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Deng S, Guo A, Huang Z, Guan K, Zhu Y, Chan C, Gui J, Song C, Li X. The exploration of neuroinflammatory mechanism by which CRHR2 deficiency induced anxiety disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 128:110844. [PMID: 37640149 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2023.110844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and triggers glial neuroinflammatory phenotypes, which reduces monoamine neurotransmitters by activating indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase enzyme. These changes can induce psychiatric diseases, including anxiety. Corticotropin releasing hormone receptor 2 (CRHR2) in the HPA axis is involved in the etiology of anxiety. Omega(n)-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can attenuate anxiety through anti-inflammation and HPA axis modulation. However, the underlying molecular mechanism by CRHR2 modulates anxiety and its correlation with neuroinflammation remain unclear. Here, we first constructed a crhr2 zebrafish mutant line, and evaluated anxiety-like behaviors, gene expression associated with the HPA axis, neuroinflammatory response, neurotransmitters, and PUFAs profile in crhr2+/+ and crhr2-/- zebrafish. The crhr2 deficiency decreased cortisol levels and up-regulated crhr1 and down-regulated crhb, crhbp, ucn3l and proopiomelanocortin a (pomc a) in zebrafish. Interestingly, a significant increase in the neuroinflammatory markers, translocator protein (TSPO) and the activation of microglia M1 phenotype (CD11b) were found in crhr2-/- zebrafish. As a consequence, the expression of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, pro-inflammatory cytokines vascular endothelial growth factor, and astrocyte A1 phenotype c3 were up-regulated. While microglia anti-inflammatory phenotype (CD206), central anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-4, arginase-1, and transforming growth factor-β were downregulated. In parallel, crhr2-deficient zebrafish showed an upregulation of vdac1 protein, a TSPO ligand, and its downstream caspase-3. Furthermore, 5-HT/5-HIAA ratio was decreased and n-3 PUFAs deficiency was identified in crhr2-/- zebrafish. In conclusion, anxiety-like behavior displayed by crhr2-deficient zebrafish may be caused by the HPA axis dysfunction and enhanced neuroinflammation, which resulted in n-3 PUFAs and monoamine neurotransmitter reductions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyi Deng
- Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China
| | - Anqi Guo
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Zhengwei Huang
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Kaiyu Guan
- Wenzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Ya Zhu
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China; State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Cheekai Chan
- College of Science and Technology, Wenzhou-Kean University, Zhejiang 325000, China
| | - Jianfang Gui
- State Key Laboratory of Freshwater Ecology and Biotechnology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, The Innovation Academy of Seed Design, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute for Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China.
| | - Xi Li
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, China.
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Brain 5-HT 2A receptor binding and its neural network related to behavioral inhibition system. Brain Imaging Behav 2022; 16:1337-1348. [PMID: 35006540 PMCID: PMC9107428 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-021-00609-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The tendency to avoid punishment, called behavioral inhibition system, is an essential aspect of motivational behavior. Behavioral inhibition system is related to negative affect, such as anxiety, depression and pain, but its neural basis has not yet been clarified. To clarify the association between individual variations in behavioral inhibition system and brain 5-HT2A receptor availability and specify which brain networks were involved in healthy male subjects, using [18F]altanserin positron emission tomography and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging. Behavioral inhibition system score negatively correlated with 5-HT2A receptor availability in anterior cingulate cortex. A statistical model indicated that the behavioral inhibition system score was associated with 5-HT2A receptor availability, which was mediated by the functional connectivity between anterior cingulate cortex and left middle frontal gyrus, both of which involved in the cognitive control of negative information processing. Individuals with high behavioral inhibition system displays low 5-HT2A receptor availability in anterior cingulate cortex and this cognitive control network links with prefrontal-cingulate integrity. These findings have implications for underlying the serotonergic basis of physiologies in aversion.
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Brown A, Fiori LM, Turecki G. Bridging Basic and Clinical Research in Early Life Adversity, DNA Methylation, and Major Depressive Disorder. Front Genet 2019; 10:229. [PMID: 30984237 PMCID: PMC6448008 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA)- including childhood physical, emotional, and sexual abuse, as well as childhood neglect- is an important predictive factor for negative psychopathology, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). ELA can epigenetically regulate key emotional and behavioral systems in ways that can stably persist into adulthood and contribute to the development of MDD and other psychopathology. DNA methylation has been one of the most investigated forms of epigenetic regulation in ELA to MDD pathway. From these studies, genes and sites associated with ELA/MDD have been identified and should be further investigated in order to identify potential avenues for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Brown
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Laura M Fiori
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Zinchuk MS, Guekht AB, Gulyaeva NV, Avedisova AS, Akzhigitov RG, Grishkina MN. [Biological basis of suicidal behavior]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2016. [PMID: 28635744 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro20161168194-101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Based on current clinical and classification concepts of suicidality, the biological parameters characteristic of suicidal behavior, completed and uncompleted suicides reported in the last few decades are discussed. The results obtained in the studies of neurotransmitter and other brain systems, immune system, lipid and other types of metabolism as well as data of neuroimaging brain studies and post-mortem investigation of brain structures are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Zinchuk
- Solov'ev Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A B Guekht
- Solov'ev Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - N V Gulyaeva
- Solov'ev Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - A S Avedisova
- Solov'ev Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - R G Akzhigitov
- Solov'ev Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - M N Grishkina
- Solov'ev Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
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Pasi S, Singh PK, Pandey RK, Dikshit PC, Jiloha RC, Rao VR. Evaluation of psychiatric and genetic risk factors among primary relatives of suicide completers in Delhi NCR region, India. Psychiatry Res 2015. [PMID: 26205629 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Suicide as a public health problem is studied worldwide and association of psychiatric and genetic risk factors for suicidal behavior are the point of discussion in studies across different ethnic groups. The present study is aimed at evaluating psychiatric and genetic traits among primary relatives of suicide completer families in an urban Indian population. Bi-variate analysis shows significant increase in major depression (PHQ and Hamilton), stress, panic disorder, somatoform disorder and suicide attemptamong primary compared to other relatives. Sib pair correlations also reveal significant results for major depression (Hamilton), stress, suicide attempt, intensity of suicide ideation and other anxiety syndrome. 5-HTTLPR, 5-HTT (Stin2) and COMT risk alleles are higher among primary relatives, though statistically insignificant. Backward conditional logistic regression analysis show only independent variable, Depression (Hamilton) made a unique statistically significant contribution to the model in primary relatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Pasi
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | | | - P C Dikshit
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Moulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, India; Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences & Research, New Delhi, India
| | - R C Jiloha
- Department of Psychiatry, G.B. Pant Hospital, Delhi, India
| | - V R Rao
- Department of Anthropology, University of Delhi, Delhi, India.
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Sadkowski M, Dennis B, Clayden RC, Elsheikh W, Rangarajan S, Dejesus J, Samaan Z. The role of the serotonergic system in suicidal behavior. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2013; 9:1699-716. [PMID: 24235834 PMCID: PMC3825712 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s50300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is a widely investigated neurotransmitter in several psychopathologies, including suicidal behavior (SB); however, its role extends to several physiological functions involving the nervous system, as well as the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. This review summarizes recent research into ten serotonergic genes related to SB. These genes - TPH1, TPH2, SLC6A4, SLC18A2, HTR1A, HTR1B, HTR2A, DDC, MAOA, and MAOB - encode proteins that are vital to serotonergic function: tryptophan hydroxylase; the serotonin transporter 5-HTT; the vesicular transporter VMAT2; the HTR1A, HTR1B, and HTR2A receptors; the L-amino acid decarboxylase; and the monoamine oxidases. This review employed a systematic search strategy and a narrative research methodology to disseminate the current literature investigating the link between SB and serotonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sadkowski
- Arts and Sciences Program, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Vyssoki B, Praschak-Rieder N, Sonneck G, Blüml V, Willeit M, Kasper S, Kapusta ND. Effects of sunshine on suicide rates. Compr Psychiatry 2012; 53:535-9. [PMID: 21821241 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2011.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2011] [Revised: 05/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Seasonal spring peaks of suicide are well described in epidemiological studies, but their origin is poorly understood. More recent evidence suggests that this peak may be associated with the increase in the duration of sunshine in spring. We investigated the effect of number of sunshine hours per month on suicide rates in Austria between 1996 and 2006. METHODS Suicide data, differentiated by month of suicide, sex, and method of suicide (violent vs nonviolent methods), were provided by Statistics Austria. Data on the average number of sunshine hours per month were calculated from 39 representative meteorological stations (provided by the Austrian Central Institute for Meteorology and Geodynamics). For statistical analysis, analysis of variance tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Pearson correlation tests were used. RESULTS A total of 16,673 suicides with a median of 126 ± 19.8 suicides per month occurred in the examined period. A clear seasonal pattern was observed, with suicide frequencies being highest between March and May and lowest between November and January (df = 11, F = 5.2, P < .0001) for men (df = 11, F = 4.9, P < .0001) and women (df = 11, F = 2.4, P = .008). The average number of sunshine hours per month was significantly correlated with the number of suicides among both sexes (r = .43, P < .0001), violent methods (r = .48, P < .0001) but not with nonviolent methods (r = .03, P = .707). CONCLUSIONS This study shows that seasonal changes in sunshine account for variations in the number of suicides and especially violent suicides. We propose that sunshine, via interactions with serotonin neurotransmission, may trigger increased impulsivity and promote suicidal acts. However, because of the hypothesis-generating design of this study, more research is needed to further clarify the role of sunshine in triggering neurobiologic changes, which might contribute to suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Vyssoki
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria.
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Wrzosek M, Łukaszkiewicz J, Wrzosek M, Serafin P, Jakubczyk A, Klimkiewicz A, Matsumoto H, Brower KJ, Wojnar M. Association of polymorphisms in HTR2A, HTR1A and TPH2 genes with suicide attempts in alcohol dependence: a preliminary report. Psychiatry Res 2011; 190:149-51. [PMID: 21621273 PMCID: PMC3169703 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2011.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2011] [Revised: 04/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/25/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We investigated a relationship between selected polymorphisms: rs6313 in HTR2A, rs6295 in HTR1A and rs1386494 in TPH2, and suicidal behaviour in 150 alcohol-dependent patients. There was a significant association between more frequent C102C genotype in HTR2A and suicide attempts in alcoholic females. No differences in genotype distribution in HTR1A and TPH2 SNPs were found between patients with and without suicide attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Wrzosek
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Łukaszkiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Chemistry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Wrzosek
- Department of Internal Medicine and Diabetology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Serafin
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Jakubczyk
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Klimkiewicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Halina Matsumoto
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kirk J. Brower
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Marcin Wojnar
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland, Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA,Corresponding author: Marcin Wojnar, M.D., Ph.D., Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Nowowiejska 27, 00-665 Warsaw, Poland. Tel.: +48600822669 Fax: +48228251315;
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Tsai SJ, Hong CJ, Liou YJ. Recent molecular genetic studies and methodological issues in suicide research. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2011; 35:809-17. [PMID: 20977922 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2010.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Revised: 10/17/2010] [Accepted: 10/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Suicide behavior (SB) spans a spectrum ranging from suicidal ideation to suicide attempts and completed suicide. Strong evidence suggests a genetic susceptibility to SB, including familial heritability and common occurrence in twins. This review addresses recent molecular genetic studies in SB that include case-control association, genome gene-expression microarray, and genome-wide association (GWA). This work also reviews epigenetics in SB and pharmacogenetic studies of antidepressant-induced suicide. SB fulfills criteria for a complex genetic phenotype in which environmental factors interact with multiple genes to influence susceptibility. So far, case-control association approaches are still the mainstream in SB genetic studies, although whole genome gene-expression microarray and GWA studies have begun to emerge in recent years. Genetic association studies have suggested several genes (e.g., serotonin transporter, tryptophan hydroxylase 2, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor) related to SB, but not all reports support these findings. The case-control approach while useful is limited by present knowledge of disease pathophysiology. Genome-wide studies of gene expression and genetic variation are not constrained by our limited knowledge. However, the explanatory power and path to clinical translation of risk estimates for common variants reported in genome-wide association studies remain unclear because of the presence of rare and structural genetic variation. As whole genome sequencing becomes increasingly widespread, available genomic information will no longer be the limiting factor in applying genetics to clinical medicine. These approaches provide exciting new avenues to identify new candidate genes for SB genetic studies. The other limitation of genetic association is the lack of a consistent definition of the SB phenotype among studies, an inconsistency that hampers the comparability of the studies and data pooling. In summary, SB involves multiple genes interacting with non-genetic factors. A better understanding of the SB genes by combining whole genome approaches with case-control association studies, may potentially lead to developing effective screening, prevention, and management of SB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Abstract
The genetic basis of major depressive disorder (MDD) has been investigated extensively, but the identification of MDD genes has been hampered by conflicting results from underpowered studies. We review all MDD case-control genetic association studies published before June 2007 and perform meta-analyses for polymorphisms that had been investigated in at least three studies. The study selection and data extraction were performed in duplicate by two independent investigators. The 183 papers that met our criteria studied 393 polymorphisms in 102 genes. Twenty-two polymorphisms (6%) were investigated in at least three studies. Seven polymorphisms had been evaluated in previous meta-analyses, 5 of these had new data available. Hence, we performed meta-analyses for 20 polymorphisms in 18 genes. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Statistically significant associations were found for the APOE varepsilon2 (OR, 0.51), GNB3 825T (OR, 1.38), MTHFR 677T (OR, 1.20), SLC6A4 44 bp Ins/Del S (OR, 1.11) alleles and the SLC6A3 40 bpVNTR 9/10 genotype (OR, 2.06). To date, there is statistically significant evidence for six MDD susceptibility genes (APOE, DRD4, GNB3, MTHFR, SLC6A3 and SLC6A4).
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Vaquero-Lorenzo C, Baca-Garcia E, Diaz-Hernandez M, Perez-Rodriguez MM, Fernandez-Navarro P, Giner L, Carballo JJ, Saiz-Ruiz J, Fernandez-Piqueras J, Baldomero EB, de Leon J, Oquendo MA. Association study of two polymorphisms of the serotonin-2A receptor gene and suicide attempts. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2008; 147B:645-9. [PMID: 18163387 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.30642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Serotonin (5-HT) receptors may have a role in suicidal behavior. Previous studies have shown an association between the T102C polymorphism of the 5-HT2a receptor gene and suicidal behavior. However, negative findings have also been reported. We examined the association between the T102C and C1354T (His452Tyr) polymorphisms of the 5-HT2a receptor gene and suicide attempts. Four hundred forty-one suicide attempters, 339 psychiatric patients, and 410 healthy controls were compared for genotypes of the T102C and C1354T (His452Tyr) polymorphisms. There were significant differences in the distribution of the three genotypes (TT, TC, and CC) of the T102C polymorphism in the three groups (controls, psychiatric patients, and suicide attempters). There was an excess of C/C genotypes in the suicide attempter group compared with the control group, but there were no significant differences between suicide attempters and psychiatric controls. We found no association between the C1354T polymorphism and suicide attempts. The C allele of the T102C polymorphism of the 5-HT2A receptor gene may be associated with biological susceptibility for suicidal behavior or psychiatric conditions.
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Lin PY, Tsai G. Association between serotonin transporter gene promoter polymorphism and suicide: results of a meta-analysis. Biol Psychiatry 2004; 55:1023-30. [PMID: 15121487 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2004.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2003] [Revised: 02/03/2004] [Accepted: 02/06/2004] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is strong evidence supporting a role for serotonin system dysfunction in the pathology of suicidal behavior. Many studies have examined the association between a functional polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene promoter (5-HTTLPR) and suicide but have yielded inconsistent results. Our goal here, by analyzing the cumulative data from primary literature, was to determine conclusively whether there is an association. METHODS Three meta-analyses were performed. One compared the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism between suicidal subjects and normal control subjects; another compared suicide attempters with nonattempters of the same psychiatric diagnoses; the last one compared either violent or nonviolent suicidal subjects with normal control subjects. RESULTS We found no association between 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and suicidal behavior (p =.379). When we compared subjects with the same psychiatric diagnoses, the genotypes carrying the s allele were significantly more frequent in suicide attempters than in nonattempters (p =.004). In addition, the s allele was associated with violent suicide (p =.0001) but not with nonviolent suicide (p = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS Our results provide significant evidence supporting the association of the s allele of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism with suicidal behavior in the psychiatric population, also with violent suicide. These support a role for decreased serotonin transporter function in the vulnerability to suicide in a select population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pao-Yen Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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van Heeringen K. The neurobiology of suicide and suicidality. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2003; 48:292-300. [PMID: 12866334 DOI: 10.1177/070674370304800504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the current state of knowledge regarding the neurobiology of suicide and suicidality. METHOD The literature on the neurobiology of suicidality and suicide was reviewed. RESULTS There is clear evidence that the activity of 3 neurobiological systems has a role in the pathophysiology of suicidal behaviour. This includes hyperactivity of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, dysfunction of the serotonergic (5-HTergic) system, and excessive activity of the noradrenergic system. While the first and the last system appear to be involved in the response to stressful events, dysfunction of the serotonergic system is thought to be trait-dependent and associated with disturbances in the regulation of anxiety, impulsivity, and aggression. It can be hypothesized that neurobiological dysfunctions mediate the occurrence of suicidal behaviour through the disturbed modulation of basic neuropsychological functions. CONCLUSION Increasing insight into the neurobiological basis of suicidal behaviour suggests that serotonin (5-HT) agonists have an important role in the treatment and prevention of suicidal behaviour. Studies of the efficacy of such drugs have, however, been disappointing. Because suicidal behaviour continues to be a major public health problem, further study is clearly needed, including research on the effect of combined pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kees van Heeringen
- Unit for Suicide Research, University Dept of Psychiatry, University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, B-9000 Gent, Belgium.
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Gould MS, Greenberg T, Velting DM, Shaffer D. Youth suicide risk and preventive interventions: a review of the past 10 years. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2003; 42:386-405. [PMID: 12649626 DOI: 10.1097/01.chi.0000046821.95464.cf] [Citation(s) in RCA: 722] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To review critically the past 10 years of research on youth suicide. METHOD Research literature on youth suicide was reviewed following a systematic search of PsycINFO and Medline. The search for school-based suicide prevention programs was expanded using two education databases: ERIC and Education Full Text. Finally, manual reviews of articles' reference lists identified additional studies. The review focuses on epidemiology, risk factors, prevention strategies, and treatment protocols. RESULTS There has been a dramatic decrease in the youth suicide rate during the past decade. Although a number of factors have been posited for the decline, one of the more plausible ones appears to be the increase in antidepressants being prescribed for adolescents during this period. Youth psychiatric disorder, a family history of suicide and psychopathology, stressful life events, and access to firearms are key risk factors for youth suicide. Exciting new findings have emerged on the biology of suicide in adults, but, while encouraging, these are yet to be replicated in youths. Promising prevention strategies, including school-based skills training for students, screening for at-risk youths, education of primary care physicians, media education, and lethal-means restriction, need continuing evaluation studies. Dialectical behavior therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and treatment with antidepressants have been identified as promising treatments but have not yet been tested in a randomized clinical trial of youth suicide. CONCLUSIONS While tremendous strides have been made in our understanding of who is at risk for suicide, it is incumbent upon future research efforts to focus on the development and evaluation of empirically based suicide prevention and treatment protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn S Gould
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Du L, Faludi G, Palkovits M, Sotonyi P, Bakish D, Hrdina PD. High activity-related allele of MAO-A gene associated with depressed suicide in males. Neuroreport 2002; 13:1195-8. [PMID: 12151768 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200207020-00025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities in brain monoamine oxidase A activity have been implicated in the pathogenesis of depressive illness and suicidal behavior. The present investigation was to determine whether there is an association between MAO-A gene polymorphism and depressed suicide. The EcoRV polymorphism in MAO-A gene with alleles associated with enzyme activity was studied in postmortem brain samples from 44 depressed suicide victims and 92 control subjects of the same ethnic background. We have found significant differences in genotype/allele distribution between depressed suicide victims and controls in males (p = 0.012) but not in females or the total sample. The odds ratio (OR) for the high activity-related allele of the MAO-A gene associated with depressed suicide in males was 3.1. Our finding suggests that MAO-A may be a susceptibility gene in depressed male suicide victims. The results thus provide further evidence that genetic factors can modulate risk for depression, suicide or both by influencing monoaminergic activity in sexually dimorphic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisheng Du
- Institute of Mental Health Research at Royal Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, 1145 Carling Ave., Ontario K1Z 7K4, Canada
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