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Baghaei A, Zoshk MY, Hosseini M, Fasihi H, Nassireslami E, Shayesteh S, Laripour R, Amoli AE, Heidari R, Chamanara M. Prominent genetic variants and epigenetic changes in post-traumatic stress disorder among combat veterans. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:325. [PMID: 38393604 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09276-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most widespread and disabling psychiatric disorders among combat veterans. Substantial interindividual variability in susceptibility to PTSD suggests the presence of different risk factors for this disorder. Twin and family studies confirm genetic factors as important risk factors for PTSD. In addition to genetic factors, epigenetic factors, especially DNA methylation, can be considered as a potential mechanism in changing the risk of PTSD. So far, many genetic and epigenetic association studies have been conducted in relation to PTSD. In genetic studies, many single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified as PTSD risk factors. Meanwhile, the variations in catecholamines-related genes, serotonin transporter and receptors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, inflammatory factors, and apolipoprotein E are the most prominent candidates. CpG methylation in the upstream regions of many genes is also considered a PTSD risk factor. Accurate identification of genetic and epigenetic changes associated with PTSD can lead to the presentation of suitable biomarkers for susceptible individuals to this disorder. This study aimed to delineate prominent genetic variations and epigenetic changes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans who have experienced combat, focusing on genetic and epigenetic association studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmadali Baghaei
- Trauma Research center, AJA university of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Hosseini
- The Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (TIPS), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Fasihi
- Biomaterial and Medicinal Chemistry Research Center, AJA University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ehsan Nassireslami
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sevda Shayesteh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Reza Laripour
- Social and Preventive Medicine Department, School of Medicine, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Aynaz Eslami Amoli
- Trauma Research center, AJA university of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Heidari
- Cancer Epidemiology Research Center (AJA-CERTC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Chamanara
- Toxicology Research Center, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Student research committee, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Nowak AL, Anderson CM, Zhao Y, Ford JL, Mackos AR, Ohm J, Tan A, Saadat N, Misra DP, Giurgescu C. Epigenetic Implications of Neighborhood Disorder and Psychological Distress among Pregnant Black Women. West J Nurs Res 2023; 45:780-788. [PMID: 37382364 PMCID: PMC10528284 DOI: 10.1177/01939459231184713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Background: In the United States, Black women experience preterm birth (PTB; <37 weeks gestation) at more than 1.5 times the rate of non-Hispanic White women. Social determinants of health including the neighborhood environment have been recognized as contributing to the risk of PTB. Due to historical segregation, Black women are more likely to live in neighborhoods with higher levels of neighborhood disorder compared with White women. Perceived neighborhood disorder appears to be a risk factor for maternal psychological distress in Black women and psychological distress has mediated the association between neighborhood disorder and the risk for PTB. However, the biological pathways underpinning these associations are not clear. Objective: We examined the associations among neighborhood disorder; psychological distress; DNA methylation of six stress-related, glucocorticoid candidate genes (AVP, CRH, CRHBP, FKBP5, HSD11B2, NR3C1); and gestational age at birth among 44 Black pregnant women. Methods: Women who were 18-45 years old and 8-18 weeks gestation had blood drawn and completed questionnaires measuring perceived neighborhood disorder, neighborhood crime, and psychological distress. Results: Three CpG sites were associated with neighborhood disorder (cg03405789 [CRH], cg14939152 and cg15910486 [NR3C1]). One CpG site, cg03098337 (FKBP5) was associated with psychological distress. Three of the identified CpG sites were located within gene CpG islands or shores-areas at which DNA methylation is known to affect gene transcription. Conclusion: These findings warrant further research to clarify intermediate biological pathways and potential biomarkers to identify women at risk for PTB. Identification of PTB risk early in pregnancy would allow for interventions to prevent PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra L Nowak
- Assistant Professor, Loyola University Chicago, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing, CTRE: Room 346, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Cindy M Anderson
- Professor and Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Educational Innovation, Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women, Children and Youth, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yihong Zhao
- Professor of Data Sciences, Columbia University School of Nursing, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jodi L Ford
- Professor and Assistant Director of the Martha S. Pitzer Center for Women Children and Youth, Director, Stress Science Lab, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Amy R Mackos
- Associate Clinical Professor, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Joyce Ohm
- Associate Professor of Oncology, Department of Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Alai Tan
- Research Professor, Center of Research and Health Analytics, Faculty Affiliate, Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Nadia Saadat
- Research Investigator, Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Dawn P Misra
- Professor and Chair, Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, MSU College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Carmen Giurgescu
- Professor and Associate Dean for Research, Chatlos Foundation Endowed Chair in Nursing, University of Central Florida College of Nursing, Orlando, FL, USA
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Dee G, Ryznar R, Dee C. Epigenetic Changes Associated with Different Types of Stressors and Suicide. Cells 2023; 12:cells12091258. [PMID: 37174656 PMCID: PMC10177343 DOI: 10.3390/cells12091258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is associated with various epigenetic changes. Some stress-induced epigenetic changes are highly dynamic, whereas others are associated with lasting marks on the epigenome. In our study, a comprehensive narrative review of the literature was performed by investigating the epigenetic changes that occur with acute stress, chronic stress, early childhood stress, and traumatic stress exposures, along with examining those observed in post-mortem brains or blood samples of suicide completers and attempters. In addition, the transgenerational effects of these changes are reported. For all types of stress studies examined, the genes Nr3c1, OXTR, SLC6A4, and BDNF reproducibly showed epigenetic changes, with some modifications observed to be passed down to subsequent generations following stress exposures. The aforementioned genes are known to be involved in neuronal development and hormonal regulation and are all associated with susceptibility to mental health disorders including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). Further research is warranted in order to determine the scope of epigenetic actionable targets in individuals suffering from the long-lasting effects of stressful experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garrett Dee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80112, USA
| | - Rebecca Ryznar
- Molecular Biology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University, Parker, CO 80112, USA
| | - Colton Dee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
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Treble-Barna A, Heinsberg LW, Stec Z, Breazeale S, Davis TS, Kesbhat AA, Chattopadhyay A, VonVille HM, Ketchum AM, Yeates KO, Kochanek PM, Weeks DE, Conley YP. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) epigenomic modifications and brain-related phenotypes in humans: A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 147:105078. [PMID: 36764636 PMCID: PMC10164361 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Epigenomic modifications of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene have been postulated to underlie the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental, psychiatric, and neurological conditions. This systematic review summarizes current evidence investigating the association of BDNF epigenomic modifications (DNA methylation, non-coding RNA, histone modifications) with brain-related phenotypes in humans. A novel contribution is our creation of an open access web-based application, the BDNF DNA Methylation Map, to interactively visualize specific positions of CpG sites investigated across all studies for which relevant data were available. Our literature search of four databases through September 27, 2021 returned 1701 articles, of which 153 met inclusion criteria. Our review revealed exceptional heterogeneity in methodological approaches, hindering the identification of clear patterns of robust and/or replicated results. We summarize key findings and provide recommendations for future epigenomic research. The existing literature appears to remain in its infancy and requires additional rigorous research to fulfill its potential to explain BDNF-linked risk for brain-related conditions and improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amery Treble-Barna
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Lacey W Heinsberg
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Zachary Stec
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Stephen Breazeale
- Department of Health and Human Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Tara S Davis
- Department of Health Promotion and Development, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | | | - Ansuman Chattopadhyay
- Molecular Biology Information Service, Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Helena M VonVille
- Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Andrea M Ketchum
- Emeritus Health Sciences Library System, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Keith Owen Yeates
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N1N4, Canada.
| | - Patrick M Kochanek
- Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, Department of Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Daniel E Weeks
- Department of Human Genetics and Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
| | - Yvette P Conley
- Department of Human Genetics, School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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Shahmiri Barzoki H, Ebrahimi M, Khoshdel A, Noorbala AA, Rahnejat AM, Avarzamani L, Shahed Hagh Ghadam H, Avakh F. Studying the Prevalence of PTSD in Veterans, Combatants and Freed Soldiers of Iran-Iraq War: A Systematic and Meta-analysis Review. PSYCHOL HEALTH MED 2023; 28:812-818. [PMID: 34579600 DOI: 10.1080/13548506.2021.1981408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
War as an unpleasant and stressful phenomenon could be the cause of psychiatric disorders. This study aims to collect and compare conducted research to estimate the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in combatants, veterans, and freed soldiers of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq war. This study is a case review study in which articles were found using keywords, such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), veterans, combatants, captive, soldiers and war in domestic and foreign databases, personal archives, libraries of Iran and Tehran Universities of Medical Sciences and the National Library. The cumulative incidence of PTSD was determined to be 27.8% in veterans, combatants, and freed soldiers. The prevalence of PTSD as seen in civilian and some military studies is less than the values determined in this study. Reasons for this discrepancy may be due to longer durations of exposure and greater numbers of in-the-field missions, multiple traumas, and higher rates of combat exposure, as well as differences in sampling and measurement strategies (e.g. the use of questionnaires instead of clinical interviews).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Shahmiri Barzoki
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Ebrahimi
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Khoshdel
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ali Noorbala
- Psychosomatic Medicine Research Center, Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Mohsen Rahnejat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Farhad Avakh
- School of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Di Benedetto MG, Scassellati C, Cattane N, Riva MA, Cattaneo A. Neurotrophic factors, childhood trauma and psychiatric disorders: A systematic review of genetic, biochemical, cognitive and imaging studies to identify potential biomarkers. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:76-88. [PMID: 35378148 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to traumatic experience represents one of the key environmental factors influencing the risk for several psychiatric disorders, in particular when suffered during childhood, a critical period for brain development, characterized by a high level of neuroplasticity. Abnormalities affecting neurotrophic factors might play a fundamental role in the link between childhood trauma (CT) and early life stress (ELS) and psychiatric disorders. METHODS A systematic review was conducted, considering genetic, biochemical and expression studies along with cognitive and brain structure imaging investigations, based on PubMed and Web of Science databases (available up until November 2021), to identify potential neuroplasticity related biomarkers associated both with CT/ELS and psychiatric disorders. The search was followed by data abstraction and study quality assessment (Newcastle-Ottawa Scale). RESULTS 103 studies met our eligibility criteria. Among them, 65 were available for genetic, 30 for biochemical and 3 for mRNA data; 45 findings were linked to specific symptomatology/pathologies, 16 with various cognitive functions, 19 with different brain areas, 6 on methylation and 36 performed on control subjects for the Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF); whereas 4 expression/biochemical studies covered Neurotrophin 4 (NT-4), Vascular Endothelium Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), and Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1). LIMITATIONS Heterogeneity of assessments (biological, psychological, of symptomatology, and CT/ELS), age range and ethnicity of samples for BDNF studies; limited studies for other neurotrophins. CONCLUSIONS Results support the key role of BDNF (in form of Met allele) as biomarker, both at genetic and biochemical level, in mediating the effect of CT/ELS in psychiatric disorders, passing through specific cognitive functions and specific brain region architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Di Benedetto
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Catia Scassellati
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nadia Cattane
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro S. Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
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7
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Lee HS, Kwon A, Lee SH. Oxytocin receptor genes moderate BDNF epigenetic methylation by childhood trauma. J Affect Disord 2022; 306:167-73. [PMID: 35314247 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Gene-Environment (G × E) interaction is of increasing importance in understanding the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study investigated the interaction effect of childhood traumatic experience and epigenetic methylation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and a possible moderating effect of oxytocin receptor (OXTR) gene rs53576. METHODS Ninety-nine patients with PTSD and 81 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. Clinical assessments, including the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ) and posttraumatic stress disorder Checklist (PCL) were performed. BDNF methylation and OXTR genotyping (A vs. G allele) were conducted through blood sampling. A two-way multivariate analysis and a moderated regression analysis were conducted to investigate the moderating effect of the OXTR gene on the relationship between CTQ and BDNF methylation. RESULTS As for the HC group, the interaction effect of the CTQ and OXTR genotype was significant on BDNF methylation, and the moderation model showed that CTQ and OXTR group are significant predictors of BDNF methylation. In the G-OXTR type, the high CTQ group showed a greater BDNF methylation level. As for the PTSD group, no interaction or moderation effects were found. LIMITATIONS The present study did not control the dosage, duration of medications, and different trauma types and the assessment of childhood trauma was based on self-report. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that childhood traumatic experience showed a significant impact on BDNF methylation, and OXTR genes have a moderating effect on this epigenetic mechanism in people who have experienced the childhood traumatic episodes.
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Ogłodek EA, Tamam L. Alexithymia and Emotional Deficits Related to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Investigation of Content and Process Disturbances. Case Rep Psychiatry 2022; 2022:1-5. [PMID: 35103107 PMCID: PMC8800611 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7760988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating mental disorder that develops in the aftermath of traumatic life experiences, especially those that occurred in childhood. PTSD is associated with intrusive memories, distressing dreams, dissociative reactions, avoidance of trauma-related stimuli, negative mood and sense of well-being, increased arousal and irritability, and clinically significant distress and impaired functioning. Case Presentation. The following case report presents a 42-year-old male displaying symptoms of PTSD, alexithymia, and depression. Conclusion Untreated alexithymia may aggravate the trauma and cause the development of PTSD and depression.
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Dietert RR, Dietert JM. Using Microbiome-Based Approaches to Deprogram Chronic Disorders and Extend the Healthspan following Adverse Childhood Experiences. Microorganisms 2022; 10:229. [PMID: 35208684 PMCID: PMC8879770 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), which can include child trafficking, are known to program children for disrupted biological cycles, premature aging, microbiome dysbiosis, immune-inflammatory misregulation, and chronic disease multimorbidity. To date, the microbiome has not been a major focus of deprogramming efforts despite its emerging role in every aspect of ACE-related dysbiosis and dysfunction. This article examines: (1) the utility of incorporating microorganism-based, anti-aging approaches to combat ACE-programmed chronic diseases (also known as noncommunicable diseases and conditions, NCDs) and (2) microbiome regulation of core systems biology cycles that affect NCD comorbid risk. In this review, microbiota influence over three key cyclic rhythms (circadian cycles, the sleep cycle, and the lifespan/longevity cycle) as well as tissue inflammation and oxidative stress are discussed as an opportunity to deprogram ACE-driven chronic disorders. Microbiota, particularly those in the gut, have been shown to affect host–microbe interactions regulating the circadian clock, sleep quality, as well as immune function/senescence, and regulation of tissue inflammation. The microimmunosome is one of several systems biology targets of gut microbiota regulation. Furthermore, correcting misregulated inflammation and increased oxidative stress is key to protecting telomere length and lifespan/longevity and extending what has become known as the healthspan. This review article concludes that to reverse the tragedy of ACE-programmed NCDs and premature aging, managing the human holobiont microbiome should become a routine part of healthcare and preventative medicine across the life course.
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Xue F, Tang X, Kim G, Koenen KC, Martin CL, Galea S, Wildman D, Uddin M, Qu A. Heterogeneous Mediation Analysis on Epigenomic PTSD and Traumatic Stress in a Predominantly African American Cohort. J Am Stat Assoc 2022; 117:1669-1683. [PMID: 36875798 PMCID: PMC9980467 DOI: 10.1080/01621459.2022.2089572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation (DNAm) has been suggested to play a critical role in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), through mediating the relationship between trauma and PTSD. However, this underlying mechanism of PTSD for African Americans still remains unknown. To fill this gap, in this article, we investigate how DNAm mediates the effects of traumatic experiences on PTSD symptoms in the Detroit Neighborhood Health Study (DNHS) (2008-2013) which involves primarily African Americans adults. To achieve this, we develop a new mediation analysis approach for high-dimensional potential DNAm mediators. A key novelty of our method is that we consider heterogeneity in mediation effects across subpopulations. Specifically, mediators in different subpopulations could have opposite effects on the outcome, and thus could be difficult to identify under a traditional homogeneous model framework. In contrast, the proposed method can estimate heterogeneous mediation effects and identifies subpopulations in which individuals share similar effects. Simulation studies demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms existing methods for both homogeneous and heterogeneous data. We also present our mediation analysis results of a dataset with 125 participants and more than 450,000 CpG sites from the DNHS study. The proposed method finds three subgroups of subjects and identifies DNAm mediators corresponding to genes such as HSP90AA1 and NFATC1 which have been linked to PTSD symptoms in literature. Our finding could be useful in future finer-grained investigation of PTSD mechanism and in the development of new treatments for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xue
- Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
| | - Xiwei Tang
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Grace Kim
- University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | | | - Chantel L Martin
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | | | | | | | - Annie Qu
- University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA
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Aykac A, Kalkan R. Epigenetic Approach to PTSD: In the Aspects of Rat Models. Glob Med Genet 2021; 9:7-13. [PMID: 35169777 PMCID: PMC8837403 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1736633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a stress-related mental disorder and develops after exposure to life-threatening traumatic experiences. The risk factors of PTSD included genetic factors; alterations in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis; neurotrophic, serotonergic, dopaminergic, and catecholaminergic systems; and a variety of environmental factors, such as war, accident, natural disaster, pandemic, physical, or sexual abuse, that cause stress or trauma in individuals. To be able to understand the molecular background of PTSD, rodent animal models are widely used by researchers. When looking for a solution for PTSD, it is important to consider preexisting genetic risk factors and physiological, molecular, and biochemical processes caused by trauma that may cause susceptibility to this disorder. In studies, it is reported that epigenetic mechanisms play important roles in the biological response affected by environmental factors, as well as the task of programming cell identity. In this article, we provided an overview of the role of epigenetic modifications in understanding the biology of PTSD. We also summarized the data from animal studies and their importance during the investigation of PTSD. This study shed light on the epigenetic background of stress and PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Aykac
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Rasime Kalkan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
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12
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Thumfart KM, Jawaid A, Bright K, Flachsmann M, Mansuy IM. Epigenetics of childhood trauma: Long term sequelae and potential for treatment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:1049-1066. [PMID: 34742726 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Childhood trauma (CT) can have persistent effects on the brain and is one of the major risk factors for neuropsychiatric diseases in adulthood. Recent advances in the field of epigenetics suggest that epigenetic factors such as DNA methylation and histone modifications, as well as regulatory processes involving non-coding RNA are associated with the long-term sequelae of CT. This narrative review summarizes current knowledge on the epigenetic basis of CT and describes studies in animal models and human subjects examining how the epigenome and transcriptome are modified by CT in the brain. It discusses psychological and pharmacological interventions that can counteract epigenetic changes induced by CT and the need to establish longitudinal assessment after CT for developing more effective diagnostics and treatment strategies based on epigenetic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina M Thumfart
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ali Jawaid
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland; Laboratory for Translational Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND), BRAINCITY: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain Disorders, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Ludwika Pasteura 3, Warsaw, 02-093, Poland
| | - Kristina Bright
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marc Flachsmann
- Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle M Mansuy
- Laboratory of Neuroepigenetics, Brain Research Institute, University of Zürich and Institute for Neuroscience of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
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McD Young R, Lawford B, Mellor R, Morris CP, Voisey J. Investigation of C-reactive protein and AIM2 methylation as a marker for PTSD in Australian Vietnam veterans. Gene 2021; 803:145898. [PMID: 34391864 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation is a key factor in symptomology and comorbidities of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Levels of a proinflammatory marker, C-reactive protein (CRP) are increased in individuals with PTSD but it is not clear if this is due to trauma exposure or PTSD. Our study aimed to assess the relationship between serum CRP levels, CRP SNPs, methylation, mRNA expression and PTSD in a homogenous trauma exposed Australian Vietnam veteran cohort. We hypothesized that decreased DNA methylation would be associated with increased gene expression and increased peripheral CRP levels in PTSD patients and that this would be independent of trauma. Participants were 299 Vietnam veterans who had all been exposed to trauma and approximately half were diagnosed with PTSD. We observed higher levels of serum CRP in the PTSD group compared to the non-PTSD group but after controlling for BMI and triglycerides the association did not remain significant. No association was found between CRP SNPs and PTSD or CRP levels. Absent in Melanoma 2 (AIM2) which is a mediator of inflammatory response and a determinant of CRP levels was analysed for DNA methylation and mRNA expression. We observed a trend level association between PTSD and AIM2 methylation after controlling for age, smoking, triglycerides, BMI and cell types. There was no significant interaction between PTSD and CRP levels on AIM2 methylation after controlling for covariates. We observed that as AIM2 methylation levels decreased, AIM2 mRNA expression increased. Elevated CRP levels were associated with AIM2 mRNA in the trauma exposed cohort but there was no significant interaction effect with PTSD. Our results could not confirm that CRP is a marker of PTSD independent of trauma in this group of older veterans. CRP may be a broad marker of disease risk, or a marker of PTSD in younger cohorts than those in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross McD Young
- Queensland University of Technology School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, 60 Musk Avenue Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059 Australia; Jamieson Trauma Institute Metro North Hospital and Health Service Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland 4029, Australia
| | - Bruce Lawford
- Queensland University of Technology School of Psychology and Counselling, Faculty of Health, 60 Musk Avenue Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059 Australia
| | - Rebecca Mellor
- Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Newdegate Street Greenslopes, Queensland 4120, Australia
| | - Charles P Morris
- Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, 60 Musk Avenue Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059 Australia
| | - Joanne Voisey
- Queensland University of Technology, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, 60 Musk Avenue Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059 Australia.
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Mourtzi N, Sertedaki A, Charmandari E. Glucocorticoid Signaling and Epigenetic Alterations in Stress-Related Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5964. [PMID: 34073101 PMCID: PMC8198182 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is defined as a state of threatened or perceived as threatened homeostasis. The well-tuned coordination of the stress response system is necessary for an organism to respond to external or internal stressors and re-establish homeostasis. Glucocorticoid hormones are the main effectors of stress response and aberrant glucocorticoid signaling has been associated with an increased risk for psychiatric and mood disorders, including schizophrenia, post-traumatic stress disorder and depression. Emerging evidence suggests that life-stress experiences can alter the epigenetic landscape and impact the function of genes involved in the regulation of stress response. More importantly, epigenetic changes induced by stressors persist over time, leading to increased susceptibility for a number of stress-related disorders. In this review, we discuss the role of glucocorticoids in the regulation of stress response, the mechanism through which stressful experiences can become biologically embedded through epigenetic alterations, and we underline potential associations between epigenetic changes and the development of stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Mourtzi
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Amalia Sertedaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
| | - Evangelia Charmandari
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 11527 Athens, Greece; (N.M.); (A.S.)
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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