual differences. For this, we individually separated captive subadult ravens (n = 25) and housed them in physical and visual isolation from their group members across 4 d. During the separation period, we collected behavioural data and measured the amount of immunoreactive corticosterone metabolites from bird droppings to assess the ravens' physiological stress response. We found behavioural indicators of stress at the start of the separation, when ravens showed higher levels of tension than of comfort - a pattern that reversed at the end of the separation. Furthermore, we found that the upbringing of ravens affected their behaviour during separation. Hand-raised birds produced more vocalisations in the beginning of the separation, and were less active at the end, while the reverse pattern occurred with parent-raised ravens. Contrary to our predictions, we did not find differences in hormonal responses between the beginning and end of the separation period or any link between hormonal responses and behaviours. Ravens' behavioural responses to social separation stress seem to be dependent on their arousal states, although possible links with hormonal reactions remain unclear. Our results show that behavioural reactions are not always linked with hormonal responses to stress, and further emphasise the importance of investigating effects of early-life experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandru M. Munteanu
- Department of Cognitive BiologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
- Haidlhof Research StationUniversity of Vienna and University of Veterinary Medicine ViennaBad VöslauAustria
| | - Martina Stocker
- Department of Cognitive BiologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
- Haidlhof Research StationUniversity of Vienna and University of Veterinary Medicine ViennaBad VöslauAustria
| | - Mareike Stöwe
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUnit of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Experimental EndocrinologyUniversity of Veterinary Medicine ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Jorg J. M. Massen
- Department of Cognitive BiologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
- Haidlhof Research StationUniversity of Vienna and University of Veterinary Medicine ViennaBad VöslauAustria
| | - Thomas Bugnyar
- Department of Cognitive BiologyUniversity of ViennaViennaAustria
- Haidlhof Research StationUniversity of Vienna and University of Veterinary Medicine ViennaBad VöslauAustria
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26
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Abstract
Social relationships throughout life are vital for well-being and physical and mental health. A significant amount of research in animal models as well as in humans suggests that oxytocin (OT) plays an important role in the development of the capacity to form social bonds, the mediation of the positive aspects of early-life nurturing on adult bonding capacity, and the maintenance of social bonding. Here, we focus on the extensive research on a socially monogamous rodent model organism, the prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster). OT facilitates mating-induced pair bonds in adults through interaction with the mesolimbic dopamine system. Variation in striatal OT receptor density predicts resilience and susceptibility to neonatal social neglect in female prairie voles. Finally, in adults, loss of a partner results in multiple disruptions in OT signaling, including decreased OT release in the striatum, which is caused by an activation of the brain corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) system. The dramatic behavioral consequence of partner loss is increased depressive-like behavior reminiscent of bereavement. Importantly, infusions of OT into the striatum of adults prevents the onset of depressive-like behavior following partner loss, and evoking endogenous OT release using melanocortin agonists during neonatal social isolation rescues impairments in social bonding in adulthood. This work has important translational implications relevant to the disruptions of social bonds in childhood and in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver J Bosch
- Department of Behavioural and Molecular Neurobiology, Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, 93053, Germany.
| | - Larry J Young
- Center for Translational Social Neuroscience, Silvio O. Conte Center for Oxytocin and Social Cognition, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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27
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Tabbaa M, Paedae B, Liu Y, Wang Z. Neuropeptide Regulation of Social Attachment: The Prairie Vole Model. Compr Physiol 2016; 7:81-104. [PMID: 28135000 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Social attachments are ubiquitous among humans and integral to human health. Although great efforts have been made to elucidate the neural underpinnings regulating social attachments, we still know relatively little about the neuronal and neurochemical regulation of social attachments. As a laboratory animal research model, the socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) displays behaviors paralleling human social attachments and thus has provided unique insights into the neural regulation of social behaviors. Research in prairie voles has particularly highlighted the significance of neuropeptidergic regulation of social behaviors, especially of the roles of oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (AVP). This article aims to review these findings. We begin by discussing the role of the OT and AVP systems in regulating social behaviors relevant to social attachments, and thereafter restrict our discussion to studies in prairie voles. Specifically, we discuss the role of OT and AVP in adult mate attachments, biparental care, social isolation, and social buffering as informed by studies utilizing the prairie vole model. Not only do these studies offer insight into social attachments in humans, but they also point to dysregulated mechanisms in several mental disorders. We conclude by discussing these implications for human health. © 2017 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 7:81-104, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal Tabbaa
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Brennan Paedae
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
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28
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Veroude K, Zhang-James Y, Fernàndez-Castillo N, Bakker MJ, Cormand B, Faraone SV. Genetics of aggressive behavior: An overview. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2016; 171B:3-43. [PMID: 26345359 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) address three types of aggression: frustrative non-reward, defensive aggression and offensive/proactive aggression. This review sought to present the evidence for genetic underpinnings of aggression and to determine to what degree prior studies have examined phenotypes that fit into the RDoC framework. Although the constructs of defensive and offensive aggression have been widely used in the animal genetics literature, the human literature is mostly agnostic with regard to all the RDoC constructs. We know from twin studies that about half the variance in behavior may be explained by genetic risk factors. This is true for both dimensional, trait-like, measures of aggression and categorical definitions of psychopathology. The non-shared environment seems to have a moderate influence with the effects of shared environment being unclear. Human molecular genetic studies of aggression are in an early stage. The most promising candidates are in the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems along with hormonal regulators. Genome-wide association studies have not yet achieved genome-wide significance, but current samples are too small to detect variants having the small effects one would expect for a complex disorder. The strongest molecular evidence for a genetic basis for aggression comes from animal models comparing aggressive and non-aggressive strains or documenting the effects of gene knockouts. Although we have learned much from these prior studies, future studies should improve the measurement of aggression by using a systematic method of measurement such as that proposed by the RDoC initiative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Veroude
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Yanli Zhang-James
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York
| | - Noèlia Fernàndez-Castillo
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain
| | - Mireille J Bakker
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bru Cormand
- Departament de Genètica, Facultat de Biologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.,Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Catalonia, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Spain
| | - Stephen V Faraone
- Departments of Psychiatry and of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, New York.,K.G. Jebsen Centre for Research on Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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